CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Saturday the $60 million sale of four state-owned hospitals to Marx Development has been completed.
“This marks an important milestone in our work to strengthen healthcare services and modernize the state’s operations,” Morrisey said. “West Virginia patients can look forward to enhanced care, modernized facilities, and a commitment to quality care. This is another step forward in improving care outcomes for our patients while protecting taxpayer dollars.”
The long-term care facilities will be operated by Marx subsidiary Majestic Care.
The Manchin Hospital in Fairmont, Hopemont Hospital in Terra Alta, Jackie Withrow Hospital in Beckley and Lakin Hospital in Mason County were losing about $6 million a year with more significant losses projected in future years.
Marx plans an $80 million investment, promised to build at least three new facilities and has said all workers at the facilities have the opportunity to work for them.
Fairmont attorney and state senator Joey Garcia filed a lawsuit on behalf of a resident at the Manchin home who argued the sale could jeopardize the quality of care but a circuit judge rejected the claim this week.
Sen. Rollan Roberts, R-Raleigh, said earlier this week on WJLS Radio that while Marx has made promises to invest in West Virginia, there is apprehension.
“When you have a buyout, you’re not sure what the thinking is of the other corporation that’s buying it. It kind of creates a little bit of insecurity in all of us,” Roberts said.
Saturday’s announcement said Marx has agreed to continue the leasing agreement at Withrow between the state Division of Corrections and FMRS Health Systems for two years that could continue for another five after that.
Morrisey said Saturday patients will receive better care.
“From the very beginning, this process has been about one thing: providing better, more consistent, and higher-quality care for West Virginians who rely on these facilities,” he said.
The state still owns and operates two psychiatric hospitals including the Sharpe Hospital in Weston Mildred Bateman in Huntington.