OAKLAND, Md. – Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) officially became a full member of the WVU Health System effective today (July 1). 

“Our relationship with Garrett Regional Medical Center has grown and strengthened over the last several years, and we’re excited to finally bring them fully into the WVU Medicine family,” Albert L. Wright, Jr., president and CEO of the WVU Health System, said. “We are honored that the residents of Garrett County and the surrounding region have put their faith and trust in us to provide them with world-class healthcare, and we will continue to do just that for many years to come.”

GRMC entered into a management agreement with WVU Hospitals in January 2018, following a 2015 clinical affiliation to provide services in Heart and Vascular, laboratory testing, Nephrology, Neurology (telestroke), and Oncology. 

“The relationship with WVU Medicine has been a tremendous benefit to our community. We’re excited to move to full partnership with the WVU Health System to ensure that we can serve the community into the future,” Mark Boucot, president and CEO of GRMC, said. “We are both committed to providing high-quality care to the community and our strengthened relationship with WVU Medicine will allow us to maintain the culture of excellence and high standards of care for which Garrett Regional Medical Center is known.”

GRMC is a 55-bed, not-for-profit, acute care facility with a long history of serving the healthcare needs of Garrett County, Maryland, and the surrounding communities in West Virginia. It includes a four-bed Intensive Care Unit, a 10-bed Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Unit, family-centered Maternity Suite, and a 13-bed Outpatient Surgical Unit with a four-bed Surgical Suite. 

It expanded healthcare services with the 2017 opening of Grantsville Medical Center, which offers primary, urgent, and specialty care in northern Garrett County, and with the 2019 launch of the Regional Behavioral Health Clinic in Oakland. With a staff of more than 500 professionals, GRMC is one of Garrett County’s largest employers.

“Enhancing the existing relationship between Garrett Regional Medical Center and WVU Medicine will continue the remarkable progress the hospital has made over the years and allow for even greater advancements in the care they provide our region,” Shane Grady, chair of the GRMC Board of Governors, said.

As a full member of the WVU Health System, GRMC is part of a broad, integrated network of doctors, hospitals, clinics, and specialized institutes across West Virginia, Southwestern Pennsylvania, Western Maryland, and Eastern Ohio. Today, the WVU Health System, which operates under the brand WVU Medicine, has more than 27,000 employees; more than 2,815 providers; and more than 2.5 million patient visits annually.

“The partnership between Garrett Regional Medical Center and WVU Medicine will help ensure the stability of healthcare in our region,” Paul Edwards, Garrett County commissioner, said. “This has been a heavily vetted process, and we feel confident it is the right step for the health of our community.”

For more information on Garrett Regional Medical Center, visit WVUMedicine.org/Garrett.