All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Newsweek names WVU Medicine among world’s best hospitals

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU Medicine has been recognized by Newsweek as part of its inaugural list of the World’s Best Hospitals.

According to Newsweek, the World’s Best Hospitals 2019 ranking lists the best hospitals in 11 countries: USA, Canada, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Switzerland, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Australia, and Israel. The countries were mainly selected based on standard of living/life expectancy, population size, number of hospitals, and data availability.

The list is based on three data sources: recommendations from medical experts, results from patient surveys, and medical key performance indicators on hospitals.

This ranking comes on the heels of last year’s U.S. News ranking of four WVU Medicine hospitals as part of its 2018-19 Best Hospitals in the United States.

“Our goal strategy is to provide the best quality and most comprehensive care to the people of West Virginia so they never have to leave the state to receive the care they need,” said Albert Wright, Jr., president and CEO of the WVU Medicine West Virginia University Health System and West Virginia University Hospitals. “We have been making great progress in this over the past few years, and to have our health system recognized by Newsweek as one of the best in the world validates our strategy means that we are doing something right.”

The rankings were published online and in the March 29 issue of Newsweek magazine.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Commission Agenda: December 18, 2025

The Upshur County Commission will meet on December 18, 2025. Here’s the agenda for the upcoming session.

Mabel Maxine Hawkins Ryder

Mabel Maxine Hawkins Ryder, 101, a pioneering FMC chemist, devoted church member, and lifelong knitter, died December 12, 2025, in Scott Depot and will be memorialized December 20 in Saint Albans.

Buckhannon shifts sidewalk focus to Route 20 South after property owners refuse access north of town

Buckhannon leaders are pivoting away from the Gateway North sidewalk project after property access issues stalled progress. Instead, they’re eyeing sidewalks along Route 20 South, a proposal now headed to city council.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: December 18, 2025

Buckhannon City Council meets December 18, 2025. View the full agenda and see what items are up for discussion and action at the upcoming meeting.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: December 16, 2025

Get the full agenda for the Upshur County Board of Education meeting scheduled for December 16, 2025. See what’s on the board’s docket and what will be discussed at the upcoming session.

Denise St. Clair Straight

Denise St. Clair Straight, 71, a beloved Buckhannon kindergarten teacher, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and community volunteer, died December 11, remembered for her generosity, humor, baking and lifelong service to students and neighbors.

Loretta Rose (Kelley) Westfall

Loretta Rose (Kelley) Westfall, 63, of Tallmansville, WV, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and Tenmile Baptist Church singer, died December 13, 2025; she will be cremated and a memorial service held later.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists local basketball games, swimming meets, and wrestling events for Buckhannon-Upshur and area schools from Dec. 15–21, with several home and away contests and some TBA times.

Wesleyan women cruise past Salem in non-conference win, 71–43

West Virginia Wesleyan dominated Salem 71–43, shooting 50.9%, outrebounding the Tigers 44–28, getting 54 points in the paint and four double-digit scorers to improve to 4–2 (2–1 MEC).