MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Boards of Directors of Thomas Health System, Thomas Memorial Hospital, and Saint Francis Hospital have approved and executed the definitive agreement that will allow Thomas Health to become a full member of the West Virginia University Health System when the transaction closes at the end of the year.
“Kanawha County has the highest population of any county in West Virginia, so we’re thrilled to be able to bring the world-class healthcare that WVU Medicine patients across the state have come to depend on to people in the Charleston area,” Albert L. Wright, Jr., president and CEO of the WVU Health System and interim president and CEO of Thomas Health, said. “As we expand our network of care across West Virginia and the surrounding region, we are working to reduce the travel time and distance between our patients and their healthcare providers.”
As part of the agreement, Saint Francis Hospital will become West Virginia’s first full-service and comprehensive orthopaedic hospital with expanded inpatient, outpatient, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and skilled nursing all under one roof.
“Albert’s vision for our hospitals is truly exciting, and our boards stand firmly behind him and share in his vision. We needed a partner that would help us move Thomas forward and ensure its viability for generations to come, and we’ve found that in the WVU Health System,” Angela Mayfield, chair of the Thomas Health Board of Directors, said.
The orthopaedic hospital will include a walk-in clinic as well as offices for orthopaedic, spine, and nerve physicians. Additionally, Saint Francis’ proximity to the recently announced Capital Sports Center near the Charleston Town Center Mall will make it convenient for athletes of all ages and skill levels to receive the care they need.
“This represents a tremendous opportunity to create a best-in-class, full-service orthopaedic hospital for the Charleston area and the southern tier of West Virginia,” Wright said. “This will become a truly unique asset for the region and complement the outstanding orthopaedic teams that serve our main campus in Morgantown and our community hospitals across the state and region.”
As Saint Francis begins to transition to its new mission and focus, many of the traditional hospital services currently offered there will be shifted to Thomas Memorial and expanded, including its critical care and emergency services. The One Day Surgery Center on Donnally Street will continue offering outpatient surgery options, specializing in Ear, Nose, and Throat and retina surgeries.
The transition will take place in early 2023, subject to receipt of all required governmental approvals.
