PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital (PCH) held a ceremony Thursday to celebrate the start of construction on a new two-story, 45,500-square-foot comprehensive cancer center.
The more than $35 million project is the largest investment in cancer care ever made in the region and will expand access to advanced treatment for patients across Southern West Virginia and Southwest Virginia.
“Through WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital, West Virginia University is investing in the health of people in communities across southern West Virginia, ensuring that those who need cancer treatment can access care close to home from world-class providers,” said Michael T. Benson, president of West Virginia University.
“We’re training today’s students to be tomorrow’s health care professionals while opening access to services that can save lives.”
Albert L. Wright, Jr., president and CEO of the WVU Health System, added, “Today’s celebration marks another important milestone in our commitment to expand world-class cancer care to every corner of West Virginia. From one end of our state to the other, we are extending our expertise in cancer care by bringing advanced treatments, clinical trials, and hope closer to home for our patients and their families.”
The facility’s design will focus on patient comfort and accessibility, with natural light, simplified navigation, convenient parking, and dedicated ambulance access.
The center will also integrate services in one location, including a direct connection to the existing oncology clinic, an infusion center, decentralized nurse stations, and a full-service pharmacy.
Set to be completed in late 2027, the cancer center will feature advanced technology such as a Varian Halcyon linear accelerator for radiation therapy and a CT scanner to improve diagnostic precision.
Through its partnership with the WVU Cancer Institute, the center will also offer access to new treatments, specialists, and clinical trials.
“This facility is more than bricks and mortar,” said Karen Bowling, PCH president and CEO. “It’s about hope, access, and a promise to our patients and families that they no longer have to leave our community to receive the very best cancer care available.”
PCH currently operates a 203-bed acute care hospital, a psychiatric hospital, an emergency and outpatient facility, multiple primary and specialty care clinics, and rural imaging centers serving a 10-county region in West Virginia and Virginia.
