CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The emergency department at Saint Francis Hospital will close February 1, 2023, as part of a plan to repurpose the hospital into West Virginia’s first full-service and comprehensive orthopaedic hospital. Emergency and critical care services currently offered at Saint Francis Hospital will transfer to Thomas Memorial Hospital (Thomas).
The changes come as both hospitals recently became full members of the West Virginia University Health System. As part of the new partnership, 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.
“This represents a tremendous opportunity to create a best-in-class, full-service orthopaedic hospital for the Charleston area and the southern region of West Virginia,” Albert L. Wright, Jr., president and CEO of the WVU Health System and interim president and CEO of Thomas Health, said. “Patients can still receive the quality emergency care they have come to know and trust at Saint Francis on our Thomas campus in South Charleston.”
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 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,” Wright said.
January 31, 2023 will be the last day emergency services are offered at Saint Francis Hospital. Beginning February 1, patients can visit Thomas for emergency and acute care services. The One Day Surgery Center on Donnally Street will continue offering outpatient surgery options, specializing in Ear, Nose, and Throat and retina surgeries.
For more information, visit: https://wvumedicine.org/thomas-hospitals/