WEIRTON — WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center has opened its expanded Intensive Care Unit, delivering a higher level of care to patients across the region.

The ICU allows the hospital to care for even the most critically ill patients locally, ensuring they can remain close to their families, support systems and homes during treatment.

“This investment in expanded ICU beds and around-the-clock Critical Care Medicine coverage reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional care when it matters most,” said David Artman, president and CEO. “Our patients deserve access to the highest level of expertise without having to leave their community.”

The unit is led by Dr. Ankur Puri, pulmonology and critical care medicine, and is staffed by specialized intensive care physicians known as intensivists. They are board-certified critical care medicine physicians who oversee patient care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center worked closely with the WVU Medicine Critical Care and Trauma Institute to develop and implement the new ICU, ensuring it meets the highest standards in critical care delivery.

Hospital officials said research shows ICUs led by board-certified critical care physicians are associated with reduced mortality rates, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and significantly improved patient and family satisfaction.

The ICU replaces the hospital’s former Critical Care Unit while expanding capacity.

“This investment reflects our continued commitment to bringing advanced, high-quality care to our community,” Artman added.