NEW MARTINSVILLE -- Patients in Wetzel County and the surrounding area now have expanded access to outpatient infusion services as WVU Medicine Wetzel County Hospital has extended the operating hours of its Outpatient Infusion Center.
The center now is open from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, giving patients additional options for scheduling treatments closer to home.
Hospital officials said the expanded hours are intended to improve access to care while reducing the need for patients to travel outside the region for specialized treatments.
“Every service we can provide locally is one less trip our patients have to make outside the community,” said Tony Martinelli, president and CEO of Wetzel County Hospital. “Expanding the hours of our Infusion Center is another example of our commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of our region.”
The outpatient center provides a range of services, including IV infusions, hydration and electrolyte replacement, blood and blood product administration, antibiotic therapy, iron infusions, monoclonal antibody therapy, specialized injections, vascular access device maintenance, wound care and catheter care. It also offers chemotherapy pump takedown and works with the WVU Cancer Institute to coordinate cancer treatments.
Martinelli said the expanded schedule also benefits patients who are balancing treatment with work, school or family obligations.
“Healthcare should fit into people’s lives whenever possible,” Martinelli said. “By offering evening and weekend availability, we’re giving patients more options to receive the care they need without disrupting every other aspect of their lives.”
Hospital officials said the Infusion Center coordinates closely with referring physicians to obtain treatment orders and schedule appointments. The center serves as an outpatient alternative that allows many patients to receive ongoing therapies while remaining close to home.
The expanded hours are part of Wetzel County Hospital’s continued effort to grow specialty services, including oncology care provided in partnership with the WVU Cancer Institute.
The Outpatient Infusion Center is located at 3 E. Benjamin Drive in New Martinsville and is accepting referrals. Additional information is available by calling 304-455-8108.