Reynolds Rapid Care Center Opens
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BENWOOD -- WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital opened a Reynolds Rapid Care facility in Benwood on Monday, offering a new option in health care for the community.
Dr. David Hess, president and CEO of WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital in Glen Dale, said a Reynolds Rapid Care facility in Moundsville has been "incredibly successful" and officials think the Benwood location "will be equally successful."
Developer Eric Tucker constructed the building to Reynolds' specifications on a previously empty lot, Hess said. The 3,300-square-foot structure, located at 108 Eoff St., includes five examination rooms and a large X-ray room.
The closure of Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling last September created a void in health care for residents of Benwood, South Wheeling and McMechen.
"We wanted to make sure we filled that need," Hess said. "We're really excited. We put the highest priority on putting this in the Benwood community. … It's a testament to a lot of hard work to pull it off so quickly."
He said the facility represents a three-armed approach to rapid care: providing better access, better quality and lower cost. As part of WVU Medicine, Reynolds draws from the academic health system's resources to offer quality care.
To keep costs down, co-pays and the cost of using Reynolds Rapid Care's services will be the same as those charged for a visit to a primary care physician, he said. The facility will use WVU Medicine's electronic medical records system so that patients' records are linked into the entire health system.
"We don't want these (centers) to replace primary care physicians," but the sites serve as "an incredibly important part of the health care puzzle," he said. Reynolds Rapid Care is ideal for patients who work during the daytime or whose symptoms develop in the evening.
The Benwood center is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Leanne Goddard, manager of ambulatory services for WVU Medicine Reynolds, said the new facility is staffed by nurse practitioners, medical assistants and X-ray technologists.
A grand opening ceremony began with a prayer by the Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia and honorary chairman of Reynolds' board of directors. He blessed the new endeavor and the patients who will seek medical care.
Hess and Benwood Mayor Ed Kuca cut a ceremonial ribbon to open the facility.
"We are so blessed and fortunate to have this rapid care center here," Kuca said.
"This will be a great addition to our city," Benwood Police Chief Frank Longwell added.
Focusing on access and growth, WVU Medicine Reynolds is opening its first primary care office in St. Clairsville, staffed by Dr. Tom Kettlewell, at the end of March, Hess said. The hospital also plans to open a primary care office in the Sherrard area this summer.
"WVU Medicine is incredibly committed to the Ohio Valley," Hess said.