photo by: Craig Howell

Signage installed in recent days marks the official transition of Weirton Medical Center into a full member of the West Virginia University Health System.

WEIRTON — Area residents can expect to see new services and opportunities, while receiving the same feeling of community care, as part of Weirton Medical Center’s transition into a full member of the West Virginia University Health System.

The final papers were signed in December and on Monday, doctors and health care officials from across the state gathered to celebrate what is now known as WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center.

“Today, I’m very honored to stand before you as we mark a new chapter,” said Dave Artman, the new president and CEO of Weirton Medical Center, which became a full member of the health system Jan. 1.

Founded in 1996 by an act of the West Virginia Legislature to counter concerns of out-of-state ownership of West Virginia health providers, WVU Medicine is now comprised of a network of 25 hospitals, including J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital and WVU Medicine Children’s in Morgantown, Wheeling Hospital, Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg, Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland, Md., Harrison Community Hospital in Cadiz, Wetzel County Hospital in New Martinsville, Reynolds Memorial Hospital in Glen Dale and Uniontown Hospital in Uniontown, Pa.

The system also includes the WVU Cancer Institute, the WVU Critical Care and Trauma Institute, WVU Eye Institute, WVU Heart and Vascular Institute and the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute.

“This is going to be a great partnership,” said Albert Wright Jr., president and CEO of WVU Health System.

Wright explained the first year of Weirton’s membership in the system will focus on investments into the hospital’s infrastructure, to include the installation of the Epic computer system which will go online in Weirton April 1. Through Epic, patient information can be shared seamlessly throughout the WVU Medicine System, providing more efficient and coordinated care among the system’s facilities.

Farther along, there are plans to expand on the areas of care available in Weirton, with Wright saying he sees opportunity to bring more programs for cancer treatment, heart care, neurology, and pediatrics to the area.

Peak Health, a non-profit health insurance company created by the system, will become available in Hancock and Brooke counties in 2026.

Wright explained while WVU Medicine has a central “core” in Morgantown, they also want to make sure services are available in other areas of the state, so patients are able to stay closer to home as much as possible.

“Our model isn’t always send them to Morgantown,” Wright said. “It’s just better for patients.”

John Frankovitch, president emeritus and strategic advisor for Weirton Medical, traced the history of the region, with E.T. Weir and the founding of his steel mill leading to the growth of the community, downturns in the local economy, as well as newer investment from Form Energy, Bidell Gas Compression, Pietro Fiorentini and more.

“During the last 70 years, there has been one constant, and that’s been Weirton Medical Center,” Frankovitch said, noting the hospital has served as an anchor to keep the community together, offering health care to meet the needs of area residents. “Today is about continuing the legacy.”

The relationship between WVU Medicine and Weirton Medical began in 2020 with a series of clinical collaborations, Frankovitch said, growing stronger as a result of the COVID pandemic.

“Crisis always presents an opportunity,” he said.

Hospital leadership signed a letter of intent to join WVU Medicine as a full member in March.