Trending
MARTINS FERRY -- Since it reopened in February, East Ohio Regional Hospital has celebrated a lot of milestones, adding new services, doctors and opening a retail pharmacy.
The hospital recently marked two more occasions -- celebrating its first 100 days of being in operation and the reopening of its Skilled Rehabilitation and Long-term Care unit.
"When we reopened back in February, we had some specific goals for where we would be at certain points on the calendar. As we celebrate our 100th day, I can say with pride that we have met, or in many cases, surpassed, the goals we set for this time," said Bernie Albertini, chief operating officer.
"None of this would have been possible without our incredible and dedicated team at EORH, and the financial commitment and vision of Dr. (John) Johnson."
Johnson purchased the facility last spring following its closure by Alecto Healthcare Services in 2019. The closure shocked the community and left a health care gap in the region, since EORH's sister facility in Wheeling -- Ohio Valley Medical Center- also closed a few weeks earlier. That followed the closure of Belmont Community Hospital in Bellaire.
Residents, former employees, city officials and others came together to find a way to reopen the facility. In addition to searching for potential buyers, they sought help from lawmakers and through regular meetings for prayer.
Johnson saw the value in the hospital as well as how beloved it was and needed by the Martins Ferry community and beyond.
"This community, as well as the broader Ohio Valley, deserves to have a solid community-focused hospital. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to reopen EORH and look forward to serving the area for years to come," Johnson said.
"Our first step was a successful reopening. Our next step was bringing back important and needed services for our patients. We are pleased that these things have happened in the first 100 days."