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With our area seeing increased potential for economic development, especially in the industrial sectors, we anticipate related growth for jobs and population.
More people also means an increased need for medical care.
Weirton Medical Center is in the process of addressing one such area through the planned expansion of its emergency department. Hospital officials have noted that when Weirton Medical opened its doors in 1978, its anticipated annual emergency room visits were in the area of 24,000. Today, its yearly visits approach 40,000. With increases in heavier industries, whether it be natural gas, construction or manufacturing, there is the risk those numbers will continue to increase.
The hospital also has seen a substantial increase in recent years of patients classified through Medicaid, charity care of self-pay, often seeking medical care through the emergency department without insurance, transportation or a primary care physician.
The $9 million project has been partially funded through the sale of bonds, but Weirton Medical is seeking federal support for the final stages through a grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration.
Support for this grant application recently was provided by the commissioners of both Hancock and Brooke counties, and we anticipate seeing more efforts in the coming weeks. The hospital also has approached U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito for assistance in receiving the applied-for funding.
This project is important for the hospital, for our community and for the region as a whole, and we look forward to seeing it completed.