After what appears to have been a long process, the West Virginia Department of Health Facilities seems to have found success in selling some of its long-term care facilities for seniors.

New York-based Marx Development Group plans to buy Hopemont Hospital in Preston County, Jackie Withrow Hospital in Raleigh County, John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center in Marion County, and Lakin Hospital in Mason County.

Though the planned purchase price of $60 million may sound a bit low for four long-term care facilities, the cost savings to the state is expected to more than make up for it.

The Governor’s Office reports the facilities had been operating at a combined annual loss of approximately $6 million, with projected long-term costs expected to reach $40 million per year. Costs were not the only challenge for these facilities, as nursing shortages were also forcing them to run below capacity.

It sounds like good news, then — and may well be. But the state must not wash its hands of its responsibility to those who depend on affordable, accessible long-term care.

“I just learned about this today,” said state Sen. Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia, after the announcement. “My concern has always been for the care of the residents at these facilities. In addition, retaining and properly compensating the wonderful staff that has kept these facilities going so long. I will learn more about this in the coming days to ensure that the residents and their families will be properly served, and our public employees will be treated fairly, as well.”

Good.

In celebrating DHF’s accomplishment, Gov. Patrick Morrisey called Marx Development Group “the best candidate to purchase and invest in these facilities,” and “a patient-oriented owner.”

If that is, indeed, the case, state officials must still get assurance this company will keep its promises and be what Mountain State patients and their families need.