HINTON, W.Va. (Hinton News) — Summers County ARH Hospital is set to embark on a transformative journey following the approval of a bipartisan appropriations package, championed by United States Senator Joe Manchin. This financial support, totaling $3 million, will catalyze the long-awaited renovation and expansion of the hospital’s Emergency Department, a project heralded as a pivotal milestone in enhancing healthcare services for the local community.
Rocky Massey, Vice President of External Affairs at ARH, reflected on the significance of this development, stating, “This project has been a dream for us and for the people in the community for a long time.” Massey expressed profound gratitude to Senator Manchin and the Summers County Commission, emphasizing the collaborative effort that has paved the way for this monumental undertaking.
Summers County Commission President Charles Saunders echoed Massey’s sentiments, underscoring the instrumental support provided by both Senators Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito, who serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Saunders remarked, “It’s wonderful to have two senators from West Virginia on the Appropriations Committee, and we’re very appreciative of their support.”
Senator Manchin, in a statement, expressed pride in securing the funding, emphasizing its significance in bolstering the critical efforts of Summers County ARH Hospital and elevating the quality of healthcare services for its patients. “As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee,” Manchin affirmed, “I will continue advocating for resources to support patients, healthcare professionals and facilities in Summers County and across the Mountain State.”
The ambitious project encompasses the construction of a new Emergency Department alongside the renovation of existing facilities to accommodate ED support rooms. Joey Preast, CEO of Summers County ARH, outlined key features of the upcoming expansion, including a dedicated waiting area, treatment rooms prioritizing patient privacy, and a state-of-the-art EMS bay aimed at optimizing patient care efficiency.
Preast noted that plans will swiftly progress upon securing the funding, although a specific timeline for the project’s completion has yet to be announced. Upon fruition, Massey emphasized, the renovated Emergency Department will fortify ARH’s commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the community, positioning it as a cornerstone of emergency medical care provision.
Massey said, “ARH emergency departments are the pipelines to the most emergent care available,” he said. “So, this will be so very important to everyone we serve.”
Ken Allman, a Hinton native and ARH Board of Trustees member, emphasized the dual impact of the project on healthcare access and local economic vitality. “While the physicians, nurses, technicians and staff of Summers County ARH are taking care of people,” Allman stated, “the hospital is also providing jobs and contributing to the economic and social viability of our community.”
In closing, Preast conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the support extended by Senator Manchin and all stakeholders involved, underscoring the collective excitement for the transformative future that lies ahead. “This hospital needs this and the patients we serve deserve this,” Preast remarked. “So, we’re very appreciative of the support from Sen. Manchin and from all of our partners. We’re grateful and excited for the future.”
