WellSpan plans to build 3 new community hospitals in York and Cumberland counties
According to a news release, WellSpan Health plans to build three new community hospitals in York and Cumberland counties.
WellSpan officials said the health care provider has entered into an agreement with Emerus to build three new hospitals that will provide expanded access to inpatient care.
A groundbreaking for the first of the three neighborhood hospitals is tentatively scheduled for the end of 2023, according to the news release, with a potential grand opening by the end of 2024. Specific details regarding the three sites including location and services for each are still being finalized.
Officials said neighborhood hospitals provide an innovative approach to caring for communities by putting the care patients need closer to where they live.
The planned facilities will operate 24/7 with an emergency department and up to 10 inpatient beds.
“As WellSpan continues to reimagine the face of healthcare, we recognize that it cannot always be a one-size-fits-all approach. To truly make healthcare more accessible for our neighbors in South Central Pennsylvania, we must always strive to meet them where they are,” said Roxanna Gapstur, president and CEO of WellSpan Health. “As part of our mission to serve all, these neighborhood hospitals will provide efficient, close-to-home access to low acuity emergency and hospital care.”
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The news release said the hospitals will be fully licensed and WellSpan branded. The facilities will be operated and staffed by Emerus, but fully integrated with WellSpan systems, including the MyWellSpan patient portal.
“We are excited to partner with WellSpan Health to bring high-quality, convenient care to communities across central Pennsylvania,” said Vic Schmerbeck, chief executive officer, Emerus in the news release. “Our shared vision, complemented by Emerus' unique neighborhood hospital concept, will produce an extraordinary patient experience that Pennsylvanians deserve. We look forward to an amazing partnership with WellSpan Health for many years to come.”
Emerus has numerous similar partnerships with other healthcare systems including Ascension, Baptist Health System, Baylor Scott & White Health, CommonSpirit Health, among others including Allegheny Health Network here in Pennsylvania.
WellSpan Health, York County's largest employer, has more than 2,000 employed providers, 220 locations, eight hospitals, home care and a behavioral health organization in South Central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: WellSpan plans 3 new community hospitals in York & Cumberland counties
