WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals has officially transformed the former St. Francis Hospital in downtown Charleston into West Virginia’s first comprehensive orthopedic hospital. The $23 million renovation project, which took about 18 months to complete, culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by officials and community members at the Thomas Orthopedic Hospital.
Dr. Joe Prud’homme, recently appointed as the executive director of orthopedic surgery for the hospital, emphasized that this facility serves as a one-stop shop for all orthopedic needs, including care and surgery, as well as pre- and post-operative services. The hospital will also feature clinics equipped for X-rays and testing, along with occupational and physical therapy. Dr. Prud’homme noted, “The whole process now takes place in one building,” allowing for greater coordination among healthcare providers. “If you have surgery here and you need an X-ray or lab work done, your doctor is just five steps away.”
The new hospital includes specialized orthopedic clinics, operating rooms, and provisions for pediatric orthopedic care. The surgical wing has been dedicated to Dr. Clark Adkins, the former executive director of orthopedic surgery for WVU Medicine Thomas Hospital, who played a vital role in the hospital’s renovation before his passing in March.
WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals President and CEO Dr. Greg Rosencrance highlighted the unique model of combining inpatient and outpatient care, physical and occupational therapy, and skilled nursing services under one roof. “This model could serve as a blueprint for other struggling rural hospitals,” he said, adding that the facility aims to partner with smaller critical access hospitals to provide comprehensive care closer to home for West Virginians.
The hospital aims to introduce specialized treatments that are currently unavailable in the region. Dr. Prud’homme, who specializes in hand surgery, pointed out that Charleston lacks a hand surgeon, which has previously forced patients to travel long distances for care. “In Morgantown, where I practiced for 18 years, a third of my patients come from Beckley and below, driving at least three hours each way for appointments. Now, I can provide that care right here, just an hour away.”
Phase one of the construction is now complete, with plans for phase two to expand across the street to add more physical therapy offices.
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