WESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Supreme Court heard arguments in a case regarding a new Vadalia Health facility in Weston.
David Goldberg
The case, St. Joseph’s Hospital of Buckhannon Inc. vs. Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital Co., involves the proposed new $56 million, 29-bed Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital located at the intersection of Rt. 33 and I-79, little more than 4 miles from the current site in Weston, Lewis County. The new location is about 12 miles from WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s, a 25-bed critical access hospital in Buckhannon in neighboring Upshur County.
“Today the Supreme Court heard that case as well as we wanted to build a separate medical office building on that parcel,” Executive Vice President of Vandalia Health David Goldberg said. “That was also appealed by WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital.”
The existing facility has been in operation for the last 50 years, and despite recent investments, the community would benefit from a new, conveniently located facility. Regardless of what the court decides, Goldberg said they will continue to invest in better care for the residents in that region.
“At the end of the day I think rational, smart minds will prevail, and we should be able to build our facility,” Goldberg said. “But, regardless, we are committed to serving the people of Lewis County.”
The Health Care Authority initially opposed the project but in April 2023 reversed course, deciding the relocation project was exempt from certificate of need review. That decision was after the legislature passed Senate Bill 613 that increased the certificate of need spending minimum from $6 million to $100 million. That decision was affirmed by the Intermediate Court of Appeals in May 2024.
“We have invested in nurses, doctors, and health care staff, and we’ll continue to do that because we’re committed to keeping care close to home,” Goldberg said.
The Weston project is one of many across the state that are designed to improve the level of care, especially in rural communities. Those investments will continue as needed across the state, according to Goldberg.
“We at Vandalia Health are investing more than $250 million across the communities we serve to make sure they have the technology they deserve, the medicines they deserve, the physicians, the caring staff they deserve, and the facility,” Goldberg said.
Goldberg emphasized to WAJR News that a new building would be a great addition for the community and workers, but in the end the patients rely on the people in the hospital for good quality care, not the facility.
“Yes, a new building is great, but more importantly, it’s making sure the great people are there at the bedside to care for our patients, and we do that at Vandalia Health,” Goldberg said.
Goldberg expects the Supreme Court ruling to be released in the fall.