Thursday, October 13, 2022
The agreement for Pleasant Valley Hospital (PVH) to join Cabell Huntington Hospital (CHH) and St. Mary’s Medical Center (SMMC) as a member of Mountain Health Network (MHN), which was effective Oct. 1, 2022, was officially announced at a special event held Oct. 13, at the Hartley Community Center in Point Pleasant.
“The people of Mason County and the surrounding area have always been part of Mountain Health, but this step truly solidifies that relationship,” said Kevin Yingling, RPh, MD, FACP, CEO, MHN. “We take our responsibility to PVH patients and staff and this community seriously, intentionally and purposefully. We will work together with everyone to make PVH a vibrant health care leader in this region.”
At the event, Dr. Yingling thanked a number of people who have assisted the MHN leadership team during the transition, including the MHN Boards, the PVH leadership team and Board of Trustees and several government officials. Dr. Yingling also shared his enthusiasm for new economic development coming to the area, including Nucor’s planned steel mill.
“Thanks to the exciting economic development opportunities on the horizon, this area has a growing population, and we will look to grow PVH along with you,” he said. “Mountain Health Network is committed to PVH providing the right care, at the right time, at the right place.”
Plans for enhancing emergency and rural health services at PVH have already begun. In the next 100 days, patients can expect to see increased access to medical specialties through the commitment of MHN’s academic health system partners, the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and Marshall Health. Future plans include PVH connecting to MHN’s electronic health platform and enhancing telehealth services for valuable inpatient and outpatient care.
Dr. Yingling also announced the naming of Keith Biddle as Interim Chief Operating Officer. Biddle has more than 35 years of experience at both CHH and MHN. He most recently led the CHH and SMMC integration efforts between CHH and SMMC.