dbeard@dominionpost.com
MORGANTOWN – WVU Medicine cut the ribbon Friday morning on its new outpatient clinic on the top floor of Golisano Children’s Hospital.
The $10 million, 15,214-square-foot facility on the hospital’s 10th floor brings together pediatric medical weight management, neurosurgery, neurology, pulmonology, sleep disorders, plastic surgery, trauma and surgery together in a single space.
When the hospital opened in 2022, said Chief Administrative Officer Amy Bush, this was shell space ready for future growth. As demand grew, they saw the need to consolidate various pediatric specialty services.
“The vision is now a reality,” she told the gathering of WVU Medicine leaders, hospital staff, donors and local elected officials. “Bringing these services together into one space will allow families to see multiple providers in one visit, improving care coordination and overall patient experience.
WVU Hospitals President and CEO Michael Grace said the clinic reflects their commitment to provide local care so kids don’t have to leave the state.
Children’s Surgeon-In-Chief Federico Seifarth commented on what the clinic means to children’s care. “Today is not just about opening a clinic space, it is about how we deliver care to children. This is a big step for us in how we deliver care with significant improvement.”
Dr. David Adelson, executive director of Children’s Neuroscience Center of Excellence, pointed out that pediatric patients have been getting various tests and services among adult patients. “Now to create truly a children’s special place to come and a place where they can get testing and services – I think that is the next step in the evolution of children’s care not just here in Morgantown but across the system.”
After the ribbon cutting, attendees could tour the clinic. The woodland-themed lobby is called Logger’s Landing, for the Mountain Loggers Group that raises funds for the hospital.
The woodland themes continue down the three corridors – color-coded blue, yellow and green. The walls are decorated with artwork depicting state parks and the lighting is designed to mimic trail markers.
There are 27 exam rooms and a variety of specially designed spaces including a consultation room, four sleep rooms – with two that serve as procedure rooms during the day – and two observation rooms for neuropsychological testing.
The clinic will open Thursday, Jan. 15.
And there’s still some room to grow. The floor has about 8,000 square feet of shell space remaining.
