WellSpan plans three neighborhood hospitals in Cumberland, York

Three new hospitals are coming to Cumberland and York counties. 

WellSpan Health and Emerus, the nation’s largest operator of neighborhood hospitals, announced an agreement to build hospitals that will provide expanded access to inpatient care closer to where patients live, WellSpan Health said. 

 These facilities will operate 24/7, like their larger more traditional counterparts, with an emergency department and up to 10 inpatient beds in a smaller, more accessible footprint. 

“As WellSpan continues to reimagine the face of health care, 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, 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.” 

The hospitals are being designed to enhance the patient experience with convenience and access at the forefront, Gapstur said. Each 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, WellSpan Health said. 

“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. “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 in Pennsylvania. 

A groundbreaking for the first of the three neighborhood hospitals is tentatively scheduled by the end of 2023 and potential grand opening by the end of 2024. Specific details regarding the three sites, including location and services for each are still being finalized.