WESTERN MARYLAND HEALTH SYSTEM

In an effort to effectively manage local healthcare resources, Memorial Hospital and Medical Center of Cumberland and Sacred Heart Hospital joined together in April 1996 to form what is now know as the Western Maryland Health System (WMHS). This new organization oversees the operation of both hospitals and related organizations and strives to enhance patient care while reducing health care costs. Improving the overall health of the community is another important goal of WMHS.

The Western Maryland Health System offers a comprehensive range of general and specialty services for medical, surgical, pediatric, and obstetrical patients. Sophisticated diagnostic testing services are provided at each campus, as well as at off-site, outpatient diagnostic centers. An extensive range of physician specialties is available in the community, with over 200 physicians practicing.

Emergency services are provided at both campuses, with Memorial Hospital serving as the designated area-wide Trauma Center in the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS). Critical care services, as well as surgical services, are available at both facilities. A 21-bed comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation unit at Memorial complements the region's trauma services.

The Heart Institute at WMHS opened in November 2000 on the Sacred Heart Campus and provides a complete range of cardiac diagnostic services. It includes an open-heart surgery program and an interventional cardiology program that features angioplasty.

A full range of cancer services is available through Sacred Heart's and Memorial's cancer programs, which are accredited by the American College of Surgeons. Included in these cancer programs are diagnostic testing, treatment services, including radiation oncology, hospice services, and many patient support services.

A new obstetrical department opened on the Memorial Campus in January 2000 as the first phase of the Women's Health Specialty Center. The Pediatric/Young Adult Unit also is located at Memorial.

Long-term care services are provided through the St. Vincent de Paul Nursing Center, an 88-bed nursing home. Sacred Heart houses a 16-bed extended care facility, and there is a 29-bed inpatient psychiatric unit on the Sacred Heart campus.

Improving the community's overall health is an important aspect of WMHS. Health promotion activities include health screenings, classes on adopting healthy lifestyles, and exercise programs. Special activities for children and senior citizens, as well as other at-risk populations, are offered throughout the year.

For more information and to check out the physicians directory, you can view the health system's website at www.wmhs.com