PHOTOS: Capito Makes Stops in Kanawha County Focused on Healthcare, Economic Development

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), who serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), delivered remarks and met with local leaders at events focused on healthcare and economic development.

First, Senator Capito delivered remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new West Virginia University (WVU) Medicine Thomas Orthopedic Hospital. The orthopedic hospital offers inpatient and outpatient surgical units, physical therapy, occupational therapy, as well as six orthopedic, spine, and nerve physician offices.

"Since the partnership between Thomas Health, WVU Health System, and Saint Francis Hospital, we have seen tremendous growth. The addition of this new orthopedic hospital is an example of that growth," Senator Capito said. "Partnerships like this mean more doctors, equipment, and staff, additional and specialized services, a stronger network of care, and a stronger community here in Charleston and the Kanawha Valley. With the addition of this new orthopedic hospital, I am confident the entire state of West Virginia will benefit, bringing a new suite of services and care for patients."

"We are thrilled to open the doors to our new state-of-the-art orthopedic Hospital serving all of southern West Virginia and the Region. As a member of WVU Medicine, we have worked throughout the last 18 months to transform Thomas Hospitals into a destination to receive advanced orthopedic care serving southern West Virginia and beyond," Greg Rosencrance, M.D., president and CEO of Thomas Hospitals, said. "I thank Senator Capito for her partnership as we continue our expansion of services for the people of West Virginia."

Second, Senator Capito visited the West Virginia Hospital Association's (WVHA) LEAD (Learn, Excel, Achieve, Deploy) pilot program training for new health care managers. The program aims to create a better pipeline of healthcare leaders for the future.

"Managers have an important position in the overall success of any organization, including health care organizations," Senator Capito said. "The skills these participants are learning at the LEAD training program are helpful for keeping health systems running effectively and efficiently, and it also can help with retention. I have no doubt that these trainees will come away as stronger and more confident leaders."

Photos from today's events are below:

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) at the WVU Medicine Thomas Orthopedic Hospital ribbon cutting ceremony in Charleston, W.Va. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) at the WVU Medicine Thomas Orthopedic Hospital ribbon cutting ceremony in Charleston, W.Va. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) at the WVHA LEAD pilot program training in Charleston, W.Va. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.

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