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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Karen Bowling, executive vice president of government affairs for the West Virginia University Health System and president and CEO of WVU Medicine’s Braxton County Memorial Hospital and Summersville Regional Medical Center, will become president and CEO of Princeton Community Hospital (PCH) on July 6.

“You would be hard pressed to find someone as dedicated to the people of West Virginia, especially those in the southern part of the state, as Karen Bowling. Her passion is contagious and her efforts to improve patients’ access to healthcare are tireless,” Albert L. Wright, Jr., president and CEO of the WVU Health System, said. “Karen has done a wonderful job leading Braxton County Memorial Hospital and Summersville Regional Medical Center, and I am fully confident that she will do the same at Princeton Community Hospital.”

PCH, which entered into a management agreement and clinical affiliation with WVU Hospitals in December, is a fully accredited 203-bed acute care multispecialty medical facility serving a 10-county region in southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia. It offers advanced medical technologies and procedures, from state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging to minimally invasive surgery. In addition, PCH offers behavior health services at The Behavioral Healthcare Pavilion of the Virginias, a 64-bed psychiatric hospital in Bluefield, and provides 24-hour emergency care at PCH Bluefield (formerly Bluefield Regional Medical Center).

Karen Bowling

“On behalf of the PCH Board of Directors, I am delighted to welcome Karen Bowling as chief executive officer of Princeton Community Hospital,” James “Rusty” Sarver, III, president of the PCH Board, said. “Karen has an extraordinary track record of successful leadership at multiple organizations. As a native of the area, she understands the unique challenges facing us, as well as the strengths our people bring to bear upon them. The partnership between PCH and WVU Hospitals has provided stability and enabled us to expand our services and to deliver stronger healthcare in the region. We look forward to building upon that under Karen’s direction and leadership.”

Prior to joining WVU Medicine in 2017, Bowling served as cabinet secretary of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) and shepherded an expansion of the state’s Medicaid program under then-Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin. Before that, she held a variety of direct care and leadership positions in healthcare and education.

Her career started as an emergency room nurse in a small rural hospital in Wyoming County and then led her to the Wyoming County Board of Education to develop its School Health Program. In 1990, she became the CEO of Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley.

Bowling has served in various leadership roles, including as chair, of the West Virginia Hospital Association. She was also a board member of several organizations, including the Raleigh County Community Action Association, the YMCA of Beckley, and the Beckley Health Right Clinic and served as chair of the Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce.

Bowling holds an associate’s degree in nursing from Bluefield State College and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from WVU. She also completed a master’s degree in higher education from Capella University.

“As a native of Wyoming County, ensuring that the people of southern West Virginia have access to the care they need holds a special place in my heart,” Bowling said. “I am thrilled to work with the staff of PCH and to do whatever I can to ensure that the people of this region can get high quality healthcare right here at home.”

About the West Virginia University Health System
The West Virginia University Health System, West Virginia’s largest health system with more than 1,800 beds and largest private employer, is comprised of 16 member hospitals, including a children’s hospital; three managed hospitals; and five institutes, all anchored by a 700-bed academic medical center in Morgantown, West Virginia. For more information, visit WVUMedicine.org.

Media Inquiries:
Angela Jones-Knopf, WVU Health System Corporate Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs, 304-285-7259, knopfa@wvumedicine.org
Richard Hypes, Princeton Community Hospital Director of Marketing, 304-487-7339, richard.hypes@pchonline.org

The safety of our patients, employees, and visitors is our top priority. With limited visitation now permitted, outpatients and visitors may experience a brief delay at the main and Parkview Center entrances as everyone entering the building is screened for COVID-19. The screening involves a temperature check, questionnaire, and a wrist band for all visitors and outpatients. We ask that you be patient with us as we carry out this necessary precaution for the health and safety of all involved.

UPDATED VISITATION GUIDELINES

Masks are required at all times regardless of vaccination status.

Visiting Hours

ICU and CCU:
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

All other in-patient units: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Visitors who are screened at 6:00 p.m. may remain in the patients’ rooms until 7:30 p.m.

All visitors must pass the COVID-19 screening at the entrance in order to be a caretaker/visitor. Patients that are COVID-positive or PUI (persons under investigation) will be allow visitation at admission and then every five (5) days pursuant of WV House Bill 2368.

  • Two (2) caretaker/visitors, approved by the patient, may visit at a time during normal visiting hours. The visitors may exit building and return the same day. The two caretaker/visitors do not have to be the same throughout the day. One or both visitors may leave and one or two approved new visitors may come to the patient’s room during normal visiting hours. All visitors must be 18 years of age or older. No children are permitted in patient care areas.
  • If admission or discharge fall outside normal visiting hours, two (2) approved caretaker/visitors may accompany the patient for 60 minutes at a time. 
  • No overnight visitation allowed with the exception of requests considered and approved by unit management with special circumstances. 
Pediatric Inpatient Units - Visitation is 24/7 
  • Two (2) approved caretaker/visitors allowed at a time in patient’s room for pediatric inpatients. Visitors/caretakers are allowed to exit building and return in same day. Two (2) approved visitors are permitted overnight for pediatric inpatients.
  • COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 PUI (person under investigation awaiting test results) are allowed two (2) approved visitors in room at all times including overnight for pediatric inpatients. 
Obstetric Inpatient Units - Visitation is 24/7
  • OB I Women’s Center – Two (2) approved visitors at all times including overnight. Visitors/caretakers are allowed to exit building and return in same day. 
Pre-Operative/Procedural Registration/ Diagnostics
  • No visitors with patient in Pre-Operative area (exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis for children, etc.).
Click Here for Downloadable Flyer
Oncology Out-Patient
  • No visitors allowed on Oncology Out-patient unless needed for care.
Out-Patient/Ambulatory/Physician Offices
  • Adult: One (1) visitor may accompany patient to and remain in room during visit.
  • Pediatric: Patients are allowed two (2) visitors.
  • Obstetric: Allowed two (2) visitors per patient.
Emergency Department
  • One (1) approved visitor (over age of 18) with each adult patient arrival to ED.
  • Two (2) approved visitors (over age of 18) with each pediatric patient.
  • Two (2) approved visitors (over age of 18) with each obstetric patient.
  • Visitor may accompany patient to and remain in room during ED stay.
  • Approved visitors will be allowed to stay with the patient in the waiting room, as long as physical distancing requirements allow.
  • When waiting room reaches a point where physical distancing cannot be met, the following will occur:
    • Adult Patients: Visitors with adult patients will be asked to wait outside or in their vehicle unless the patient requires the visitor to assist with maintaining safety (Ex: deaf/blind patients, low mental capacity, significant mobility limitations)
    • Pediatric Patients: In cases where a pediatric patient has two visitors, one visitor will be asked to wait outside or in their vehicle
    • Obstetric Patients: In cases where an obstetric patient has two visitors, one visitor will be asked to wait outside or in their vehicle.
End-of-Life

Additional accommodations will be coordinated to support family presence during end-of-life circumstances as warranted pursuant to WV House Bill 2368.

Keep your children safe from heatstroke this summer

Princeton Community Hospital Women’s Center has been recognized by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia as a Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care for offering higher quality care to mothers. Learn more about the outstanding OB/GYN services at PCH by clicking the following link and watching our video: https://pchonline.org/our-services/ob-gyn-services/

It is important that you discuss all your vaccination status with your health care provider, especially now the COVID-19 vaccination. Please let your doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner know whether you’ve received the COVID-19 vaccination (either the first or second dosage). If you have not been vaccinated and are in an at-risk category, your provider can give you information on pre-registering for the vaccine.
West Virginia residents may pre-register by visiting vaccinate.wv.gov or by calling 1-833-734-0965.

West Virginia First State to Launch Everbridge COVID-19 Vaccination Pre-Registration System

1/24/2021

West Virginians will now have access to a COVID-19 vaccination pre-registration tool available statewide. West Virginia is the first state to deploy this new system through Everbridge, a global provider of critical event management technologies. The tool enables West Virginians to pre-register for COVID-19 vaccination and receive updates through text, phone and/or email. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) will launch the new service at 8 a.m., Monday, January 25, 2021 on vaccinate.wv.gov.

Those who have already been placed on a waitlist through their local health department or other medical provider, as well as those who have already received their first vaccine dose, will be integrated into this new system and thus do not need to pre-register. The first week, the system will open for pre-registration. Moving forward, vaccination scheduling will also be available through the system. Scheduling will continue based on the state’s overlapping phased approach for administering the limited vaccine supply. 

“Gov. Justice tasked DHHR with figuring out a vaccination registration and scheduling tool for West Virginians to use,” said Bill J. Crouch, DHHR Cabinet Secretary. “This new service allows West Virginians to directly enter their information into the computer, or with assistance from the Vaccine Info Line, and will keep folks from having to call multiple times to our local health departments whose phone lines are already overwhelmed.”

The system offers West Virginians the ability to pre-register, receive real-time updates on vaccine availability and schedule an appointment to get vaccinated when supplies allow. Individuals can opt to receive regular communication updates on West Virginia’s vaccination process. The system allows people to select their preferences for communication through texts, email or voicemails over regular phone lines.

“This is another example of how we continue to lead the nation with our COVID-19 vaccination program,” said Gov. Justice. “This is another tool in our toolbox that will help make the vaccination process as easy and efficient as possible, and I’m proud of everyone who worked hard to stand up this system so quickly.” 

Any West Virginian who does not have the ability to register online can call the COVID-19 Vaccine Info Line at 1-833-734-0965 to get help with pre-registration. The call center is active from Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At this time, West Virginians 65 years of age and older and certain high-risk priority groups who are pre-registered will receive a text, phone call or email with an appointment once it is available to their group and in their geographical area. Those who are not in the current priority groups are able to pre-register online and will be offered an appointment when eligible based on limited supply. West Virginians are encouraged to pre-register and to continue to follow vaccinate.wv.gov for updated information. 

“The more people who choose to get vaccinated when it’s their turn, the better,” added Crouch. “This will help us build community immunity in West Virginia.”

Media contact: DHHRCommunications@wv.gov

Free COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing for West Virginia Residents

FREE COVID-19 drive-thru tests will be available at PCH Bluefield (formerly Bluefield Regional Medical Center) located at 500 Cherry Street, Bluefield, West Virginia

Thursday, February 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

This is a West Virginia DHHR-sponsored event for West Virginia residents, held in partnership with Princeton Community Hospital.

 
Although registration forms will be available at the site, you may expedite the process by downloading, printing, and filling out the forms below.
Using the page setup on your printer, please print each page at 8.5” x 11”
Free COVID-19 drive-thru tests will be available at PCH Bluefield (formerly Bluefield Regional Medical Center) located at 500 Cherry Street, Bluefield, WV
  • Tuesday, January 26
  • Thursday, January 28
  • Tuesday, February 2
  • Thursday, February 4
from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day.

This is a West Virginia DHHR-sponsored event for West Virginia residents, held in partnership with Princeton Community Hospital.

Although registration forms will be available at the site, you may expedite the process by downloading, printing, and filling out the forms below.
Using the page setup on your printer, please print each page at 8.5” x 11”
Test Request Form
Informed Consent Form
CLICK FOR INFORMATION ON COVID-19

WELCOME TO PRINCETON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

We are a fully-accredited 203-bed acute care facility serving a 10-county region in southern West Virginia and southwest Virginia. Our community-owned not-for-profit hospital was established in 1970 and now offers highly advanced medical technologies and procedures.

We are proudly located in the heart of Mercer County, West Virginia; an area rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. The City of Princeton provides a progressive business environment while preserving traditional hometown values.

Patient Advocate Representative – 304.487.7261
General Phone Number for PCH – 304.487.7000
Medical Records – 304.487.7257

Click Here For a Complete Phone Directory
2019 Annual Report
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2019 Community Heath Needs Assessment
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50th anniversary
commemorative brochure
DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

On December 5, 1970, official ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremonies were held for Princeton Community Hospital. On December 20, 1970, 41 patients were transported from the old Princeton Memorial Hospital to the new facility, and PCH opened its doors to the public. 

 
A Message from the Board President
 
On behalf of the PCH Board of Directors, I invite you to explore the 50-year history of the hospital through the pages of this commemorative brochure. 
 
Much has changed since PCH opened its doors to patients for the first time on December 20, 1970, but one thing has remained consistent – the commitment of our employees to provide the best possible health care to the community.
 
Our anniversary year, 2020, has been perhaps the most difficult one in our half-century of operation. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented enormous challenges – emotionally, logistically, and financially. I believe the strengths and characteristics that have been utilized by Princeton Community Hospital’s staff and employees this year are just an extension of how people behave in southern West Virginia. There is a belief that when times are difficult, our first instinct is to stick together, find common ground, begin to prioritize, and start fixing the problem. Fortitude, determination, and unselfishness describe the winning attributes of our employees in 2020, but they are also the characteristics that have fueled our success over the past 50 years.
 
It is an honor to include in this brochure the insightful recollections of the hospital’s first administrator, Mr. James Dalton. I wish to personally thank him for sharing his memories of the hospital’s founding and its early years. 
 
I am proud of this facility and its history. I am proud of our employees, the medical staff, and the great community we serve. In our quest to meet the challenges of the next 50 years, we remain dedicated to providing quality, comprehensive medical care with the highest level of compassion and respect for every patient. 
 
James “Rusty” Sarver, III
President, PCH Board of Directors
Holiday safety tips for children
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Basic Car Seat Safety
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Poison Prevention Newsletter
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Princeton Community Hospital’s
New Bluefield Emergency Department  

Princeton Community Hospital’s new off-campus provider based emergency department at 500 Cherry Street in Bluefield, West Virginia  

Starting on August 1, 2020, Princeton Community Hospital will be offering full-service emergency services at 500 Cherry Street in Bluefield, West Virginia. The PCH Bluefield Emergency Department will be open 24/7 and staffed by experienced and highly qualified emergency physicians and nurses ready to provide care to you and your family. The PCH Bluefield Emergency Department offers easy-to-access, quality care when an emergency occurs – no matter how big or small. PCH Bluefield Emergency Department is a part of Princeton Community Hospital in Princeton, West Virginia and will strive to serve the emergency needs of the Bluefield, West Virginia community with the permanent closure of Bluefield Regional Medical Center. The PCH Bluefield Emergency Department will administer treatment to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

services

Below is a summary of the emergency services and related health care services that will be available through the PCH Bluefield Emergency Department:

Emergency Services  

  • Emergency-trained and experienced physicians and nurses on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week  
  • Emergent treatment/stabilization for all illnesses and injuries, including cardiac, stroke, and respiratory
  • Diagnostic testing, including 24/7 lab and imaging services (CT and x-ray)  
  • Decontamination room  
  • Helipad  
  • Medical specialties available  
  • Emergency Transfer/transport arrangements readily available as needed

Imaging Services

  • X-Ray
  • CT scans

Laboratory Services

  • Hematology testing, which includes CBC, differentials and platelet counts
  • Coagulation testing, which includes PT, PTT, and D-Dimer
  • Urinalysis
  • Chemistry testing, which includes complete metabolic profiles, lipid, thyroid panel, drug screens, select therapeutic drugs and spinal fluids
  • Rapid testing for influenza, RSV and strep

Other Services

  • Helicopter transport to other facilities
  • Ambulance transport

Hours

The PCH Bluefield Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Directions

500 Cherry Street in Bluefield, West Virginia – located in the former Bluefield Regional Medical Center hospital facility emergency department.

PCH Bluefield Emergency Department:

(304) 327-1500

elective surgeries

Princeton Community Hospital is pleased to announce the resumption of urgent elective surgeries effective April 28, 2020. Because of the continuing threat of the COVID-19 virus, no visitors will be permitted to accompany the surgical patient inside the hospital. We request that a family member drop off the patient at the Parkview Center entrance and pick them up at the same location upon discharge. We will communicate with the family member via telephone. An exception to the “no visitor restriction” may be considered only if the patient requires direct assistance from a family member or lay caregiver. 

Effective Tuesday, April 21, 2020


Princeton Community Hospital will no longer offer
drive-thru testing for COVID-19
at our Parkview Center entrance.

COVID-19 testing is still available (just not drive-thru) daily at our main entrance from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., when ordered by your physician.

With your physician order in hand, please come directly to the main entrance for testing.

Coronavirus (COVID-19):

Helping My Child Cope
7 THINGS PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS CAN DO AND SAY
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The Orthopedic Center

If you have severe hip or knee pain, or if you are considering joint replacement surgery, you should know about the advanced program for joint replacement at the Orthopedic Center at Princeton Community Hospital. Click here to learn more.

Princeton Community Hospital’s Orthopedic Center is the first in West Virginia and one of only 22 hospitals nationwide to obtain Hip and Knee Replacement Center of Excellence Certification from DNV-GL. Thanks to everyone involved in making the Orthopedic Center’s comprehensive joint replacement program a great success. Your hard work and unwavering commitment to excellence made this certification possible. 

DNV-GL is an international accredited registrar and classification society headquartered in Høvik, Norway. It was created in 2013 as a result of a merger between two leading organizations in the field – Det Norske Veritas (Norway) and Germanischer Lloyd (Germany).

The Women's Center

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Copyright ©2020 All Rights Reserved. Notice of Nondiscrimination: Princeton Community Hospital complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Princeton Community Hospital does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge are available to you via Fluent Language Services 1-888-306-7726. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. 1-888-306-7726. 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。1-888-306-7726. Click here to read the full notice. Website by Cucumber & Company | Sitemap | Privacy Policy

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