NEWS
ROBERT C. BYRD HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
MORGANTOWN, W.VA.
www.health.wvu.edu


West Virginia State Supreme Court Rules in Favor of UHC Replacement Hospital

November 29, 2005 -- The State Supreme Court today ruled in favor of UHC's bid to build a replacement hospital in Harrison County.

In its decision, the Court reversed a 2004 Marion County Circuit Court ruling and remanded the case for issuance of a certificate of need consistent with the West Virginia Health Care Authority's original decision approving the project.

"We're pleased that the Court ruled in our favor," said UHC President Bruce Carter, "and that our project can move forward without further delay."

In February, UHC and the Health Care Authority filed appeals to overturn a Marion County Circuit Court decision that blocked the project. Both appeals were a response to a challenge to the replacement hospital by Fairmont General Hospital.

UHC and Fairmont General submitted written briefs to the Court during the summer, outlining their arguments. Those written briefs were followed by oral arguments before the Court in early October.

Carter said now that the case has been decided UHC will resume site preparation and design work.

-WVU-

For More Information:
Suzanne Hornor, 624-2912