Vandalia Health Mon Preston Memorial Hospital celebrates opening of new oncology and clinical expansion

Vandalia Health Mon Preston Memorial Hospital celebrated the opening of its new oncology and clinical expansion Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by hospital leaders, staff, elected officials and community partners.

The approximately 12,000-square-foot addition represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare in Preston County, expanding access to specialized cancer care and other hospital-based clinical services while creating a more comfortable, private and patient-centered environment for patients and their families.

The new space features a dedicated oncology infusion center with eight private infusion bays, three exam rooms, expanded clinical space and a separate entrance designed to enhance patient privacy and infection prevention. The expansion also includes additional provider and support staff space, along with shell space to accommodate future growth.

“This is an exciting day not only for our hospital, but for the entire Preston County community. This expansion reflects the shared commitment of Vandalia Health, our state and federal legislators, local leaders and community partners to improving healthcare in Preston County," said Melissa Lockwood, Chief Administrative Officer of Vandalia Health Mon Preston Memorial Hospital. "We are deeply grateful for everyone whose support and shared vision helped make this project a reality. Together, we've created a space that ensures our patients have access to advanced, patient-centered cancer care and other specialized clinical services close to home for years to come.”

For patients and families, the expansion means greater access to advanced oncology services without the burden of traveling long distances for treatment. Receiving care closer to home allows patients to spend less time on the road and more time focusing on what matters most — their health, recovery and support from family and friends.

"Cancer treatment can be one of the most challenging experiences a person will face, and the environment in which that care is delivered truly matters," said Michael Craig, MD, medical oncologist and hematologist, Vandalia Health Mon Preston Memorial Hospital. "This new infusion center was thoughtfully designed to provide greater privacy and comfort while supporting the advanced therapies we offer. It allows our team to care for patients in a setting that reflects the compassion, expertise and personalized attention they deserve."

"As someone who grew up in Preston County and returned home to care for this community, this project is especially meaningful," said Jason McNair, MD, Chief of Staff at Vandalia Health Mon Preston Memorial Hospital. "Every patient deserves access to quality care close to home. This beautiful new space not only enhances the care we provide today but also creates opportunities to expand services for future generations."

The expansion is the culmination of years of planning, collaboration and investment by Vandalia Health and numerous community, state and federal partners. Construction began in 2025, with hospital leaders and community supporters commemorating the project during a ceremonial beam signing in December. Wednesday's ribbon cutting marked the completion of that vision and the beginning of a new chapter for healthcare in Preston County.

The approximately $6.9 million project was made possible through a combination of Vandalia Health investment, a $1.5 million award through the West Virginia Rural Hospital Grant Program and congressionally directed funding secured through West Virginia's federal delegation including U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito and former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin III.

Among those attending Wednesday's ceremony were Preston County Commissioners Don Smith, Samantha Stone and Hunter Thomas, State Sens. Randy Smith and Jay Taylor, Dels. George Street and D. Rolland Jennings, representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Capito, U.S. Sen. Jim Justice and U.S. Rep. Riley Moore, and other community leaders whose support helped bring the project to fruition. Hospital leaders also recognized project architect Adam Rohaly of Omni Associates, general contractor March-Westin, donors and community partners for their contributions throughout the planning and construction process.