Vandalia Health Mon Preston Memorial Hospital celebrates construction milestone for oncology and clinical expansion

Vandalia Health leaders and staff joined community partners Friday at Mon Preston Memorial Hospital to celebrate a major construction milestone for the hospital’s infusion and oncology center expansion with a ceremonial beam signing.

The event marked continued progress on the project, which will create a dedicated space designed to expand cancer treatment services as well as other hospital based clinical services, improve patient experience and strengthen access to advanced oncology care close to home for residents of Preston County and surrounding communities.

The approximately $6.5 million expansion is supported in part by a $1.5 million award through the West Virginia Rural Hospital Grant Program, championed by former Gov. and current U.S. Sen. Jim Justice. The project is also supported by a congressionally directed spending award from the state’s federal delegation, led by U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and former U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, as part of a broader $40 million statewide investment to improve health care infrastructure and services at rural hospitals across West Virginia.

“The backing of our state and U.S. legislators and ongoing support of local community leaders has been instrumental in moving this project forward,” said Melissa Lockwood, Chief Administrative Officer, Mon Preston Memorial Hospital. “Combined with Vandalia Health’s ongoing investment in infrastructure and advanced technology, this expansion ensures that Preston County residents have access to advanced, patient-centered cancer and other physician and hospital-based care without having to leave their community now and in the future.”

“This milestone reflects our continued commitment to investing in the people, facilities and technology that strengthen care across our entire region,” said David Goldberg, President and CEO of Mon Health System and Davis Health System-Vandalia Health Northern Region, and Executive Vice President of Vandalia Health. “By expanding our service capabilities at Mon Preston Memorial Hospital, we are ensuring patients in rural communities have access to quality, specialized care close to home while also benefiting from the expertise and resources of Vandalia Health.”

On target for completion in early summer 2026, the approximately 12,000-square-foot expansion, led by March-Westin, will include a dedicated entrance for oncology and infusion patients to enhance infection prevention and provide a more private experience. The new space will feature eight infusion bays, three exam rooms and additional clinical areas tailored to the needs of all patients who seek care in the Physician Center, along with expanded space for providers and support staff and shell space to support future growth.

“Since infusion services were introduced at Mon Preston Memorial Hospital in 2023, our patients have benefited from receiving critical treatments closer to home, near their families and support systems,” said Michael Craig, MD, medical oncologist at Mon Preston Memorial Hospital. “This expansion builds on that success by allowing us to care for more patients locally — an important benefit in rural areas where long travel distances can be challenging — while providing greater comfort, continuity and peace of mind.”

For more information about care at Vandalia Health Mon Preston Memorial Hospital, visit MonHealth.com/Preston-Memorial.