May 1, 2024 2 min read

Thank you to state Rep. Tim O’Neal for his enlightening and informative column regarding Washington Hospital and the proposed merger with UPMC that appeared in the Sunday edition of the Observer-Reporter.

I have been a patient there more times than I care to admit and I am truly thankful for this wonderful medical facility. Gov. Josh Shapiro should read O’Neal’s commentary line by line and understand that Washington County and its people need this hospital to stay here and be a viable medical facility for the people of this county.

A number of citizens of this county that work there would lose their jobs if this merger does not occur. Residents would have to go elsewhere for medical care and the whole area would suffer if this merger does not go through and the hospital would close.

I have talked to many of the people who work there and they all know that this is the right thing for everyone concerned. They agree and approve the merger with UPMC.

Shapiro should come to Washington County, talk to the people and see for himself how important this hospital is to us. The planned merger with UPMC will keep the hospital and its employees working and UPMC will invest much-needed funds to keep things going.

We need to go forward. The loss of Washington Hospital would be losing an important part of this community.

Virginia A. Trois

Washington