AHN Wexford Hospital Celebrates First Anniversary

AHN’s newest full-service hospital in Pine Township officially opened to patients last fall on Sept. 30th  

WEXFORD, Pa. – Allegheny Health Network (AHN) is celebrating this week the one-year anniversary of the opening of AHN Wexford Hospital, a full-service, state-of-the-art facility that has become a preferred health care resource for many families throughout the northern region of Allegheny County, as well as the adjacent communities of Butler, Beaver, Lawrence and Mercer counties.

Located along U.S. Route 19 in Pine Township, the 160-bed hospital includes a 24-bed emergency department with pediatric-capable rooms; state-of-the-art operating rooms with minimally invasive robotic surgery capabilities; cardiac catheterization lab and hybrid OR for advanced surgical procedures; short-stay observation unit; adult intensive care unit (ICU); labor & delivery (L&D) unit; neonatal intensive care unit (NICU); advanced diagnostic imaging; and more.

“From the functional design of the hospital to the full range of services and amenities it offers, every decision was made in the best interests of our patients and visitors,” said Allan Klapper, MD, president of AHN Wexford. “Since opening our doors, patients and their loved ones have come to know and appreciate the unique experience and high-quality care this facility and its amazing team of caregivers provide.”

“One year open is a great milestone for our organization and for this community, but we are even more excited for the many years ahead.”  

The large, all-private inpatient rooms at AHN Wexford have ample space for patient visitors with recumbent sleeping options and plenty of natural light. When in need of fresh air and respite, patients and visitors have access to the Mario Lemieux Foundation Healing Terrace – an outdoor greenspace on located adjacent to Austin’s Playroom and just outside the hospital’s L&D unit.

Among AHN Wexford’s unique and convenient health care services is its comprehensive women’s and infants’ care program, including the only L&D unit in northern Allegheny County, as well as high-risk obstetrical services and a Level II NICU. The hospital has proudly welcomed more than 1,000 babies into the world since last September.

This Friday, hospital leaders and L&D caregivers will gather with some of AHN Wexford’s first-born babies and their families to celebrate their first birthday.

Since opening, AHN Wexford has continually expanded its clinical offerings to ensure access to the latest, cutting-edge health care services and technologies across a range of disciplines. Some examples include the opening of a cardiac catheterization laboratory for advanced cardiac procedures; a hybrid operating room that includes advanced imaging for complex, minimally invasive procedures; additional surgery services such as bariatric surgery, spinal surgery and same-day joint replacement; advanced cancer care therapies for the treatment of inoperable tumors; comprehensive breast services; and more.

AHN Wexford’s emergency department boasts some of the shortest wait times nationally with most patients seen by a clinician within 14 minutes of arriving at the hospital on average. Emergency care services are also provided to children, sparing parents from having to travel into the city when their child requires emergent medical care. 

The facility’s emergency care is not limited to the confines of the hospital. Also serving as a valuable resource for the region is its community-based paramedic response unit which is frequently called upon by local EMS agencies for emergency response assistance.

In total, the hospital employs more than 700 individuals. In addition to Dr. Klapper, the hospital’s executive leaders include Katie Farah, MD, FASGE, CPE, chief medical officer; Lisa Graper, MSN, RN, NE-BC, chief nursing officer; Amy Cashdollar, DBA, MSN, RN, CMPE, chief operating officer; and Tom Hipkiss, chief financial officer.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to work alongside our newly assembled team of world-class caregivers – all of whom share a passion for excellence across the care continuum,” said Dr. Farah. “We thank them for their commitment to the many patients who have turned to AHN Wexford over the course of the last year for their health care needs.”

The hospital has received numerous awards and accolades since opening, including the 2021 Building Excellence Award from the Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania, ‘Best Project in Health Care’ award from Engineering News-Record MidAtlantic and a 2022 Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber Award. The hospital’s onsite energy plant from Peoples Natural Gas was recognized with the 2021 Commercial Award by the Engineering Society of Western Pennsylvania.

AHN Wexford is connected to the AHN Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion which offers a wide array of outpatient health services, including primary care and multiple medical and surgical specialties. The pavilion hosts comprehensive centers for cancer treatment and women’s health. It also includes an ambulatory surgery center, breast center, comprehensive cardiovascular services, advanced imaging and laboratory testing, walk-in express care and an onsite pharmacy. 

To learn more about AHN Wexford, visit www.ahn.org/wexford.

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