Sharpe Hospital in Weston is hiring employees in all fields as it continues an expansion.
WESTON, W.Va. — William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital in Weston is under the direction of a new leadership team as it works to address manpower and incremental expansion for the benefit of patients and staff.
Sharpe Hospital is a 150-bed psychiatric facility operated by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources that employs 465 people. It was opened in 1994 and replaced the old Weston State Hospital, which was in existence since 1864.
The facility offers a range of services to patients through civil commitment or, in the case of forensic patients, commitment ordered through the judicial system. There were 146 patients at the hospital as of last Friday.
Renovations also continue on two units being added that will accommodate 50 more beds.
“The clinical team is looking at options for the new spaces in measured fashion,” Chief Executive Officer Pat Ryan said. “It will be expanded according to their recommendations.”
Ryan said the spaces could include an admission or discharge unit, for example.
“We have some work to do,” said Ryan, who has been in the position for one year.
Ryan commended the work of his leadership team in cooperating to address staffing issues with a multi-faceted employee-focused mission.
Michelle Markovich, assistant CEO, was in charge of a career fair held last Wednesday in conjunction with the state DHHR and the Division of Personnel to provide information, as well as necessary testing, for more than 20 current positions, with more expected in the near future.
“It was very successful. We had 69 job seekers attend. They participated in the fair by talking to staff from various departments to learn about the job opportunities that exist,” Markovich said. “They met with representatives from (Division of Personnel) and completed job applications. There were certain positions we actually held interviews on site for that day.”
Officials are in the process of setting up interviews over the next two to three weeks and extending offers to successful candidates, she said.
“One of the most important things about our second job fair is we learned so much on the first time. Our goal is to have 125 candidates for the next one,” Markovich said. “We’re always going to have openings. With the expansion, we’re going to open the beds in incremental stages. That way we’re not outgrowing our clinical need and staffing capabilities. Once we fully realize the 50 beds, we’re going to see a significant increase of over 100 full-time positions.”
She extended appreciation to the Lewis County Commission, DHHR and state personnel department for helping make last week’s career fair such a success.
Ryan, who formerly worked at Weston State Hospital and United Summit Center, said there are several new people in key positions in an effort to bring stabilization to the hospital’s workforce and create a more supportive work atmosphere.
They are Markovich; Chief Financial Officer Bryan Guske; Head of Nursing Frances Stump, who just came on board last week; Medical Director Dr. Abdel-Fatah Massoud; Debbie Quinn, human resources director; and Jodie Puzio Bungard, director of clinical services.
“We work with nursing schools, having students in clinicals, offer training for students and staff and a solid benefit package,” Ryan said.
In addition to continuing education opportunities, the hospital has made the appearance of the facility a priority and is expanding patient employment programs.
“A safe work environment is paramount, so we offer training for patients in crisis. We are expanding video surveillance and have enhanced training for direct intervention with an overall team approach for repeat offenders,”Ryan said. “Our philosophy is to treat people the way you would want a family member to be treated.”
The hospital also features a Transitional Living Facility, which is a group home and apartments that currently house between 14-16 clients. These individuals are working toward independence.
The hospital works closely with community behavioral health centers and with other community organizations to ensure a smooth transition back to the community after discharge.
Sharpe Hospital leadership also is working on developing a relationship with the Lewis County Commission and Economic Development Director Mike Herron, because the creation of stable jobs is a mutual goal.
“The hospital has raised generations in Lewis County. Every position we have, they are spending money in this community,” Ryan said. “It is a great opportunity for greater economic development. When we open 50 more beds, we will be looking for even more social workers, physicians and other positions.”
Lewis Commission President Agnes Queen said the hospital plays a vital role in economic development in the county.
“It is part of the history of Lewis County and the backbone of our community,” Queen said.
Sharpe Hospital is also one of the largest employers in the county, along with Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Staff writer Darlene J. Swiger can be reached at (304) 626-1403 or [email protected]
