A Legacy of Care

By: UPMC

For 127 years, Washington Health System (WHS) was a cornerstone of the community, providing great patient care to families across Washington and Greene counties in Pennsylvania. Founded on May 25, 1897, with a mission to care for the sick and injured, the institution quickly became known as the “hospital on the hill” — reflecting not only its physical location but also its elevated standard of care and deep commitment to the people it served.

As the health care landscape evolved, so did the challenges faced by WHS. For a system that had always been a beacon of care, the need for new resources, broader capabilities, and greater stability became evident. Over the years, WHS and UPMC had worked closely together through joint ventures with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, and UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.

On June 1, 2024, Washington Health System officially became UPMC Washington, UPMC Greene, and UPMC Washington Physicians Group. This transition is more than a name change — it’s a pivotal step into the future, ensuring the legacy of exceptional care continues for generations to come.

“For 127 years, we’ve been providing the safest, highest-quality care to our community. We’re fortunate that our affiliation with UPMC will allow our providers to continue delivering that special care our patients have come to expect,” said Stacey Rush, director, Patient Experience.

Read more about the continued legacy in the February issue of First Friday.