Genesis announces medical center project for Perry County

SOMERSET, Ohio- A major announcement for Perry County health care was made.

Genesis HealthCare System announced Friday morning that it will construct a medical center in Somerset to better serve Perry County.

The Genesis Perry County Medical Center (GPCMC) will be located in Somerset. The decision on Somerset was determined from it’s central location, just 12 minutes from 75 percent of Perry County residents, according to a release from Genesis.

Matt Perry, CEO of Genesis HealthCare System, said the new center will have a huge impact on the county.

Among the expanded services the facility will house a 24/7 full service emergency department, in addition to the following; advanced radiological imaging services, laboratory, physical therapy, cardiac diagnostic testing and specialist physician services such as cardiology.

“It’s going to dramatically increase access to care for Perry County,” said Perry. “It’s a quality of life issue, I know we’re going to save lives doing this.”

Currently, the nearest emergency department for Perry County residents is roughly 24 miles away.

“Perry County has never had an emergency set of services here located in the county. By having it here, people are going to be able to get to their definitive care very very quickly. You’re going to get better patient outcomes, reduce costs and we’re going to save lives,” said Perry.

The plan is to renovate an existing 10,250 square foot facility and construct a 7,500 square foot Emergency Department.

Perry said GPCMC will also create jobs in Perry County.

“How great would that be, Perry County people taking care of Perry County people,” said Perry.

The total estimated project cost is $9.4 million. Construction is set to begin in June of 2017.