WEBSTER SPRINGS — Davis Health System has officially “assumed the operational assets” of Webster Memorial Hospital, officials said Thursday.

“We are pleased to welcome Webster Memorial Hospital, the medical staff and all employees to Davis Health System”, Vance Jackson, president and CEO of DHS, said in a press release. “Since 2016, we have worked toward the idea of a closer relationship. Today, I am proud to call Webster the newest addition to the Davis Health family.”

Documents authorizing ownership of the hospital operations went into effect on Jan. 1.

“I want to thank the Commission and the community for the trust they have put in our Board and administration,” Webster CEO Bill Dempsey said. “I believe we have much opportunity ahead for expanding services and constructing a new hospital. This marks an important time for community healthcare.”

Officials said both hospital boards and the Webster County Commission have been “working for months” on the agreement to make Webster Memorial Hospital a full member of the health system.

Webster County Memorial Hospital has been in operation for 50 years, serving the citizens of Webster County and surrounding areas.

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ELKINS — Also on Thursday, officials announced that free COVID-19 testing will be extended through January at Davis Medical Center’s Alternate Screening Unit.

The testing will be conducted by West Virginia state contractors each Monday in January at Davis Medical Center’s drive-thru unit on the DMC campus. Testing will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Monday through Jan. 31.

Results will be processed by a state contracted laboratory. Results will be called, emailed or texted to individuals by the contracted lab and can be expected within 24 to 48 hours.

This is not a Davis Medical Center sponsored screening clinic. Individuals should not contact Davis Medical Center for results.