Windber Hospice Provides Update on Somerset Inpatient Hospice Facility

Windber Hospice Provides Update on Somerset Inpatient Hospice Facility

Following the recent ribbon cutting ceremony and community open house celebrating the reopening of the Somerset inpatient hospice facility, Windber Hospice at Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber is providing an update regarding the facility's anticipated opening timeline.

The facility remains on track to reopen; however, the opening has been delayed by a recently announced nationwide Medicare enrollment moratorium affecting new hospice enrollments and hospice locations. The moratorium, implemented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), impacts the approval process required before the facility can begin serving patients.

Importantly, Windber Hospice continues to provide hospice care throughout Somerset County and the surrounding region. Patients and families may continue to receive hospice services in their homes, nursing facilities, personal care homes, assisted living communities, and other settings. Inpatient hospice care also remains available through Windber Hospice's existing inpatient unit at Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber.

The Somerset inpatient hospice facility, originally established in 2009, was planned to reopen to again provide compassionate inpatient hospice care in a comfortable, home-like setting for patients and families throughout Somerset County and the surrounding region. The reopening will expand Windber Hospice's existing services by restoring a local inpatient option for patients who require additional support and symptom management.

"We know many families have been eagerly anticipating the return of inpatient hospice care in Somerset County, and we share their disappointment in this unexpected delay," said Richard Sukenik, CEO of Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber. "This project represents an important investment in our community and an essential resource for patients and families facing some of life's most difficult moments. While the current moratorium is beyond our control, our commitment to reopening this facility remains unchanged. We are actively working with local, state, and federal legislators to seek assistance and ensure they understand the importance of bringing this service back to Somerset County. We will continue pursuing every available avenue to move this project forward while preparing to welcome patients as soon as approval is granted."

The ribbon cutting ceremony and public open house held in May drew strong community support, reaffirming the importance of local inpatient hospice services. Community members toured the facility, learned more about available services, and expressed enthusiasm for the return of this valuable healthcare resource.

"The response from the community has been overwhelming and reminds us just how important this facility is to local families," said Ginger Taylor, Director of Windber Hospice. "Although this delay is beyond our control, it has not diminished our commitment to bringing inpatient hospice care back to Somerset County. We remain focused on preparing for opening day and look forward to providing patients and families with the comfort, dignity, and support they deserve close to home."

Windber Hospice at Somerset features ten private patient rooms, welcoming family spaces, and comprehensive inpatient hospice services including symptom and pain management, 24/7 nursing and medical oversight, emotional and spiritual support, social work services, bereavement resources, and family education.

Windber Hospice will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.