Highlands Hospital

about-Overview

Highlands Hospital: Proud to Serve the Needs of
Southwestern Pennsylvania

Highlands Hospital demands a dedication to high ethical standards and practices from its hospital staff and medical professionals. Our goal is to provide care in a compassionate and caring manner, and our staff is comprised of over 100 physicians who have made it their personal mission to achieve the highest level of customer service, quality, and productivity possible.

Some of our medical specialists have offices located in the main hospital, and our primary care physicians are delighted to see you for visits to their respective offices. It is their goal to provide exemplary health care services and support during your time at Highlands Hospital.

If you are unsure of which doctor is right for you, our free Physician Referral Line will help you to find the best medical professional to meet you and your family members’ needs. Please contact us at 724-628-3040 to be directed to a specialist or physician. We are honored to have served the Laurel Highlands area for over 100 years, and it with great enthusiasm that we look forward to providing you with health services that promote overall wellness and health for life. Thank you for supporting Highlands Hospital so that we can continue to provide the highest quality of care possible in our community.

History

As the local economy and population declined with the recession of the 1970’s, the state’s efforts to own and manage health care facilities also diminished. In 1985, after years of speculation that the hospital would close, Pennsylvania fully divested itself of “Connellsville State Hospital,” giving ownership and management over to the local community. It was the first of eight state-owned hospitals to go private. To assure the institution’s stability and success, the divestiture agreement provided for oversight by a local Board of Directors. It also required a partnership with an established health care organization which Forbes Health System fulfilled, allowing Highlands to still retain its operational control and identity.

On September 7, 1985, “Highlands Hospital” was introduced to the community as a not-for-profit institution and member of the Forbes Health System. Following 10 years of growth and improvements to its facilities, services, and technology, Highlands Hospital separated from the Forbes Health System in order to focus more on the changing health care needs and issues of the local community. Highlands Hospital then entered a three-year partnership with the nearby Frick Hospital, resulting in the “Fay-West Health System.” Philosophical differences and strategic disparities led to an eventual disassociation in 2000.

Highlands Hospital now operates as an independent, not-for-profit acute care hospital, constantly striving to keep quality care and leading-edge technology available and accessible to residents in the Connellsville area.