Officials Celebrate Opening of New Medical Clinic in Wellsville

WELLSVILLE, Ohio – The ribbon was cut Tuesday, officially opening East Liverpool City Hospital’s Wellsville Clinic at 601 Main St., the former location of Central Federal Bank.

The 8,000-square-foot structure had been closed since 2013, and in 2021 it was donated to the then newly formed Wellsville Community Foundation as part of its plans for development in the village.

Among those participating in the ribbon-cutting was WCF President Eddie Murphy, who said she stood before those gathered with great gratitude and humility, saying each had played a part in making the day a reality.

Murphy said the core mission of the WCF is to contribute to charitable purposes, conduct activity for the common good and general welfare of Wellsville, its residents and its surrounding communities and neighbors, and that transforming the vacated building into a medical clinic had accomplished that mission.

Murphy thanked hospital officials for not only their vision but their investment in the village.

“It’s a good day for ZIP code 43968,” she said.

Local businessman Peter Russell was instrumental in the project, having asked that the building be donated to the foundation and also requesting a $5,000 donation from the banking company for repairs.

An open house in September 2021 introduced the building to the public for possible development.

“We made our way down this road, and here we are today with East Liverpool City Hospital,” Murphy said.

Krista McFadden, president and CEO of East Liverpool City Hospital, introduced Mayor Bob Boley, who thanked the hospital for the investment and the government officials who attended the ceremony, saying, “This is just the first step in good things to come. Thank you for believing in Wellsville.”

Among those officials present was Columbiana County Commissioner Mike Halleck, who said, “This is a nice thing for Wellsville.”

Gretchen Nickell, chief medical officer for East Liverpool City Hospital and the clinic, said planning on the clinic began about a year ago in collaboration with the WCF and Murphy to meet the health care needs of Wellsville residents as well as those in the surrounding area. 

As a primary care office, the clinic will provide the full spectrum of primary care to patients of all ages, she said, noting, “Our focus is on both preventative care to keep patients healthy as well as diagnosis and treatment of acute illness and chronic disease. Our goal is to increase access to health care for residents of Wellsville and this community.”

To that end, the clinic welcomes both walk-in and same-day appointments, Nickell said, noting that the facility’s health care providers are a combination of nurse practitioners and physicians with many years of experience. 

Patients who require specialty care not provided by the clinic or who need help from a community agency will be able to obtain that with help from the clinic staff, who will assist them through the entire process, Nickell said. 

Services such as blood work, minor emergency care, primary care and referrals to other facilities will be provided in the clinic’s facilities, which have been transformed from the bank’s office atmosphere to one of large exam rooms and bright waiting areas.

Nurse practitioner Sara Pease, who specializes in family medicine, will head the clinic’s medical staff starting May 22.

“She wanted to come to this clinic because she sees the vision and wants to share it,” Nickell said of Pease.

Pease said the clinic, which actually opened in April, already has multiple patients.

“It has endless possibilities. A lot of East Liverpool people have expressed an interest in coming here, which will also increase traffic to the village,” Pease said.

“I don’t think I’ve been this excited about anything in my career in a long time. We need someone who lives in Columbiana County invested in the county, and I hope that’s how someone feels when they come to this facility,” she said.

Other members of the medical staff include Paige Mattern, medical assistant, Brittany Hughes, receptionist, and Bobbi Woolley, practice manager.

The clinic’s hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 330 362 4799.

Pictured at top: The medical staff at East Liverpool City Hospital’s new Wellsville Clinic includes, from left, Brittany Hughes, receptionist; Bobbi Woolley, practice manager; Sara Pease, nurse practitioner; and Paige Mattern, medical assistant.

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