WMHS Overview

In an effort to effectively manage local healthcare resources, Memorial Hospital and Medical Center of Cumberland and Braddock Hospital (formerly Sacred Heart Hospital) joined together in April 1996 to form the Western Maryland Health System (WMHS). This new organization oversees the operation of both hospitals and related entities and strives to enhance patient care while reducing healthcare costs. Improving the overall health of the community is another important goal of WMHS.

The Western Maryland Health System offers a comprehensive range of general and specialty services for medical, surgical, pediatric, and obstetrical patients. Sophisticated diagnostic testing services are provided at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center, as well as at off-site, outpatient diagnostic centers. An extensive range of physician specialties is available, with over 200 physicians practicing in the community.

In an effort to further enhance health care services, WMHS developed 8 Specialty Centers - Behavioral Health, Cardiac Services, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, Oncology Services, Outpatient Services, Orthopedics and Joint Reconstruction, Trauma Services and Women’s Health.

Emergency services are provided at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center, which serves as the designated Areawide Trauma Center in the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS).  Critical care services, as well as surgical services, a trauma program and comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation unit.

The Heart Institute at WMHS opened in November 2000 and provides a comprehensive range of cardiac diagnostic and treatment services, including open-heart surgery and interventional cardiology (angioplasty).

A full range of cancer services is available through the Schwab Family Regional Cancer Center, which is accredited by the American College of Surgeons. Included in the WMHS program are diagnostic testing; a wide array of treatment services, including radiation oncology; hospice services, and many patient support services.

Long-term care services are provided through the Frostburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, an 88-bed nursing home.

Improving the community’s overall health is an important aspect of WMHS. Health promotion activities include health screenings, classes on adopting healthy lifestyles, and exercise programs. Special activities for children and senior citizens, as well as other at-risk populations, are offered throughout the year.

In November 2009, WMHS opened a new state-of-the-art hospital on Willowbrook Road in Cumberland that combined all services in one centralized location.  The new Western Maryland Regional Medical Center rises seven stories into the sky, has 275 beds, and covers 585,000 square feet of interior space. 

Years in the planning, the new Medical Center was designed with patients in mind.  Bright, spacious rooms have plenty of space for family and visitors.  Nursing workstations are located just outside patient rooms so nurse can be close by.  Free valet parking on weekdays and plenty of additional parking in our 955-space parking garage.        

The new Western Maryland Regional Medical Center offers many advantages:
• All inpatient and outpatient services in one centralized location
• Easier access for patients with conveniently-located outpatient services
• Comfortable and friendly spaces for patients and their families
• Expanded dining facilities, including a food court and 24-hour food service
• Patient care areas designed for today’s medical equipment and information technology

The new facility enables the Western Maryland Health System to continue to provide a level of care that patients once had to travel to Baltimore, Washington D.C., or Pittsburgh to receive.  Centrally located only minutes from home, the new Western Maryland Regional Medical Center is proud to provide our community with superior care, surprisingly close.