Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito visited Boone Memorial Hospital in Madison, West Virginia, to meet with the hospital's leadership and tour its facilities. The visit allowed her to view new equipment and recent upgrades made possible through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) projects she has supported over the years.

In September 2023, Senator Capito announced securing $3 million in CDS funding for Boone Memorial to renovate the rural health center. This project includes adding a drive-through clinic and pharmacy to provide specialty and primary care while reducing preventable hospital stays. Additionally, in August 2024, she secured $2.2 million for installing advanced robotic surgery equipment at the hospital.

Senator Capito emphasized her commitment to improving healthcare access in West Virginia. "I have made it a priority to improve West Virginians’ access to quality health care, and I have been proud to support Boone Memorial Hospital’s efforts to expand and better its services," she stated during her visit. She expressed satisfaction with how these investments are benefiting the community.

Boone Memorial Hospital President and CEO Virgil Underwood highlighted the impact of these funds on their surgical capabilities. "The $2.2 million secured through Senator Capito’s efforts has allowed us to become only the second hospital in West Virginia to offer Intuitive’s latest and most advanced robotic-assisted surgical technology—the Da Vinci 5," he said. He noted that this technology offers patients less pain, shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery times, and improved outcomes without needing long-distance travel.

Photos from Senator Capito's visit show her engaging with hospital staff as they discuss ongoing projects aimed at enhancing patient care.