A new chapter opened in the story of the Purple City on Monday, when it was announced that East Ohio Regional Hospital had been acquired by 360 Healthcare Inc., and that company President Harold Ramsey has launched efforts to reopen the facility this fall.

The announcement was received by many as good news, though some people responded with skepticism about the facility’s future. Its history in recent years provides good reason for some doubt that Ramsey will have an easy road to reviving its operations.

EORH most recently closed in March, when it was revealed that then-owner Dr. John Johnson had failed to pay employee wages and health insurance premiums and had become delinquent on property tax payments. After it was shuttered, Belmont County Treasurer Katherine Kelich started foreclosure.

Johnson purchased and reopened the hospital in 2020 after previous owner Alecto Healthcare closed it along with its sister facility, Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling; it has since been demolished.

A news release states that Ramsey’s initial goals include the restoration of power for the campus, a complete cleansing of the hospital, and continued communication with both city and county officials.

“East Ohio is on a clear, controlled path for a professional restart, and we’ve established the direction by working with federal representatives with the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid, and with several talented professionals in Columbus, Ohio,” Ramsey said.

He has a lot of obstacles to overcome along the way, not the least of which is paying $1.2 million in back taxes to stave off foreclosure.

He also must hire health care providers and key staff members, ensure equipment is up and running and build public confidence in the facility.

We wish him the best of luck and hope that Martins Ferry will again be home to a hospital that can provide the people of Eastern Ohio with the care they need.