NEW CASTLE Jameson takes over St. Francis Hospital

This is the first time the city will have one locally owned health-care provider.
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Jameson Health System has officially taken over the assets of the former St. Francis Hospital, including the school of nursing, school of radiology, a senior citizen high rise and two offices.
Jameson officials say it is their objective to provide quality health care in New Castle at Jameson and the former St. Francis. The full transition to one health system should take about six weeks, said Thomas White, president and chief operating officer of Jameson Health System.
New name
The former St. Francis Hospital, located off Moravia Street, will now be called Jameson South. Jameson Hospital on Wilmington Road will be called Jameson North.
This is the first time the community will have a single health-care provider that is locally and independently controlled, said Chris Mitsos, chairman of the Jameson Health System Board. St. Francis Hospital was previously operated by the Sisters of St. Francis in Pittsburgh.
"From a physician-patient point of view, this transaction will allow for a more coordinated delivery of care that will benefit the total community," said Dr. Stuart Gardner, president of Jameson's medical staff.
Administrative changes
There will also be some administrative changes. These include: Donald Melonio, now executive vice president at Jameson becoming chief operating officer responsible for the health system; James Aubel will become the system's chief financial officer; and Douglas Danko, vice president of professional service, will also serve as director of operations at Jameson South.
All emergency services have already been transferred to Jameson North, where staff and beds are being expanded, White said.