STEUBENVILLE — While reflecting on the completion of the 183,400-square-foot addition to Trinity Medical Center West on Wednesday, Matt Grimshaw, president and chief executive officer of Trinity Health System, noted the hospital’s roots with a group of nuns.

Grimshaw also reflected on the hospital’s roots and the involvement of a group of nuns.

He and Doug Schaefer, chairman of the hospital’s board of trustees, noted that under the direction of the Rev. Thomas Powers of St. Peter Catholic Church, the Franciscan Sisters of Sylvania worked to establish Gill Hospital in downtown Steubenville in 1901.

They remained involved with the hospital and the opening in 1960 of St. John Medical Center, what they called “the hospital on the hill,” at the present site of the current hospital, and its merger with the former Ohio Valley Hospital.

It was noted the addition’s towering structure was designed to resemble the latter hospital, now Trinity Medical Center East.

Sister Nancy Linenkugel was one of many of the nuns to hold positions at the hospital, serving as administrator there from 1980 to 1985. And she was one of several who returned there to offer congratulations to all involved in the recent expansion.

Linenkugel said of the hospitals’ early development, “This was a cause for us. This was our health ministry.”

She named several other nuns who had served as administrators and in other capacities who have died.

“Now they’re all guardian angels in Heaven smiling down on us,” she said.

Liz Schriner, Trinity Health System director of marketing mission and ethics, noted Sister Jane Mary Sorosiak produced the ceramic mosaic in the addition’s lobby prior to her death on March 17.

It depicts Jesus Christ delivering the Sermon on the Mount, in which he called on everyone to love and serve others.

“Christ is at the center of all we do,” said Schriner, who added it was through God’s grace that the addition was completed.

Grimshaw noted the project required some patience and perseverance.

Though he predicted it would be completed when ground was broken in 2018, the pandemic, including health-related restrictions on workers and supply chain issues as well as “one of the wettest springs in local history” delayed the construction by general contractor J.E. Dunn and many subcontractors.

Grimshaw applauded them, architects with ESa of Nashville and the hospital’s staff for their efforts through the construction.

He was joined by others in noting the many patients who will be treated at the expanded facilities.

Jerry Simpson, immediate past president of the hospital’s foundation, said, “This is awesome, this is generational, this is something to be proud of.”

He predicted current generations and their children and grandchildren will benefit from the hospital’s growth.

Dr. Matt Colflesh, the hospital’s chief medical officer, said, “This building is a symbol of progress.”

He said with the expansion, the hospital has been able to resurrect services and add new ones as well as develop a new residency program.

A MAJOR ADDITION — Many gathered Wednesday for the grand opening of the 183,400-square-foot addition to Trinity Medical Center West. Participating in the ribbon cutting were, from left, front: Dr. Matt Colflesh, the hospital’s medical director; Jerry Simpon, immediate past president of its foundation; Sister Nancy Linenkugel, former administrator and member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, who launched the city’s earliest hospitals; Doug Schaefer, president of the hospital’s board of trustees; Matt Grimshaw, president and chief executive officer of Trinity Health System; and back: Doug Lawson, president of CommonSpirit Health System, of which Trinity is a part. -- Warren Scott

Following a ribbon cutting ceremony at the hospital’s new entrance, guests were invited to tour the new facilities, which include a third floor surgical services hub with 16 progressive care beds near the main operating rooms and an intensive care unit, and 36 single-patient rooms on the fourth and fifth floors.

Through the addition, the hospital is able to offer all patients a private room, each occupied by a multi-purpose bed that may be adapted for various conditions.

One of many tour guides, Schriner led the Rev. Drake McCalister and Deacon Michael Welker of Holy Family Catholic Church through the 88 rooms, where they sprinkled holy water, while accompanied by hospital staff.

Schriner noted each room includes a wide window, offering each patient sunlight and a view, and a pull-out sofa bed for the convenience of supportive family members.

She noted waiting areas for patients’ relatives also are divided to allow for privacy.

McCalister had earlier asked God’s blessing for all who are treated at the expanded hospital.

Doug Lawson, president of CommonSpirit Health south Division, a nonprofit Catholic health system of which Trinity is a part, said the new addition presents an opportunity to carry forward the legacy of many who built the hospital’s foundation.

“We are proud to be a part of carrying forward a ministry that has meant so much to so many for so long,” he said.