WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, OH (March 17, 2026) – When severe pain and confusion suddenly overwhelmed Washington Court House resident Melinda Hardgrow late one evening, she feared something was seriously wrong. Within minutes of arriving at Adena Fayette Medical Center, care teams identified a life-threatening infection and began treatment — care she believes saved her life.
“Until you experience care at Adena Fayette Medical Center yourself, you don’t realize how good it is,” Hardgrow said. “They have quality staff that immediately jumped into action. I truly felt like a priority, and they really listened to me.”
What began as discomfort and nausea quickly escalated, prompting Hardgrow’s husband to call an ambulance. By the time she arrived at the emergency department, her symptoms had worsened significantly. The team at Adena Fayette Medical Center quickly assessed her condition, conducted imaging that revealed a gallbladder problem, and began treating sepsis — a potentially life-threatening response to infection. Their swift action allowed for gallbladder surgery to be performed the next morning.
Throughout her stay, Hardgrow said the compassion, professionalism, and clear communication from her care team gave her confidence during a frightening and uncertain time.
“In some hospitals, you may have to wait longer or feel like you’re not being taken seriously,” Hardgrow said. “But the doctors, nurses, and staff were so compassionate. When I was told I needed surgery, I didn’t question it, because I trusted they were going to take good care of me.”
She also found comfort in the team’s dedication and commitment to their patients.
“One nurse mentioned how she had stayed five straight days at the hospital during a recent snowstorm because she was afraid, she wouldn’t be able to get back to her patients,” Hardgrow said. “That’s dedication.”
Prior to her experience, Hardgrow had not used Adena Fayette Medical Center for her care. Now, she says her perspective has completely changed, not only because of the care she received, but also because of what it represents for her community.
“This hospital is the perfect fit for this type of community,” Hardgrow said. “I like the fact that many of the people who work there are from the community and people I can relate to. I shared my experience on social media, and so many others talked about the great care they’ve received there as well.”
Her experience also reinforces confidence in the future of care locally, as Adena Health continues construction on a new, state-of-the-art Adena Fayette Medical Center scheduled to open in 2027. The new 65,000-square-foot facility, located on the same campus as the current hospital, will expand access to specialty services, advanced technology, and enhanced patient-focused features such as increased privacy, improved comfort, and an onsite pharmacy.
For Hardgrow, knowing that this level of care is available close to home — and continuing to grow —provides lasting reassurance.
“I will never take for granted having this kind of care right here in our community,” she said.
To learn more about the new Adena Fayette Medical Center, including project timelines, take a virtual tour, videos, answers to frequently asked questions, and donor opportunities, visit Adena.org/Fayette.