Two non-profit entities, both over one-century-old, will collaborate in an effort to serve the senior community of Warren County.

Warren General Hospital and the Rouse Estate have announced the formation of Senior Living Services, Ltd., a joint venture that will evaluate developing strategies to share resources and maximize health related services for the community.

The hospital and the Rouse Estates will remain independent organizations with their own boards of directors and administrative staff. The new business entity is developing strategic plans and evaluating alternatives.

The announcement was made on Wednesday during a public meeting of the WGH Board of Directors.

According to John Papalia, CEO of WGH, the hospital was seeking partnering opportunities in the development of senior strategies and the Pine Grove property.

"We were pleased when the administration at the Rouse Estates showed a like interest," Papalia said. "These efforts will not only enhance and improve health care opportunities for residents in our region, but they have the potential to enhance economic development, growth and job opportunities for our region."

The purpose of Senior Living Services Ltd. is to identify and fill gaps in the continuum of services available to seniors in the community.

"Consumer needs in the senior spectrum are changing drastically," said Sonia Probst, CEO of the Rouse Estates.

The goals of the new entity include ensuring the availability of needed health care and related services and identifying alternate or branch locations to serve the populations located throughout the county.

While the exact services that will be provided have not been determined, both Papalia and Probst are looking forward to the economic development.

"With the graying of the community and the graying of Warren County, there is an economic development opportunity," Probst said.

Papalia said WGH employs more than 550 people and the Rouse Estates employs about 325.

"That's a pretty significant employment base," he said.

The organizations are initially focused on strategies for new housing and service alternatives for seniors in our region on both the Hospital's Pine Grove campus and the Rouse Estate's Youngsville campus.

"It should be encouraging and comforting for seniors in the Warren area to know that they will be given the best possible services that both of these health care organizations have to offer," said Cathy Zawacki, chairman of the WGH board of directors.

In other hospital business, Papalia gave a presentation on the state of Warren General Hospital.

The presentation largely focused on access to care.

According to Papalia, emergency room visits have increased significantly.

"In response, we have added a second physician during peak flow times," he said. "And in September we will be adding an overflow location to better triage patients in an urgent care manner."

The critical care unit of the hospital will also see some changes. The current unit is located in a part of the hospital that was built in 1952.

In the spring, WGH will undertake a significant fund-raising project to re-design the unit, Papalia said.

The Cancer Care Center has been growing. The WGH is now providing medical oncology services in Titusville and Corry.

"The cancer center is also outgrowing itself," he said.

WGH is also expanding women's medical services to Corry, Kane and Johnsonburg.

With the continued growth of WGH services, Papalia said, "We are becoming a regional hospital, providing care to our county and a little bit beyond.