Despite rumors to the contrary spurred by the planned reorganization of West Penn - Allegheny Health System, there are no plans to close the Allegheny General Hospital - Suburban Campus facility located in Bellevue.

Bellevue Mayor George Doscher said that he had met with hospital officials, and that although WPAHS might very well change how the property is used, there were no plans at this time to close or sell the Suburban Campus.

“I think they’re struggling to look for what’s going to work there,” Doscher said. The mayor said that WPAHS had tried to make the Suburban Campus a center for pediatrics, and then orthopedics, both of which “floundered.”

Bellevue Council members became concerned after receiving an anonymous letter from someone who apparently works at the local hospital. The letter said that there are rumors that the campus would be closed or sold by WPAHS.

Not only is the hospital a major employer, council members said, but people visiting the facility add to the local economy by patronizing drug stores, restaurants and other businesses.

In that regard, said council member Susan Viscusi, whatever specialties WPAHS houses at Suburban Campus potentially could impact the borough.

“If that hospital closes up, this borough is done,” said council member Jane Braunlich, who added that the nearby emergency room and medical services are a selling point for prospective home buyers.

Doscher said that he will remain in contact with hospital representatives and hopefully be able to work with them on any plans for the Suburban Campus.

WPAHS spokesman Dan Laurent said that the health system is in the process of “restructuring” in an effort to become more efficient and improve services. That process will involve “integration efforts” at all of the WPAHS facilities, he said, but no decision has yet been made on how this will affect the Suburban Campus.