Allegheny Health Network Announces $6.2 Million Expansion of Inpatient Services at Allegheny Valley and Forbes Hospitals

PITTSBURGH – Allegheny Health Network (AHN) announced today a strategic expansion of services at AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital (AVH) and AHN Forbes Hospital, to better meet the growing needs of patients in AHN’s eastern service footprint. The initiative involves a major expansion of the inpatient rehabilitation program at AVH in Natrona Heights and an increase in medical-surgical bed capacity at AHN Forbes Hospital in Monroeville.

“These changes are part of our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional care and improving the patient experience across our health system,” said Mark Rubino, MD, president of AHN Allegheny Valley and AHN Forbes Hospitals. “By strategically investing in these two important services, we are strengthening both hospitals and ensuring that our communities have access to the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

Together, these expansion and conversion projects represent a $6.2 million investment.  

AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital will become the system’s center of excellence for inpatient rehabilitation services, building on its Joint Commission certified Traumatic Brain Injury program. Construction will begin in July 2025 and is expected to be completed by the end of the year, creating a new, consolidated unit with 29 inpatient rehabilitation beds.

The enhanced unit will feature the latest in rehabilitation equipment and technology, enabling advanced care for patients recovering from serious illnesses, injuries, and surgeries. To accommodate this expansion, the hospital’s Progressive Care Unit (PCU) will relocate back to its previous location on the first floor, adjacent to the ICU, this summer.

Simultaneously, in response to increasing demand for acute medical and surgical care, AHN Forbes will convert what had been its inpatient rehab unit into 20 new medical-surgical beds, enabling the hospital to better manage patient volume, especially in its emergency department.

The additional med-surg beds — which are inpatient or observation beds used for patients heading into or coming out of surgery, or experiencing acute or chronic illnesses but not requiring ICU care  — will help reduce wait times, minimize patient transfers, and improve the overall patient flow and experience, particularly for those requiring hospitalization following emergency care.

“The emergency department at Forbes is one of the network’s busiest, which means our medical-surgical units are always busy, too. We need more space and more beds for these patients,” said Jeff Carlson, Chief Operating Officer of AHN Allegheny Valley and AHN Forbes Hospitals. “At the same time, Allegheny Valley Hospital has a strong and growing rehab program, and by making AVH our hub for inpatient rehab services, we can help our patients recover more effectively.”

Last year, the AHN Forbes ED saw more than 40,000 visitors, while the AVH inpatient rehab unit treated about 300 patients.  

In addition to clinical enhancements, both hospitals are investing in more welcoming, healing environments for patients, staff, and visitors.

Early this summer, AVH will unveil a new Healing Garden and Courtyard, a beautification project made possible by generous donations from the Alle-Kiski Medical Center Trust and the Schaub family, among others. Located at the hospital’s front entrance, the garden offers a peaceful retreat for hospital employees, patients in recovery, and members of the community. The space features landscaped greenery, seating, a flagpole and commemorative signage honoring the legacy of the Schaub family and its patriarch, David Schaub, MD, a long-time AVH physician.

Meanwhile, AHN Forbes Hospital is set to begin a $2 million renovation of its main lobby this summer. The project will transform the hospital’s primary entryway with upgraded security features, a redesigned guest arrival area, and enhanced staff access through secure turnstiles. The Forbes campus will also undergo additional renovation that will modernize its East Suburban Obstetrical and Gynecological Associates suite, which houses one of AHN’s busiest women’s health practices. 

“This is an exciting time for our hospitals,” said Dr. Rubino. “In addition to expanding our capacity, we’re reimagining our spaces to reflect the high-quality care our teams deliver every day. These improvements represent our deep investment in both the health and experience of our patients.”