PCH, City of Bluefield announce new downtown clinic

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. - WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital (PCH) and the City of Bluefield announced today the development of a new pediatrics and primary care clinic in downtown Bluefield, expanding access to comprehensive healthcare services for the region. The clinic, Bluefield Internal Medicine, will move from its current location in the former Bluefield hospital, to the new location in late Fall 2026.

The announcement was made during a ceremony held Friday at the new site, 1808 Jefferson Street. Hospital and city leaders highlighted continued investment in healthcare and the community. Karen Bowling, president and CEO of PCH, and Ron Martin, mayor of Bluefield, participated in the event.

The new clinic will feature 12 exam rooms and an on-site lab. It brings Bluefield Internal Medicine into a modern, patient-centered space designed to better serve patients and support providers delivering high-quality, compassionate care. The downtown location improves convenience and accessibility, particularly for families seeking coordinated care in one setting.

The clinic integrates services for both children and adults, making it easier for patients to establish and maintain relationships with primary care providers, which is an essential component of long-term health and recovery following hospital care.

“This new clinic reflects WVU Medicine’s ongoing commitment to meeting patients where they are and expanding access to care in this community.,” said Bowling. “By moving Bluefield Internal Medicine into this space, we are creating an environment designed to better serve our patients and support our providers as they deliver high-quality, compassionate care.

Staffed by more than a dozen healthcare professionals, the clinic includes Dr. Kristie Burks, who is certified in both pediatrics and internal medicine, physician assistants Kim Matzle and Amy Alvis, and a full team of clinical and support staff.

Hospital leaders noted that the Bluefield Internal Medicine team has achieved the highest Transition of Care success rate across the WVU Medicine system, reflecting strong patient outcomes and effective follow-up care. Additionally, Dr. Burks and Kim Matzle have consistently ranked among the top performers in the system for adult quality star ratings.

“What this project represents for the city is access to quality healthcare, investment in our people, and confidence in the future of Bluefield,” said Martin. “We’ve seen what it means to reinvest in this community, and WVU Medicine has done the same by stepping in, rebuilding, and strengthening healthcare in our region. We’re proud to partner on a project that continues to move Bluefield forward.”

The event also included remarks delivered on behalf of Senator Jim Justice, recognizing the importance of continued healthcare investment in southern West Virginia.

About WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital
WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital is leading healthcare in the two Virginias. With 420 physicians and mid-level providers, PCH operates a fully accredited 203-bed acute care medical facility, a 64-bed psychiatric hospital, and an emergency room and outpatient services facility in Bluefield. PCH operates seven primary care clinics, 11 specialty clinics, and three rural imaging clinics offering a wide range of care to a 10-county region.