UPMC Cole is a comprehensive healthcare system rooted in a long history of serving the communities of north-central Pennsylvania. Originally founded as
Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in 1967, the institution was established through the generous bequest of Coudersport native Charles Cole to build a modern community hospital. The hospital received critical access designation in 2007. In 2018, it officially affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) to become UPMC Cole, a move that provided the rural hospital with access to the resources of a large, renowned health system.
As a
critical access hospital, UPMC Cole is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare to its remote, rural service area. The medical group operates a network of health centers across four counties—Cameron, McKean, Potter, and Tioga—providing convenient access to
primary care and
specialty services. The organization offers a broad spectrum of medical services, including inpatient care (medical/surgical, intensive care, obstetrics), a 24-hour emergency department, and extensive outpatient services. These outpatient offerings include imaging, lab work, cardiology, oncology through the
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, home health, wound care, and rehabilitation. Additionally, the network provides specialized care in areas such as gastroenterology, general surgery, orthopaedics, and pediatrics. The medical group emphasizes a patient-centered approach to care, utilizing a team-based environment and modern tools like the Cole Connect online health portal. UPMC Cole is also nationally recognized for its innovative approach to post-acute and palliative care, which focuses on pain and symptom management, care coordination, and emotional support for patients with serious or life-threatening illnesses. The facility is accredited by The Joint Commission, demonstrating its commitment to meeting rigorous standards of quality and patient safety.
