[2] It serves as a clinical campus of the Drexel and LECOM schools of medicine, and also educates physicians through its large number of residency and fellowship programs.

It was originally located in Pittsburgh's 12th ward, on a hillside overlooking the city's Strip District and adjacent to what is now Polish Hill.

Today, that plot is home to a ball field and West Penn Park, after having been sold to the City of Pittsburgh.

During the American Civil War West Penn became a primary triage center serving Union forces.

The Western Pennsylvania Medical College, founded by West Penn surgeons and doctors, opened in October 1886 with a class of 57 students.

[4] The six-story, X-shaped hospital was able to accommodate up to 500 patients, and featured modern operating rooms, laboratories, and X-ray machines.

By 2010, parent company West Penn Allegheny Health System was experiencing severe financial difficulties, including cash shortages.

[13] Financial difficulties became so severe that management was preparing a budget that included the closure of the hospital by autumn 2011 unless a deal with an outside investor could be obtained, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

[17] The hospital's Level III neonatal intensive care unit, adult and pediatric certified burn trauma center, extended-hours oncology clinic and dozens of other services draw patients from across the state.