FAIRMONT, W.Va. -- Fairmont General Hospital and West Virginia United Health System are discussing a potential partnership.

Fairmont General CEO Robert C. Marquardt tells The Times-West Virginian that the hospital's board wants to maintain it as a full-service community hospital.

Marquardt says West Virginia United Health System has developed partnerships with other hospitals.

The health system's CEO, Tom Jones, says a potential partnership offers both entities opportunities.

Fairmont General's board announced a 60-day negotiation period with the state's largest health system on Friday.

West Virginia United Health System includes hospitals in Morgantown, Clarksburg, Parkersburg, Martinsburg and Ranson.