8-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): October 16, 2006

UNIVERSAL HOSPITAL SERVICES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	______________	41-0760940
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

7700 France Ave. South

Edina, MN 55435-5228

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

952-893-3200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):          

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

ITEM 5.02 DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR PRINCIPAL OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPAL OFFICERS

On October 16, 2006, Universal Hospital Services, Inc. (“UHS”) appointed Scott Madson, age 45, as its Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. Prior to joining UHS, Mr. Madson held a variety of accounting and financial management roles. Most recently, he was Controller for Nextel Partners, Inc. and before that was Managing Director of Financial Accounting for RBC Dain Rauscher, Inc. and a senior auditor for Deloitte and Touche. Mr. Madson is a Certified Public Accountant and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Minnesota. Mr. Madson’s first day of employment with UHS will be October 16, 2006.

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Universal Hospital Services, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Dated: October 16, 2006	UNIVERSAL HOSPITAL SERVICES, INC.
	By:	/s/ Rex T. Clevenger
		Rex T. Clevenger
		Senior Vice President and
		Chief Financial Officer

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EX-99.1

Contact:

Walter Chesley, Senior Vice President Human Resources & Development

Universal Hospital Services, Inc (UHS) 

Phone: 952-893-3263

wtchesley@uhs.com

Universal Hospital Services, Inc. (UHS) Names New General Counsel and Controller

Edina, MN, October 16, 2006 - Universal Hospital Service, Inc. (UHS), a leader in medical equipment lifecycle services, recently added two new individuals to its senior management team.

Diana Vance-Bryan joins UHS as Senior Vice President & General Counsel. Vance-Bryan was previously employed by Novartis Nutrition Corporation and designated as a “Super Lawyer” by Minnesota Law & Politics, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business Monthly. Adding Vance-Bryan’s extensive legal experience in government and regulatory affairs, compliance and contracts management will enhance the UHS senior management team. “We are delighted to have Diana here at UHS.” said Chief Executive Officer Gary Blackford, “We look forward to the impact she will have on our company and our business.”

In addition, UHS has also named Scott Madson as Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. With a broad accounting and financial reporting background, Madson has a depth of knowledge regarding SEC reporting and Sarbanes Oxley compliance. Previous positions with Nextel Partners, Inc. and RBC Dain Rauscher have assisted Madson in building a solid track record of implementing control standards and improving financial processes and customer service. “Scott’s expertise and understanding of the financial environment will be instrumental in moving UHS forward,” said Chief Financial Officer Rex Clevenger.

About Universal Hospital Services, Inc. (UHS)

Based in Edina, Minnesota, Universal Hospital Services, Inc. is a leading medical equipment lifecycle services company. UHS offers comprehensive solutions that maximize utilization, increase productivity and support optimal patient care resulting in capital and operational efficiencies. UHS currently operates through more than 75 offices, serving customers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

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