When Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital’s emergency room opened 50 years ago, it served about 10 patients a day. Healthcare needs have changed over the past 50 years, and ERs now see an average of 38 patients each day, with some days seeing up to 50 to 60 patients. This dramatic increase in patient visits is placing a tremendous strain on facilities and creating daily challenges for our dedicated staff. NVRH has determined that this situation is unsustainable and must be addressed. As a result, plans were developed to expand the ER’s capacity and overhaul it. Planning and fundraising efforts for this “West Wing Project” also included a new laboratory and pharmacy.
Union Bank saw this expansion as an opportunity to give back to the community in a way that has a huge impact. NVRH Philanthropy Director Emily Hutchison, MD, said: “NVRH Philanthropy Director Emily Hutchison, M.D. Their foundation plays a truly vital role in meeting the changing healthcare needs of our communities. ”
Union Bank has made donations to hospitals to support the establishment of a cancer center in 2005, the renovation of a birthing center in 2016, and coronavirus relief in 2020. During the pandemic, Union Bank also supported hospitals in unconventional ways, such as suspending fees. For credit card transactions, as a way to reduce overhead during try times. Hutchinson explains: “They didn’t ask for anything. They just did it on their own.”
Other recent philanthropic efforts by Union Bank include:
Why is this expansion and renovation such an important need for our community? As a small rural critical access hospital, NVRH serves all of Caledonia County and parts of Essex County, as well as small medical facilities We also serve patients in northern Vermont and New Hampshire who live in underserved areas.
While Vermont’s population as a whole is aging faster than any other state, NVRH is working to improve the state’s population, including those whose needs for care are more acute than when the facility was first built. We serve even the most elderly people. In addition to increased demand for care, patient needs are changing, with an increasing number of mental health crises requiring specialized services that traditional ERs cannot provide. These upgrades will increase the new ER’s footprint to approximately 4,500 square feet and increase the number of rooms from nine to 16, nearly doubling its current size.
The first phase of the west wing project has been completed with four beds. Patrick and Marcel Leahy Sweet The ER provides a space to better meet the needs of people experiencing a mental health crisis. The hospital is undergoing additional renovations, including a significantly expanded and improved laboratory and pharmacy. Once construction is complete, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital will be significantly better equipped to meet the healthcare needs of the community now and for years to come.
