This is a story of determination, and ultimately, one of triumph. For nearly 110 years, Fairview Hospital has successfully reinvented itself over and over to meet the changing dynamics of healthcare and the evolving needs of our community.
It’s also a story of generations of South Berkshire families who were determined to maintain Fairview Hospital’s vital place in our community. They did so by volunteering their leadership as members of the Board of Trustees, and with their service on countless hospital committees. Our history is filled with the names of local families who helped guide Fairview’s earliest days, and whose children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren maintained that tradition over the next century and longer.
Our success also depended on the loyalty of a community that has always trusted Fairview Hospital with its health. In 1913, when the first hospital opened its doors in a small home bequeathed by Mary A. Mason, grateful residents walked, came by cart, horseback, or the occasional car to receive care for illness or injury. They have continued coming for more than a century. Families in our community instinctively understood the value of a hospital close to home, filled with the familiar faces of physicians, nurses, and staff who helped to ease anxiety and fear.
Yet, like all institutions more than a century old, we’ve had our share of crises. During a difficult period in the 1980s – a span of years when many small hospitals succumbed to the near-impossible task of maintaining financial stability – Fairview’s Board of Trustees voted to affiliate with Berkshire Health Systems in Pittsfield. That move, plus Fairview’s certification as a federal Community Access Hospital in 2003, enabled our hospital to thrive.
Today, Fairview Hospital is nationally-recognized for the high quality of its patient care – among so many other things. For over 100 years, our hospital has been distinguished by its skilled yet caring medical staff – assisted these days by leading-edge technology, diagnostics, and services that are second to none. To our loyal community, Fairview is a highly-sophisticated 21st century hospital with the heart and soul of a country doctor.
Welcome to our history.
Over 100 years ago, a group of civic leaders accepted the bequest of two houses on West Street, some adjoining land, and $50,000 in cash from local philanthropist Mary A. Mason.
Against considerable odds, yet driven by need and vision, they transformed those gifts into an enduring community institution. Fairview Hospital opened its doors in 1913 with a tiny staff of nurses, aided by local physicians who raced from their offices to treat medical emergencies and perform surgery.
Patients were carried from surgery in one house to the recovery ward in the other. Food was delivered to patients in large baskets.
From these humble beginnings, Fairview Hospi tal soon established its place in the heart of the South ern Berkshire community. Local newspapers began reporting births of the next generation, as well as thrilling stories of lives saved after farm accidents, car wrecks, and other mishaps. Local groups raised money relentlessly so that their little hospital would thrive.
An Editorial in the Berkshire County Eagle, dated January 5, 1916, encouraged one of Fair view’s many fundraisers in the following way: “There is no institution in whose behalf the people more quickly and willingly unite than for a hospital. It touches, sometimes, the lives of all of us. Hospitals deserve well of the community and we hope that the response in Great Barrington will be of the kind so characteristic of the town’s generous, warm-hearted people.”
Yet, it was soon obvious that Fairview was too small to meet the growing medical needs of the com munity. In 1924, the Fairview Hospital Board of Incorporators launched what was then the largest civic project ever undertaken in Southern Berkshire. In 10 days, more than $300,000 was pledged by 4,500 citizens to build a new hospital. In 1929, a handsome 40-bed hospital was dedicated on a beautiful autumn day.
From its beginning in 1913 until its final days in 1929, the original Fairview Hospital on West Street provided more than 4,500 patients with over 50,000 days of care. Ten percent was given free to the needy and a far greater proportion was given at less than cost to patients of modest means.
Fairview Hospital, 1913
“It is, however, my intention that Fairview Hospital’s doors shall always be open for the sick and wounded, without discrimination for or against creed, color or nationality; that those unable to pay shall have all the benefits which the institution affords, without money, price or charge.”
1913
Fairview Hospital Corporation is formed in compliance with the will of Mary A. Mason.
Fairview Hospital opens for emergencies and surgical cases. Shortly after, demand for its services forces Fairview’s conversion to a general hospital.
The Fairview Hospital Corporation places an article on the annual town warrant asking for $500 from the town for a “free bed.”
The Fairview Hospital Corporation votes to give free treatment to all families of Great Barrington men who enlist in the service during the war.
1922
“The Twigs,” a group of women vounteers, organize to sew gowns for patients and provide many other hospital supplies and amenities.
1923
Corporators begin serious talks about enlarging the hospital. With renovations estimated at $175,000, they decide an entirely new hospital is the best option for the towns.
~Will of Mary A. MasonPatients are carried from surgery in one house to the recovery wards in the other house. FAIRVIEW HOSPITAL TIMELINE 1912 to 1929
1928
The cornerstone for the new hospital is laid during a community ceremony. Coins from the U.S. mint arrive just in time, including a new silver dollar, a 10-cent piece, a nickel and a penny, all coined in 1928.
Corporators form a building committee. George Taylor and John B. Hull lead the effort with Fairview Trustee President T. Ellis Ramsdell.
The cost of beds at Fairview Hospital range from $3 to $10 a day.
The new Fairview Hospital is dedicated. “Philanthropy, vision and community spirit, active for 18 years, culminated here this afternoon in the dedication of a new Fairview Hospital for the residents of Southern Berkshire.” ~Berkshire Evening Eagle
1930 to 1949
After its celebrated opening, Fairview Hospital launched a spirited effort to transform its new facil ity into an indispensable community care setting. Friends of the late William Stanley, inventor of the transformer, raised $35,000 to equip the X-ray room at the hospital, creating one of the finest diagnostic departwments of its kind. A free tuberculosis clinic was established, as well as a free surgical clinic for patients unable to pay.
Soon, the first Children’s Ward opened, with 2-yearold Roland Jones of Housatonic as its first patient. Physicians representing important medical special ties were recruited from throughout the Berkshires and given privileges to treat patients at the hospital.
By 1937, Fairview had its busiest year yet with 722 patients admitted, 286 operations, and 114 births – a 60% increase over the previous year. The American Legion Post raised funds to purchase the hospital’s first ambulance, and by 1939, the ambulance had already covered 5,000 miles speeding the sick and injured to Fairview.
Yet, the thriving community hospital was already facing significant challenges. A nursing shortage hampered its ability to care for the growing number of patients, prompting Fairview to launch its own course to train licensed nursing attendants in 1942, and a course for licensed practical nurses in 1943.
And the hospital frequently functioned beyond capacity, forcing staff to care for patients in confer ence rooms and other areas. Despite these struggles, Fairview’s commitment to exceptional patient care expanded and community support for its “hospital on the hill” flourished. The first resident physician, Dr. Ruth Jens, joined the staff of Fairview Hospital, and extraordinary medical events were celebrated.
One such moment was captured in the Berkshire Evening Eagle on November 21, 1947: “The pride and joy of the maternity department at Fairview Hospital is a tiny two-pound boy who arrived at 9:58 Wednesday night. The infant, in perfect health despite his size, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Dillon of Otis.”
Residents of South Berkshire have a thoroughly modern hospital equipped with the latest in medical technology and room furnishings. The handsome Georgian building on Lewis Avenue opened with 45 beds and 16 bassinets, and was built with future expansions in mind.ww
In addition to a maternity department, surgical suites, an X-ray department and labs, the hospital also offered private and semi-private rooms, as well as four-bed wards. An electric call button system replaced bells at the bedside. The total cost was $325,000.
1930
The new X-ray room at Fairview Hospital is dedicated.
1932
1933
The Fairview Hospital Auxiliary organizes and becomes a powerful fundraiser for the hospital, contributing generously to many strategic fund-raising campaigns, equipment purchases, and efforts over the years. The auxiliary remains very active today.
1935
A tuberculosis clinic and a surgical clinic are established at Fairview Hospital.
For the first time, Fairview Hospital is placed on the approved list for the year by the American College of Surgeons.
1936
With the addition of a pathologist to its medical staff, Fairview earns its first A rating by the American Hospital Association.
The American Legion Post in South Berkshire launches a campaign to raise funds to purchase an ambulance for Fairview Hospital.
Surgery at Fairview Hospital, 1940 FAIRVIEW HOSPITAL TIMELINE 1930 to 1949It was a record year at Fairview Hospital, as well as one of its most difficult. The hospital treated 1,607 patients – an all-time high – while also struggling with a continued shortage of nurses and other technical positions, and an increase in salaries and supplies.
1949 Fairview patients will be given free chest X-rays in the continuing effort to identify and treat patients with tuberculosis.
Fairview opens its first Children’s Ward in 1941
1947
1941 Fairview struggles with a nursing shortage. Private duty nursing, which pays more than hospital nursing, is gradually draining the ranks of nurses at the hospital.
1940 A new gas anesthesia machine is purchased for surgical cases. (Photo circa early 1940s)
By mid-century, Fairview Hospital had hit its stride. Admissions soared, the hospital’s workforce increased, and a new addition to house a state-of-the-art Radiology Department was built on the northwest end of the hospital and dedicated in 1955. Advances in medical tech niques and the delivery of care also signaled the beginning of a new era for Fairview.
In 1962 – its 50th anniversary – Fairview Hospital and its devoted community had much to celebrate. With over 95 employees plus a medical staff of 15, Fairview was now the second largest employer in South County after the Rising Paper Mill. Admissions averaged nearly 2,000 patients a year, while outpatient services provided care for another 3,300 community residents. When the hospital was first built, the average length of stay was 20 to 30 days. By 1962, the average length of stay was down to eight days.
The Trustees and community understood the investment was both a necessity and a dire emergency. A letter from the Massachusetts De partment of Health, which was shared public ly at a community meeting, included the stern warning that Fairview no longer met state stan dards for a hospital.
The Fairview Hospital Fundraising Committee announced that the campaign to raise money for the new addition and upgrades exceeded its goal of $650,000 by actually raising $750,985. The federal government contributed $400,000 more to the effort. In 1967, hundreds of local residents attended festivities to mark the opening of Fairview Hospital’s $1.3 million four-story addition, and hospital leaders celebrated the generosity of their community.
But just two years later, Fairview Hospital was de clared “obsolete.” Too small to accommodate an ever-growing number of patients and ham pered by an aging infrastructure, Fairview Hos pital’s Board of Trustees announced plans for a four-story addition to be built in three stages. Along with more beds, the plan called for new surgical, recovery and maternity suites; larger labs, an elevator, and many more amenities.
With local support, Fairview Hospital evolved to once again meet the healthcare needs of its community.
At the grand opening of its new four-story addition in November, 1967, Fairview Hospital introduced some of the most modern concepts in medical care at the time. More than 350 people attended the celebration, enjoying guided tours of the semi-private rooms, the new Emergency Department, psychotherapy rooms, operating suites, recovery rooms, and more. Extensive landscaping was done by members of the Great Barrington Garden Club with donations from various nurseries.
1954
A new heart clinic opens at Fairview, bolstered by the gift of an electrocardiograph machine presented by the Berkshire Chapter of the American Heart Association.
The Fairview Hospital Auxiliary has purchased an all-electric, refrigerated oxygen tent for bedside use at Fairview Hospital with proceeds from its annual rummage sale.
1955 The Horace K. Moses Memorial X-Ray Building at Fairview is dedicated.
1961
1962 Fairview Hospital celebrates its 50th year. It’s operating budget is nearly a half million dollars.
Maternity Department, 1963
FAIRVIEW HOSPITAL TIMELINE 1950 to 1969
Fairviews Hospital’s Men’s Ward, 1950
1964 Fairview announces plans to build a new addition and launches a fundraising campaign.
1967 Fairview Hospital’s new four-story addition opens for the community.
1969 The new Southern Berkshire Rescue Squad takes over ambulance service from Fairview.
Blood drawing at Fairview Hospital, 1961
Volunteer, 1961
With more inpatient beds and modern, efficient facilities for expanding surgical and outpatient services, Fairview Hospital faced its next major challenge – recruiting badly-needed physicians to care for the community. The Doctor’s Building, located on the south side of the hospital campus and dedicated in 1974, offered convenient offices with a common waiting room on each floor.
In 1981, Fairview Trustees announced yet another large addition to the hospital to expand the Radiology Department, Emergency Department, and more. The $1.7 million addition – again funded by a vigorous community campaign - shifted the entrance to the hospital from the east to the south side.
But attracting new physicians, launching new services, and adding more space could not hold off evolving forces that threatened the viability of Fair view Hospital - and all small hospitals across the U.S. Changes in reimbursement for hospital carwe had a dramatic impact on Fairview’s finances. Trends toward shorter inpatient stays and greater use of out patient services reduced hospital admissions and cut revenues even further. With fewer patients to support fixed operating costs, Fairview was in financial crisis.
Early in 1986, the Fairview Board of Trustees announced plans to explore shared services with Berkshire Health Systems, the parent organization of Berkshire Medical Center and Hillcrest Hospital, both in Pittsfield.
In May, the Trustees voted to consolidate with BHS. At the time, the community expressed concern that Fairview would lose its wonderful identity. That never happened. In fact, the Trustees’ courageous decision and BHS’s support ensured Fairview’s growth and stability well into the next century.
A year later, Fairview’s future already appeared brighter. “Our attitude on the board has turned from fear and trepidation to one of real optimism during the last three or four months,” said Carl V. Bradford, chairman of the Fairview Hospital Board of Trustees. “If we had not aligned ourselves with BHS, Fairview Hospital would be closed by now.”
Dramatic changes in the way hospital care is delivered is once again the driving force behind a major 7,000-squarefoot addition to Fairview Hospital. The expansion was undertaken to accommodate an increase in the Radiology Department, where diagnostic services have tripled in the last 10 years to almost 13,000 tests annually.
The project also includes an expansion to the Emergency Department, which sees about 12,000 cases a year, and which was last expanded in 1968 for 4,500 visits annually.
Fairview Hospital, 1982
1970 Fairview Hospital’s new Coronary Care Unit is now fully integrated with Berkshire Medical Center.
1970
Fairview announces plans to construct a $250,000 to $300,000 Doctor’s Building on the south side of the hospital property.
Dr. George Ritter comes to Fairview, opening the hospital’s first pediatric practice in the newly-completed Doctor’s Building. Dr. Ritter’s practice, which would become known as “MACONY” following his departure, eventually settled in an historic house on Maple Avenue. Dr. Dennis Tresp joined the practice in 1980, followed by Dr. Richard Heck.
Mrs. C. Bernard Shea is elected the first woman president of Fairview Hospital’s Board of Trustees.
Dr. Raymond F. Sabatelli, Director of Emergency Services, leads a new county-wide approach for handling emergency cases among the four hospitals in Berkshire County.
Fairview announces a $1.7 million addition to expand the Radiology and Emergency departments. Groundbreaking ceremony for the new addition is held at Fairview in 1982.
FAIRVIEW HOSPITAL TIMELINE 1970 to 1989
1986 Fairview Hospital and Berkshire Medical Center begin investigating the merits of shared services. They vote to consolidate in May, ensuring that vital healthcare services continue in South Berkshire.
1987
Fairview Hospital dedicates its critical care unit to Dr. Thomas Gilligan, an internist and cardiologist, who has practiced at Fairview for 40 years
In September, the new Prenatal Center opens at Fairview to reduce the incidence of high-risk pregnancies. In December, the hospital begins construction of a new birthing room, beginning two decades of investment in maternity services for the community.
Despite affiliation with Berkshire Health Systems, a shrinking census, managed care, and increased competition all continued to threaten Fairview Hospital’s viability. “Yes, life is a challenge,” said Fairview Administrator Claire L. Bowen in 1993. “We are in survival mode every day. Because we are so small, any change can flip us upside down. But that also makes us extremely focused.”
Thus, Fairview administrators set their sights on expanding outpatient care. For the first time ever in 1995, outpatient services surpassed inpatient care and Fairview saw a surplus. Nonetheless, admissions dropped sharply once again in 1996 and by 2000, its operating loss was growing. Yet, BHS officials assured the South Berkshire community there would be no change in services.
“Given the size of Fairview, it’s [financial] performance has always been unpredictable,” said David E. Phelps, president and CEO of BHS, in 2000. “Our goal is to meet the needs of the com munity, and we’re doing it as economically as we can.” Mr. Phelps also noted that Fairview could not be judged by its bottom line: the hospital had always earned the support of its community. “Between that and the efforts of physicians and employees, Fair view will survive,” he said.
The Berkshire Eagle took note of such reassuring words. An editorial published on February 24, 2000, included the following lines: “By now, it should be clear that BHS is sticking to its pledge of retaining Fairview, the second smallest hospital in the state, whatever the financial consequences, in order to serve the South Berkshire community.”
The tide began turning for Fairview in 2003, when it was certified by the federal government as a Critical Access Hospital. That designation enabled the hospital to receive 101% reimbursement for cost-based services from Medicare. (In 2013, the Massachusetts Medicaid program followed suit by reimbursing Critical Access Hospitals based on the same Medicare reimbursement methodology.
To the people living in the many rural communities in the Southern Berkshires, Fairview Hospital has a monumental impact on their welfare. Care for medical emergencies always begins at Fairview, where physicians, nurses and technologists have access to the same technology, high standards, and commitment to excellence as those at any major medical facility. “Having a hospital always prepared to offer high quality care gives our communities peace of mind,” noted Eugene Dellea, President.
Fairview also serves as an important economic engine in the region, providing jobs, using local businesses, and easing the healthcare concerns of potential new home owners.
Fairview receives $666,666 from the estate of the late C. Bernard Shea, a former member of the hospital’s Board of Trustees. This is the largest single donation ever received by the hospital.
Rescue 911, a CBS television show that creates re-enactments of actual rescue operations, features a rescue at Butternut Ski Area where skier Marty Allessio slid into a tree and punctured the membrane around her heart. Dr. George T. Veinoglou, a general surgeon, performed open heart surgery and saved her life. That procedure had never been performed at Fairview before.
Fairview recruits Ophthalmologist Dr. Joseph Gold and purchases $200,000 worth of surgical equipment to enable him to perform state-of-the-art eye surgery, building a strong foundation for the hospi tal’s ophthalmologic surgical services. By December, cataract surgery is up by 40%.
Fairview purchases a Stratus CT machine to provide rapid and accurate cardiac tests, enabling ER physicians to diagnose heart attack much more quickly.
Fairview Hospital is certified by the federal government as a Critical Access Hospital for the area it serves, and, with that certification, will now receive enhanced reimbursements from Medicare to strengthen essential services.
FAIRVIEW HOSPITAL TIMELINE 1990 to 2009
2004 Fairview Hospital raises over $456,000 in individual donations, including $102,000 for Orthopaedic technology as a result of the Fairview Gala.
2005
Fairview Hospital is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
2007
High-speed, 16-slice helical CT scan is installed at Fairview’s Emergency Department, providing patients with immediate access to life-saving diagnostics, while also expanding Fairview’s role as an outpatient diagnostic center in the Southern Berkshires.
2005 With its designation as a Critical Access Hospital, and with the recruitment of more physicians and investments in equipment and facilities, Fairview posts a year-end surplus that signals a financial rebound.
2005 In response to a high rate of pulmonary disease in the community, Fairview opens a new Pulmonary Clinic with advanced pulmonary diagnostic testing and treatment services.
2005 Fairview invests in vital diagnostic imaging technology, including a new digital C-arm, known as the “eyes of the surgeon,” and a 4-D ultrasound unit.
2008 Fairview Hospital’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic opens on Maple Avenue, offering nearly five times the space formerly available in the hospital-based clinic.
A feeling of tightness around his heart brought a local man to Fairview Hospital one night in 2010. “All I had to do was point to my chest,” he said in one of Fairview’s annual patient story collections. “They took it from there.”
For the residents of South Berkshire, having a hospital close by for serious medical emergencies was always a point of great pride. Heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening illnesses or injuries were swiftly and accurately diagnosed and patients were provided the right level of care – whether it be at Fairview Hospital or Berkshire Medical Center, its sister facility in Pittsfield. Cancer care, joint replacement surgery and intricate eye surgeries were by now routine, as well as comprehensive inpatient and out patient care, including a rehabilitation facility and a wound care center. National awards for excellence were becoming an annual event.
The focus of Fairview’s service expansion was the pursuit of excellence. While small hospitals can be charming, filled with the familiar faces of friends and neighbors, the Southern Berkshires deserve the same level of leading-edge diagnostics, ev idence-based care, and skilled practitioners that are available at major healthcare settings. Thus, Fairview Hospital has spent its last decade invest ing in the technology, facilities, and staff to ensure excellence.
In March of 2020, COVID-19 appeared in Berkshire County and quickly became the most frightening and deadly public health crisis of the last century. At Fairview Hospital, we were determined to help our community meet what was perhaps its greatest challenge. Years of building programs, partnerships, and trust among South Berkshire residents immediately came together in a comprehensive response to this deadly threat.
In partnership with local organizations, Fairview quickly set up testing sites and played a central role in South Berkshire as part of Berkshire Health Systems Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative, which mobilized resources regionally to care for our community. This all-out effort continued for the next few years as new waves and variants of the coronavirus risked the health and well-being of families, friends, and neighbors.
Outstanding Patient Experience Award 2013 - 2021
Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award 2020
Chartis Center for Rural Health Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals 2019
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Five-Star hospital recognition 2018
Leapfrog
Top Rural Hospital award 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 CareChex
Ranked among top 100 hospitals and #1 in Massachusetts for patient satisfaction, overall hospital care and overall surgical care 2011, 2012, 2013
The Joint Commission Top performer on key quality measures 2012, 2013, 2014
MassPro
Exemplary commitment to quality improvement in heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care 2008
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Honor Roll recognition for excellence in clinical quality and patient safety 2007
American Heart Association “Get with the Guidelines” 2006: Coronary Artery Disease 2008: Quality Cardiac Care 2009: Fairview achieves Gold Level status
American Hospital Association Finalist in Quest for Quality award 2002
Fairview renovates its diagnostic imaging department to achieve a patient-centered design and calming environment. By now, the department features digital mammog raphy, fluoroscopy, bone densitometry, ultrasound and nuclear medicine.
Fairview celebrates 100 years of providing healthcare to the residents of South Berkshire.
Fairview Hospital’s Emergency Department is a key player in one of the region’s major medical advancements in 2015: the elevation of the Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad to paramedic level, dramatically improving the standard of care available during an emergency.
Fairview Hospital and Community Health Programs (CHP) are expanding choices for women’s healthcare with the addition of an obstetrician/gynecologist and two certified nurse midwives.
The New England Rural Health Round Table honors Brian Burke, MD, President of the medical staff at Fairview Hospital, with its Rural Clinician of the Year award.
Fairview opens the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine – a satellite of the BMC facility.
Fairview Hospital has been awarded a $100,000 US Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant from the Department of Health and Human Services to launch the Southern Berkshire Rural Health Network, establishing a collaborative network to identify and address community health and wellness.
FAIRVIEW HOSPITAL TIMELINE 2010 to 2021New fetal monitoring technology, which provides constant surveillance of the fetal heartbeat, was added to the Family Birthplace at Fairview Hospital, thanks to community donations.
Fairview Hospital leads the Southern Berkshire emergency response to the Covid-19 pandemic, based on its long history of coordinating with other community agencies to meet public health crises.
Heather Barbieri, CEM, Fairview’s Director of Emergency Management, leads the team that installed a Covid-19 testing tent and organized its staffing in three days.
2020
Community fundraising enables the investment in more state-of-the-art technology at Fairview, including cardiac monitors for surgery, a portable X-ray unit, a pulmonary function testing machine, and a Cardiac Nuclear Unit for cardiac and internal diagnostics.
2021
A community-wide effort to vaccinate residents of Southern Berkshire is organized by the Berkshire Vaccination Collaboration formed by BHS, Berkshire County Boards of Health Association and Community Health Programs.
2020“What was first a doubtful experience is now a demonstrated success in Great Barrington. We refer to Fairview Hospital. Mrs. Mason provided for its establishment and it’s a pity that she could not have lived to know the good it is accomplish ing in the world. Maybe she does know! … Great Barrington and its adjacent towns are fortunate indeed in this institution.”
Adjusting for the flowery prose of the times, these words, written in a Berkshire County Eagle editorial on June 30, 1915, still describe Fairview Hospital. In fact, fast forward to February 1, 2022, and another article in the Berkshire Eagle’s editorial pages - this time, in a letter to the editor entitled “The hospital of my dreams was a reality at Fairview.”
Stockbridge resident Jo Ann Levitt detailed her stay during a frightening medical episode, open ing with these words: “With all the staff shortages, overcrowded hospitals and medical staff burn out the health care profession has been seeing, I would like to shed light on one amazing facility here in the Berkshires: Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington.” We think that Mrs. Mason would be proud.
Today, Fairview is a dynamic institution that is integrated with Berkshire Health Systems. Together, they are shaping the future health of our community.
Outpatient services, educational programs, and leadership in public health initiatives reflect a vi tal role in helping area residents stay well. Emergency services that are quickly accessible for thousands of South Berkshire residents save priceless lives. Our skilled and compassionate patient care is among Fairview’s most appreciated and celebrated attributes.
But all enduring institutions require something much more fundamental to thrive. For Fairview Hospital, it has always been the loyal commitment and generosity of its South Berkshire residents. Our community has been with us every step of the way. In fact, generations of the same families have helped to sustain Fairview Hospital by lead ing efforts that have enabled Fairview to grow, flourish, and thrive. New-comers seem to quickly understand the hospital’s crucial role in the health and wellbeing of the South Berkshires and lend their vision and commitment to Fairview, as well.
In return, we have worked tirelessly to be worthy of such support. Now into our second century of care, Fairview is determined to continue our tra dition of always putting patients first, providing the best care possible, and striving every day for excellence. We thank our community for being such an indispensable part of our history. Together, we look forward to even greater achievements in the future. Together, we look forward to even greater achievements in the future.
Heather Barbieri, director of emergency management at Fairview Hospital, is named Citizen of the Year by the Great Barrington Rotary Club. Over the past 18 months, Heather has focused on the COVID-19 response for both the hospital and the community and led the call for vaccination clinics in Great Barrington. In one early session, Heather and team vaccinated approximately 1,500 South County residents.
Fairview Hospital is among only 251 healthcare providers nationwide to receive the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer” designation.
Fairview Hospital is named one of the 20 high est-ranked critical access hospitals (CAHs) in the country as determined by the Chartis Center for Rural Health.
FAIRVIEW HOSPITAL TIMELINE 2022
