BMC and Fairview offer wireless service for patients, visitors

09:12AM / Tuesday, September 09, 2008Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD - For the convenience of its patients and visitors, Berkshire Health Systems has made wireless internet access available, free of charge, at Berkshire Medical Center and Fairview Hospital. In each facility, patients and visitors can go online using their laptops or other WiFi-enabled devices to look up health information, browse the internet or check their e-mail. In addition, Berkshire Health Systems has installed public computer kiosks in common areas of both BMC and Fairview.

The wireless service at BHS is provided by Wayport, Inc. Wayport enables and manages applications over converged networks for healthcare facilities.

"Keeping our patients and visitors connected is becoming increasingly important," said Joe Diver, Chief Information Officer for BHS. "The experience people have at our hospitals is important, and we know that access to the internet is almost a way of life for most people. Many people not only want to stay abreast of what is going on at the office, but also want to stay connected with their families and friends. This is why BHS believes it is so important to provide this free service at BMC and Fairview."

The public PC kiosks, called Wayport CyberCenter Express, are located in the main lobby and Intensive Care Unit waiting area at Berkshire Medical Center and in the second floor waiting area at Fairview.

"Berkshire Health Systems is on the leading edge of providing the highest levels of patient and visitor satisfaction," said Kevin McKeand, vice president and general manager of Wayport Healthcare. "BHS understands the importance of keeping patients and visitors connected in the hospital and is leading the industry with this technology."

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

RIBCO Supply

Check out our great lineup of Boss Plows, and spreaders. 2 Locations Clarksburg & Pittsfield!

ribcosupply.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

12:05PM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.

This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.

The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.

DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.

"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths.

"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."

Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.

View Full Story