BMC and Fairview offer wireless service for patients, visitors

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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."
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Kennedy Calls BCC Workforce Graduates Inspiring

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The programs ranged from emergency medical technician to computers to commercial drivers. See more photos here. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College Workforce and Community Education graduates were encouraged to be all they can be on Wednesday.
 
Graduates, families, friends, and staff gathered in Boland Theatre to celebrate around 100 graduates who completed a variety of courses.
 
They included community health worker, emergency medical technician, phlebotomy technician, registered behavior technician, AI fundamentals, Commercial Drivers License Class A and B, CompTIA Tech-plus, para educator, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
 
College President Ellen Kennedy said it was amazing that this might be her last public speaking event before her tenure comes to an end.
 
She acknowledged the diverse reasons for their studies including career advancement and personal growth, commending their vulnerability and dedication. 
 
"Some of you explored AI, some of you improved your English speaking in really important ways, and the reason that each of you is here is because you decided to put your heart and soul to get vulnerable to do something that might have felt a little bit uncomfortable," she said. "And you did it, and we are so incredibly proud of you, and so happy to be here tonight, celebrating you."
 
Keynote speaker Shirley Edgerton, founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment (ROPE) encouraged the graduates to reflect on their accomplishments and look forward to the future.
 
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