BMC Awarded $3M for Health Care Center in North Adams
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Berkshire Medical Center will receive $3 million in state funding to create a "Patient Centered Medical Neighborhood" in North County.
That's on top of the $6 million that BMC is planning to invest in upgrades and expanded services announced on Tuesday.
The state award will help fund initiatives to align with the findings of the Stroudwater Associates' health needs report for North Berkshire.
Dr. Marc Pettus, BMC's director of medical education and population health, told WAMC Northeast Public Radio on Wednesday that the funds would be used to create a multi-care center at the former North Adams Regional Hospital in early part of 2015.
BMC was one of 28 community hospitals awarded $60 million in funding Wednesday by the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission. The awards were part of Phase 2 of the Community Hospital Acceleration, Revitalization, and Transformation (CHART) Investment Program designed to address community and behavioral health needs.
The Stroudwater report recommends collaborating with social and community services and organizations; expanding primary care; and providing prenatal care and education and access to transportation to BMC's maternity department.
It also recommends expanding outpatient and imaging services, disease management and wellness services.
On Tuesday, BMC announced that it would invest $6 million in the former North Adams Regional Hospital campus to expand imaging and outpatient services, including some surgical procedures.
The Pittsfield hospital has been operating a satellite emergency facility at what is now the BMC Northern Berkshire Campus. It purchased the bankrupt property in August for $4 million.
Tags: BMC North, health care, health care report, NARH,
