Fairview Commons Receives National Award

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living recently announced the selection of Fairview Commons Nursing & Rehabilitation Center as a recipient of the Silver Achievement in Quality award for its outstanding performance in the health care profession.

Fairview joined North Adams Commons and Hunt Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (Danvers) in winning the 2014 Silver Award, three of only 81 facilities nationwide and the only ones selected in Massachusetts. All three are affiliates of Berkshire Healthcare Systems. Nearly 300 facilities across the country sought the designation. The competitive award program highlights select centers across the nation that serve as models of excellence in providing high-quality long term care.

“We are proud to have received the Silver Award and we’re pleased that an independent panel of examiners saw the high value we place on quality care and service excellence,” said Katie Coburn, administrator at Fairview Commons. “Our focus at Fairview has always been on people. We want to continue to evolve our quality care and service to even greater heights.”

Implemented by AHCA/NCAL in 1996, the National Quality Award Program is centered on the core values and criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. The program assists providers of long term and post-acute care services in achieving their performance excellence goals.


“I am proud that Fairview Commons is standing among the ranks of other centers that are delivering quality care,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “Our profession is stronger through the work and dedication of these centers.”

The program has three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Facilities begin the quality improvement process at the Bronze level and must receive an award at each level before proceeding to the next.

As a recipient of the Silver Achievement in Quality award, Fairview Commons demonstrated systematic advancements in quality, plans for continual improvement and sustainable organizational goals.

 The award will be presented to Fairview Commons during AHCA/NCAL’s 66th Annual Convention and Exposition, October 4-7, 2015, in San Antonio, Texas.

 

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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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