BMC Doctor Honored with Patient-Centered Award

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A highly respected BMC Emergency Medicine specialist has been recognized with the 2017 Patient-Centered Physician Award, presented annually to a physician who exemplifies the philosophy of patient-centered care at BMC. 

Dennis Owens, MD, a longtime member of the Emergency Department team, was awarded the honor during a special breakfast ceremony on March 30, National Doctors Day. 

"In the past we have honored many remarkable physicians and surgeons, but I have to say this year’s recipient of the 14th annual Patient-Centered Physician award stood out, not just in his qualifications to receive this honor, but in the sheer number of nominations that validated this honor. Dr. Dennis Owens received 29 nominations from our staff, who view him as a role model and leader who demonstrates caring through quality interactions with his patients and those who work alongside him," said Diane Kelly, BMC's chief operating officer. "Our Emergency Department is always busy. We care for tens of thousands of people each year, and when they come through our doors they are often scared, and certainly experiencing an acute illness or injury that requires immediate attention. It’s clear from the words we have seen from his colleagues that Dr. Owens responds to this challenging environment by being able to calm fears and ease pain and worry. His empathy for the patient and their loved ones, and his strong communication skills with staff lead to very positive outcomes for our patients. They trust him, and we are a better hospital for having his knowledge, experience, good humor, and passion for patient care."

The staff of Berkshire Medical Center submitted nominations for the award. They chose to honor Dr. Owens, among the many fine physicians on staff at BMC based on his actions as a role model and physician leader who demonstrates caring through quality interactions with others. The award focuses on communicating with patients and families, involving patients in healthcare decisions, taking the time to talk with patients and listen to their concerns, and working collaboratively and respectfully with all other members of the care team so that everyone can do their very best in addressing patient care issues. These behaviors exemplify a growing philosophical belief that all care activities must be centered around the patients’ needs, rather than hospital or individual routines and schedules.

The Patient-Centered Physician Award is presented each year in conjunction with National Doctors Day. Previous recipients of the Patient Centered Physician Award are: Drs. Robert Wespiser, Richard Perera, Todd Lasner, Ronald Hayden, Paula Aucoin, Andrew Beckwith, Wade Gebara, Rocco Iannucci, Marcella Bradway, William DeMarco, Michael McHugh, Michael DeLeo, and Hafez Alsmaan.


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Dalton Planning Board OKs Gravel Company Permit

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Planning Board approved the renewal of Nichols Sand and Gravel's special permit for earth removal. 
 
The company, located at 190 Cleveland Road, operates a gravel pit there. 
 
The hours of operation will remain 7 to 4 p.m. The commission approved owner Paul Nichols' request to allow trucks to depart the property in either direction. 
 
Nichols has to apply for renewal of the special permit every year. The previous permit required the truck to exit the property to the right.
 
It makes more sense to go left if truck drivers have to go to the Pittsfield area, Nichols said. He has talked to the residents in the area and they are agreeable to the change. 
 
Former residents requested this stipulation nearly 16 years ago to reduce the number of trucks using the residential street to avoid disturbing the quality of life and neighborhood. 
 
There weren't any residents present during the meeting who expressed concerns regarding this change.
 
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