Dr. Ronald Hayden honored by BMC staff for Patient-Centered Care

10:46AM / Friday, March 30, 2007Print Story | Email Story

In conjunction with National Doctors Day, the staff of Berkshire Medical Center has recognized Ronald Hayden, M.D. with its Most Patient-Centered Doctor award for 2007. Dr. Hayden is the Medical Director of the BMC Emergency Department. He was honored during a special breakfast reception held for the entire medical staff at BMC on March 30, National Doctors Day. â€œDr. Hayden provides patients with care that is sensitive to their needs for comfort and communication. He listens closely to their concerns and involves family members in decisions about care. His approach supports our Planetree philosophy of patient-focused careâ€â€™ said Helen Downey, RN, Chief Operating Officer. â€œThe Emergency Department is our front door to the community, and through Ronâ€™s leadership our staff has excelled at providing quality care and excellent patient satisfaction ratingsâ€ The staff of Berkshire Medical Center submitted nominations for the award. They chose to honor Dr. Hayden, 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 health care 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 patientsâ€™ needs, rather than hospital or individual routines and schedules. The criteria for nomination included citing a physician who demonstrates respect for individuals in interactions with patients, their loved ones and staff colleagues, taking the time to answer all questions posed by the patient, family and nurses, has demonstrated ability to alleviate patientsâ€™ fear and anxiety and frequently involves family and friends in patient care. Additionally, the physician was selected for promoting teamwork and communication among various disciplines, encouraging and enhancing positive staff relationships. Dr. Hayden has been the Medical Director of the Emergency Department at BMC since October of 2000 and is a native of the town of Adams. He came to Berkshire Medical Center from Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago, where he was co-director of the Department of Emergency Medicine. Board Certified in Emergency Medicine, Dr. Hayden received his Medical Degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, completed his residency training at the University of Illinois-affiliated hospitals in Chicago and was a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction.

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.

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