Fairview Hospital named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems announced Fairview Hospital has been recognized as a 2026 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. 
 
This is the 14th straight year that Fairview has achieved the Top 100 designation. The Top 100 awards program celebrates outstanding performance annually among the nation's rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, stated a press release.
 
"The South Berkshire community expects and relies on only the highest level of care from our caregivers and staff at Fairview Hospital," said Tony Scibelli, BHS Vice President and Fairview Chief Operating Officer. "This ongoing recognition epitomizes the commitment our staff makes each and every day for each and every patient who walks through Fairview's doors."
 
"The delivery of care within rural communities is perhaps more complex today than at any point in recent memory. This year's Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals have emerged as true leaders – committed to their mission through a powerful combination of resilience, dedication and innovation," said Michael Topchik, Executive Director of The Chartis Center for Rural Health. "We're delighted to recognize this year's winners and celebrate their Top 100 status."
 
Now in its 16th year, the INDEX is the industry's most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is utilized nationwide by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations, quality, patient perspective and finance.

Tags: BHS,   BMC,   Fairview Hospital,   

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Lee Breaks Ground on Public Safety Building

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Lee Town Administrator Chris Brittain says the community voted to invest in its future by approving the new $37 million complex. 

LEE, Mass. — Ground was ceremonially broken on the town's new public safety building, something officials see as a gift to the community and future generations. 

When finished, Lee will have a 37,000 square-foot combined public safety facility on Railroad Street where the Airoldi and Department of Public Works buildings once stood. Construction will cost around $24 million, and is planned to be completed in August 2027.

"This is the town of Lee being proactive. This is the town of Lee being thoughtful and considerate and practical and assertive, and this project is not just for us. This project is a gift," Select Board member Bob Jones said. 

"This is a gift to our children, our grandchildren."

State and local officials, including U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, gathered at the site on Friday, clad in hard hats and yellow vests, and shoveled some dirt to kick off the build. 

Town Administrator Chris Brittain explained that officials have planned and reviewed the need for a modern facility for the public safety departments for years, and that the project marks a new chapter, replacing 19th-century infrastructure with a "state-of-the-art" complex.

"The project is not just about concrete and steel, it's a commitment to the safety of our families, the efficiency of our first responders, and the future of our community," he said. 

He said he was grateful to the town's Police, Fire, and Building departments for their dedication while operating out of outdated facilities, and to the Department of Public Works, for coordinating site preparation and relocating its services. 

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