A Community Effort
On a memorable Thursday, the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) unveiled its new $31 million Emergency Department. The event was marked by a strong sense of community spirit.
U.S. Sen. Peter Welch emphasized the community’s role, stating, “This project is all you, I mean, this was all the community.” His words highlighted the collective effort required to meet the healthcare needs of the citizens, acknowledging the challenges faced by healthcare leaders and the board.
Years in the Making
Three years prior, on another sunny August day, the groundwork for the Kendall Emergency Department was laid. This was the first phase of a $40 million initiative aimed at modernizing the campus, including doubling the size of the cancer center.
Thomas Dee, SVMC’s president and CEO, expressed gratitude to the community, particularly Don and Nancy Kendall, for their generous support. He remarked, “A case can be made that emergency services is probably the most important services for a community hospital.”
Impact on the Community
The transformation of the emergency room and related facilities is expected to significantly impact the community, which sees about 25,000 patients annually. The new design promises improved patient registration and lobby spaces.
Symbolic Ceremonies
In a symbolic gesture, Dee and Kathleen Fisher, chair of the board of trustees, buried a time capsule with materials from the hospital’s centennial year in 2018. Donald Kendall, a major donor, then cut the ribbon with golden scissors, marking the official opening.
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