Fifty years ago, the emergency room at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) was a humble space that served approximately ten patients a day. Fast forward to today, and the ER now sees an average of 38 patients daily, with some days reaching up to 50 or 60 patients. The exponential increase in demand has placed a significant strain on the facility and its dedicated staff, prompting the need for a major overhaul and expansion.
Recognizing the pressing need for change, NVRH initiated plans to revamp its ER, along with the addition of a new laboratory and pharmacy as part of the transformative “West Wing Project.” Union Bank, a longstanding supporter of NVRH, seized the opportunity to give back to the community in a meaningful way. Emily Hutchison, Director of Philanthropy at NVRH, expressed gratitude for Union Bank’s continuous support, emphasizing the pivotal role their contributions play in meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the community.
Through past donations towards the creation of the Cancer Center, renovations to the Birthing Center, and Covid relief efforts during the pandemic, Union Bank has demonstrated unwavering commitment to NVRH and its mission. Notably, the bank went above and beyond by waiving processing fees for credit card transactions to alleviate financial burdens on the hospital during challenging times.
Recent philanthropic endeavors of Union Bank include:
- Supporting the hospital’s West Wing Project
- Expanding and improving the ER to better serve the community
- Enhancing lab and pharmacy facilities to meet growing healthcare demands
- Addressing mental health crises with specialized services
The necessity of this expansion and renovation project stems from NVRH’s role as a critical access hospital catering to the healthcare needs of Caledonia County and portions of Essex County, as well as patients from Northern Vermont and New Hampshire. As Vermont’s population continues to age rapidly, NVRH faces the unique challenge of serving an older demographic with increasingly complex care requirements.
The upgraded ER, with its expanded space and advanced amenities, is poised to meet the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. With phase one of the West Wing Project complete and plans for further enhancements underway, NVRH is set to provide enhanced medical services for the community in the years ahead. This transformation is not just about physical spaces; it symbolizes a commitment to the well-being and resilience of the community at large.
