Putting you on the path to recovery
No matter what brings you to the hospital, our goal is to get you back to enjoying the life you love.
Whether you’re with us for one night or for several, our inpatient care team will take advantage of this one-on-one time to continuously monitor your health status and progress, while adjusting the type and level of care needed to move down the path of recovery.
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center's (SVMC's) nursing team is Magnet recognized—a program that distinguishes healthcare organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence, and innovations in professional nursing practice. For you, the patient, this translates to a high level of care, safety, and satisfaction.
For more information about what to expect and what to bring for your overnight stay, visit the the Staying at the Hospital page. For information about leaving the hospital, see the Getting Discharged page.
See our Patient Information Guide (PDF) for detailed information.
Inpatient areas
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Staffed by a highly qualified team of board certified physicians and ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) certified nurses, our ICU is dedicated to caring for the needs of critically ill patients and those recovering from major surgery. The ICU is recognized by The Joint Commission and provides constant monitoring and compassionate care to patients when they need it most.
- Medical-Surgical Unit: On any given day, more than a dozen patients can be on our medical-surgical unit for likely a dozen different reasons. But while the needs of each patient are different, each benefits from the skill, collaboration, and compassion of our medical-surgical nursing team.
- Women's and Children's services: SVMC’s Women’s and Children's Services provides the latest in maternity care as well as care for a variety of other conditions for women and children. We offer complete care from highly trained, board-certified OB/GYN physicians, pediatricians, midwives, and nurse practitioners. We also offer certified lactation consultants to help new moms with breastfeeding. Learn more about Women's and Children's Services.
Inpatient Medicine team
Our skilled specialists are committed to providing the best possible care and support during your hospital stay. Here are some of the team members who will care for you while you're here:
- Case managers: From the moment you arrive, a case manager is working to ensure you get the care you need to transition out of the hospital as quickly and easily as possible. If you have any questions about your care, ask to speak with your case manager.
- Clinical pharmacists: Unlike many other hospitals, we offer the opportunity to meet with a pharmacist before you return home. A clinical pharmacist may visit with you to discuss your medications and ensure you understand how to use your medications effectively. Learn more about our inpatient pharmacy.
- Hospitalists: Several team members work together to provide excellent inpatient experiences. If you are in Medical-Surgical Unit or the ICU, you will likely encounter a hospitalist. This specialized physician is responsible for guiding your care while in the hospital. Learn more about our hospitalists.
- Housekeeping: Patient rooms and the hospital are kept clean and sanitary thanks to the efforts of the housekeeping staff. They are serious about their work. Your room will be cleaned daily. If you have a concern about cleanliness, tell your nurse. Your housekeeping need will be addressed as quickly as possible.
- Nurses: Magnet recognition ensures we’ve got the best nursing staff anywhere. They are your link to all of the services available at the hospital. They include registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and nursing care assistants. Their job is to provide care and to make you as comfortable as possible. Ask them for anything you feel would improve your care or comfort.
- Nutrition services: Good food is an important part of getting better. While here you will encounter friendly and professional staff who take your orders and deliver your meal to you. Learn more about menus and meal options.
- Student nurses: Our nurses are so good that several area colleges send nursing students here to learn from them. Although some of your care may be provided or observed by a nursing student, all of your care will be delivered in accordance with your physician’s directions and supervised by a licensed professional.
- Volunteers: We are grateful for the work of volunteers. You may encounter a Red Cross Hospital Volunteer delivering mail or flowers, attending the Information Desk, assisting visitors, or transporting you from one area of the hospital to another. Volunteers also help with non-medical tasks in the Imaging and Emergency departments. For information about volunteering, visit the Volunteer Opportunities page.
- Other staff: Depending on your needs, you may also receive consultations from a nutritionist; an infectious disease specialist; a Transitional Care Nurse; or a physical, occupational, or speech therapist. No matter your needs, we make sure that you have the expert who can help you.