We're grateful for the understanding our patients, visitors, and staff have shown as they navigate the temporary changes that come with a project of this size. It's exciting to watch the Hoyt-Hunter Center for Oncology Care take shape.
Ron Zimmerman, Vice President of Support ServicesIf you've visited Southwestern Vermont Medical Center's (SVMC) Bennington campus recently, you've probably noticed a lot of construction activity—especially around the Dartmouth Cancer Center Bennington. While temporary changes to parking, traffic patterns, and building access may require a little extra patience, they're all signs of exciting improvements that will benefit our community for years to come.
A New Chapter for Cancer Care
Construction began in March on an 11,000-square-foot addition that will become the Hoyt-Hunter Center for Oncology Care at Dartmouth Cancer Center Bennington. The expansion marks the first phase of SVMC's Cancer Center Modernization project and is made possible through the SVHC Foundation's Vision 2020: A Decade of Transformation capital campaign. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the campaign has raised more than $32 million to support this project and the now completed construction of to the hospital's main entrance and Kendall Emergency Department.
The first phase of cancer center construction is expected to be complete by March 2027. At that point, cancer care services will move into the new addition while the existing 9,000-square-foot cancer center is renovated. The full modernization project is scheduled for completion in winter 2028.
"Maintaining uninterrupted patient care has been our top priority throughout this project," said Ron Zimmerman, SVMC's Vice President of Support Services. "Our construction partner, Walsh Brothers, has worked closely with us to minimize disruptions for patients, visitors, and staff while keeping this important project on schedule."
When complete, the expanded cancer center will offer:
- Thirteen private infusion bays
- Four Community infusion chairs
- Private consultation rooms
- A centrally located nursing station with full visibility of patient care areas
"We're grateful for the understanding our patients, visitors, and staff have shown as they navigate the temporary changes that come with a project of this size," Zimmerman said. "It's exciting to watch the Hoyt-Hunter Center for Oncology Care take shape."
More Improvements Across Campus
The cancer center isn't the only project underway. Three additional initiatives are helping strengthen healthcare, wellness and community services on the SVMC campus.
Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health Unit
Construction is underway on a new Adolescent Inpatient Behavioral Health (AIM) Unit, supported through state funding. Demolition is underway on an existing 6,600-square-feet space on the hospital's lower level. When the renovation and expansion are complete, the 7,800-square-foot unit will provide 10 private inpatient beds for adolescents, plus one specialized bed for young patients with more complex medical needs.
Developed in partnership with Dartmouth Health's Department of Psychiatry, the AIM Unit is expected to welcome its first patients in summer 2028, expanding access to much-needed behavioral health care for young people in the region.
Learning Tree Child Care Center
Thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SVMC's Learning Tree Child Care Center will expand its capacity from 60 to 90 children. Renovations within the existing facility are expected to be completed in spring 2028.
Learning Tree is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and has earned Vermont's highest five-star rating through the Step Ahead Recognition System (STARS), reflecting its commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education.
A New Wellness Garden
A peaceful new Wellness Garden is also coming to the SVMC campus, thanks to the generosity of two local families. Located near the hospital's main entrance, the garden will offer patients, visitors, and staff a welcoming outdoor space to rest, reflect, and recharge.
A landscaped walking path will wind through the garden, connecting several seating areas. At its heart will stand a driftwood horse sculpture by the late Rita Dee, an acclaimed contemporary artist and the wife of retired SVMC President and CEO Tom Dee. Donated by the Dee family, the sculpture honors Rita's memory while creating a beautiful focal point for reflection and healing.
Construction on the Wellness Garden begins in July and is expected to be complete by early October.
Together, these projects represent a significant investment in the health and well-being of our region. Each also highlights powerful collaborations with our donor community, state and federal agencies, and within the Dartmouth Health system to meet the needs of our communities.