On Thursday, August 29, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), a member of Dartmouth Health, celebrated the completion of a three-year renovation and construction project that modernized its emergency department, front entrance and other public areas in the hospital.
Part of Vision 2020, A Decade of Transformation capital campaign, the $31 million project was primarily funded through philanthropic giving. The project included expanding and renovating the emergency department to create the new Kendall Emergency Department (ED), construction of a new front entrance, including the Richard and Pamela Ader Foundation Lobby, the Jackie and Tony Marro Café and the Stout Thomson Waiting Area and Outpatient Registration, The renovated and new spaces were named in honor of major supporters of the campaign, many of whom attended the official SVMC Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Thursday, along with ED staff, local leaders and dignitaries.
“This transformation of our Emergency Department, key patient areas and front lobby will have a profound impact on this community and the care we provide for many years to come,” said SVMC CEO and President Thomas A. Dee, FACHE.
Dee thanked and recognized all of the major donors and friends who supported the Vision 2020 Campaign thus far and SVMC’s volunteer leaders, including Kathy Fisher, Chair of the Board of Trustees. He also thanked the ED physicians, providers, nurses and clinical staff, in addition to the engineering and vendor teams that brought the plan renderings into reality.
“This project was a massive team effort, made possible by many talented and resourceful people,” Dee said.
Dartmouth Health’s CEO and President Joanne M Conroy, MD, also marked this special celebration on Thursday, noting the partnership that began with SVMC in 2012, before the integration last July.
“The transformation of the SVMC ED and other key spaces on the campus will enhance the care experience for patients and continue the legacy of SVMC and Dartmouth Health responding to the needs our communities,” Conroy said. “And, this is just the start. It will be exciting to see what the future brings.”
The Kendall ED was completed recently and includes a number of modernizations to enhance care and the patient and family experience, including private rooms with hands-free wave action access doors to reduce infection control risks and negative pressure capability to help keep patients and staff safe during airborne infection outbreaks. SVMC’s ED serves about 25,000 patients a year. The ED also includes a new Emergency Crisis Area (ECA) for patients in psychiatric crisis. This is a 5-room area, fitted with de-escalation tools.
U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) congratulated SVMC on the completed projects, which he said will enhance healthcare delivery in the state. He highlighted the commitment to community shown by donors, staff, community members and volunteer leaders at SVMC.
“All of you have made the impossible achievable with this extraordinary improvement of the emergency department facilities,” Sen. Welch said.
SVMC’s new Stout Thomson Waiting Area and Outpatient Registration opens to the public on Thursday, Sept. 5.
The Vision 2020 campaign is an ongoing effort that will include construction of a new cancer center on the campus. Following regulatory approvals, SVMC plans to start construction of that new facility next spring.
About Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
For more than a century, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) has delivered world-class care and comfort to every patient. Today, SVMC encompasses eight locations across Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts, including a 99-bed hospital and 23 primary and specialty care services. SVMC’s exceptional health teams possess expertise in everything from oncology to orthopedics. Our clinical strength has earned national attention, including six consecutive designations from the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. Since joining Dartmouth Health in 2023, SVMC has expanded treatment options and services to keep patients closer to home for world-class care. As the largest employer in southwestern Vermont, SVMC is deeply invested in the region, engaging with the community through wellness initiatives, support of local nonprofit organizations and involvement in economic development. SVMC has robust volunteer leadership, at many levels, that help guide and govern the organization, ensuring SVMC continues to serve the patient and staff needs of today, and tomorrow.