HCN News & Notes

Berkshire Health Systems Begins Next Steps of Fairview Hospital Master Facility Plan

GREAT BARRINGTON — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) announced it is entering the next steps of its plan to upgrade Fairview Hospital. The campus revitalization plan focuses on blending historical preservation with innovative design to better integrate new technologies and provide a more welcoming, personalized, and inclusive environment for patients at every step along their journey.

BHS contracted ERDMAN, a national leader in healthcare strategy, design, and implementation, to study and make recommendations regarding how to improve Fairview Hospital’s campus to meet the current standards of healthcare facilities.

While the specific details of the plans are still being finalized, the overall elements of the plan include construction of a new outpatient building adjacent to the current hospital, which will include new MRI, imaging, and surgical suites, as well as an expanded emergency department. There are also plans to renovate a floor in the existing building to create new, modern patient rooms. Together, these upgrades will offer more space for state-of-the-art treatment and technology, allowing Fairview Hospital to meet the changing needs of its community.

“We are thrilled to embark on the next steps of our master facility plan, investing in the future of Fairview Hospital — a project that has been on the horizon for years as an important step for modernizing this beloved, historic building,” said Darlene Rodowicz, BHS president and CEO. “We look forward to seeking input from key stakeholders, including neighbors and the broader South County community, at upcoming meetings and through personalized conversations. The combined support of our staff, our donors, and the entire community is critical to the success of this project and the future of our beloved community hospital.”

These upgrades to strengthen Fairview Hospital will be made possible in part due to generous support from the community. BHS and Fairview Hospital leadership will be presenting tentative plans and collecting feedback from members of the community throughout the summer through the following community meetings:

• Late June: Small meeting to discuss next steps with Fairview Hospital’s property abutters, by invitation only.

• July 22: Open meeting with any community members who are interested in learning more or asking questions about the building plan for Fairview Hospital.