Fairview Hospital Receives $1 Million Donation for Laboratory Renovation

GREAT BARRINGTON — Berkshire Health Systems announced it has received a donation of $1 million to support the relocation and renovation of the Fairview Hospital Clinical Laboratory in order to better serve inpatient, outpatient, and Emergency Department needs.

The new laboratory will be named in honor of Eugene Dellea, former president of Fairview Hospital, who has dedicated his career to serving the Berkshire community. Dellea is currently vice president of Government Relations for Berkshire Health Systems.

This significant donation will support the new laboratory with an upgraded electrical infrastructure and air-filtration systems that will support new diagnostic technology and equipment. The hospital processes nearly 140,000 tests each year. A more central location on the main floor of the hospital will be more convenient for patients and allow the staff to process testing more quickly and efficiently.

“We are extremely grateful to our anonymous donors for this incredibly generous gift in Gene Dellea’s honor,” said Darlene Rodowicz, Berkshire Health Systems president and CEO. “This donation will directly improve the services our patients receive, matching Gene’s selfless commitment to helping all in our community to achieve better health and well-being.”

Tony Scibelli, system vice president and chief operating officer of Fairview Hospital, added that “life-saving decisions depend upon accurate lab testing and fast results. This incredible gift will improve the quality of care for the more than 27,000 people who rely on the Fairview Hospital laboratory each year.”

Dellea joined the former Hillcrest Hospital in September 1955, where he quickly became the chief medical technologist. During his early years at Hillcrest, Dellea was instrumental in building a new, state-of-the-art laboratory. In addition to his work at Hillcrest, he was known for his commitment to preventive healthcare, organizing many community health screenings for diabetes and providing other lab services.

“This donation provides us with the opportunity to recognize Gene’s long and distinguished career in healthcare by dedicating the new Fairview laboratory in his name,” Rodowicz said.