Fallon Health helps fund new Starrett Center for Emergency Care at Athol Hospital
David W. Hillis recognized during opening ceremony for new waiting room
Athol, Mass., June. 27, 2019 — Fallon Health, a nationally recognized not-for-profit health care services organization, and Athol Hospital, a non-profit, critical access hospital and acute care and outpatient facility serving the North Quabbin region, today announced the official opening of the Fallon Health Waiting Area in the new Starrett Center for Emergency Care at Athol Hospital.
The newly upgraded facility, located at 2033 Main St. in Athol, was funded in part through a donation from Fallon Health.
The improvements are part of the Fulfilling Our Promise capital campaign which includes the development of The Quabbin Retreat and the development of a new surgical platform at Heywood Hospital. Aimed at improving care access and quality for the Northern Worcester County community, the designs support the provision of high-level care close to home. The new Emergency Department will enhance the hospital’s services by:
- Doubling the capacity to include eight dedicated acute care rooms
- Improving privacy through separate patient treatment areas and traffic areas
- Creating five dedicated behavioral health rooms
“We commend Athol Hospital and the outstanding improvements they are making to better serve the community.” said Richard Burke, President and CEO of Fallon Health. “Fallon Health recognizes the importance of the critical services that are provided there, and we are proud to support Heywood Healthcare, including Athol Hospital, in its commitment to improving the community’s health and well-being.”
Fallon Health also honored David W. Hillis, who has ties to both Fallon and Athol Hospital and also contributed to the upgrades. Hillis first joined the Fallon Board of Directors in 2003, becoming Chair in 2009. Over his 15 years of service, his insight helped guide the Board as it carried out its duties in support of Fallon’s mission. Hillis is also a dedicated supporter of Athol Hospital, where his father, Frederic Hillis, served as Chief Administrator form 1960 to his retirement in 1985.
Melissa Randall
Corporate Communications Manager, Fallon Health
508-368-9345
Dawn Casavant
Vice President of Development, Chief Philanthropy Officer,
Heywood Healthcare
1-978-630-6431
About Fallon Health
Founded in 1977, Fallon Health is a leading health care services organization that supports the diverse and changing needs of those we serve. In addition to offering innovative health insurance solutions and a variety of Medicaid and Medicare products, we excel in creating unique health care programs and services that provide coordinated, integrated care for seniors and individuals with complex health needs. Fallon has consistently ranked among the nation’s top health plans and is accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its HMO, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid products.
About Athol Hospital
A member of the Heywood Healthcare system, Athol Hospital is a 25-bed non-profit, acute care and outpatient facility serving the communities of the North Quabbin region of Massachusetts. Athol Hospital’s services include 24/7 Emergency Care, Oncology, Radiology and Laboratory, Diabetes Center and Center for Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. It is designated as a Critical Access Hospital and Primary Stroke Center, licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and accredited by the Joint Commission.
About Heywood Healthcare
Heywood Healthcare is an independent, community-owned healthcare system serving north central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. It is comprised of Heywood Hospital, a non-profit, 134-bed acute-care hospital in Gardner, MA; Athol Hospital, a 25-bed not-for-profit, Critical Access Hospital in Athol, MA; Heywood Medical Group with primary care physicians and specialists located throughout the region; four satellite facilities in MA – Heywood Rehabilitation Center in Gardner, West River Health Center in Orange, Winchendon Health Center and Murdock School-based Health Center in Winchendon - and Heywood Charitable Foundation and the North Quabbin Community Coalition, an affiliate organization.