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CEO Message to the Community – September 2024

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M&T Bank Makes Generous Donation To Primary Care Clinic Project

M & T Bank Award

Remus Preda, Craig Arsenault, & Kathy Schirling (back row, left to right) of M&T Bank visited Grace Cottage today to present the bank’s $100,000 grant for the Primary Care Clinic project to Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital’s CEO Olivia Sweetnam and Board President, Martha Dale (front, left to right).


Flu Shot Clinics

We will be offering two Flu Shot Clinics this fall, on Saturday, October 5 and on Saturday, November 2 from 9 a.m. until noon, at Grace Cottage Family Health. Pre-registration is recommended (call 802-365-4331); walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits. You do not need to be an established patient at Grace Cottage to get a flu shot at these clinics; anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Most insurance covers flu shots; please bring an ID and insurance card with you. If you are not insured, payment for your flu shot is expected at the time of service.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months of age and older get an annual flu vaccine. People over age 65 or those with any chronic disease, such as diabetes or asthma, have a higher risk of contracting the flu and are especially urged to get the shot.
Two different flu shots are being offered this year, one for those age six months to 64, and another for those who are 65 and older. Flu shots are also available at Grace Cottage weekdays by appointment; call 802-365-4331.

For more information about flu shots or the flu in general, visit the national CDC and Prevention website (www.cdc.gov), the Vermont Department of Health website (www.healthvermont.gov), or call the Vermont helpline at 2-1-1.


Covid Booster Shots

Many have asked when Grace Cottage will receive the Covid vaccine: The Vermont Department of Health determines the timing of distribution of the vaccines, and they haven’t yet given us a date. Once they do, we’ll put that information on our website (gracecottage.org) and our Facebook page (facebook.com/GraceCottageHospital/ — You don’t have to be a Facebook user to access the page.) In the meantime, do be aware that there are quite a few COVID cases in our community and you may want to take appropriate precautions.


Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic Update

Grace Cottage EntranceConstruction is proceeding on schedule for the new Outpatient Rehab Clinic, and our physical and occupational therapists are eager to get set up in their larger space (5,137 sq. ft. compared to 3,141 in their current location). For many years, the outpatient daily volume averaged 34 patients; but currently, it is not uncommon for the average to exceed 70 patients.

We will keep you updated, but a move-in date in late November or early December is looking realistic! 11 treatment rooms (including specific rooms designated for specialized pediatric treatment, hand & occupational therapy, lymphedema services, and pelvic health) and a large Rehab gym with a variety of equipment.

 


I’d like to close with the following letter that appeared on the front page of the September issue of The Grafton News:

“To The Editor:
I suddenly found myself in [my husband’s] truck speeding to Grace Cottage ER writhing in pain. As I approached the new ER, crumpled over in pain, from the time that automatic door opened, within seconds a nurse brought a wheelchair to me, took me into one of the brand new rooms at the new ER building where upon Brittney and her staff for the night went into full action, exemplifying nothing less than medical expertise. The three nurses on duty that night collectively went about attending to each and every need. Nothing was left undone, between the meds needed and many tests taken, in making sure the diagnosis was correct. It was a long, frightening night, but the care and concern and professionalism proved that Grace Cottage is the premier hospital to turn to. We are beyond blessed to have this gem in our surrounding towns. I would of course hope that no one has to face an ER visit, but if one does, this is the diamond in the rough. As many of you might know, funds are being raised to build a new clinic for Grace Cottage, which will be state of the art. It will be the first of its kind in southern Vermont. Home safe and sound and ever so grateful for the professionalism and care of Grace Cottage. The staff just seems to wrap their arms around you.”
– Terry Pollio


I hope that you’re able to get outside to enjoy some of this beautiful summer/autumn weather!

Olivia Sweetnam, CEO