Renal Dialysis services in Southern Berkshire

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GREAT BARRINGTON - Patients in need of Renal Dialysis services in Southern Berkshire will benefit from the opening of a new dialysis center affiliated with Fairview Hospital. The Fairview Dialysis Center will be managed clinically by the Berkshire Medical Center Dialysis Unit, and is scheduled to open in either the late summer or early fall at 10 Maple Ave. in Great Barrington.

The BMC Dialysis Unit has experienced considerable growth in the number of patients being served in Berkshire County. In fact, the Pittsfield unit is at capacity and operating six days each week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The opening of the Fairview Dialysis Center will offer a closer treatment option for residents of South Berkshire, in addition to those patients that visit the area as tourists or second homeowners and need dialysis care.

"Berkshire Health Systems is making a significant investment in the care of patients in need of dialysis in Southern Berkshire," said Gene Dellea, President of Fairview Hospital. "Fairview is committed to providing our residents and visitors with locally based services, and being part of a comprehensive healthcare network like BHS allows us to continue that tradition."


The Fairview Dialysis Center will be open three days each week when it begins operation, with two shifts. Plans are to expand the availability in the near future.

In addition to Dr. Albert, the Fairview Dialysis Center will be managed by Sarah Baumann, Clinical Director and will feature the services of Nurse Practitioner Susan Downey Luhrmann; Jennifer Stover, RN and Nancy Rossin, RN; and technician Dale Reed.

For more information on the Fairview Dialysis Center, call 413-447-3060.
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Kennedy Calls BCC Workforce Graduates Inspiring

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The programs ranged from emergency medical technician to computers to commercial drivers. See more photos here. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College Workforce and Community Education graduates were encouraged to be all they can be on Wednesday.
 
Graduates, families, friends, and staff gathered in Boland Theatre to celebrate around 100 graduates who completed a variety of courses.
 
They included community health worker, emergency medical technician, phlebotomy technician, registered behavior technician, AI fundamentals, Commercial Drivers License Class A and B, CompTIA Tech-plus, para educator, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
 
College President Ellen Kennedy said it was amazing that this might be her last public speaking event before her tenure comes to an end.
 
She acknowledged the diverse reasons for their studies including career advancement and personal growth, commending their vulnerability and dedication. 
 
"Some of you explored AI, some of you improved your English speaking in really important ways, and the reason that each of you is here is because you decided to put your heart and soul to get vulnerable to do something that might have felt a little bit uncomfortable," she said. "And you did it, and we are so incredibly proud of you, and so happy to be here tonight, celebrating you."
 
Keynote speaker Shirley Edgerton, founder of Rites of Passage and Empowerment (ROPE) encouraged the graduates to reflect on their accomplishments and look forward to the future.
 
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