BMC Renaming Cancer Center After Former President, CEO

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems is renaming the BMC Cancer Center to honor former health system President and CEO David E. Phelps in recognition of his leadership in the development of the center and its membership in the Dana-Farber Cancer Care Collaborative.

The new name is the Phelps Cancer Center.

"Throughout Dave's nearly three decades at the helm of our organization, BHS overcame a seriously troubled financial outlook and weak quality performance to become an A-rated system financially and a nationally recognized performer in patient care, quality, and safety," said Darlene Rodowicz, president and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems. "One of Dave's greatest accomplishments during his tenure was the establishment of the cancer center at the Hillcrest Campus of BMC, which opened in fall 2013."

Phelps, who retired in January, developed a vision for a cancer care facility that would not only smoothly coordinate the highest quality care for patients in a convenient, close-to-home location, but would also offer integrated, whole-patient care for patients and their families, including social worker support, fitness, acupuncture, nutrition assistance, and other types of integrative wellness programming.

The cancer experience of a close family member led Phelps to engage with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and the idea of maintaining a close relationship with a leading research organization like Dana-Farber became an integral part of his plans for the future of cancer care in the Berkshires, which ultimately led to the creation of the Dana-Farber Cancer Care Collaborative, of which BMC was the first member.

"Our organization's relationships with community hospitals have allowed Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to collaborate and expand what's possible. That started here in collaboration with Berkshire Medical Center," said Elizabeth Liebow, chief integration officer and senior vice president of strategy and organizational effectiveness for Dana-Farber. "BMC and Dana-Farber have been involved in a 10-year relationship of respect and mutual learning."

As a collaborative member, Phelps Cancer Center standards and practices are validated by one of the nation's leading cancer care and research institutions. The relationship ensures that patients can have streamlined access to specialists and second opinions at Dana-Farber in Boston. It also gives them access to participate in Dana-Farber clinical trials and enables Phelps Center clinical staff to engage with Dana-Farber professional groups and other collaborative members to continue developing new ways to serve Berkshire patients.

Barton Raser, chair of the Berkshire Health Systems board of trustees, commented on the incredible value of the cancer center, stating, "Dave has given our community a priceless gift — what we have right here in the Berkshires at the cancer center is hope. And the promise that no cancer patient is ever alone. On behalf of the board and leadership of BHS, we are proud to re-name the cancer center in Dave's honor."

Pittsfield City Council Weighs in on 'Crisis' in Public Schools

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
08:59PM / Monday, December 23, 2024

A half-dozen people addressed the City Council from the floor of Monday's meeting, including Valerie Anderson, right.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After expressing anger and outrage and making numerous calls for accountability and transparency, the 11 members of the City Council on Monday voted to support the School Committee in seeking an independent investigation into allegations of misconduct by staff members at Pittsfield High School that have come to light in recent weeks.

 

At the close of a month that has seen three PHS administrators put on administrative leave, including one who was arrested on drug trafficking charges, the revelation that the district is facing a civil lawsuit over inappropriate conduct by a former teacher and that a staff member who left earlier in the year is also under investigation at his current workplace, the majority of the council felt compelled to speak up about the situation.

 

"While the City Council does not have jurisdiction over the schools … we have a duty to raise our voices and amplify your concerns and ensure this crisis is met with the urgency it demands," Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey said.

 

About two dozen community members attended the special meeting of the council, which had a single agenda item.

 

Four of the councilors precipitated the meeting with a motion that the council join the School Committee in its search for an investigation and that the council, "be included in the delivery of any disclosures, interim reports or findings submitted to the city."

 

Last week, the School Committee decided to launch that investigation. On Monday, City Council President Peter White said the School Committee has a meeting scheduled for Dec. 30 to authorize its chair to enter negotiations with the Springfield law firm of Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas to conduct that probe.

 

Ward 7 Councilor Rhonda Serre, the principal author of the motion of support, was one of several members who noted that the investigation process will take time, and she, like Kavey, acknowledged that the council has no power over the public schools beyond its approval of the annual district budget.