Springfield Hospital

5/5/26 SPRINGFIELD, VT — Springfield Hospital is proud to announce that it now offers DaTscan imaging services, a specialized diagnostic tool that helps physicians evaluate patients with suspected movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia.

DaTscan is a type of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging that allows clinicians to visualize dopamine transporter levels in the brain. This advanced imaging technology supports more accurate differentiation between essential tremor and neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

“Bringing this technology to our community represents a significant step forward in neurological care,” said Hayley Druschel, MSHA, CNMT, RT(CT)(ARRT), Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Springfield Hospital. “Earlier and more accurate diagnosis enables our physicians to tailor treatment plans more effectively and improve patient outcomes.”

The addition of DaTscan services reflects Springfield Hospital’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to advanced diagnostic tools close to home. Previously, patients often had to travel to larger centers for this type of imaging and wait longer for appointments. With this new offering, patients can now receive comprehensive neurological evaluations close to home. All Nuclear Medicine studies conducted at Springfield Hospital are interpreted by Dartmouth Health-affiliated Nuclear Medicine Physicians and Radiologists, ensuring expert review.

Patients interested in learning more about the Hospital’s Nuclear Medicine imaging or scheduling a DaTscan appointment should contact Diagnostic Imaging at 802-885-7319 or visit http://www.springfieldhospital.org.

About Springfield Hospital Springfield Hospital is a critical access hospital dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. The Hospital offers a full range of medical services, including emergency care, in-patient care, specialty services such as general surgery and orthopedics, and advanced diagnostic imaging.

Media Contact: Tonia Fleming, MBA, CFRE Director of Marketing and Planning 802-885-7621 tfleming@springfieldhospital.org

Health care is a rewarding career, so to assist high school seniors in the Springfield Hospital service area who are considering entering the field, the Hospital is offering two scholarship opportunities.

First, the Springfield Hospital Medical Staff is offering the 2nd annual Healthcare Education Scholarship Program of $3,000 to one outstanding graduating high school senior planning to pursue ongoing education in healthcare. Applicants must submit the following:

• Application Form

• A letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or mentor.

• A 300–500-word essay outlining why they are choosing to pursue a career in healthcare and how the scholarship will help them achieve their goals.

• A copy of their high school transcript.

• Proof of acceptance into a post-secondary education program.

The second scholarship is the 21st annual Eileen Austin Neal Nursing Scholarship of $1,000 for students accepted into a nursing program of study. Applicants will be judged on interest in and commitment to the field of nursing. Determination will be based on merit and need.

Eileen Austin Neal was a registered nurse at Springfield Hospital for 64 years, retiring in 2005. Upon her death in February 2006, and at the request of Eileen’s family, Springfield Hospital established this scholarship fund in her name with gifts received in her memory. Applicants must submit the following:

• Application Form

• Financial need data

• Letter(s) of personal reference from a teacher, counselor, or mentor.

• A copy of their high school transcript.

• Proof of acceptance into a post-secondary education program

Interested students should submit their materials to Springfield Hospital Development Office, Attn: Tonia Fleming, 25 Ridgewood Road, PO Box 2003, Springfield, VT 05156. For further information about either scholarship or application guidelines, please contact Tonia Fleming, Director of Marketing and Planning at 802-885-7621 or email tfleming@springfieldhospital.org .

SPRINGFIELD, VT (3-30-26) – Springfield Hospital’s Medical Staff is proud to announce the second annual Healthcare Education Scholarship Program for one outstanding graduating senior planning to pursue ongoing education. This scholarship, valued at $3,000, aims to support students as they continue their healthcare education. All application materials must be submitted by May 15, 2026.

Eligibility Requirements: The scholarship is open to all area high school seniors who have been accepted into a post-secondary program. Applicants must submit the following:

· One letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or mentor.

· A 300–500-word essay outlining why they chose to pursue a career in healthcare and how the scholarship will help them achieve their goals.

· A copy of their high school transcript.

· Proof of acceptance into a post-secondary education program.

Application Process: Interested students can submit their completed application to Springfield Hospital Development Office, Attn: Tonia Fleming, 25 Ridgewood Road, PO Box 2003, Springfield, VT 05156. For further information about the scholarship or application guidelines, please contact Tonia Fleming, Director of Marketing and Planning at 802-885-7621 or email tfleming@springfieldhospital.org .

Springfield Area Adult Day Services warmly invites community members to attend a special People First Community Wellness Fair on Saturday, March 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at its facility located at 266 River Street, Springfield.
This free event will offer attendees the opportunity to receive complimentary wellness services, including balance screenings, checking of blood pressure and other vitals, and sharing of various health education tips designed to promote safety, mobility, and overall well-being.
Guests will also enjoy light refreshments and have the chance to enter a raffle drawing for a 3-month membership at the Edgar May Health and Wellness Center.
In addition to wellness services, visitors will be able to tour the Adult Day campus, meet staff members, and learn more about the programs and support services available to older adults and those who might have physical or cognitive impairments. The center provides engaging activities such as bingo and arts, health monitoring, nutritious meals, social opportunities, and caregiver support in a safe and welcoming environment.
“This open house is a wonderful opportunity for families and community members to see firsthand how our center supports independence, wellness, and connection,” said Director Shelly Holley. “We’re excited to welcome everyone for an afternoon of health, learning, and fun.”
The event is free and open to the public. No appointment is necessary.
For more information, please contact:
Shelly Holley
802-885-9881
sholley@springfieldhospital.org
http://www.springfieldhospital.org/adult-day-service

SPRINGFIELD, VT — Springfield Urology is proud to announce that it now offers the Navigo 4D Fusion Navigation System to perform MRI guided fusion biopsies of the prostate.

In an MRI-US prostate fusion procedure using Navigo, MRI images of the prostate are “fused” with real-time ultrasound images to collect a highly accurate biopsy specimen. This ultimately leads to better biopsy results to help plan treatment. Studies have shown that targeted biopsies like Navigo are two to three times more sensitive to prostate cancer than standard biopsies.

In addition, many patients have trouble sitting perfectly still during prostate biopsies. With Navigo in use, the equipment can compensate for patient movement, and it is easier to have a successful biopsy and shorten the procedure time.

Many urology teams don’t have biopsy equipment in-house. Navigo now allows Springfield Urology to perform a prostate biopsy in the office in as little as 15 minutes for quicker results at a lower cost. Dr. Kilchevsky, MD of Springfield Urology adds, “There are lots of hospitals that are backlogged at getting patients in and patients were waiting months to get a biopsy. What we have been able to do over the past few months is to get patients into the point where thanks to this equipment, they go from the MRI to the callback to the biopsy within 2 to 3 weeks as opposed to the historic 3 to 6 months”.

Men who are good candidates for MRI prostate fusion may have an increased risk of prostate cancer due to elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test levels or there was a physical exam with abnormal results.

For more information about Navigo 4D Fusion Navigation System, or to arrange a consultation with Drs. Kilchevsky, and Madden-Fuentes, contact Springfield Urology at 802-886-3556 to schedule an appointment. No primary care referral is required.

The 20th Annual Eileen Austin Neal RN Memorial Scholarship for Nursing of $1,000 was awarded to Kendall Roman of Westminster, VT, to attend River Valley Community College in Claremont, NH.  “Getting to be able to pursue this career means so much to me,” says Kendall.

Eileen Austin Neal was a registered nurse at Springfield Hospital for 64 years, retiring in 2005. She was the first recipient of the Hospital’s George F. Leland Community Health Award in 2003. In 2004, the Hospital established the Eileen Austin Neal Spirit of Nursing Award, given to a staff nurse, in recognition of her many years of dedicated service.

Upon her death in February 2006, at the request of Eileen’s family, Springfield Hospital established the nursing scholarship fund in her name with gifts received in her memory from Eileen’s family as well as from community members.

“The family and friends of Eileen have been very generous in supporting this scholarship and are proud to keep the memory of Eileen alive in this way. Supporting the education of our young people is essential, and Springfield Hospital is honored to be a part of awarding this scholarship,” says Robert Adcock, CEO of Springfield Hospital.

Springfield, VT (10/17/25) – Springfield Hospital is pleased to welcome Tonia Fleming, MBA, CFRE, as Director of Marketing and Planning effective October 6, 2025.

Tonia brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing and nonprofit management to this role, with a strong track record of organizational branding and advertising, building relationships, and increasing philanthropic revenue. She holds a bachelor’s degree in French and Economics from Wellesley College and earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

Tonia joins Springfield Hospital from Vermont Academy, where she served as Director of Advancement. In that role, she led the school’s development and engagement program, oversaw major giving initiatives, and helped guide its strategic direction. This position marks a return to Springfield Hospital for Tonia, who previously worked in the Development Office. During her earlier tenure from 2011 to 2019, she played a key role in fundraising, grant writing, and event management.

Tonia lives in Chester and is deeply committed to community service, having served on the boards of several local nonprofit organizations.

Tonia can be reached by email or telephone at tfleming@springfieldhospital.org or 802-885-7621.

The 25th Annual Springfield Hospital Golf Challenge was held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Crown Point Country Club in Springfield, VT. Proceeds from this year’s fundraising event go to the annual giving campaign to renovate and purchase equipment for the Emergency Department.

Many thanks to the sponsors of this annual event. Congratulations to the winners of the A and B Flights and the on-the-course contests. See results below.

 “Many thanks go to our sponsors and participants for their generous support; and to the staff and volunteers that organized this event. I am grateful to all who made this event a fundraising success”, commented Robert Adcock, CEO of Springfield Hospital.

25th Annual Springfield Hospital Golf Challenge Teams. Photo credit Marie Laplante.

GOLD Tournament Sponsors $5,000

Coverys
Medical Accounts Systems, LLC
M&T Bank

SILVER Anniversary Sponsors $2,500

KODE Health, Inc.
RxBenefits
The Richards Group

Tournament Sponsors $1,000

802 Credit Union
Berry Dunn
Casey Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Springfield
Coding & Chargemaster Specialists, LLC
Connecticut Valley Orthopaedics &
Sports Medicine
Kinney Drugs Foundation
NFP Property & Casualty Services
Ovation Healthcare/NECHN
Springfield Cadillac GMC
Sarah E. Vail Law Office
Voya Financial
WCFR

Tee/Green Sponsors $500

Connecticut Valley E.N.T.
Crown Point Country Club
GPI Construction
Health Plans, Inc.
Ingenious Med
Richard and Carole Lechthaler
Ludlow Rotary Club
Mack Molding Company, Inc.
Millennia
Northeast Delta Dental
SERVPRO Team Paul
Trubridge
Vermont Mechanical, Inc.

Eagle Sponsors $250

Black Rock Steakhouse
Claremont Savings Bank
Gilberte Interiors
Infinitt North America, Inc.
Intelas Health
KGA, Inc.
Mechanical Services, Inc./Maine Controls
Red House Press
Twin State Psychological Services

Birdie Sponsors $100

ClaraPrice
Farnum Insurance Co., Inc.
Peplau’s Happy Acres Farm
Leader Distribution Systems, Inc.
Sarah Muller & Nathan Roth

Hole-in-One Sponsor

Ludlow Insurance Agency

Raffle Prizes donated by individuals and businesses:

Crown Point Country Club
Jarvis Detailing
M&T Bank
Common Man Restaurant
VSP Vision Care
Smokeshire Design
Tina’s Hallmark
Kinney Drugs (Springfield, VT)
Shaw’s Supermarket
Fullerton Inn
Woodbury’s Florist
Ingenious Med
RxBenefits
The Richards Group
KODE Health, Inc.
Southern Pie Cafe
several anonymous donors

Results

A Flight
1st Gross: Red House Press: Dan Patria, Mary Patria, Jeff Matulonis, Cole Lewis
2nd Gross: Marasa’s Masters: Rick Marasa, Christina Graves, Dylan Adamovich

1st Net: Mustard Greens: Max Zurmuhlen, David Laplante, Chris Beneat, Scott Armstrong
2nd Net: ARC Mechanical: Andy Courchesne, Tony Pagano, Ryan Violette, Taylor Kristiansen

B Flight
1st Gross: Casey Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Springfield: Brendan Casey, Hugh Casey, Alexander Casey, Dan Casey
2nd Gross: Canon USA: Chad Illingworth, Chris Glock, Roger Gillies, George Lucia

1st Net: Vermont Mechanical: Justin Butler, Jim Pennell, John Plankey, Nick Togneri
2nd Net: Buffum Realty: Mike Pinney, Garrett Twombly, Gary Stearns, Issac Rose

Closest to the Pin for Women – Sarah Muller
Closest to the Pin for Men – Ryan Violette
Closest to the 150 Pole – Scott Armstrong

This September, in recognition of Sepsis Awareness Month, our team at Springfield Hospital is joining the nationwide effort to raise awareness about this fast-moving and life-threatening condition. Sepsis can affect anyone — and when it strikes, every second counts. That’s why we’re encouraging our community to learn the signs and take action early.

🕒 It’s About T.I.M.E.

In the photo below, you’ll see four of our team members holding a sign that spells out T.I.M.E. — a simple way to remember the key symptoms of sepsis:

T – Temperature higher or lower than normal
I – Signs of Infection
M – Mental decline – confusion, drowsiness, or disorientation
E – Extremely ill – severe pain, shortness of breath, or feeling like something is very wrong

📞 If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, seek medical care immediately.
🚨 Sepsis is a medical emergency. The earlier it’s recognized and treated, the better the chances of recovery.

Along with knowing the symptoms, there are steps everyone can take to lower the risk of sepsis.

💬 Why It Matters Here

In rural areas like ours, quick recognition of sepsis is even more critical, especially when access to emergency care may take more time. You are the first line of defense.

At Springfield Hospital, we’re committed to early detection and rapid response — but your awareness can make the biggest difference.

🕒 It’s about TIME.

Let’s work together to stop sepsis before it starts — and to recognize it when it happens.

Please share this post with friends and family. You never know whose life it could save.

#SepsisAwareness #ItsAboutTIME #KnowTheSigns #StopSepsis #RuralHealthMatters

Springfield Hospital and Southern Vermont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) are pleased to announce Tess Shook as the recipient of this year’s Dr. E. Sherburne Lovell Health Career Award. Tess is a resident of Springfield, Vermont and a 2025 graduate of Springfield High School. The Lovell Award contributes $1000 per year for four years toward a student’s academic pursuit of a career in health and is funded by the proceeds from the annual Springfield Hospital Apple Blossom event and community donations.

Dr. Lovell was a longtime physician at Springfield Hospital, and his daughters, Melissa Post and Elizabeth David said, “While he was a man who never sought recognition for his service in the medical field or in the community, we know he would be honored to have this award named in his memory.  We hope recipients of the award will share the same sense of wonder and commitment to service in the world of medicine that he did.”

Tess attended the Southern Vermont AHEC’s MedQuest program at Springfield Hospital. “This experience helped me decide to pursue labor and delivery nursing and later furthering my degree as a midwife,” said Tess.

She will be attending Vermont State University, and she will be studying Nursing. Vermont State University offers the 1+1+2 program that she will be following. The first year students earn a Practical Nursing Certificate. The second year students earn an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree, which makes them eligible for Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. The third- and fourth-year students complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing online, allowing flexibility to work in the field of nursing while completing their degree.  “My goal is to become a compassionate and competent nurse, dedicated to improving the health and lives of individuals and communities,” said Tess.

Alysia Straw, Southern Vermont AHEC, Director of Health Careers Exploration stated, “It’s inspiring to see future health professionals, like Tess, supported on their educational journey. We love working with our community hospital and community members to encourage more Vermont youth to work towards a career in health.”

“We are delighted to support Tess’s education and wish her much success with her studies,” said Bob Adcock, CEO of Springfield Hospital.

To be eligible for the award, students must live in one of the towns served by Springfield Hospital and be invited to apply by Southern Vermont AHEC. For more information about AHEC programs, go to www.svtahec.org.