Springfield Hospital

Springfield, VT (May 12, 2021) – Springfield Hospital is pleased to announce Blythe Kersula, RN, BS, MSN, CIC, as recipient of the 2021 Eileen Austin Neal RN Spirit of Nursing Award. This award was created in 2004 in honor of Eileen Austin Neal, RN, who worked at Springfield Hospital for 64 years and retired in 2005.

Criteria for the award includes communication, care for patients, nursing professionalism, and teamwork. Nominations are accepted from throughout the organization, and are reviewed and voted on by a committee that includes the previous year’s recipient and a member of Eileen’s family, among others.

Contained within Blythe’s nomination are the following words from one of her colleagues:  “In her role as Infection Preventionist, she quickly rose to the challenge of leading our prevention and, later, our vaccination efforts, working in close collaboration with our Incident Command Team and the many departments in the hospital as well as throughout the SMCS clinic network.  The word ‘teamwork’ doesn’t begin to describe her incredible communication skills, collaboration and thorough attention to every level of detail that has been essential over these many, many long months. Blythe’s steady leadership and expertise has been called upon every day during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for months on end… and always with a smile and professionalism that is above reproach”.

“On behalf of the staff of Springfield Hospital and its Board of Directors, I’m pleased to extend our gratitude to Blythe for her ongoing commitment and dedication, and we are truly honored to have her as a valued member of our team,” commented Robert Adcock, Chief Executive Officer for Springfield Hospital.  

Photo: Robert S. Adcock, MBA, FACHE, CEO; Blythe Kersula, RN, BS, MSN, CIC;  Lyndsy McIntyre, MSN, MBA, RN, VP of Patient Care Services

Springfield, VT (May 1, 2021) – The 65th Apple Blossom Cotillion took place at the Springfield Community Players Theater, under COVID guidelines, on Saturday, May 1 and Chloe Jerman-Brown was announced as this year’s Queen. She was escorted by Harry Valentin. Members of her Court were selected and they are: Anna Church, Skyler Congdon, Jordan Noyes, and Hannah Hallock.

The contestants selected Chloe Jerman-Brown and Sam Presch as Miss and Mr. Congeniality. The Directors’ Choice awards went to Victoria Otis and Sawyer Pippin. Nicholas Houghton received an award for selling the most “Apple Blossom Leaves” as part of the fundraising activities.

The musical theme for this year’s production was “I Feel Good.”  Contestants and their escorts performed to Let’s Twist Again, I Heard it Through the Grapevine, Hey Jude, I Got You and Great Balls of Fire.
Early in the program, the 2020 Apple Blossom Contestants and Escorts were honored as their Cotillion was canceled due to the onset of the pandemic over a year ago.

Other participants in this year’s Cotillion included Molly Leonard, Victoria Otis, Kaelie Peoples, Hannah Presch, and Reilly Tennis. Escorts were Hayden Morancy, Cooper Harbeson, Nicolas Houghton, Tanner Gintof, Christopher Jeffers, Marshall Simpson, Sam Presch, Sawyer Pippin and Dominic Bates.

Pam Church and Carrie Jewell returned as the Co-Directors of the Cotillion.  The Master of Ceremonies, Larry Kraft, received a tribute for his 20 years of service to the Cotillion by Church and Jewell. Marie LaPlante volunteered, once again, to be the official photographer. SAPA TV was on hand to videotape the performance and will have the show for viewing on their channel and website.  

Springfield Hospital and the Cotillion production team are very grateful to the Springfield Community Players Theater and over 130 sponsors and volunteers who supported this event. The Cotillion is a fundraiser for Springfield Hospital and the proceeds from this year’s event provide support for the Dr. E. Sherburne Lovell Health Career Award and the services of the Hospital. 
Photo: Anna Church, Hayden Morancy, Hannah Hallock, Chloe Jerman-Brown, Harry Valentin, Jordan Noyes, Cooper Harbeson, Skyler Congdon, Nicolas Houghton

SPRINGFIELD, VT (April 12, 2021) –  Applications are now being accepted for the 16^h Annual Eileen Austin Neal Nursing Scholarship of $1,000.  This scholarship is open to any student who has been 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.  She was the first recipient of Springfield Hospital’s Community Health Award in 2003. In 2004, the Hospital established the Spirit of Nursing Award 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 a nursing scholarship fund in her name with the gifts received in her memory. “This scholarship continues the positive influence Eileen had on both nursing and the community,” said Lyndsy McIntyre, VP of Patient Care Services at Springfield Hospital.

The application deadline is May 28, 2021.  If you would like more information, please contact Sandy Peplau in the Marketing & Development office by email at speplau@springfieldmed.org or call 802-885-7686.

SPRINGFIELD, VT (April 5, 2021) – Springfield Hospital’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Robert S. (Bob) Adcock, MBA, FACHE, of Wildwood, MO, has been named its new Chief Executive Officer.  Adcock most recently served as an independent contractor providing administrative consulting services to West Virginia University Hospitals, Inc., and as CEO of Fairmont Regional Medical Center in Fairmont, WV.  Adcock brings more than 30 years of executive leadership at community and specialty hospitals serving as chief executive officer, administrator, chief operating officer, and other administrative positions in healthcare organizations throughout the country.

As CEO, Adcock will work closely with the Board of Directors and senior leadership in providing strategic and operational leadership for the hospital.

“I am looking forward to joining Springfield Hospital, and continuing its 107-year tradition of caring for the community and the remarkable achievements its team has made in providing high quality healthcare through some challenging times,” commented Adcock. “I will be working closely with community leaders to ensure strong relationships between the hospital and the people it serves,” he added.

Chairman Jim Rumrill commented, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’m pleased to welcome Bob Adcock to Springfield Hospital.”  He added, “We look forward to envisioning the future of healthcare in the region and the role Springfield Hospital will play in meeting the needs of our local communities. We also want to recognize the dedication and service of Michael Halstead of QHR Health whose skill and leadership as Interim Chief Executive Officer over the past two years has been of great value to our organization,” added Rumrill.

Adcock received his master of business administration from the University of Alabama in Birmingham and his bachelor of science degree in commerce and business administration with a major in health-care management from the University of Alabama. He is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and is Board Certified in healthcare management.

Adcock will be re-locating to the Springfield area, and is expected to join Springfield Hospital the week of April 19^th.

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Contact: Anna Smith, VP of Marketing & Development, 802-885-7621, annasmith@springfieldmed.org

SPRINGFIELD, VT (March 31, 2021)  –  Springfield Hospital is pleased to share the news from Governor Scott that visitors are now allowed in Vermont hospitals under certain new restrictions. Only fully vaccinated visitors are permitted to access the Inpatient Care Unit and Emergency Department unless they qualify under an exception.  The visitor must be two weeks post vaccine series completion.

“This is welcomed news for our patients,” says Lyndsy McIntyre, VP of Patient Care Services. “Visitors are an important part of our patients’ healing process. They provide support that is often needed for a speedy recovery,” says McIntyre.

Visitors to the Inpatient Care Unit and Emergency Department will be screened upon entrance to the hospital and must be wearing a face mask. Visitors shall remain in the patient’s room; limit traffic in hallways; avoid congregating in waiting rooms, cafeterias, and lobbies after and between visits; in-person visits with patients suspected or infected with COVID-19 is strictly prohibited; wash or clean hands with disinfectant upon entry/exit of patient’s room; and visiting hours for our Inpatient Care Unit are noon to 6 pm.

According to the COVID-19 Hospital Visitor Guidance dated March 30, 2021from the State of Vermont Agency of Human Services, there are limited exceptions for those that are not fully vaccinated. Please view the visitor policy page at www.springfieldhospital.org.

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Contact: Anna Smith, VP of Marketing and Development, 802-885-7621 annasmith@springfieldmed.org

Springfield, VT (March 8, 2021) – The 65th Apple Blossom Cotillion, under very strict guidelines regarding COVID-19, is now underway.  This year there will be 2 performances on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1. At this time, general public in-person seating will not be available. However, the Grand Performance will be videotaped for viewing after the event.

Ten area high school senior girls and their chosen escorts have begun their rehearsals. The Springfield Community Players Theater has graciously offered their stage for the rehearsals and performances. Due to the pandemic, there will not be any elementary school children participating this year.

The musical theme for this year’s production is “I Feel Good” and will feature songs from the 60s. The high school senior girls who will be competing for the title of Apple Blossom Queen are: Anna Church, Skyler Congdon, Chloe Jerman-Brown, Hannah Hallock, Molly Leonard, Jordan Noyes, Victoria Otis, Kaelie Peoples, Hannah Presch, and Reilly Tennis.

Pam Church and Carrie Jewell return as the Co-Directors of the Cotillion.  Larry Kraft will be the event’s master of ceremonies for his 20th year and Marie Laplante will once again be the official photographer.

The Apple Blossom Cotillion is a fundraiser for Springfield Hospital.  The proceeds from this year’s event provide support for the Dr. E. Sherburne Lovell Health Career Award and the services of the Hospital.  To support this event, including becoming a cardboard fan, visit www.springfieldhospitalgiving.org. For more information, contact Sandy Peplau at 802-885-7686 or speplau@springfieldmed.org.

Starting Tuesday, February 16th, VT residents 70 years and older can make appointments for their COVID-19 vaccination. There are enough appointments for everyone who is eligible. Appointments are required. Clinics cannot accept walk-ins.

To make an appointment online with the Health Department:
1. Create an account (link is external) (anyone can do this anytime!)
You may already have an account if you were tested for COVID-19 at a Health Department site.
2. Make an appointment (link is external) when your age group is eligible to get the vaccine. If you can’t make an appointment online or need help with an online appointment, you may contact the call center at 855-722-7878. Call Center Hours:
Monday – Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Local assistance with scheduling an appointment is also available by calling:
•  Valley Health Connections, Springfield, VT   802-885-1616
•  Neighborhood Connections, Londonderry, VT   802-824-4343

Springfield Hospital is hosting COVID-19 vaccination clinics in three local locations.
•  Springfield Adult Day Center, Springfield, VT
•  Walker Farm, Weston, VT
•  Rockingham Senior Center, Bellows Falls, VT

Scheduling an appointment at these locations must be done by making an online appointment. Walk-ins cannot be accepted.

CHECK YOUR SCHEDULED LOCATION:  Springfield Hospital is holding vaccination clinics on the hospital campus for Group 1a health care workers and early responders only. When you register online, please check your assigned clinic location to be sure you report to the appropriate location at your scheduled time.

The Friday, January 29th COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for Priority Group 1A will be held as planned at Springfield Hospital. We have a new supply of vaccine arriving for this clinic. All participants who were previously scheduled for Friday, January 29th, should report to Springfield Hospital as scheduled. We are awaiting guidance related to the 860 doses being held pending investigation into the temperature monitor variation. Anyone whose appointment was cancelled for Wednesday, January 27th will be rescheduled, and will be contacted as soon as further details are finalized.

In lieu of our traditional annual event, we are pleased to share with you the Springfield Hospital Hearts of Hope 2020 video.  Our friends at SAPA TV assisted us in producing this video and we are grateful for their technical and creative genius.

Thank you to our donors for their gifts that make this annual tradition a special event for many. Thanks to your generosity, we have raised more than $7,000 to help our oncology and cardiology patients.

We are pleased to also share this year’s program.

Happy Holidays.

During this special time of year, there are many festive, spiritual, crafty and meaningful events one can attend.  At Springfield Hospital, a wonderful seasonal tradition takes place each year, called “Hearts of Hope”. This annual event provides a special opportunity to honor and remember loved ones who are currently battling, or may have lost their life, to cancer or heart disease.

Beautiful holiday ornaments, handmade by our volunteers, are placed on our Hearts of Hope tree in honor or memory of loved ones. Each year, the Hearts of Hope Committee, composed of Linda Feddersen, Barbara Bye and Ruby Pinders, raise funds through this event to purchase items for the support and comfort of our patients at Springfield Hospital’s Oncology and Cardiology Clinic.

This year’s tree dedication ceremony was held December 4th at the Nolin Murray Center in Springfield, and included caroling, honoring those remembered on the ornaments, special music by Patty Carpenter and Dr. Thomas Davis, and refreshments. This year’s event raised $6,400 for our Specialty Clinic. A long-time member of our Hearts of Hope Volunteer Committee, Arlene Pearson, was also remembered this year. Arlene put her heart and soul into this event for nearly 20 years and passed away earlier this year. She will be missed but always remembered by her HOH friends.

“We thank all of our donors who made this, yet again, a very special event,” says Sandy Peplau, Volunteer Coordinator, Springfield Hospital. If you wish to contribute to this campaign, heart ornaments are still available for a $15 donation.  Please contact Sandy at 802-885-7686.  ###