Springfield Hospital
Springfield Hospital Welcomes Anna Hinman, PT, DPT, as Director of Rehabilitation Services
Springfield Hospital is pleased to welcome Anna Hinman, PT, DPT, as Director of Rehabilitation Services. Anna is a highly skilled physical therapist with extensive experience in both outpatient and home health care. She graduated from the University of New England in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Sacred Heart University in 2013.
Anna began her career as an outpatient physical therapist in the Upper Valley, where she specialized in sports injuries, vertigo/concussion management, TMJ, and pre/postnatal care. She played a key role in the development of an Occupational Health program, becoming a certified ergonomic specialist and health coach.
In 2019, Anna transitioned to home health care, where she quickly advanced to the role of Clinical Manager and subsequently Quality Manager. In her leadership roles, she managed and supervised clinicians across various disciplines and oversaw care plans for a caseload of 150 patients. As Quality Manager, she was responsible for data collection and presentation, QAPI implementation, and outcome assessment and improvement.
Outside of her professional life, Anna is equally busy and dedicated. She lives with her husband, three children and their Corgi, Willow. She enjoys coaching her children’s soccer teams and actively participates in the Parent Teacher Organization.
I Am Grateful for the Quick Action by Springfield Hospital’s Emergency Staff!
“When I was experiencing the classic signs of a stroke, I knew I needed attention right away. The staff at Springfield Hospital’s Emergency Department did not hesitate to administer the stroke protocol immediately! Their quick response prohibited my symptoms from worsening. They, along with the nursing staff on the Inpatient Care Unit, helped aid my remarkable recovery. Springfield Hospital’s Physical Therapy staff challenged me to succeed. I am back to work and, this fall, I was able to do what I really enjoy…bicycling with my friends through the scenic New England landscape.” – Rob Prohaska, Keene, NH
Apple Blossom for 2025
Applications for local area high school seniors is closed.
Children, grades 2-5 may apply. See below.
Child Application – fillable application that can be emailed to AppleBlossom2025@gmail.com
Applications for children must be received by January 19, 2025.
Springfield Hospital staff and volunteers are preparing for the 2025 Apple Blossom, which will be on Friday and Saturday, May 2nd and 3rd . We are also excited to share that we will have a new location for the performances. The Apple Blossom performances will be at the Springfield High School Auditorium in Springfield, VT.
Last May’s revival of the prestigious community event was successful in raising money to support the Dr. E. Sherburne Lovell Health Career Award and Springfield Hospital’s 2024 Annual Giving Campaign. The support of community businesses, individuals, and families has been extraordinary in the past, and the hospital looks forward to similar participation for the 67th Apple Blossom.
Returning is Ashlee White as director for her second Apple Blossom. Ashlee is enthusiastic about once again bringing this special tradition of song and dance to our local area high school seniors and elementary school children.
“It was a thrill to watch the 2024 participants flourish. They put in the hard work, and it paid off in many ways. Apple Blossom is a unique opportunity for our young people to meet and work with students their age from other schools and home schools. They learn dances and songs together as a large group and with their partners. It may be their first time performing in front of an audience. They persevere through the nerves and butterflies and have a great time. The contestants learn valuable interview skills and then put them into practice in front of the panel of judges. This gives the contestants an experience many do not have before they face their first big job interview. I witnessed all the students gain confidence, create bonds, strengthen friendships, learn about themselves, support one another, resolve conflicts, enhance their communication skills, and put on a wonderful show for the audience. I hope that this year’s graduates are excited to join us in creating their own Apple Blossom memories,” shared White.
Choreographer Suzanne Stern will also be returning this year to work with the children on their performances. This year, any child in grades 2-5 can sign up individually. Children do not need to apply as a couple, like in past years. There is limited slots for children to participate. Applicants who submit a completed application by the due date of Sunday, February 9, 2025 can participate, unless the number of applicants exceeds the capacity of the production. In that case, a random drawing will be held to determine the number of child participants.
We are happy to announce that Summers Eatmon Williams will join the team as the choreographer for the high school seniors. Applications for seniors has closed.
Jennifer Chambers Appointed to Vermont’s Clinical Utilization Review Board
Springfield Hospital is pleased to announce that our Director of Case Management and Social Services, Jennifer Chambers has accepted a 3-year appointment to Governor Scott’s Clinical Utilization Review Board. The Clinical Utilization Review Board (CURB) was established by Act 146 during the 2010 legislative session. The Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) was tasked to create the CURB to examine existing medical services, emerging technologies, and relevant evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and make recommendations to DVHA regarding coverage, unit limitations, place of service, and appropriate medical necessity of services in the state’s Medicaid programs. The CURB is comprised of 10 members with diverse medical experience, appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of the Commissioner of the Department of Vermont Health Access.
Greater Rockingham News Update
Springfield Hospital wishes to inform the greater Rockingham and Bellows Falls area of its ongoing commitment to serving the healthcare needs of the region.
Springfield Hospital has learned of the consolidation of primary care services at Rockingham Health Center recently shared in the North Star Health announcement. North Star Health is a separate corporate entity, but remains an important partner of Springfield Hospital in serving the health needs of our area. The services Springfield Hospital offers at the Greater Rockingham Area Services facility located at 1 Hospital Court in Bellows Falls currently include inpatient mental health services at The Windham Center for Psychiatric Care, and outpatient Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy services. These Springfield Hospital services will not be impacted by the recent North Star Health announcement and will continue to be accessed and delivered as in the past.
If you have questions regarding these or other Springfield Hospital services, please direct inquiries to Anna Smith at annasmith@springfieldhospital.org, call 802-885-7621, or visit our website at www.springfieldhospital.org .
An Open Letter to the Communities We Serve
A Statement Regarding Oliver Wyman Final Report to Green Mountain Care Board
Despite a forecast to the contrary outlined in a recent healthcare consultant’s report, Springfield Hospital is proud to report that, year to date, we have a $2.4 million dollar improvement over fiscal year 2023. We are extremely proud of the work being done every day by our staff caring for patients and making these performance improvements possible.
In accordance with Act 167 (An Act Relating to Health Care Reform Initiatives, Data Collection, and Access to Home- and Community-based Services), the final Oliver Wyman recommendations were recently presented to the Green Mountain Care Board.
Springfield Hospital was, again, highlighted referencing our prior Chapter 11 which we successfully exited in December of 2020. The report recommends that Springfield Hospital, along with three other hospitals, undergo significant restructuring such that we would no longer offer some or all of the services of a traditional hospital. One recommendation is to consider eliminating inpatient beds and converting to a Rural Emergency Hospital. Springfield Hospital leadership has researched the Rural Emergency Hospital designation and, at present, we do not find it to be a financially attractive option that ensures long-term sustainability.
We want to communicate to our employees, medical staff, and the communities we serve that the recommendations are just that… recommendations. Options to consider. We do not believe the recommendations are reflective of the wants and needs of the communities we serve — nor do they accomplish the goal of equitable and affordable access to care. To the contrary, additional cuts would negatively impact access to care and do nothing to ensure equitable access for our most vulnerable patients with limited financial resources and ability to travel long distances.
In past discussions with our Board of Directors relative to Act 167, and in communications with the Green Mountain Care Board, Springfield Hospital has already undertaken restructuring as a result of our past financial difficulties. The suggested collaboration with other hospitals is something we have been doing for many years. We will certainly continue to consider any collaboration that improves services to our patients.
The report’s recommendations are long term in nature and first require significant investments by the State of Vermont for workforce development, housing, outpatient services, transportation and more. What the report fails to include are any financial projections for the cost to taxpayers for the proposed suggestions; nor does it take into consideration the critical impact to the workforce and the local economy. Absolutely no changes should be considered until plans and financing are in place to ensure success.
We certainly recognize the challenging healthcare situation in Vermont and also the financial pressures of our residents and businesses. Our goal is to be part of the solution. Our experiences and performance to date have improved local access to care for our patients, and shown us to be a valuable provider of local healthcare services. Our strategy is showing positive results.
The bottom line is we are here to provide quality healthcare services to the communities we serve. Ensuring equitable access and affordability are key components in that work.
Our Springfield Hospital Board of Directors recognizes the hard work and progress made over recent years and supports continuing Springfield Hospital’s directional plan of aligning core services to meet community needs, strengthening consumer awareness and confidence in our services, and continuing our work to make Springfield Hospital a first choice for quality healthcare services.
We are prepared to work together with our State and local hospital colleagues to find solutions that transform healthcare delivery. In the meantime, we want to express our sincere gratitude to our local communities for your ongoing support for Springfield Hospital. Allowing us the privilege of serving your healthcare needs, and supporting us with your financial gifts, is essential to the ongoing sustainability of your local community hospital, and equally important to a strong and vibrant local economy.
With gratitude,
Robert S. Adcock, CEO
Springfield Hospital
9-30-24
Newly Constructed Pedestrian Bridge
Springfield Hospital is pleased to announce completion of the newly constructed pedestrian bridge connecting Springfield Hospital’s main parking lot to the Ridgewood Professional Building. This provides convenient access to the top floor of the Ridgewood Professional Building.
We are also happy to announce that General Surgery and Springfield Podiatry are now moving to this top floor. Patients visiting these two medical offices will now use this entrance. Many thanks to the generous donors who helped fund this bridge reconstruction project.
Locations for Connecticut Valley Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and Connecticut Valley ENT offices remain unchanged.
The pedestrian bridge project at Springfield Hospital is made possible in part by a grant from the State of Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Department of Economic Development, through the Community Recovery and Revitalization Program.
Springfield Hospital hosts Diagnostic Imaging open house
Springfield Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging (Radiology) Department is pleased to host the upcoming Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce Mixer on Wednesday, October 16th, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. This event is open to Chamber members and the public.
Over the past few years, Springfield Hospital has made a substantial investment in upgrading the MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Fluoroscopy, Echocardiogram, and Digital X-ray units, as well as a new C-arm for X-ray use in the Operating Room and Portable X-ray unit for use in the Emergency Department and Inpatient Care Unit. Come and learn more about the new Diagnostic Imaging equipment at Springfield Hospital as staff guide you on a tour of the department. Springfield Hospital staff collaborate with Dartmouth Health, whose radiologists read the exams based on their protocols and the results are shared with your doctor.
Please join us to learn more about all that is new in Diagnostic Imaging at Springfield Hospital as staff guide you on a tour of the department. Refreshments will be served. Attendees are encouraged to use the front entrance of the hospital and a staff member will escort you to the reception area on Level B.
Please RSVP to the mixer event by contacting Taylor at the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, https://www.springfieldvt.com/event-details/october-member-mixer, or call 802-885-2779.
For more information about the Diagnostic Imaging Department, contact Hayley Druschel, MSHA, CNMT, RT(CT)(ARRT), Director of Diagnostic Imaging, 802-885-7324 or visit https://springfieldhospital.org/diagnostic-imaging/
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Springfield Hospital’s Dr. Muller Was My First And Only Choice!
“After several days of being in pain from a fall, I knew I needed help. It did not take much time to get in to see Dr. David Muller, and he gave it to me straight. I needed shoulder surgery! Dr. Muller was my first and only choice of who I wanted as my surgeon. The Springfield Hospital Ambulatory and Operating Room staff were thorough, answered all my questions, and they sent me a “Get Well” card. Since then, the Springfield Hospital Physical Therapy Department has been working me hard, which is fine, as I want to get back to work. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get through this. I am now more than ready to give my granddaughter a big hug with both arms!”
– Dale Holmes, Springfield, VT
For more information about Connecticut Valley Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, call 802-885-6373.
24th Annual Springfield Hospital Golf Challenge a Great Success
Springfield Hospital hosted its 24th Annual Golf Challenge on September 12th at the Crown Point Country Club, Springfield, Vermont. Proceeds from this year’s fundraising event go to the annual giving campaign to support the refurbishment of the patient rooms on the Inpatient Care Unit.
Ninety-five tournament participants enjoyed a variety of competitions on the course in addition to 18 holes of scramble golf tournament play. Ten thousand dollars was available on hole 5 for a hole-in-one, thanks to the Ludlow Insurance Agency. This prize was not awarded, but the weather, course conditions, and work by the staff and volunteers made for a fantastic day of golf.
Winners in the A Flight were: 1st Gross: Eric Abel, Bob Kay, Maki Kobayashi, and Parker Hewit. 2nd Gross: Rick Marasa, Brian Perkins, Christina Graves and John Jackson. 1st Net: Dan Patria, Mary Patria, Jeff Matulonis and Mike Langdon. 2nd Net: Carri Cahoon, Denel McIntire, Tim Rumrill and Richard Cahill
Winners in the B flight were: 1st Gross: Chad Illingworth, Beverly Rakin-Byrne, David Byrne and Roger Gillies. 2nd Gross: Eric Warren, Dan Frost, Robert O’Brien and Stuart Currie. 1st Net: Peter MacGillivray, Steve Ankuda, Deke Dexter and Mike Martin. 2nd Net: Mike Pinney, Collin Pinney, John Jeinnings and Logan Jeinnings.
Closest to the Pin for Women through a random draw was Sarah Flore. Closest to the Pin for Men was Bob Kay, and Closest to the 150 Pole was Mike Langdon.
The sponsors and raffle prize donors made this year’s tournament a fundraising success. The sponsors this year at the Gold Tournament level of $5000 were Coverys, M&T Bank and The Richards Group. The Tournament level of $1000 were BlueWater Health, Connecticut Valley Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, NFP Property & Casualty Services, Ovation Healthcare, Splendid Splinter Vacation Rental, Springfield Cadillac GMC and Vail Law Office.
Sponsors at the Tee/Green level of $500 included Claremont Savings Bank, Connecticut Valley E.N.T. , GPI Construction, Health Plans, Inc., ImageFIRST, Infinitt North America, Kinney Drugs Foundation, Richard and Carole Lechthaler, Mack Molding Company, Inc., Northeast Delta Dental and Vermont Mechanical, Inc.
The Eagle sponsors at the $250+ level were American General Life Insurance Company, Bellows Falls Country Club, Black Rock Steakhouse, Corebridge Financial, Crothall Healthcare, Fullerton Inn, Gilberte Interiors, KGA, Inc., Red House Press and Nathan & Sarah Roth.
The Birdie sponsors at the $100 level included Mike and Diane Halstead, Leader Distribution Systems, Inc. and David & Cindy Loxsom.
“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.
