Gripping a pair of giant shears, Dr. Steve Feder and Dr. Dan Pesch sliced through a red ribbon Wednesday morning, marking the completion of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital’s new internal medicine wing. In addition to primary care doctors, the new space will house the hospital’s first full-time cardiologist and a full-time psychiatrist.
“This space signifies our strong commitment to access for all Islanders,” said hospital president and CEO Denise Schepici at the ceremony. “Creating greater access to primary care, the entry point to key specialty services including cardiology, mental health and other specialties. This is where the journey to health and wellness begins.”
The new wing was made possible by a generous gift from the late June and Richard Hutchinson of Vineyard Haven. Ms. Schepici said while the Hutchinson daughters Alex and Diane couldn’t be there Wednesday, the hospital is grateful for their help in supporting this cause. “It’s going to have such a tremendous impact on the care of so many Islanders in the years to come, and I wholeheartedly want to thank them,” Ms. Schepici said.
In a somber note, she also acknowledged the recent loss of Dr. Barbra Krause, who died unexpectedly last month. “She was excited for the future of primary care and often talked about it. I know that she’s here in spirit and is cheering for us today,” Ms. Schepici said.
The natural light-filled new facility expands the hospital’s ability to treat patients with 18 new exam rooms. It also includes a spacious waiting room, meeting spaces for doctors to discuss care and a bright new break room for employees to recharge.
The hospital is developing a holistic team-based approach to primary care, where physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, care managers and mental health practitioners work closely together.
“It’s a lot easier to coordinate care when you can just knock on the door of someone next you and say ‘Hey, can we talk about a mutual patient?’” said Dr. Beth Donnelly, a primary care physician who will have an office in the new wing.
The new wing was formerly part of Windemere, where an assisted living wing was closed two years ago due to a declining census.
Ms. Schepici said it all adds up to progress for the Island hospital.
“I like to say it’s a great place to give and receive care,” she said of the new space. “A beautiful place for employees to work in, and for patients to come to. We hope the community enjoys this new space and finds it a peaceful, modern and efficient place of healing.”
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