Nearly 300 community members visited NMC’s new Medical Office Building Wednesday, October 25, for a celebration of hospital campus construction attended by Governor Phil Scott, Canadian trade officials, Vermont legislators, community members, NMC staff and lead donor Peerless Clothing International.

The large crowd gathered in the lobby and waiting spaces of the two-story Medical Office Building Wednesday afternoon to hear remarks from the Governor, healthcare providers, patients, capital campaign cabinet members, Dr. John Brumsted of the University of Vermont Health Network and others.

Collaboration and community were key themes in the speeches of the day.

“Any project of this magnitude requires strong community partnerships and buy-in in order to be successful, said Governor Phil Scott, “and I know Northwestern Medical Center prides itself on applying this approach to everything that it does.”

NMC CEO Jill Berry Bowen echoed the sentiment when she thanked the large crowd for their attendance, and thanked the many, many people involved in bringing to life NMC’s Master Facility Plan projects. “This has been an exceptional campaign,” she said “Without the community support, we wouldn’t be here.”

The Governor also applauded NMC’s work with RiseVT, which takes a community-based approach to achieve a more effective and less expensive healthcare system.

“RiseVT grew out of the conversations between the hospital and the Vermont Department of Health local office as they were looking for ways to work with local businesses to foster a friendly environment for new moms.  Since then, this initiative has grown into a wellness partnership between healthcare providers and the community.  RiseVT will be expanding into several more communities in collaboration with OneCare Vermont in the coming months,” said Governor Scott.

The ambitious and soon-to-be completed projects include:

• Renovation of the hospital’s main entrance for easier access
• Addition of a medical clinics building
• Addition of an expanded inpatient unit to provide private rooms for all patients
• Renovation of existing inpatient space
• Addition of a two-story Medical Office Building to bring Primary Care and other key outpatient services to the front of campus

Bowen also recognized and thanked the supporters of NMC’s nearly $2.8 million dollar capital campaign, which surpassed its goal of $2.5 million.

Those donors are commemorated in artwork throughout the new spaces, including a large set of brass leaves honoring Peerless Clothing in the main lobby. Other donor artwork includes a 20-panel piece in fused glass, a totem display, and individual stone maple leaves outside room.

Bowen closed by honoring NMC’s unwavering focus on top-notch care in an uncertain healthcare environment.

“One constant amidst all the changes happening and proposed in healthcare has been the commitment of the NMC staff, Medical Staff, Board, Volunteers  and entire NMC family to our mission of providing exceptional care for our community. Our team works tirelessly each day toward that mission in pursuit of our vision for a healthier future which speaks of excellence, value, and wellness.”

After the hour-long program, attendees toured the Medical Office Building and other new spaces all around the front of the hospital campus. Attendees mingled, enjoyed harp music and a special locally-sourced menu provided by NMC’s Restaurant and Catering team. Later, visitors also toured the facilities between 5:30 and 7 p.m. during the open house hours.