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Those Calling For Full-Service Hospital In North Adams Forming Coalition

Lucas Willard
/
WAMC

A group of Northern Berkshire residents who have been meeting weekly since North Adams Regional Hospital closed 11 months ago is coming together under one name. Members of the North County Cares Coalition are planning a rally at North Adams City Hall Wednesday.Berkshire Health Systems now owns the former North Adams Regional Hospital where it operates a satellite emergency facility. Dick Dassatti is one of several area residents calling for the return of a full-service hospital.

“We need to have a grassroots movement that is trying to communicate with Berkshire Health Systems and government officials to express the need for a full-service, with in-patient beds, hospital here in North Berkshire,” said Dassatti.

A state commissioned report argues a full-service hospital is feasible only if granted federal critical access status. BHS has not announced whether it will apply for that designation. Working with the Massachusetts Nurses Association, the coalition plans to release a report arguing for the financial stability of a full-service hospital at a 5 p.m. rally Wednesday.

Jim is WAMC’s Associate News Director and hosts WAMC's flagship news programs: Midday Magazine, Northeast Report and Northeast Report Late Edition. Email: jlevulis@wamc.org
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