New unit dedicated at Mount Saint Vincent Care Center
Date: 5/23/2012
May 23, 2012By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.comHOLYOKE — Officials from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield and from Sisters of Providence Health Systems (SPHS) were among those who celebrated the opening of a new 12-bed unit at Mount Saint Vincent Care Center on May 18.
Christopher McLaughlin, the COO of Mercy Continuing Care Network, explained the Complex Medical Care Unit is for patients who need highly skilled care before returning home from the hospital. He said the unit would play "an integral role … in a changing healthcare environment."
Daniel Moen, president of CEO of SPHS, explained the care offered to patients admitted to the unit is designed to help them avoid having to be transported back to the hospital during their recovery for various procedures.
Sister Kathleen Popko, SP, president of the Sister of Providence said the new unit is a "cutting edge addition" to the facility, which was first opened in 1972 as a 120-bed nursing home. She said the facility underwent an expansion with a new wing in 1982 with new medical services.
The construction of the new unit only took six weeks, according to Eriko Uman, administrator of Mount Saint Vincent Care Center.
Bishop Timothy McDonnell blessed the new unit before the officials gathered to cut the ribbon.
