Harrington to Integrate Southbridge, Webster campuses

Fallon Health Plan and BCBS helped pave the way to success

WEBSTER/SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass., April 3, 2009 Healthcare services will continue in Webster at the Hubbard campus, thanks to a collaborative effort between Harrington Hospital, Fallon Community Health Plan and Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Massachusetts. As a result, Hubbard Hospital will become part of the Harrington healthcare system, with 24/7 Emergency Care and a broad spectrum of comprehensive outpatient services.

'I am extremely pleased that the support of both Fallon Community Health Plan and Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Massachusetts has allowed us to develop a hospital and physician services arrangement designed to keep healthcare services on this campus,' said Alan Peppel, Chairman of the Board of Harrington Hospital.

'These agreements signify a positive working relationship and ensure healthcare will remain in Webster,' said Ed Moore, Harrington Hospital President and CEO.' We believe in keeping healthcare local and we are excited to be able to enhance medical services for this deserving community.'

Effective May 4, Hubbard Hospital will transition to Harrington HealthCare at the Hubbard campus. The plan will expand and enhance outpatient and physician services at the Webster location. Moore said Harrington is prepared to invest approximately $1.5 million in upgraded technology and equipment on the campus within the first year. Digital mammography will be one of the immediate changes to the campus, arriving in May.

Patients requiring inpatient care will be transferred to an appropriate hospital. Harrington, the closest hospital with inpatient beds, only 12 miles away in Southbridge, is Stroke Certified, accredited by The Joint Commission, and has 113 licensed beds.

Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard will continue to offer 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week Emergency Care. The ER is also a Stroke Certified center.

Next steps over the course of the coming week include securing the appropriate waivers from the Department of Public Health and finalization of the lease agreement between Harrington Hospital and Hubbard Health Systems.

Harrington Hospital plans to modernize some of the facility, expand technology and increase the physician base. Harrington recently reopened its newly renovated Webster/Dudley office at 161 West Main Street in Dudley, which is staffed by Dr. Peter Scuccimarri and Physician Assistant Joseph Bartoszek. Pediatrician Thomas O'Leary will start at the Webster/Dudley office in May.

'We want the community to know they don't need to drive to Worcester for their healthcare. We are offering safe and advanced medical services in the Webster area,' Moore said. 'We are working hard to bring a newer, brighter future to this campus. We need the community's support to make this opportunity a success.'

Patients from Sturbridge to Douglas and beyond will have professional and modern services within minutes of their home - covering everything from minor sprains to state-of-the-art MRI scans and radiation therapy.

Hubbard Hospital Board Chairman Chris Robert expressed his appreciation for the efforts of both State Senator Richard Moore and State Representative Paul Kujawski in providing essential support throughout this process.