Western Massachusetts Hospital

Western Massachusetts Hospital offers on-campus parking with ADA accessible entrances in the front, rear, and northern section of the main building.

Onsite, public transportation pick-up is serviced by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), route R10. Drop off, while not onsite, is proximate to the facility, approximately 200 yards away.

The Western Massachusetts Hospital is the only public hospital operating in the western region of Massachusetts with a mission to serve as a medical safety net for many uninsured and under-insured citizens residing in the region. Western Massachusetts Hospital provides both acute and chronic hospital care to patients with a variety of chronic diseases and complicated medical conditions, such as:

• Cardiac and pulmonary disease
• Chronic neurological disorders
• Complications of strokes
• Dementia with major behavioral issues
• End stage terminal illnesses of various diagnoses

Western Massachusetts Hospital provides dental and eye care clinics to targeted populations as part of its community benefits program.

Main services include:

• Long-term hospital medical inpatient care
• Dedicated ventilator care program for vent dependent patients
• Medical/rehabilitation care for inpatients with neuro-degenerative diseases
• Inpatient Alzheimer's disease programs for complex behavioral problems
• Inpatient palliative care program for terminally ill patients
• Outpatient dental clinics
• Inpatient respite care services
• Gándara Center — Culturally Sensitive Care

Mission

To be a caring hospital community which provides affordable, quality healthcare services that enable patients to reach and maintain their highest physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Vision

To be a valuable and viable regional resource which responds to the healthcare and related needs of underserved patients.

Values

Since its founding in 1910, Western Massachusetts Hospital has exemplified the following organizational values:

• Concern for the dignity and well-being of patients
• Commitment to excellence and quality patient care
• Adherence to ethical standards of the helping professions
• Respect for the hospital and pride in its accomplishments
• Dedication to the mission of Public Health

Western Massachusetts Hospital employees believe in these values and strive to uphold them every day.

Employee Vision Statement

We are a diverse group of individuals who work together as a team to operate a public health care facility committed to providing quality care. We are especially dedicated to identifying and providing individuals with services not available to them in the community. Our concern for the dignity and well-being of our patients leads us to give special attention to their family and friends. We continuously strive to maintain the highest standards in everything we do. We challenge and support all employees to work cooperatively and with integrity.

Realizing each employee's potential enriches the Hospital community. By maintaining an atmosphere which is creative and innovative, we encourage each other to make a special contribution to excellence in patient care. All employees contribute to the successful operation of the Hospital. Our work together is successful because we respect and depend on one another. There is a free flow of ideas and information so that everyone is involved and valued. Individuals communicate clearly, honestly, and directly about concerns. Conflicting ideas are encouraged because they are seen as critical to challenging our thinking and providing the opportunity for new resolutions and positive change.

As a public health care facility, we collaborate with the community to identify deficiencies and gaps in health care services. We expand and change our programs, services and campus to respond to these changing needs in the community.

We believe that our primary responsibility is to provide care and services designed to enable patients to reach and maintain their highest physical, social, mental and spiritual well-being. We do this best when patients and their loved ones are actively involved in their care. We support these efforts by creating a homelike environment.

Everyone is treated with respect, dignity and compassion. We value diversity of ideas, opinions and cultures. This allows us to be a supportive and attractive environment for both the community and employees.

Prepared by a joint management/employee work group on September 27, 1994.