On Tuesday, November 5th, Heywood Healthcare hosted their annual Medical Staff Recognition Dinner, recognizing physicians and advanced practice providers for their dedication to Heywood Healthcare, their community and the medical profession. Long-time physicians lauded for 30 years of service were George Krasowski, MD - General Surgery and Timothy Soule-Regine, MD - Family Medicine - Athol.
One of the evenings highlights was the presentation of the James A. Faust Pillar Award for Physician Excellence, the highest honor for Heywood Healthcare physicians. Recipients of this award are highly respected members in the medical field and proven community leaders who best reflect the six Pillars - People, Quality, Service, Stewardship, Growth, and Community. This year's recipient was Dr. Gretchen Kelley. Dr. Kelley has been a part of the Heywood Medical Staff for 23 years and is well-known in the community, serving as a Family Medicine Practitioner.
Win Brown, President & CEO said, "We are privileged to present Dr. Kelley with this prestigious award recognizing her exceptional talent, leadership, compassion and commitment to the residents of our region. As a Family Medicine Practitioner in our area, the value of the care she provides to our patients and the health of our communities is immeasurable."
Another highlight was the presentation of the inaugural John Harrington, MD Advanced Practice Provider Excellence Award. This award is conferred to an Advanced Practice Provider, such as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), or Physician Assistant (PA-C), who demonstrates excellence in patient care, quality, collaboration and support. The first recipient of The John Harrington, MD Advanced Practice Provider Excellence Award is Eliot Nottleson, PA-C, of The Winchendon Health Center, who also celebrated his 15th year anniversary with Heywood Healthcare.
Dr. Harrington stated, "Eliot makes noteworthy contributions to patient and care-team wellness, and regularly demonstrates exceptional clinical knowledge, exemplary relationships with patients and team members, and a firm commitment to care for all patients. I am honored to be presenting this award to my long-time friend"
Dr. Harrington was also honored with the Greater Gardner Rotary's Four Way Test Award presented by Michael Ellis. This award is given to an individual who is a model of the Four Way Test, whose actions are the truth, fair to all concerned, builds goodwill and better friendships, and beneficial to all concerned.
In total, 32 members of the medical staff were acknowledged for 5 - 30 years of service to the communities they serve. Additionally, Heywood Healthcare welcomed 46 new providers to our community during the celebration.
About Athol Hospital
A member of the Heywood Healthcare system, Athol Hospital is a 25-bed non-profit, acute care and outpatient facility serving the communities of the North Quabbin region of Massachusetts. Athol Hospital's services include 24/7 Emergency Care, Surgical Services, Oncology, Respiratory Therapy, Radiology and Laboratory, Diabetes Center and the Center for Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. It is designated as a Critical Access Hospital and Primary Stroke Center, licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and accredited by the Joint Commission.
About Heywood Hospital
A member of the Heywood Healthcare system, Heywood Hospital is a 134-bed acute care hospital in Gardner, MA, providing a broad range of high quality medical, surgical, obstetrical, pediatric and behavioral health services on an inpatient and outpatient basis. The hospital's Centers of Excellence include the Watkins Center for Emergency and Acute Care; the LaChance Maternity Center; the Diabetes Center and the Heywood Heart and Vascular Center, an affiliate of the Heart and Vascular Center at UMass Memorial Health Care.
About Heywood Healthcare
Heywood Healthcare is an independent, community-owned healthcare system serving north central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. It is comprised of Heywood Hospital, a non-profit, 134-bed acute-care hospital in Gardner, MA; Athol Hospital, a 25-bed not-for-profit, Critical Access Hospital in Athol, MA; the Quabbin Retreat, a behavioral health and substance misuse treatment facility, in Petersham, MA; and Heywood Medical Group with primary care physicians and specialists located throughout the region. The organization includes five satellite facilities in MA; Heywood Rehabilitation Center and Heywood Urgent Care in Gardner; West River Health Center in Orange; Winchendon Health Center and Murdock School-based Health Center in Winchendon; Heywood Charitable Foundation; and the North Quabbin Community Coalition.
About Heywood Medical Group
Heywood Medical Group is a non-profit Physician Organization affiliated with Heywood Hospital with over 50 physicians and advanced practice providers specializing in Primary Care and Specialty Care. Our primary care physicians focus on Pediatrics and Family Practice. Our specialty care physicians focus on the areas of Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Bariatrics, Gynecology/Obstetrics, Orthopedics, Pulmonology, Urology and General Surgery.
Heywood Medical group serves individuals and families in need of health care and works in coordination with Heywood Hospital to provide high-quality comprehensive care to everyone.