BERLIN, Vt. - Operations are returning to normal conditions at UVM Health Network - Central Vermont Medical Center following catastrophic flooding earlier this week that caused significant travel complications for patients and staff.
As of Wednesday morning, all primary and specialty care clinics and Express Care in Berlin are opening today. The incident command established on Monday evening at CVMC remains in operation to monitor events and ensure our patients receive the care and service they need.
The hospital and the emergency department were able to remain operational. Staff and leaders went above and beyond to keep the majority of services available to the community.
Although it was initially closed, the dialysis unit is open and treating patients. The team’s commitment was exemplified when Dawn Bray-Riley drove to pick up a patient at their home who could not travel to the facility on their own. The hospital housed individuals overnight who came to the emergency Department for shelter, or were worried about their oxygen running out. With many pharmacies closed, staff also quickly established a process to get medications to community members who lost life-saving prescriptions because of the flood. Clinics supported patient care by leveraging telemedicine capabilities. Bill Kowalewski, vice president for Aging Services and the administrator of Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing, had his Montpelier home flooded. Still, he stayed at Woodridge overnight and made breakfast for residents in the morning when the nutrition staff could not make it in.
"Our CVMC team is remarkable, and I am so proud of how we came together to serve our community. Despite the personal hardships many staff are experiencing, they remain wholly dedicated to ensuring our patients and Woodridge residents receive high-quality care. I am grateful for their commitment," said Anna Tempesta Noonan, RN, president and COO of UVM Health Network - Central Vermont Medical Center.
UVM Health Network - Central Vermont Medical Center will provide further updates as needed. Information is also available from the State of Vermont Department of Public safety.