A pledge to continue a legacy in emergency medical services and transportation was part of what residents learned about during a community forum organized by University of Vermont Health Network – Alice Hyde Medical Center last Tuesday night.

Tuesday night’s event, held at the Malone Golf Club, also featured a discussion on plans for a new primary care facility being built by Hudson Headwaters Health Network (HHHN) and the announcement of a new surgeon who also has critical care training joining the Alice Hyde team.

In addition to hearing updates on major projects, collaborations and medical staff recruitments, community members had a chance to ask questions and share ideas, thoughts or concerns.

Northern Ambulance Plans Seamless Transition

After four decades with Northern Ambulance, Vicki Rockhill announced she is retiring at the end of the year. Rockhill assured the crowd that she is working closely with Alice Hyde leadership, including Rebecca Shutts, Chief Nursing Officer, to ensure services will continue without missing a beat.

Rockhill, who owns Northern Ambulance, says she is finalizing plans for another ambulance company to partner with the hospital and health care facilities in the Malone area to continue the services Northern Ambulance has been providing for 51 years. While Rockhill cannot name the company due to ongoing negotiations, she says the company has 50 years of experience providing similar services and goals that are similar to hers.

“They (the new ambulance company) are used to working the hospital side of things as well as the EMS side. So it looks like it’s going to be a perfect fit. And it’s a chance to bring in some new energetic ideas,” Rockhill explains.

She also points out her staff will be staying on, and she will continue on in an advisory role “until everything is transitioned and those ties can be strongly bonded like I have with various fire departments, emergency services, hospital doctors and other community agencies.”

“There will not be one minute without service,” Rockhill adds.

Next Steps in Primary Care

The audience also heard from Tucker Slingerland, MD, CEO of Hudson Headwaters Health Network. He discussed the partnership with Alice Hyde and the ongoing work to further open access to primary care. Hudson Headwaters opened a health center on the hospital’s campus in December. Dr. Slingerland says that office has seen 800 separate patients in the nine months it has been open, including 200 new patients.

He updated residents on plans to build a new primary care facility in Malone that received approval from state authorities earlier in the day. Construction on the building could begin as soon as next month.

“We’re really trying not to replicate stuff that’s also on the hospital campus. For example, things like lab services and imaging we’ll look to the hospital to provide. Plattsburgh is a good example, where we have a health center built in front of a lot of hospital resources. That coordination has worked well,” Dr. Slingerland offers.

The goal of both organizations is to meet the health needs of the community and provide exceptional experiences.

“We want to provide care that, for instance, I’d be comfortable having my parents, grandparents or even neighbors use, without hesitation,” Dr. Slingerland says.

New Surgeon Coming to Alice Hyde

The event wrapped up with an announcement that a new surgeon will be coming to town. Alice Hyde has hired Lori DeFreest, MD, PhD, FACS. Dr. DeFreest is a general surgeon with critical care training who has spent the last decade working in Albany. Ramsey Herrington, MD, Interim Executive Vice President of UVMHN Operations and Network Chair of the Emergency Department, says the team is excited to welcome Dr. DeFreest and continue building to open access.

“This is an example of great talent and experience coming into this community,” Dr. Herrington says. “We’re going to build around her as a health network and as a hospital.”

“I hope you see tonight as forward movement and steps forward for Franklin County, the Malone community and Alice Hyde,” adds Michelle LeBeau, RN, BS, MHRM, RHCEOC, President of Alice Hyde Medical Center, thanking community members for their interest and participation in the forum. “It’s an exciting time as we continue to grow and accomplish fantastic things, all of it centered around providing the care you and your loved ones need.”