FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE              

For more information, contact:
Lynn Ostrowski lostrowski@hne.com; 413-538-1564                                                                                HNE Director, Brand & Corporate Relations

Health New England (HNE) Welcomes Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, VT to our Provider Network

 “One of the most important components of any health insurance product is the network of hospitals and physicians available to members,” said Peter Straley, HNE President & CEO. HNE is pleased to welcome Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, (“SVMC”) to our commercial product provider network.”

SVMC offers a full range of hospital services including an award-winning emergency department. Over 130 physicians and their staff work together to provide compassionate care and superior patient outcomes. The Center’s multidisciplinary approach allows patients’ access to preeminent physicians from virtually every medical specialty, which collaborates to develop personalized treatment plans for each patient. “SVMC is very similar to the high quality, patient centered, and service oriented hospitals in our existing network,” said Thomas H. Ebert, HNE Chief Medical Officer.

SVMC has received many awards and recognitions, including Nursing Magnet Hospital Recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in August of 2011. SVMC is the only Magnet hospital for nursing excellence in the Berkshires and Southern Vermont. SVMC is one of only about 5 percent of hospitals worldwide to have achieved Magnet status. Baystate Medical Center, also in HNE’s provider network, has also received Magnet recognition for excellence in nursing care. Additionally, the Breast Care Program at SVMC is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and is the only accredited program in Vermont.

About HNE

Health New England (HNE) is your local managed care organization based right here in downtown Springfield at One Monarch Place. Today HNE employs 300 associates and over 5,000 employers and 125,000 members choose HNE as their health insurer. HNE offers a diverse product line with plans for the employer and individual markets, Medicare and Medicaid recipients. It is our mission is to provide for the health care needs of our members, deliver superior value, and act as a leading corporate citizen.  We are committed to the health and well being of our members and the communities we serve. We work with care and service providers to foster partnerships that support the diverse needs of the people here in Western Massachusetts.

About SVMC

SVMC is a nonprofit hospital providing quality health care in virtually every adult specialty and subspecialty, from primary care to cancer diagnosis and treatment. SVMC is part of Southwestern Vermont Health Care which is comprised of the Centers for Living and Rehab, VNA & Hospice, SV Regional Cancer Center, SVMC Northshire Campus, and SVMC Deerfield Valley Campus. SVMC’s our cancer center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons and offers a wide range of NCI-approved clinical trials through the National Cancer Institute. SVMC’s breast care program is the only NAPBC accredited program in Vermont, the Berkshires, and the capital district of New York State.