Below is the complete version of a letter to the editor that was published in the Dec. 15 edition of The Inquirer and Mirror to update the island community about the new hospital project: 

We have entered an exciting yet challenging chapter in the 105-year history of Nantucket Cottage Hospital as we prepare to build the island’s new hospital. We would like to provide an update to the community about our progress to date, and what’s to come in the months ahead.

If you’ve driven by the hospital recently, you’ve probably noticed that our campus at 57 Prospect Street has begun to transform.  Before we can break ground for the new hospital, we are completing several enabling projects to create space for the new building, which will be located directly behind the existing hospital in the southwest corner of our property. (more…)

Nantucket Cottage Hospital announced today that it has been recognized by the National Organization of State Office of Rural Health (NOSORH) and  iVantage Health Analytics for overall excellence in quality and patient satisfaction, reflecting top quartile performance among all acute care hospitals in the nation.

“This is a well-deserved recognition of the professionalism and compassion that our staff brings to Nantucket Cottage Hospital every day,” said Dr. Margot Hartmann, president and CEO of Nantucket Cottage Hospital. “The quality of care and the experience we provide our patients are two of the most important measures of our performance as a hospital, so it is gratifying to see the efforts of our staff honored in this way.”

Nantucket Cottage Hospital is one of only two rural hospitals in Massachusetts to be recognized by NOSORH and iVantage for excellence in quality, joining Martha’s Vineyard Hospital in earning this distinction.

The rankings have been designated by the Hospital Strength INDEX™, the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of hospital performance. In partnership with NOSORH, iVantage Health Analytics has developed a data-driven program designed to identify excellence across a broad spectrum of indicators relevant to hospital performance and patient care. The Hospital Strength INDEX™ captures performance metrics for more than 4,000 acute care hospitals, including over 1,300 rural and Critical Access Hospitals. Leveraging data from public data sources, INDEX aggregates data from 66 individual metrics into three major categories and nine pillars to derive a single strength overall rating for each facility.

“These top quartile performers should take great pride in this recognition,” said Michael Topchik, senior vice president of iVantage Health Analytics.  “It showcases their commitment to continuous performance analysis and improvement. On this occasion of National Rural Health Day, it’s an honor to celebrate their achievement as they continue to serve their communities despite the many market, regulatory and financial pressures they face.”

Following another hugely successful season, The Hospital Thrift Shop announced today a record-breaking gift of $400,000 to Nantucket Cottage Hospital.

The board members of the Thrift Shop presented Nantucket Cottage Hospital president and CEO Dr. Margot Hartmann with a check on Monday in the amount of $300,000, which has been earmarked for new medical equipment. Another $100,000 will be committed to the Thrift Shop’s pledge of $500,000 for the construction of the new hospital.

“This gift is a direct result of the generosity of the island community,” said Cathy Ward, President of the Thrift Shop’s Board of Directors and an NCH Trustee. “We’re thankful to everyone who made this possible, from the people who donated merchandise, to the shoppers, as well as our hardworking volunteers. We’re so happy to be able to help the hospital with both its current and future needs in a new building.”

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Today is Whaler Pride Day at Nantucket Cottage Hospital!

Our staff is wearing Whaler gear at work today to support the undefeated Nantucket High School football team as it takes on Seekonk in the Div. 4 South sectional semifinals at Vito Capizzo Stadium today at 5 p.m. GO WHALERS!

Kathy Sherman, right, with NCH oncology nurse Jane Kelly

For Nantucket resident Kathy Sherman, the initial shock of her breast cancer diagnosis was followed by a deluge of information about the disease, treatment, as well as how and where to access the medical care she needed.

“People don’t know how hard this is or how much you have to go through until it happens to them,” Sherman said.

Her anxiety eased when she learned about Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s partnership with the Mass General Cancer Center, which provides island patients with oncology services, including chemotherapy, close to their homes and without the burdensome travel to the mainland.

Today, Sherman is being treated at Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s infusion clinic with chemotherapy, and has monthly appointments with MGH oncologists who travel to the island to see NCH patients.

“I can’t say enough – they’re just fabulous here,” Sherman said. “I know a couple people who’ve come down with cancer and I told them ‘why are you going to Boston? They put the same thing in you up there as they put in you here.’ With what you have to go through, it’s just easier to go home, lay down in bed and not be travelling.” (more…)