Former Dempsey Pediatrics Joins BHS Umbrella

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Dr. Gicewicz received his medical degree from Tulane University, New Orleans, and completed his residency at Albany Medical Center.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) announced that the former Dempsey Pediatrics provider practice has joined BHS, furthering the legacy of care provided by Dr. Brian Dempsey.
 
"We are pleased to continue the dedicated care services that Dempsey Pediatrics has provided for decades through Berkshire Health Pediatrics," said James Lederer, MD, BHS Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer. "The landscape for primary care and pediatrics has changed dramatically over the last decade, making it increasingly harder for offices to continue as stand-alone practices. By joining with Berkshire Health Systems, Dempsey Pediatrics can continue to care for the region's children and families and can expand the practice to meet their needs now and well into the future."
 
Effective Tuesday, April 2, 2024, Dempsey Pediatrics became Berkshire Health Pediatrics, retaining the majority of the office staff and clinical care team and welcoming Dr. Adam Gicewicz to the team of caregivers.
 
"BHS is very pleased to welcome the Dempsey Pediatrics team to our provider practice organization," said Darlene Rodowicz, BHS President and CEO. "The service and support that thousands of families have come to expect from Dempsey Pediatrics will continue through the team at Berkshire Health Pediatrics. "
 
Gicewicz has been serving with MACONY Pediatrics in recent months and is moving to Berkshire Health Pediatrics. Dr. Gicewicz received his medical degree from Tulane University, New Orleans, and completed his residency at Albany Medical Center. Dr. Dempsey will remain at the practice during the transition period.
 
The office remains at 758 East St. in Pittsfield and will have expanded hours, open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5 pm. After-hours access will be provided through an on-call provider. Berkshire Health Pediatrics will also use the Berkshire Patient Portal, ensuring secure, accurate and integrated patient information with other BHS services, which helps providers to have a comprehensive view of each patient's care.
 
Added care options will include in-office vaccination for patients over the age of 18, community health workers helping connect patients and families to community partners and resources to support overall well-being, and direct access to the expansive BHS network of clinical services.
 
Berkshire Health Pediatrics can be reached at the same phone number that was used by Dempsey Pediatrics – 413-448-8212.

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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