Fairview Hospital Receives 2026 Women’s Choice Awards

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Fairview Hospital has been recognized as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience and a Best Hospital for Emergency Care by the Women's Choice Award.

These honors place Fairview among the top 100 hospitals in the nation within its size category, based on number of beds.

Hospitals that prioritize patient experience not only improve outcomes but also build trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships with their communities, stated a press release.

"Fairview's providers and staff can be justifiably proud of these national recognitions, once again validating their commitment to outstanding care," said Anthony Scibelli, Berkshire Health Systems Vice President and Fairview Hospital Chief Operating Officer. "We serve a very tight-knit community and the loyalty our patients and their loved ones have shown and continue to show push us to excellence."

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a positive patient experience is strongly linked to better disease management, treatment adherence, and overall health outcomes. It also boosts employee morale, reduces staff turnover, and helps attract top talent—making it a win-win for patients and providers alike.

"By raising your standards to meet the highest expectations—often held by women—you're giving everyone the best care possible," said Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women's Choice Award. "This award is more than a badge of honor. It lifts the entire hospital and all service lines by recognizing the exceptional experience you provide—not only for women, but for all patients."

The Women's Choice Award for Patient Experience is the only national designation that combines HCAHPS survey results with primary research on women's healthcare preferences to identify the top 100 hospitals in each size category.

  • Hospitals are evaluated using a weighted average of the following HCAHPS measures:
  • Communication with nurses and doctors
  • Responsiveness to requests for help
  • Explanation of medications before administration
  • Providing recovery information
  • Cleanliness of rooms and bathrooms
  • Quietness of the hospital environment at night
  • Overall patient recommendation rating

Each year, more than 130 million emergency room visits occur in the U.S., making emergency departments a vital part of the healthcare system. Unlike other hospital departments, ER teams often interact with patients during moments of high stress, fear, and urgency—especially for women caring for children, elderly parents, or themselves.

"Emergency departments can be incredibly stressful, particularly for a mother with a sick child or an older adult facing a medical crisis," said Delia Passi, founder and CEO of the Women's Choice Award. "Women influence 94 percent of all healthcare decisions, and they want to know which hospitals will provide fast, effective, and compassionate emergency care. Our award gives them that confidence."

The Women's Choice Award for Emergency Care is the only national designation that combines clinical performance, patient satisfaction, and women's healthcare preferences to identify top-performing hospitals.

Key criteria include:

  • Time spent in the emergency department
  • Percentage of patients who left without being seen
  • Timeliness of brain scan results for patients presenting with stroke symptoms (within 45 minutes)
  • Performance in treating severe sepsis, a life-threatening condition
  • Trauma center level designation (additional points awarded)

Hospitals must rank in the top 25th to 50th percentile nationally for these measures to qualify.

To learn more, visit www.womenschoiceaward.com.


Tags: BHS,   Fairview Hospital,   

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Weekend Outlook: Wilco Weekend & Summer Fun

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
It's Wilco Weekend in North Adams and an estimated 10,000 people will be descending on the city. The band curates the every other summer three-day Solid Sound festival at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. It's too late to get tickets — the event's sold out! — but you can hear some of the performances in the downtown area. Or, you can listen for free on NEPM (New England Public Media) 88.5.
 
Check out the other events happening this weekend including parties, craft, and more

Friday

Karaoke Night
Dalton American Legion
Time: 9 p.m.

Sing your heart out at karaoke night.

More information here.

Berkshire Prides Birthday Bash
Stationary Factory, Dalton
Time: 7 p.m.

Celebrate 10 seasons of Berkshire Pride with a birthday dance party. There will be games, treats, face painting and more.

More information and tickets here.

Musical Bingo Fundraiser
Adams Theater
Time: 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of fun, music, and bingo with DJ Bizz to help support the theater's summer season.

More information and tickets here.

Summer Movie Night at Clapp Park
Clapp Park, Pittsfield
Time: 8:30 p.m.

Bring your own chairs and blankets to enjoy "Zootopia 2" and you will also be able to buy popcorn and soda.

More information here.

'A Hundred Words for Snow'
'62 Center, Williamstown
Time: 2 & 7:30, Friday-Saturday
 
After her father’s unexpected death, 15-year-old Rory discovers that he was planning a trip for the two of them to the North Pole. So, she picks up his ashes, her passport, and her mother’s credit card, and sets out to make good on his plans. Produced by the Chester Theatre Company. 
 
Tickets and more information here.
 

Saturday

Summer Reading Kickoff Party
Milne Public Library, Williamstown
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Celebrate summer at the library with musical performances, lawn games, crafts, and free ice cream.

The balloon twisting workshop and the adult Escape the Mummy’s Tomb will need to be signed up for.

More information here.

Hudpuckers & Team Contraband car show
Wahconah Park, Pittsfield
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For the second year, join Hudpuckers Pub for its annual car show with also motorcycles and trucks.

More information here

Craft Lab
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Drop into the library every Saturday and Monday for a free craft, this Saturday is painting rocks.

More information here.

Bennington Pride
Pleasant Street, Bennington, Vt.
Time: 10 to 4
 
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