In the News
We're Hiring: Vice President Of Finance
Seven Days

The Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems seeks a Vice President of Finance to be based in Montpelier. This role is a key part of the VAHHS leadership team and includes a range of duties (listed below). The position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and works closely with VAHHS’ advocacy and public policy staff to serve member hospitals. This is a full time, exempt position.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Interface with the Green Mountain Care Board on regulatory matters including all dimensions of the annual hospital budget review process; attend GMCB meetings and hearings
  • Make strategic recommendations for VAHHS members on managing regulation, implementing health reform, submitting budgets and understanding market conditions
  • Manage and build the VAHHS budget and oversee internal finances and operations; supervise accounting personnel
VDH: Now is the time to get your flu shot
VBM

As experts predict a severe flu season across the country, state health officials are urging Vermonters to take steps now to protect themselves and those at higher risk by getting their flu shot, along with the updated COVID-19 booster.

Everyone 6 months and older (with certain exceptions) should get their flu shot, and the COVID-19 and flu vaccines can be given at the same time. Both vaccines are available at walk-in clinics, pharmacies and health care providers. However, flu shots offered at state-run walk-in clinics are for people under age 65. Anyone 65 and older should get the high-dose flu vaccine(link is external) through their health care provider or local pharmacy.

“Don’t wait to get your flu shot and COVID-19 booster,” said Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD. “Late fall ushers in the cold and flu season, and viruses can spread quickly. As Vermonters spend more time indoors, we expect to see an increase in respiratory illnesses and hospitalizations.”
Covid levels in Vermont ‘low’ for 2nd week in a row
VTDigger

Vermont’s Covid-19 levels remain “low,” according to the state Department of Health’s latest weekly surveillance report.

The state’s Covid levels returned to “low” last week after two weeks of “medium” levels.

There were 442 Covid cases reported in the past week, down from 532 cases the week before. The department bases case numbers primarily on PCR testing rather than at-home antigen tests.

As of Wednesday, 38 people were hospitalized for Covid in Vermont.
Vermont Department of Health unveils new software expected to improve patient care
NBC5


The Vermont Department of Health is unveiling a new statewide initiative through a partnership with the clinical software company VisualDx.

The first-of-its-kind program is expected to mobilize public health across Vermont and will bring the latest information to phones and other mobile devices. It will also provide patients with real-time diagnosis, results, or treatment options.

After COVID-19 revealed the need to re-imagine patient care, the Vermont Department of Health said it hopes its newest initiative will strengthen patient-provider relationships and prevent misinformation around emerging illnesses.
Vermont's next Legislature eyeing big-ticket programs 'to support families''
Vermont Public

Voters across the state Tuesday decided who they want to represent them in the Vermont Legislature, and Democrats will once again enjoy strong majorities in both the House and Senate.

Lawmakers will face some tough policy dilemmas when they convene in Montpelier in January.

Vermont Public’s Mitch Wertlieb spoke with reporter Peter Hirschfeld to learn more about the issues the next Legislature might tackle when they convene in Montpelier in January. Their conversation below has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Upper Valley students visit VA ahead of Veteran's Day
WCAX

It was a special day at the VA Medical Center in White River Junction on Thursday as kids visited campus to celebrate veterans and get a jump-start on Veterans Day.

“The vehicle was really fun,” said Julie Sedrak, a third grader. “When he turned on the green lights, everybody is having a dance party!”

Getting a look inside a military ambulance for the Army reserves was just one of several experiences for elementary students from the White River School at the VA Thursday.

The field trip, which also included a ride on adaptive therapy bikes and a K-9 demonstration, was designed to give the kids a better understanding of what happens behind the VA’s walls.
Hospitals in the News
From our Hospitals
Lance Thigpen: Gender-affirming care is the safest known option
The goal of health care is to prevent or reduce suffering and risk of death. But a huge debate revolves around gender-affirming care. Gender-affirming care supports and validates the gender with which patients identify.

It can be confusing for people whose gender identity correlates with what they were assigned at birth, called “cis-gendered,” when someone else does not identify their gender based on what they were born with or when the gender changes from time to time. “Gender identity” refers to what gender a person knows or feels they are most similar to, regardless of what genitals they were born with.

It is a common misconception that gender is defined purely by biology. It is also based on the influence of hormones on the developing brain and social influences. Many had not known that there were people who questioned their gender identity.
NMC seeing uptick in pediatric respiratory patients and how it's responding
Northwestern Medical Center is well-prepared to care for the rise in pediatric respiratory patients.

Being a parent can be scary at times and during a pandemic adds another level of concern. We are seeing an early increase in pediatric respiratory illnesses. These are the same viruses that we typically see in the winter months; they are not new or more virulent than previous years.

As we all return to more normal daily activities, including time indoors without masks, these viruses are spreading quickly and having an impact on our youngest community members.

At NMC, we have an inpatient pediatric service that is available 24/7/365 to provide care for the pediatric patients in our community. We are collaborating closely with UVMMC and other community hospitals across the state to provide the best care for each individual patient.
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