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/ Categories: WELLNESS, 2022, ED

Navigating the Renovation

A major renovation and expansion of the Emergency Department and Main Entrance has required that we reroute patient traffic to a new temporary entrance called the Canopy Entrance. Follow along with the photos and descriptions below for a guided tour of how to enter the hospital.

After having pulled onto the Hospital Campus from Dewey Street, notice the parking lot to the left. It is marked with a “P” for parking. Pull in there and park.

 

The same parking lot can also be accessed from the Monument Ave. Extension entrance to the Hospital Campus. It is on the right.

 

The parking lot includes a shelter to wait for the campus shuttle. The shuttle runs 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday – Saturday. If you like, you can also walk to the Canopy Entrance.

 

To walk from the parking lot, follow the signs to the crosswalk. This is the first of two road crossings.

 

Signs continue to point the way. Note that the ambulance is for ambulance traffic only. Pedestrians must stay on pedestrian walkways.

 

 After a short distance, there is the second of two road crossings.

 

Once you have crossed the street, follow the path and fencing to the large canopy.

 

As you approach, you will see that masks are required.

 

If you took the shuttle, this is where it drops you off.

 

At the base of a ramp and once you reach inside, you will find friendly and helpful staff to guide the way or assist you with a wheel chair. 

 

Ascend the ramp on foot or with the assistance of a wheel chair and attendant.

 

Once inside, signs point the way to the service you need. Friendly staff members are available to check you in and provide assistance navigating. 

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Introducing Dr. Amy Freeth

Amy E. Freeth, MD, resumed endocrinology services at SVMC in March 2020. The practice, known as SVMC Endocrinology, is a part of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) and Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC). It replaces the Bennington Osteoporosis Center, where Dr. David Gorson had provided similar services to the community until his retirement in 2019.

How do you describe endocrinology to people who don’t know what it is? The endocrine system is made up of glands that make hormones. These hormones are chemical messengers that travel via the bloodstream to communicate with the cells and organs of the body. Hormones are important for growth, development, mood, metabolism, and reproduction. These glands include the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal, testes, and ovaries.

Endocrinology is a practice of medicine that specializes in disorders of these systems. Disorders most commonly are related to underactive or overactive function of these glands and require replacement of the hormone or specific treatments such as medications, ablation, or surgery.

Since hormones function in feedback loops and are part of a larger complex functional system that exists in flow with the human body, replacement hormones or treatment of endocrine disorders can be challenging and involve changes to our lifestyles that support the optimal functioning of the body.

What diagnoses are most common among the patients you treat?  Pituitary tumors, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis, diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, Cushing’s disease, primary hyperaldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, obesity, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

What sorts of treatments do you offer? I offer comprehensive consultation and management of endocrine disorders. I also interpret testing and make treatment plans for endocrine disorders. I also provide interpretation of bone density reports and perform fine needle aspiration biopsies in collaboration with Radiology Associates of Bennington. Technology is increasingly becoming more important in the management of diabetes. Technology includes glucose meters, insulin pumps, and continuous glucose monitoring (sensors). I work with certified diabetes educators to create a team approach to diabetes management. As we develop this new department, we are looking for innovative ways to help people regain and optimize their health. I have training in nutrition counseling and health coaching to help people find their path to good health.

Why is it important for patients who need an endocrinologist see them regularly? Your endocrinologist is part of your health team and has experience and a deep understanding of what is happening within your body to help assess, guide, and co-manage your disorder. There is testing that may need to be done to make sure you are living with optimal hormonal balance. Allowing hormones to run too low or too high can have lasting adverse effects on the body leading to other disease or imbalances.

How do you help protect patients who need to come into the office from infections, like COVID-19? At this time, I am seeing patients via telemedicine and phone visits. This week we are starting to see a portion of our patients in the clinic. Patients can register on the phone and wait in their car until the room is ready. Patients will be screened for fever and should wear a mask. Staff will wear proper protective equipment and follow guidelines for handwashing and cleaning of the rooms.

Since many patients who will likely want to come to the endocrinology clinic will be members of high-risk populations (diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and the elderly), patients will have a choice of the type of visit they have.

Dr. Freeth sees patients 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday in Suite 307 of the Medical Office Building located at 140 Hospital Drive in Bennington. For an appointment, call 802-447-4555. The schedule will expand to additional days as needed.

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