TOWNSHEND-After one year in operation, the New England Collaborative Health Network (NECHN) has grown to 10 members. Founded in May 2024 by its first members - Copley Hospital, Northwestern Medical Center, and Brattleboro Memorial Hospital - NECHN continues to grow, with Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital becoming its newest member.
"Healthcare in Vermont is challenging, with many changes on the horizon. But we are responding to the needs of our patients and community as best we can - while continually seeking ways to be more financially sustainable," Grace Cottage CEO Olivia Sweetnam said in a news release.
Collectively, the 10 member organizations of NECHN serve 313,000 people. The Vermont-based members alone care for over one-third of the state's population and span more than half of Vermont's geographic area.
Amid a year marked by uncertainty, NECHN says it has proactively driven cost savings for both hospitals and their community care partners through group purchasing in areas such as medical supplies, employee benefits, business insurance, and other purchased services.
NECHN Board Chair Joseph Woodin said in just a year, they've realized over $6 million in cost avoidance.
Beyond group purchasing and cost efficiencies, NECHN says it is actively developing regional leadership education programs, exploring telehealth initiatives, and discussing shared provider models to enhance patient access and address workforce challenges across the care continuum.
NECHN Executive Director David Turner credits the early success of the network to shared priorities among hospital CEOs, the commitment of each member organization's leadership team, and close collaboration with vendor partners.
"Our leadership councils-focused on information technology, human resources, finance, clinical education, and supply chain- create the structure for independent organizations to share expertise, identify opportunities, and coordinate efforts for stronger execution," said Turner. "These councils are especially valuable for smaller members with limited resources."
For more information, visit nechnetwork.com.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.