Grace Cottage joins cost-savings purchasing group

After one year in operation, the New England Collaborative Health Network has grown to 10 members with the addition of Grace Cottage Family Health and Hospital of Townshend, Northern Counties Health Care of St. Johnsbury and Gifford Medical Center in Randolph.

The eight Vermont-based members care for more than one-third of the state’s population and cover more than one-half of its geographic area.

Amid a year marked by uncertainty, NECHN has proactively driven cost savings for its members through group purchasing of medical supplies, employee benefits, business insurance and other services.

“We have been able to put our collective interests and efforts together to realize over $6 million in cost avoidance and savings in just a year’s time,” said Joseph Woodin, CEO of Copley Hospital and chair of the NECHN Board of Directors.

NECHN 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.

“Joining the collaborative opens up many opportunities—not only for cost savings but also for sharing resources and knowledge, particularly in highly specialized administrative areas.”

Reflecting on her first year as CEO of Grace Cottage, Olivia Sweetnam stated, “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.”