Hospital & Community Spotlight

(March 12, 2021) This morning we reported to the public COVID-19 case data that indicates the Island is experiencing a surge in cases. Our 7-day positivity rate is now 7.1% with cases climbing over the last several days. According to contact tracing data these cases are primarily the result of travel and the Island’s increasing positivity rate is truly concerning.

It is an understatement that no surge in cases is welcome. We must also recognize we are going to be particularly vulnerable in the coming weeks as the number of individuals on Nantucket climbs dramatically. If the surge is not controlled it is not inconceivable that measures taken last year to stop the spread be reconsidered by DPH, the Town, and our Board of Health. Bells are ringing that we might listen and reflect on curbing behaviors that spread the virus.

Looking back on the COVID 19 impacts over the past year, it is easy to recognize the massive changes that have taken place due to the emergence of the virus. Words simply cannot express the personal sacrifices, loss, and anxiety many of us have endured and continue to experience. (more…)

For Nantucketers receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations at the VFW clinic over the past month, the experience has been a mixture of relief and joy. The inoculations have brought a sense of optimism for the future as the island and the country mark a full year living through the pandemic, with hope that it’s nearing an end.

To enhance the festive atmosphere of the VFW vaccination clinic and foster the concept of wellness through whole person care, Nantucket Cottage Hospital has partnered with the Nantucket Community Music Center to bring live music to the clinic.

Performers from the Nantucket Community Music Center, appropriately masked and distanced, will play string instruments and piano for those getting their COVID-19 vaccinations. Following vaccination, each individual is required to stay on-site for a 15-minute observation period to monitor for any adverse reactions, so they will have the opportunity to hear live music from some of the island’s most talented local musicians. The initiative is being generously provided by the Ashley Sanford Music Therapy Program at NCH. (more…)

We want to share a very warm welcome to Nantucket’s New Year Baby for 2021!

Lillian Cartwright Farrell was born at Nantucket Cottage Hospital on Jan. 1, 2021 at 12:44 p.m., weighing 7 pounds, 2 ounces, measuring 19 inches, and is the first baby born on the island in 2021.

Lillian is the first child of Megan Soverino and Henry Farrell, of Nantucket. On behalf of everyone at Nantucket Cottage Hospital, congratulations to the family!

What a year it has been!

As 2020 comes to a close, I wanted to share our gratitude to the island community. We have asked so much of you and it has been a challenging year in so many ways, but the spirit and generosity we have witnessed has given us strength and heartened our workforce as we have responded to the pandemic. You have supported us and supported one another through this challenging time.

The prevention guidelines we have asked the community to follow – wearing masks, staying physically distant, refraining from large gatherings and staying home when possible – all of that has made life difficult. It’s not fun to do these things and it takes away from what we enjoy about life and our island. But we understand the importance of implementing these precautions, and we thank all of you for taking it to heart and taking it seriously.

As I look back to the spring of 2020, there were so many occasions when the community was there for its hospital. When we asked for donations of PPE, you were there. When we put out the call for medical providers to join a reserve staff to be ready if necessary, you stepped up. When people needed masks, you got sewing. When businesses needed to adapt to keep customers safe, you did so. Both year-round and seasonal residents of Nantucket came together to make these things happen for NCH and for our community. (more…)