Cheshire Medical Center Campaign Nears Finish Line With $41 Million Raised

Larmon, campaign co-chair, and Phipps, vice president of philanthropy and community relations, joined Mitchell in studio to discuss the progress of the campaign and the transformational projects it will fund — all aimed at expanding access to high-quality care close to home.

Nearing the Goal

The campaign publicly launched in November following a quiet phase of early fundraising. Since their last appearance on the program in early November, the hospital has raised an additional $1.8 million, bringing the total to $41 million. Approximately 480 households, businesses and foundations have contributed to the effort so far.

While the official fundraising goal is $42 million, Phipps noted that total construction costs are expected to approach $60 million. Exceeding the campaign goal would reduce the need for financing through loans, making community contributions even more impactful.

“This has truly been a grassroots community effort,” Phipps said during the interview.

Second Linear Accelerator on Track

A central component of the campaign is the addition of a second linear accelerator, a machine used in radiation therapy for cancer patients. Currently, Cheshire Medical Center operates one linear accelerator, but the nearest alternatives are more than an hour away.

Because radiation therapy typically requires daily treatments, Monday through Friday, uninterrupted access is critical. Travel time can far exceed treatment time, placing added strain on patients already undergoing chemotherapy or other therapies.

Construction of a new, lead-lined bunker to house the second linear accelerator is underway behind the hospital and remains on schedule. Once construction is complete, installation and calibration of the equipment will take several weeks. The new unit is expected to begin serving patients in September.

The addition will not only improve access to care locally but also provide redundancy if the existing machine requires maintenance — an important safeguard, particularly during New England winters.

Surgical Suite Expansion After 53 Years

Larmon and Phipps also highlighted plans to modernize and expand the hospital’s surgical facilities — the first major renovation of the surgical suite since the hospital moved to its Court Street location 53 years ago.

The project will:

• Expand and modernize operating rooms

• Add a sixth operating room (increasing capacity by more than 1,000 surgeries per year)

• Expand endoscopy services

• Increase pre- and post-operative space

Modernization is especially important for recruiting and retaining physicians, Larmon explained. New surgeons are trained using advanced robotic and minimally invasive technologies, and up-to-date operating rooms are essential for attracting top talent.

The hospital has already introduced a surgical robot, but current operating rooms are small by modern standards. Updated facilities will better support today’s surgical techniques and equipment.

Expanding GI and Cancer Care

In addition to surgical upgrades, the hospital is expanding gastroenterology and cancer care services. Some adjustments to space utilization — including use of the Maple Avenue facility — are underway as part of a broader master facilities plan designed to optimize patient access and efficiency across the campus.

The long-term strategy focuses on delivering comprehensive care within the community, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the Monadnock Region.

Community Event and Ongoing Support

Larmon also announced the upcoming “Caring Candlelight and Community” tribute event on March 14 at the Keene Country Club. This year’s honorees are retired orthopedist Dr. Sherry Holmes and campaign co-chair Rob Terrien. Proceeds from the event will support the capital campaign.

Residents interested in contributing can donate online through the Cheshire Health Foundation page at cheshiremed.org or contact the hospital’s philanthropy department directly.

As Mitchell noted during the broadcast, each time the pair returns to the program, the news seems to get better. With just $1 million remaining to reach the $42 million goal, Cheshire Medical Center’s campaign appears poised to cross the finish line — powered largely by community support.

“We’re so grateful,” Phipps said. “This is truly about care close to home.”

Listen to the full interview: