Valley Regional Hospital (VRH), a member of Dartmouth Health, is entering a new era of surgical care with expanded surgical services, the addition of new specialty surgeons, and the introduction of robotic-assisted surgery through the da Vinci Surgical System. The technology allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures using instruments that translate a surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, more precise movements inside the patient’s body.
The da Vinci system supports a minimally invasive approach to surgery and may help reduce recovery times, shorten hospital stays and lower the risk of complications for some patients. The hospital recently completed significant operating room renovations, positioning VRH to expand services and meet growing patient needs in Claremont and surrounding communities.
Hospital leaders say the investment is part of a broader effort to expand access to advanced surgical care in the region.
“Bringing new technology, exceptional people, and increased services to Valley Regional Hospital is an investment in the communities we serve,” said Matthew Foster, MD, MMM, president and CEO of VRH. “It’s a significant milestone for us and an important step in increasing access to local care.”
The expansion also includes the addition of new surgical specialists. Marissa Mendez, MD, FACS, a robotically trained surgeon, joined VRH in December and performs procedures using the da Vinci system. Additionally, VRH has hired colorectal surgeon Evan Adams, MD, to the surgical team that includes Catharine Crawford and will further expand the hospital’s specialty care offerings. Finally, Travis Mann-Gow, MD, will be starting as a community urologist in September.
“It is equally important to have uniquely talented people who are experts at using advanced technology,” said Foster. “I am proud that Valley can not only add new services and modernize our equipment but also stay committed to ensuring locally trusted, high-quality care.”
Patients interested in learning more about VRH’s surgical services can visit https://vrh.org.
About Valley Regional Hospital
Valley Regional Hospital, a Dartmouth Health member, has been serving the needs of Sullivan County, NH, for more than 130 years. Evolving with the needs of its community, Valley Regional is a federally- designated critical access hospital with services that include 21-bed inpatient suites and a progressive care unit, 24/7 emergency department, urgent care, lab, rehabilitation services, and imaging. Valley Regional also offers a breadth of outpatient services including primary care, cardiac and pulmonary therapy, behavioral health services, orthopaedics, podiatry, oncology and infusion services, women’s health, and Dartmouth Health Children’s pediatric care. Learn more at vrh.org.