WESTFIELD – Baystate Noble Hospital was recently awarded $150,000 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for needed front entrance improvements.

These funds will be used to enhance Baystate Noble’s entrance and reception area to provide updated ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) access.

“Our goal is to make Baystate Noble easily-accessible for all,” Allison Gearing-Kalill, vice president of Community Development, said. “We’re very grateful to add this money to the 2014 and 2015 Noble Ball funds in order to update our front entrance and better serve our patients and visitors.”

Ronald Bryant, president of Baystate Noble Hospital, said, “Our front entrance is used by patients, visitors, family members, and the community. People with disabilities, injuries, and of all ages are affected by our entranceway.”

Plans to improve the front entrance include installing new automatic sliding doors, re-grading the circular driveway and walkway areas to create a level surface, and adding a protected drive-under canopy drop-off area for patients. Heating and cooling systems, fire alarms, windows, and other “green” improvements are also expected.

The funds granted to Baystate Noble Hospital were originally vetoed by Gov. Charlie Baker. With the help of state Sen. Donald F. Humason and state Rep. John Velis, the House and Senate were able to secure a two-thirds vote to override the veto. The State has cut most local aid funds across the Commonwealth, so these earmarked funds are more important than ever, said Velis.

“Since the July merger of Noble Hospital and Baystate Health, I have heard nothing but positive comments. I was proud to represent Baystate Noble Hospital in this process so that the people of Westfield will have easy access to their community hospital and will continue to receive the excellent healthcare that they deserve,” Velis said.