Nathan Littauer launched a new campaign today using real staff members.  The commercial “Less is Better” touts the hospital’s new ability to reduce radiation exposure by almost 40% during CT Scans.  Moreover, the commercial uses real Diagnostic Imaging staff at Nathan Littauer and their families.  Cheryl McGrattan, Hospital Spokesperson noted, “The feedback has been outstanding- using our own staff and their children just added a nice warm touch to the commercial.”

 With GE’s ASiR technology the hospital is seeing up to a 40% reduction of radiation exposure with some tests

Nathan Littauer Hospital announced today that they are now using a new technology which lowers radiation exposure during a CT Scan (also known as a Cat Scan). GE’s ASiR technology aims to reduce radiation doses while still maintaining image integrity. “The results have been outstanding” stated Donna Boswell, Senior CT Technologist for Littauer. According to her studies the new technology has been able to reduce radiation doses by as much as 40% on some exams.

Nathan Littauer is using new technology to reduce radiation

CT exams are performed when people are ill or injured, or when a doctor suspects a medical problem that cannot be detected easily with a routine physical examination. CT is also used to rapidly obtain specific diagnostic information that hasn’t been provided by other imaging technologies, such as ultrasound, traditional X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Effective and efficient, a CT exam is one of the most common medical imaging procedures. The pictures are then used for in-depth clinical evaluations.

“This is especially good news for our region- especially families with small children” said Donna Boswell. Research published in the June 7, 2012, issue of the Lancet suggested a possible increased risk of brain cancer and leukemia among patients who received computed tomography scans (Cat Scans or CT scans) of the head while they were children. For many parents, this article caused alarm and concern. Soon after The American Society of Radiology Technologists reminded parents that CT scans are an important medical tool that can provide information critical to the diagnosis and treatment of a child’s condition.  Statistically, more than 70 million CT scans are performed each year in theUnited States, and about 7 million of those exams are on performed on children. TheAmericanCollege of Radiology holds, “The benefits gained through the medical information obtained far outweigh the small risks involved.” (American society of Radiologic Technologists)

“We have made significant investments throughout our entire diagnostic imaging department, not just in our CT Scans” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Littauer’s President and CEO.  He added, “We believe the patients in our area can be assured that we have the best technology coupled with qualified individuals who are properly educated to minimize radiation dose in every possible way.”

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Brian Rubscha connects with people not just computers

Gloversville, NY…Nathan Littauer Hospital announced their Employee of the Quarter last week in an organization-wide celebration. “This quarter we are recognizing an employee who has only been with us for thirteen months.” said Littauer’s President and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly explaining, “But in that short time, he has consistently gone above and beyond in his job duties in the name of the patients we serve.” Recognized for his positive attitude and his leadership with an intern, Brian Rubscha was announced the winner of the prestigious award.

Brian Rubscha connects with people not just computers. Laurence E. Kelly, presents the award to Brian.

Brian works at Nathan Littauer as the Network Administrator, a pivotal position for the hospital. “As the Network Administrator, Brian holds a critical role in maintaining our hospital’s information infrastructure” noted Martin Brown, Littauer’s Chief Information Officer adding. “Healthcare networks like Littauer’s are particularly vital because they facilitate communication among hospital staff, our offsite locations and provide access to crucial information. During emergencies, we call on our network to access live-saving information.” Brian’s position requires constant maintenance of the system and its connectivity, and installation of hardware and software while also troubleshooting PC issues.

Besides his job responsibilities, Brian recently finished an internship with a young student from VOTEC. Throughout the positive work experience, he spoke to the student about hard work and demonstrated a genuine commitment to his career and work. Undoubtedly, they were lessons that made a lasting impression on the student who is still in contact with Brian today. Cheryl McGrattan said, “It is impressive that Brian was able to create a positive experience for a high-school student given all the demands on his time.”

Brian said he was truly surprised when Mr. Kelly announced his name for the award. Fortunately, his family was there to witness the event. Later he reflected upon his success by explaining, “I try to give everyone I meet in life a helping hand no matter who they are, because there is always more to them than meets the eye.”

In addition to staff appreciation, Employees of the Quarter receive a plaque, preferred parking and a gift certificate.

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http://blip.tv/play/g9Q8guPhcgA

“I have never been so happy with a medical practice. Everyone I encounter in this building, even if they are not caring for me or my children leaves me feeling respected and acknowledged. I tell everyone (I care about) about this place!”

June 3, 2010
Rebecca, Johnstown

“I fell on black ice and came to your ER on February 11th. Everyone was so kind and caring during the 3 hours I was there. I was so pleased my follow-up instructions were sent to my own doctor.”

February 2010
Elise

“I would like everyone to know of the excellent health care services we have in this area. I just wanted to express my heartfelt thanks for your care and assistance throughout my ordeal.”
June 11, 2010

Letter to the Editor, Leader Herald
Richard N. Shafer, Gloversville

See what else our patients are saying!

Employees step up to give over 500 holiday gifts to those in need

“We have been very good this year” jokes Kelly Colby when people walk into the Development Office to see a sea of Christmas presents covering every square inch of space, rising at least 3 feet tall. Actually, the gifts are destined to local families in need, and the secret shopping elves are Nathan Littauer employees. The “Gingerbread Project”, born out of Nathan Littauer Hospital has been providing gifts to local children since 1994. This year the hospital took on more children- helping 55 local children. “We knew this was going to be a hard year for people, stated Ms. Colby, a Development Coordinator at the hospital who heads up the Gingerbread Project at Littauer. “And we are so moved by the EXTRA generosity of our employees this year.” She added, “Our team understands that local families are hurting this year and wanted to make sure kids still had a happy Christmas. It makes me so proud to be a Littauer employee.”

Hospital employees Kelly Colby and Maggie Luck help with the Gingerbread Project

The Gingerbread Project coordinates efforts through Fulmont Community Action Agency. Denis Wilson Executive Director of Fulmont Community Action Agency stated, “Once again this year the employees of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home came through to assist our agency in helping the less fortunate in our communities. The efforts of NLH show the level of commitment that they have to helping the community. These employees have brightened the holidays for many who would otherwise go without.”

Presents bound for needy families

Named the Gingerbread Project after the gingerbread cut outs that hang outside the cafeteria, the initiative is totally voluntary. Employees each choose a name and shop for a local child in need. Kelly notes, “Many times there are crowds around the gingerbread cutouts as employees gather to choose names and to discuss their plans.” Employees will frequently send notes to Kelly thanking her for the opportunity to give to others and explaining how much they look forward to the program.

The program is a completely anonymous. Recipients of the gifts are never known and the names of the givers are not provided. Kelly explained, “We get to be Santa to a child we do not know, but we do know our efforts brighten their Christmas as well as our own.”

“Whether it is giving to our hospital or to the community, our employees step up top the plate.” stated Susan Kiernan Vice President of Development. She added, “This year was an extraordinary year for employee generosity”. Hospital employees raised money for the hospital Foundation, raised money through the Kozy Coat program to buy outerwear for children and donated 110 cleaned, gently-worn coats to children in the area, helped people who were impacted by the floods and also cleaned local roads in their adopt-a-highway program. During the holidays, hospital employees also adopt all 84 nursing home residents. That way every resident gets a gift on Christmas morning.

And people seem to notice. From time to time, past family recipients of the Gingerbread Project have written notes and letters to the hospital. One mother who received gifts from the Gingerbread Project wrote, “Thank you so much for helping to make Christmas something wonderful again for my son and I. This was a long hard year for my son and I but (the next year) is looking bright.” Another wrote, “Thanks for putting happy faces on my two kids. Thank you for everything. You really make a difference in their lives.”

Most of the gifts were picked up today from the hospital bound for families. The agency needs a truck to pick up all the gifts. Ms. Colby reflects, “Every year the generosity of the Littauer employees amazes me. It just goes to show – at Littauer we not only give great care… we also care greatly….”