Aaron Hayes is our Employee of the Quarter

Hospital engineer was instrumental during recent storms

When Hurricane Irene and the related storms came barreling down on our region, Aaron Hayes, an engineer at Nathan Littauer Hospital knew his shift was not going to be a typical shift. And he was right. After working around the clock, he continually addressed leaks, assured patient safety, maintained building integrity and answered internal alarms. And when Nathan Littauer Hospital announced their Employee of the Quarter last week in an organization-wide celebration, his name was called. “This quarter we are recognizing Aaron Hayes.” stated Littauer’s President and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly. Employees gathered for the celebration cheered when they heard is name called.

Mr. Kelly explained, “Our hospital never works better than when we have a real emergency. Aaron was one of the responders to that crisis.” During that crucial time, Nathan Littauer was weathering the storm and receiving patient transfers from another hospital who had to evacuate. Aaron chipped in, took action and did what ever was asked of him. Even more, he did it with a smile.

One of the housekeepers who nominated him wrote, “He worked non-stop, going on the roof, traveling throughout the entire campus, responding to alarms and he never complained- he just kept right on going.”

Aaron is a Mayfield native and has worked at Nathan Littauer for three years. Upon receiving the award Aaron said, “I was very surprised when they called my name.” He added humbly, “I was just doing my job. I did not do anything differently than what any member of the engineering team would do.”

Hospital spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan explained, “Patient care does not end with clinical support. Aaron made sure any leaks were quickly fixed, assured patient safety from any wind and water damage and safe-guarded our equipment,” She added, “Aaron is a fine example of what we do best: people caring for people.” She noted, “Aaron even moved a patient’s car when the patient was discharged during the height of the storm.”

Employee of the Quarter is a function of the Goodwill Committee at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing home. The committee meets to find “someone who displays an attitude and a professional demeanor that captures the ideals of the hospital’s mission.” Employees of the Quarter receive a plaque, preferred parking and a check.

In his own words, the new Orthopedic Surgeon to address community

Dr. Shen arrived in the region 78 days ago and in that short time he has: completed numerous ground-breaking surgeries; had hundreds of patient visits-some traveling as far away as Connecticut and Tennessee; appeared on national radio shows; opened a new office in Johnstown with Mohawk Valley Orthopedics; and even weighed 125 children’s’ backpacks. “With his rising popularity and high demand, we wanted to offer our community an opportunity to hear him speak first-hand about the techniques he brings to our region.” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Littauer’s President and CEO.

Dr. Jian Shen at Nathan Littauer Hospital will offer a FREE clinic to the community, October 18, 2011 at the Johnstown Holiday Inn

Therefore, Nathan Littauer Hospital is presenting an evening with Dr. Shen to address “Innovations in Spine Care”. The free seminar will be Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 6:30pm at The Johnstown Holiday Inn. A free dessert buffet will be provided. “This will be a rare opportunity to hear about the myriad of solutions this phenomenal surgeon brings to our region” said Hospital Spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan. “Patients will learn about break-through surgeries and be given the opportunity to ask questions.” The hospital’s goal is to reduce spine pain.

Back Pain?

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), “Back pain is an all-too-familiar problem that can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that leaves you incapacitated. It can come on suddenly—from an accident, a fall, or lifting something heavy—or it can develop slowly, perhaps as the result of age-related changes to the spine. Regardless of how back pain happens or how it feels, you know it when you have it. And chances are, if you don’t have back pain now, you will eventually.”

“One of society’s most common medical problems”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that in a 3-month period, about one-fourth of U.S. adults experience at least 1 day of back pain. Therefore, they refer to back pain as, “one of our society’s most common medical problems.”

To reserve a seat at the free seminar, people are asked to RSVP by calling 773-5505 or by emailing spines@nlh.org. Seating is limited.

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing celebrated its 35th annual Candystriper/Jr. Volunteer 2011 Awards Ceremony

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing celebrated its 35th annual Candystriper/Jr. Volunteer 2011 Awards Ceremony on Monday, September 12. Dana Garguilo, a graduate from Gloversville High School, currently a freshman at Nazareth College, was the recipient of the Alice Paula Muskin Memorial Award. Dana entered the Candystriper program in July,on Monday, September 12. Dana entered the Candystriper program in July, 2007, in 2008 received an Honorable Service award, and has contributed over 325 hours of service in the hospital, nursing home and Camp SuperStarrs. The Alice Paula Muskin Award, established by Mr. & Mrs. Nathan J. Muskin in memory of their daughter, is given each year to a candystriper who demonstrates outstanding service, commitment and leadership. Laurence Kelly, President/CEO, addressed the volunteers stating, “You are shining example to other young men and women with your volunteer spirit. In addition to the residents and patients, the staff also appreciates you giving of your time throughout the summer and some of you, I understand, choose to volunteer throughout the year. Thank you!”

Other hospital staff, Rachel Johnson, Nursing Home Director of Recreation Therapy, Carol Sleezer, Education Resource Coordinator, Linda Hidde, Nursing Education Services Coordinator also addressed the group regarding volunteering and thanked them for volunteering their time in the other departments.

Bonnie James-Cooper, Auxiliary President along with Susan McNeil, Director Volunteer Services also presented Honorable Service Awards to Patrick Conner, Mitchell Akowicz, Kayla Edgar and Kiersten Chang, and also presented to those present a certificate of appreciation and a gift on behalf of the hospital and nursing home. In addition to Garguilo and the Honorable Awards recipients, 2011 candystripers and jr. volunteers include; Alexandra Bielli, Rachel Brown-Weinstock, Alyssa Butler, Courtney Cirillo, Katherine Dickey, Emily Dusenbury, Samantha Edgar, McKenzie Ellsworth, Caitlyn Hayward, Taylor Gifford, Nitara Jackson, Kelly Lawton, Sarah Lebel, Sally Loveless, megan McCall, Justin Moore, Logan Sala, Rachel Sproule, Kali Wadsworth. In 2011, these young adults generously contributed over 1,200 hours to the hospital & nursing home and Camp SuperStarrs.

The Auxiliary sponsors the annual event, which was chaired by Mona Capasso. Mrs. Capasso also presented each jr. volunteer with a carnation. The candystripers were treated to a pizza & wings party, and over 40 people attended the awards presentation in the auditorium which included candystripers, their families, hospital board members and auxilians. A special “thank you” cake was served.

NATHAN LITTAUER HOSPITAL LEADS EFFORTS WITH AREA BUSINESSES TO KEEP PEOPLE SAFE WHILE DRIVING Collaboration brings nationally known Don’t and Text and Drive Crusaders to our region Gloversville, NY…

Nathan Littauer Hospital, and their partners, Fulton Montgomery Community College Foundation and Frontier Communications today launched a comprehensive campaign dedicated at reducing distracted driving. The three entities have launched the initiative to teach local teens and adults about the dangers of texting and driving. The campaign will proudly bring to the region the “Remember Alex Brown Foundation”, organized by the family of teenager Alex Brown who tragically lost her life while texting and driving. The family has been featured on the TODAY Show, Oprah and Extreme Home Makeover. The father, mother and younger sister will be addressing the crowds. “The importance of educating the community about the dangers of distracted driving cannot be over-emphasized.” said Susan Kiernan Vice President of Development at Nathan Littauer Hospital.

Jeanne Brown, Alex’s mother said, “We are looking forward to making our first New York appearance with Nathan Littauer Hospital in the great Northeast. We are thrilled to travel to New York to make sure people hear first-hand about the dangers of distracted driving. Along with Nathan Littauer Hospital we also congratulate Frontier Communications and Fulton Montgomery Community College for supporting our New York State debut. These organizations along with the Fulton County Traffic Safety Board should be applauded for their commitment to a safe community. We hope our message and our story about Alex resonates with residents in the area.”

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles will help kick off the event in Fulton County. “We know that distracted driving is a serious epidemic and young drivers need to be aware of the potential life-threatening consequences,” said Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Assistant Commissioner Chuck DeWeese. “The GTSC commends Nathan Littauer Hospital for its thoughtfulness in planning these events for teens.” The Brown family resides in Texas and this will be there first New York appearance- having come at the hospital’s request. The Brown family will be delivering six presentations to the region at Johnstown High School, Gloversville High School, Broadalbin Perth Central Schools and Northville High School. Fulton Montgomery Community College will host two presentations, one to the students and one to community.

The community is welcome to attend the 6pm presentation at the Student Union at Fulton Montgomery Community College in Johnstown, NY

The multi-platform campaign started in the spring with the Hospital encouraging its own employees to take a pledge not to text and drive. Littauer also has carried their message to post prom parties and public events. They asked people to take the NYS “Put It Down Pledge” and thumb bands were given to serve as a reminder to drivers. Now, the culmination of the campaign includes school assemblies, social media campaigns, a billboard; and finally a visit from the family of Alex Brown. Frontier’s General Manager, Todd Rulison said, “Frontier is proud to partner with Nathan Littauer Hospital and FM in promoting the “Don’t Text and Drive Campaign”. Driving an automobile requires total attention and we need everyone to put their cell phones down and drive safely. Don’t become a statistic.”

In addition to Nathan Littauer Hospital, the FM Foundation and Frontier Communications, the following entities have also supported the efforts: Fulton County Traffic and Safety Board, Holiday Inn of Johnstown- Gloversville. Main Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Ram, the Leader Herald Newspaper and Lamar Advertising. Chair of the Fulton County Traffic Safety Board, Maggie Luck stated, “The TSB is excited to be apart of this project because safety on our roads starts with education and awareness.” According to police-reported data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the National Automotive Sampling it was found that show that: “The proportion of fatalities reportedly associated with driver distraction increased from 10 percent in 2005 to 16 percent in 2009. During that time, fatal crashes with reported driver distraction also increased from 10 percent to 16 percent.” It is a statistic which prompted Nathan Littauer Hospital to embark on an awareness campaign.

The Remember Alex Brown Foundation has gained national attention especially after Justin Beiber became a spokesperson for the organization. “As a 17-year-old driver, I am aware of the countless distractions that we teenagers face on the road, and texting is one that is preventable,” said Justin in a press release. “There are too many young people, like Alex Brown, whom we’ve lost because of texting while driving,” said Justin Bieber recently about the Alex Brown Foundation. He stated he wishes to raise awareness of this issue and create safer conditions for everyone on the road. “It’s clearly time to bring this issue to the forefront,” said Jennifer Hing-Wainwright of Nathan Littauer Hospital. She added, “A tremendous amount of work has gone on behind the scenes since mid-May. Knowing that so many people in our region will hear this important message is extremely gratifying.”

“Preventing injury and death due to distracted driving is consistent with our mission. We frequently see the results of car accidents in our Emergency Department. This issue is timely, important and needed.” said Dr. Todd Duthaler, Director of Emergency Medicine at Nathan Littauer Hospital. XXX About Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home: Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home located in Gloversville, NY. Littauer provides the finest in state-of-the-art technology and a caring, dedicated staff of health care professionals. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities we serve. The hospital The Littauer medical staff brings amazing technical expertise and competence to the residents of Fulton County and the surrounding communities.

Dr. Shen takes to the airwaves to talk about complete spine care

Dr. Shen (left) pictured with Dr. Alan Chartock at WAMC studios

Dr. Shen, who recently completed a ground-breaking surgery for our region at Nathan Littauer Hospital , was a featured guest on WAMC’s Medical Monday with Dr. Alan Chartock. The show first aired Monday, August 15, 2011. Littauer’s Hospital spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan explained, “Medical Monday is a showcase for the states’ best and brightest physicians. It is truly an honor to sit at the microphone with Dr. Chartock.” The show is heard on seven states. During the interview he also took calls from people who are suffering with orthopedic issues. To reach Dr. Shen’s please call his office at 518-773-4242.

To hear the entire Medical Monday show press here:

GLOVERSVILLE — A groundbreaking spinal surgery that is minimally invasive and comes with a faster recovery period is now being performed at Nathan Littauer Hospital.