Sepsis Awareness Month 2019

Sepsis Awareness Month 2019

GLOVERSVILLE, NY Every September, healthcare providers, the public, and organizations big and small come together to raise awareness of sepsis, the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals. Sepsis is a public health crisis, taking a life every two minutes, according to the Sepsis Alliance. That is 270,000 lives lost to sepsis every year in the U.S., more than lives lost to opioid overdoses, breast cancer, and prostate cancer combined.

“We are proud,” says Wes McFee, Performance Improvement Specialist. “Nathan Littauer Hospital is in the 94th percentile when it comes to New York State Sepsis Protocol. We’re in the top five percent of all hospitals in the state. It is amazing how much we’ve learned and adapted our protocols. We’ve increased our reaction to and treatment of sepsis. When lives are in the balance, our team is solely focused on appropriate sepsis care. It’s rewarding because I am sure we have saved lives due to our compliance with these protocols.”

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is helping to raise awareness by offering information provided by the Sepsis Alliance.

Sepsis Alliance created an acronym to help recognize signs and symptoms of sepsis – TIME™. The abbreviations for the acronym are: T for Temperature that is abnormal, I for signs of Infection, M for Mental Decline, and E for feeling Extremely ill.

Nathan Littauer is recognizing Sepsis Awareness Month during September by mounting a social media and radio campaign. According to Sepsis Alliance, “The key to saving lives is TIME. For every hour treatment is delayed, the risk of death increases by as much as eight percent. ‘TIME’ is a memory aid, developed by Sepsis Alliance, to help individuals remember the signs and symptoms of sepsis and the urgent need for medical treatment when they are present.”

For information about more signs and symptoms of sepsis, statistical data regarding sepsis, or to join the organization, please visit: www.sepsis.org

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About Nathan Littauer

Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org

 

Nathan Littauer Hospital Recognized for Considerable Lactation Care

GLOVERSVILLE, NY – The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) and International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®) have recognized Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home for excellence in lactation care.

“This is huge. We’ve taken quite a few steps forward when it comes to new technology and medical practices in breastfeeding support,” says Nancy Quinlan, RN, IBCLC. “A lot of our patients are excited. They even say we are a medical practice leader.”

Nathan Littauer received the IBCLC Care Award in recognition of staffing professionals who hold the prestigious International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) certification and providing a lactation program for breastfeeding families. In addition, Nathan Littauer hosted the World Breastfeeding Week event August 7, to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.

IBCLCs focus on preventive care, so that they are available during pregnancy to assess and provide information on how to successfully initiate breastfeeding. IBCLCs continue that assistance after the baby is born by helping families overcome breastfeeding challenges, providing accurate information, and continuing to support them as the patient’s baby grows. They assist families returning to work or school, help families in more unusual situations such as a patient breastfeeding more than one baby, or a patient nursing a sick or premature infant, and help train nursing staff to manage basic breastfeeding care.

“Receiving this award is of great importance to all of our professions,” says Cheryl McGrattan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “The care of our patients and the important role we play in the instruction of our staff and breastfeeding mothers means a lot to us.”

As allied health care professionals with the leading internationally recognized certification for professional lactation services, IBCLC professionals work in hospitals and birthing centers, clinics, public health agencies, private practice, community settings, government agencies, and in research. There are currently more than 31,000 such professionals in 110 countries worldwide that are IBCLC’s (www.iblce.org). The IBCLC certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies® (NCCA®). NCCA accreditation represents a mark of quality for certification programs.

 

 

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About Nathan Littauer

Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org.

Johnstown Eagles Donate 300 Bears for Littauer’s “Teddy Bear Hospital” Event

GLOVERSVILLE, NY – Children without their own action hero, stuffed animal or teddy bear didn’t miss out on the fun of Nathan Littauer Hospital’s “Teddy Bear Hospital” event on August 4, thanks to a generous donation of 300 bears from the Johnstown Eagles. The event, which is in its second year, drew more than 300 people. It was designed to help children become familiar with the Hospital and its personnel. Children bring toys for a variety of simulated treatments from medical professionals from around the organization.

“Often, children meet us for the first time under very stressful circumstances,” said Cheryl McGrattan, Littauer’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “The Teddy Bear Hospital event allows them to meet us in a fun environment first so when they come back for care, it’s less frightening and intimidating.”

David F. Cook of the Johnstown Eagles said his organization was pleased to be a part of the effort.

“We’re very thankful to have provided the donation to Nathan Littauer Hospital,” Cook said to gathered volunteers on the day of the event. “It was our pleasure to make a difference for the kids. We’ve been helping the community for 114 years and we will continue to do so.”

Cheryl McGrattan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications with Dave Cook, member of The Fraternal Order of Eagles, and The Johnstown Eagles.

The Johnstown Eagles have been members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles for 114 years and have made numerous donations to Littauer and other organizations in the community. Established in 1898, FOE donates more than $10 million dollars a year to local charities, fundraisers, and communities. Their mission, “…to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and promoting peace, prosperity, gladness, and hope,” was a good fit with Littauer’s mission.

“The donation was such a heartwarming gift to our local children,” said McGrattan. “The Fraternal Order of Eagles are a wonderful supporter of Littauer. We are so grateful to have a close working relationship with such a generous organization.”

Dave Cook, member of The Fraternal Order of Eagles, and The Johnstown Eagles is praised for his philanthropic donation for Teddy Bear Hospital.

 

About Nathan Littauer

Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org.

Tara Keane named as Second Quarter Goodwill Award recipient

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to announce Tara Keane, Medical Technologist, as the Second Quarter Goodwill Award recipient for 2019!

After being congratulated and presented with the award, Tara said, “I am extremely happy to work at Nathan Littauer. As an employee, I am provided with the opportunity to give back to my community. I’m also lucky to have such a supportive team to work with. I can always rely on them.”

Tara Keane graduated from Alfred State College of New York and SUNY Fredonia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology (BSMT). Soon after, Tara continued her studies at St. Mary’s School of Science Engineering and Technology as an intern. She joined Nathan Littauer Hospital in 1994.

Laurence E. Kelly, President and CEO, presented Tara with the award August 7, during an employee gathering at Nate’s Café. “Tara was nominated for the Goodwill Award by many co-workers and department staff. She is the right-hand helper to give the best patient care we can provide. She is good at what she does,” says Mr. Kelly.

Laurence Kelly, President and CEO of NLH, presents Tara Keane the Second Quarter Goodwill Award.

Tara always assists anyone she can; she is hardworking and determined. She always helps patients understand medical procedures and terminology, and is always open to feedback.

Tara received flowers, balloons, and a plaque recognizing her achievement.

The mission of The Goodwill Award is to recognize goodwill and promote the “People Caring for People” environment toward co-workers, patients and the community of Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home.

Nominations for the award are made by Littauer employees, providers or patients, and nominees’ names are submitted to the Goodwill Committee. The winner is selected in blind format. Congratulations, Tara!

 

About Nathan Littauer

Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org.

Local teddy bears are feeling much better now

Nathan Littauer staff volunteer to put children at ease.

Nathan Littauer celebrated their Second Annual Teddy Bear Hospital August 4, 2019. The event had over 316 participants. Local children brought their action heroes, stuffed animals, and teddy bears to Nathan Littauer Hospital to be “treated” by clinical staff.

“Teddy Bear Hospital is a home run for our community. It showcases our wonderful staff and our clinical excellence in a nonthreatening setting made for children. Not only does it help put children at ease, our team is able to share our love of medicine with our youngest neighbors,” said Dr. Purcell, Pediatrician and volunteer at Littauer’s Teddy Bear Hospital.

Teddy bears approve of the treatment received at the event.

The hospital would like to thank all of the volunteers who made the event possible. In all, 69 volunteers worked Sunday to ensure the event went smoothly. Littauer would also like to thank the Gloversville Fire Department, Fulton County Ambulance, LifeNet, and the Gloversville Police Department for their services. The agencies provided the children with an inside look of their department’s vehicles and equipment.

This event is special to Nathan Littauer because it provides local children the opportunity to feel right at home with their community hospital. “It’s a wonderful benefit to the community. It’s close-by and children can get comfortable with our hospital and learn so much,” states Melissa Buanno, Admissions Coordinator for the Extended Care Facility, and a Teddy Bear Hospital volunteer.

“It is important to get young children comfortable with all the staff here in the hospital. It was a great opportunity to be connected with our care providers. When the children do need these important services, they are already familiar with the staff and the medical processes,” said Verneta Collar, Care Coordination, Discharge Planner, and volunteer.

The event had stations for children. These stations were designed specifically to help children understand emergency medicine and wellness. Cheryl McGrattan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications explains, “With a great amount of teamwork we showed local families and children our mission to provide the greatest comfort and highest level of care to our patients. And yes, we even provide quality care to teddy bears.”

About Nathan Littauer

Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org.

Teddy Bear Hospital Sunday August 4th

Nathan Littauer invites you and your children to be part of our 2nd Annual Teddy Bear Hospital! Bring your teddy bear, doll or favorite action hero to Nathan Littauer to be “treated” by our expert staff. Created for children, the event will have interactive stations designed to make health care fun. The event will also feature EMS, Fire and Lifenet (helicopter services). This event is FREE and open to the public.  Don’t miss out on this fun!

Sunday, August 4, 2019

1pm-3pm

Nathan Littauer Hospital