Littauer collects “Heartfelt Reasons” to get a mammogram

Littauer collects “Heartfelt Reasons” to get a mammogram

Nathan Littauer encourgaes women to get a mammogram

To celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness month, Nathan Littauer collected reasons why women should, or a loved one should get a mammogram. The results were released today. The Hospital has now collected over 130 reasons which has been used in several publications.  “We got responses primarily through our Facebook page.” stated Cheryl McGrattan Spokesperson for the Nathan Littauer. She continues, “Some are raw with emotion, some sad and some are funny- but they are all heartfelt.”  Women wishing to schedule a mammogram are encouraged to call 775-4250.

Nathan Littauer encourgaes women to get a mammogram

Nathan Littauer encourgaes women to get a mammogram

Nathan Littauer Received “generous gift” from Fraternal Order of Eagles

From Left to Right: Susan Kiernan, Vice President of Development for Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home; Maureen Phelps, State Trustee for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Harry Phelps, State Trustee for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, David F. Cook, State President for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.

Recently David Cook, State President of the New York State Fraternal Order of the Eagles presented a check representing $10,390.33 worth of donations made to Littauer over recent months. “The Eagles have always been very kind to Littauer, particularly our Nursing Home.” stated Susan Kiernan Hospital Vice President of Development. She added, “We are very grateful for their generous gifts and continued support.”

The Fraternal Order of Eagles, founded in 1898 in Seattle, Washington has a local aerie in Johnstown.

From Left to Right: Susan Kiernan, Vice President of Development for Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home; Maureen Phelps, State Trustee for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Harry Phelps, State Trustee for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, David F. Cook, State President for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.

Littauer’s Susan McNeil Serves as Statewide President to Professional Association

New organization formed under her leadership

Susan McNeil lead statewide organzation

Gloversville, NY …Nathan Littauer’s Director of Volunteer Services, Susan McNeil recently finished serving a two-year term as President of the New York State Volunteer Services Administrators, Inc. The statewide organization’s mission is to promote and contribute to the principles and practices of sound administration of volunteer services in health care organizations, and to foster the professional development of its members. Susan McNeil’s term started in 2010 and ended recently when she handed the reigns over to Julie Chrysler. In her farewell address Susan noted, “You are a great group of men and women that I have had the pleasure of working quite closely with these past two years.”

Under Sue’s tenure the organization changed their association name, secured their non-for-profit status, improved their financial status and bottom line by 900% , developed a new website and launched new social media platform. 

Colleagues throughout the state have been very complimentary and appreciative of her leadership. Amy L. McAden, Director of Volunteer Services at Kingston Hospital, also a NYSVSA member explained, “In addition to her daily tasks of overseeing Volunteer Services, Sue McNeil promotes positive visibility and good will towards the hospital.  She has set high standards by taking on additional leadership roles in advancing the practice of healthcare volunteer management.  She is responsible for the advancement of our profession through management initiates and creative leadership innovations.”

 

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Stereotactic Breast Biopsies at Nathan Littauer means greater comfort and precision.

Women commenting on the new system

Gloversville, NY …Local women requiring biopsies to reexamine suspicious findings from their mammograms can now reap the benefits of state-of-the-art technology Littauer is using in their Diagnostic Imaging Center. The new stereotactic breast biopsy equipment is delivering greater comfort and precision to women during their breast biopsies.  It is the first technology of its kind available in the Fulton-Montgomery region. “We have already heard from women who have had biopsies on our old system and now our new system and they are very complimentary and grateful for this new technology” stated Priscilla Person who works at Littauer’s Diagnostic Imaging Center.

Women are commenting on new system

A Nathan Littauer Diagnostic Imaging staff member reviews an image of a stereotactic breast biopsy procedure performed at Littauer recently.

 The new equipment is ergonomically designed, allowing women to sit during the exam, well supported throughout the entire procedure. Dr. McBiles, Chief of Radiology explains, “As a radiologist comfort is paramount because greater patient comfort usually equates to better images and samples.”  He added, “The computer-guided technology gives us better precision requiring smaller tissue sampling.” Dr. McBiles, continued, “The entire procedure is shortened and our patients have reported very little discomfort. The incision is much smaller so there is little if any scarring and decreased pain.  Usually the entire procedure is completed within 45 minutes.”   

Another benefit? Women requiring a breast biopsy can avoid the operating room all together. Dr. McBiles explained, “We do biopsies in our newly renovated diagnostic imaging rooms. During the procedure, the patient sits in a specially designed, ergonomic chair, with the breast exposed. The digital machine takes focused images of the suspicious area which are viewed by the radiologist on the computer screen.  The equipment then pinpoints the exact location of the breast abnormality seen on earlier mammograms by using a computer and x-rays taken from different angles.” The doctor continued, “Using exact computer coordinates; the doctor determines the site for the biopsy and administers a local anesthetic – similar to what dentist’s use.  The tissue samples quickly secured with a vacuum-assisted device and the tissue samples are sent to the lab to be thoroughly examined.”  

Tammy Gerdes, who leads the mammogram unit for Littauer explains, “It all comes down to dignity and compassion. We strive with every exam to make our patients feel at ease and cared for. It is a stressful time.”  

The new technology was paid for with monies raised by the hospital’s Foundation. For more information on our advanced outpatient diagnostic radiology services people are encouraged to speak to their referring physician.  

 

 

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Nathan Littauer announces sponsorship opportunities to local business

Nathan Littauer is pleased to announce sponsorship opportunities for local business to support the Littauer Family of Health Services as they bring in the world’s foremost Psychic Entertainer, Robert Channing. The family show will be Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 4pm. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $50 for VIP tickets (this includes reserved seating and a meet and greet with Robert at the Eccentric Club following the show).

Robert Channing has been seen on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and even QVC.  Sue Kiernan Vice President of Development at Littauer stated, “Even the most discriminating audiences and the biggest skeptics love the anticipation and speak of the excitement long after the show is over.” 

Become a sponsor

People wishing to be a sponsor of this event can contact Kelly Colby at 773-5505.

 

Nathan Littauer Holds First of Many Flu Clinics for Employees

Nathan Littauer held the first day of an annual flu clinic for their employees yesterday. In all, 120 employees chose to get vaccinated. The clinic is free to all employees and will be held 7 days between September 13th and October 5th. Leading the charge is Terri Intilli Klausner, MS, FNP-BC, Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Infection Control Preventionist and Manager Infection Control and Employee Health for Littauer. She explains “Getting the flu shot is important for everyone, since the disease leads to hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations each year nationwide. It is especially important for health care workers because we are more likely to be exposed to the flu.”  She adds, “We are encouraged by the first day of our clinic. Yesterday we vaccinated over 10% of our work force. That is a good response.”  

Sally Clemente, RN our Employee Health Infection Control Coordinator expertly delivers a flu shot to Nancy Abrams.

Sally Clemente, RN our Employee Health Infection Control Coordinator expertly delivers a flu shot to Nancy Abrams.