The Gathering: May 2011

The Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary hosted its annual “Gathering” at the hospital auditorium. More than 70 people attended the event including auxilians from St. Mary’s Healthcare. The auxilian’s theme was “Spring In The Adirondacks,” with guest speaker, Don Williams, author, storyteller and Adirondack Guide. Mr. Williams brought an array of yesteryear’s tools that our forefathers and mothers would have used getting their gardens ready for planting. He described the tool, its use and its simplistic; yet thorough way of getting the job done. After Mr. Williams’ talk and demonstration, the hospital’s nutritional department, led by Chef Tim Forte and his staff, set up an array of refreshments that encompassed the Adirondacks, from duck to trout. For dessert, the auxilian’s traditional all American,“make your own sundaes” topped off the evening. “The evening was a huge success”, commented Susan McNeil, volunteer director at the hospital, “our co-chairmen, Patty Franco and Grace Naselli and their committee did another outstanding job! The committee even donned Adirondack garb as hunters, guides, fishermen, a lot of fun!” Bonnie James-Cooper, Auxiliary President, commented that “both groups look forward to our evening in the spring, and St. Mary’s auxiliary hosts one in the fall.” For more information on volunteering, contact Susan McNeil at 773-5408.

Surrounded in mystery, chefs reveal a few hints for the evening’s menu

A peek at the menu

Gloversville, NY — Nathan Littauer Foundation is gearing up for the Friday’s May 20th gala, THE EVENT, a yearly soiree to benefit Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home. Susan Kiernan Vice President of Development and one of THE EVENT organizers explained, “THE EVENT has been all over the world-so-to-speak. We have had evenings in Paris, a journey down the Nile and we have even ‘traveled’ on the Orient Express. But this year partygoers will be treated to something as American as apple pie- Monopoly.” She added, “The theme is generating a lot of enthusiasm.” The Foundation received special permission from Hasbro to use Monopoly as THE EVENT theme. “Hasbro was very supportive of our mission.” said Kelly Colby one of organizers of THE EVENT.

Tim Forte and Scott Norris make final preparations for THE EVENT

THE EVENT will be held Friday under a tent next to Ruby & Quiri starting at 7:00 pm. Guests will be treated to artwork, décor and food reflecting the game of Monopoly. Kelly Colby explained “Guests will even be able to get close to Pennsylvania Railroad.”

Perhaps the most anticipated part of evening as well as the most closely guarded is the menu. Susan Kiernan said, “People time and time again, rave about the food at THE EVENT.” She added, “I cannot reveal too much about this menu but I can tell you that chefs from across the state have helped to create this Monopoly inspired event.” THE EVENT will feature seven “action food stations”. For example, The Pacific Avenue food station will have Northwest Salmon Cakes with Lemon Pepper Aioli. If you visit the Boardwalk Food Station guests will be treated to Mini Coney Island Hotdogs or a Creole Seafood Tartlet.

“We really stretch our culinary muscles at THE EVENT. And the feedback we get from the guests is extraordinary.” stated Tim Forte one of the chefs for THE EVENT adding, “The culinary team works for months designing a menu which is eclectic and satisfying.” This year, the culinary team is sourcing local foods as well.

Music will be provided by the T. S. Ensemble. “I say it every year.” said Susan Kiernan, “Most of all, this is a great party for a great cause.” THE EVENT is listed on the Capital District Book of Lists as one of the most successful one-day fundraisers in our region. In the previous eight years, THE EVENT has raised almost one million dollars for the hospital. Sue Kiernan notes, “People know that behind all the festivities lies a community hospital who greatly appreciates the support we receive from our community.”

If anyone is interested in getting tickets for Friday’s event, please call 773-5505.

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Watch the story here!

YNN: first reported on May 11, 2011

Nathan Littauer Hospital is the first in Fulton County to agree to share its electronic medical records with consent. YNN’s Megan Cruz tells us what that means for its patients.

Nathan Littauer Hospital is the first in Fulton County to agree to share its electronic medical records. Our Megan Cruz tells us what that means for its patients.

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GLOVERSVILLE, N.Y. — A patient’s information, just a mouse click away.

“We’re sharing this information so that patients can benefit from our records wherever they may receive care in the area,” said Martin Brown, the Chief Information Officer at Nathan Littauer Hospital.

This electronic sharing of patient data is made possible through HIXNY, or the Healthcare Information X-change of New York.

Nathan Littauer Hospital joins 27 other upstate healthcare facilities already part of the organization.

“With the institution of HIXNY, we will be able to instantaneously have access to the medical records from most of the regional facilities,” said Dr. Todd Duthaler, the Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the hospital.

“Before this, we had fax machines,” said Brown.

And a whole lot of red tape.

“Get the patient’s consent, fax that consent to the organization, and they fax you the records when they get around to it in maybe two or three days,” said Brown. “This would allow immediate access at the time of care.”

But agreeing to join on with HIXNY does not automatically allow for the sharing of patient records. Each person will have to sign a consent form, which hospital officials hope everyone will do.

“There really are no negatives to allowing us consent to access your information,” said Duthaler. “The information will still be kept private.”

But Dr. Duthaler does admit to a loophole, but says it only applies in a critically life-threatening emergency.

“When that patient would be least able to provide us with their history, we would have access to it,” said Duthaler.

“We would be able to bring up your records so we don’t have to do everything in the dark,” said Brown.

Just one more reason, they say, to sign on the dotted line.

Patient health information to be shared electronically upon consent

Gloversville, NEW YORK – The Healthcare Information Xchange of New York (HIXNY) today announced that Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home has joined the regional health information organization.

By joining HIXNY, authorized personnel at Nathan Littauer Hospital are now able to access patient health information electronically when medically necessary. The goal is to improve the delivery of care, enhance clinical outcomes and help mitigate healthcare costs throughout the 17 county-region served by HIXNY.

“Littauer is pleased to join HIXNY. As we strive to deliver seamless, coordinated patient care, HIXNY has created a secure, electronic service for exchanging health information among hospitals and doctors in the Capital Region and Northern New York,” said Nathan Littauer Hospital President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly. “The people who will benefit the most from this collaboration will be the patients we serve. Our collaboration will ultimately mobilize medical information for the benefit of our patients. Simply put, it is secure, safe and makes sense for everyone in our region.”

“The addition of Nathan Littauer Hospital to the health information exchange continues the unprecedented level of collaboration among healthcare providers throughout our diverse region,” said John A. Collins, MD, FACP, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President Northeast Health and Chairman of HIXNY. “The promise of technology has significant benefits to enhance the quality of care for patients of all ages.”

HIXNY operates the health information exchange (HIE), a secure, online information service allowing authorized clinicians to access patient medical data from across the community with the patient’s consent ensuring patient privacy. Hospitals, health plans, physicians, pharmacies, and other stakeholders contribute patient data into the HIE. At the other end, a healthcare provider can query the system and gain a comprehensive view of a patient’s history, including test results, diagnoses, image reports, medications and other pertinent health information in order to make the most informed and best possible care decision on behalf of the patient.

“HIXNY and its membership organizations, including Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home, are committed to creating a safe and secure network to electronically share patient health information,” said HIXNY vice president Scott Momrow. “Patient privacy is of paramount importance in order to build a sustainable information exchange network for healthcare consumers throughout the Capital Region and Montgomery County.”

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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. 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 Littauer medical staff brings amazing technical expertise and competence to the residents of Fulton County and the surrounding communities.

About the Healthcare Information Xchange of New York (HIXNY):

HIXNY (“hix-knee”) is a collaboration of health plans, hospitals, physician practices and other entities in a 17 county geography comprising the Capital Region and Northern New York. HIXNY has built an interoperable network to electronically share medical information more efficiently for the benefit of healthcare consumers. HIXNY, a not-for-profit organization, has been designated as a regional health information organization (RHIO) by the New York State Department of Health. HIXNY works collaboratively with healthcare providers to enable accurate and efficient decision making at the point of care. For more information about HIXNY, including a list of the member organizations please visit www.hixny.org.

Michael Nickerson’s “heart of gold” celebrated

Employee of the Quarter, Michael Nickerson

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home awarded their Employee of the Quarter to Mr. Michael Nickerson. Mr. Nickerson is a Licensed Practical Nurse II, (LPN2) at the Nathan Littauer Nursing Home, a position he has held since 2002. Mr. Nickerson was presented with a gift of appreciation by the Hospital’s President and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly during an employee celebration last month. He was also presented with a plaque. Mr. Kelly explained, “He exemplifies the true meaning of caring and compassion.” Mr. Kelly added, “He possesses exceptional clinical skills.” His coworkers, many who made the nominations, explained he “Has a heart of gold” and he “is an excellent role model”. One employee stated that Michael is “A rare gem that shines brightly”.

Mr. Nickerson said thank you to the crowd that had gathered, which included his mother. He did not know he would be chosen as Employee of the Quarter until Mr. Kelly announced his name. He later explained, “I was very surprised to hear Mr. Kelly announce my name. For me this job means everything.” Upon reflection as Employee of the Quarter he added, “I consider everyone I work with family”.

The Employee of the Quarter is a function of the Hospital’s Goodwill Committee a multi-disciplinary team that strives to recognize employees within the hospital who embody Nathan Littauer’s original mission.

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Gloversville NY — Nathan Littauer Hospital joins other hospitals across the country celebrating National Hospital Week, May 8-14, 2011. Hospital week is a yearly recognition program, spotlighting the individuals who drive the engine of health care. This year’s theme is “Champions of Care”. Nathan Littauer is also celebrating National Nursing Home Week the same week.

Nathan Littauer Hospital will be celebrating Hospital Week May 2011

At a picnic May 12^th employees will be recognized for their dedication to the Littauer Family of Health Services. In celebration the hospital plans the following activities:

Monday: Kick off event: Employee Appreciation Cake with background music by volunteer Pat Travis-Doull. 2-4 pm.

Tuesday: Hospital employees with be given a sweet surprise by Courtesy Council Members and can receive chair massages

Wednesday: Employees will be wearing green to show their pride in the Hospital and Nursing Home. Employees will be able to receive Healing Touch Treatments.

Thursday: The Hospital will be putting on a BBQ luncheon with music for all shifts. 11am -1:30 pm.

Friday: Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home plans a “Give back” where employees will be bringing in summer fun items for the

BOYS and GIRLS CLUB.

According to the American Hospital Association, “Hospitals are: Economic Contributors, Gateways to Care, Centers of Innovation. Improving Community Health and Committed to Quality and Safety.”

The celebration of National Hospital Week began in 1921 when a magazine editor suggested that more information about hospitals might alleviate public fears about the “shrouded” institutions of the day. From that beginning, Hospital Week expanded to facilities across the nation. Today, National Hospital Week is the largest health care event that celebrates hospitals’ history, technology and dedicated health care professionals.

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Notes for the press: Members of the press are invited to any of the above events. Press must be escorted to any event. To make arrangements to cover any of the above activities please contact Cheryl McGrattan at 773-5533. Media policy is also posted on www.nlh.org.