Palliative Care Service Line Launched at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Posted on March 29, 2021March 29, 2021 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to announce the launch of their new palliative care program. The mission of Littauer’s palliative care program is to ease physical, psychosocial, and spiritual distress among those with serious illness. Compassionate conversations with patients regarding their illness, how it affects them, and their family, and what matters most to them in the context of disease – ultimately helps patients and their families to plan and make well-informed decisions in regards to their care. Finally, the completion of advance directives helps ensure a patient’s wishes are identified, respected, and communicated. Susan “Susie” Duross, Nurse Practitioner, is the organization’s new Palliative Care Coordinator. Duross says, “Palliative care ultimately improves lives. It is based on the needs of the patient, so the patient receives a very individualized form of care.”“We see the landscape of healthcare changing,” adds Duross. “More people are being diagnosed with chronic illnesses and living longer with them. It is important, that for every patient we serve, we are paying attention to what matters most to patients and their families and ensuring that treatment plans consider their unique needs and wishes.”Since its inception two years ago, Nathan Littauer Hospital’s palliative care program has been widely successful. To date, Nathan Littauer Hospital has provided palliative care services to over 30 patients.Littauer proudly welcomed Susan “Susie” Duross, Nurse Practitioner, as the organization’s new Palliative Care Coordinator in October, however, the palliative care team at Littauer has grown diversified. The growing palliative care team consists of Littauer teammates: Susie Duross, NP, Care Coordination Manager and Social Worker, Margaret “Maggie” Rowley, and Pastoral Care Coordinator, Reverend Bonnie Orth.In an effort to further expand knowledge of palliative care principles and practices, Nathan Littauer has joined the CAPC. The CAPC is part of the nonprofit Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sanai, and is the leading organization for training, resources, and technical assistance to aide health care providers in caring for their most vulnerable and complex patients.With palliative care services at Littauer, we can provide a close, unique approach to care for our patients,” says Vice President of Population Health, Geoffrey Peck. “The growing need for palliative care services has existed long before the pandemic, and since we developed the program two years ago, it has been extremely successful.”Duross affirms the demand of palliative care services during the height of the COVID pandemic:During the pandemic it has been challenging for our patients, families, and caregivers. Everyone in our community has been affected in some way. We have assisted patients and families by giving them our time; ensuring they are kept updated regarding their loved one’s condition. We have responded to their spiritual needs by providing prayer and healing sacraments as requested, and we have helped reunite family members that were estranged. Additionally, we were able to coordinate a commitment ceremony for a patient and her significant other. Since team health is a vital part of palliative care, we are also helping to ensure all front-line workers are coping during these very stressful times.Conclusively, the palliative care team at Littauer aims to provide consultation and palliative care services to at least 40 inpatients each year, to patients who are in need of them. As the palliative care program develops and expands to the healthcare organization’s extended care facility, and more healthcare providers become familiar with palliative care through the means of education, it is likely Littauer’s palliative care services will grow exponentially. While the program is now offered on an inpatient basis, the organization hopes to provide the service on an outpatient basis in the future. For more information about Littauer’s palliative care services, please contact Littauer’s Palliative Care Coordinator, Susie Duross, at (518) 773-5254 or via email: sduross@nlh.org
“V-Day” at Littauer’s Nursing Home! Posted on January 7, 2021January 7, 2021 by Dakota PikeGloversville Nursing Home Residents Receive First COVID-19 VaccineGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Yesterday, was “V-Day” or “Vaccination Day” at Nathan Littauer’s Nursing Home. January 6, 2021 at 9:30 a.m., the first resident at Nathan Littauer’s Nursing Home, 90-year-old Shirley Frederick, was given their first dose of Moderna’s SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccine. After receiving the shot, Frederick exclaimed, “That’s it!?”Littauer Nurse, Debra “Deb” Henry prepares a COVID-19 vaccine for the first resident in the Littauer Nursing Home.Of the first vaccinated residents, was 93-year-old Bertha “Knuckles” Kenyon. Bertha, a Nathan Littauer Nursing Home resident for nearly two years, expressed she was “Extremely excited,” to receive the vaccine. Within a matter of seconds, Bertha was vaccinated. Shortly after, she said, “It will protect me, and it wasn’t bad at all. I didn’t feel a thing. I’m feeling really, really, good.” Today, she reports no side effects.Interestingly enough, Bertha is the mother of Littauer employee, Lisa Kenyon, Nursing Home Manager. Fortunately, they are now one of the very first familial vaccination pairs. Lisa says, “I’m so glad. My mother is very on-top of her health, and she was ecstatic to get the shot.”In a joint effort to distribute the vaccine as quickly and as safely as possible; various Littauer staff, retired Littauer nurses included, focused their efforts towards a common goal: the vaccination of their beloved residents.“The staff were amazing,” says Littauer’s Vice President and Administrator of NLH Nursing Home, Leslie Beadle. “They worked as efficiently as possible with one another. Together, we were like a well-oiled machine. The residents were wonderful and their families were very cooperative. The coordinated process took only a few hours, as we projected. Then, they were ready for Bingo in the Halls.”Nearly 90 percent of Nathan Littauer’s Nursing Home residents will have received their first shot, all on their own accord and some with the approval of their loved ones. With a vast majority of Littauer’s residents having established an immunity, it will help protect them from the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 virus in the future, and possible exposure to the virus. Everyone is feeling well.Once retired Littauer nurse, Debra “Deb” Henry, was happy to answer the call in assisting with the vaccination of Littauer Nursing Home residents. “A shot in the arm is a hopeful sign for many, including our residents and their family members,” Deb says. “It has been a really tough time for them. Now, they have a strong line of defense against the virus. It’s a heartwarming moment.”The residents who have received their first dose of the Moderna SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccine today, will receive their second dose in 28 days.Nathan Littauer Nursing Home Nurse Manager, Lisa Kenyon, with her mother Bertha while she receives her first dose of the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccine.Lisa Kenyon adds, “We strongly encourage the immunization of others and encourage them to get vaccinated. The vaccine is safe, effective, and anybody who is able to get – should get it. My mother thinks the same way.”Vaccination Day in the Littauer Nursing Home was an invigorating day for the residents and staff. Beadle confidently said, “We’re hopeful this is a step in the right direction; a step towards normality and the safety of, not only our residents, but our community members, too.”###About Nathan LittauerNathan 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.
“A Pinch of Hope” Posted on December 23, 2020December 23, 2020 by Dakota Pike57 Littauer Employees Receive Pfizer VaccineGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to announce 57 of the healthcare organization’s employees embarked on a trip to be vaccinated today. In accordance with the guidance released from New York State, hospitals have been appointed “hub vaccine locations,” to safely store and distribute the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.To ensure safe social-distancing practices, three coach buses took 57 ecstatic Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home employees to the organization’s hub vaccine location at Mohawk Valley Health System’s Faxton St. Luke’s Campus in Utica, NY. During the trip, many employees wanted to share their sentiments of volunteering for their shot of the COVID-19 vaccine:“It’s moving, to say the least,” says Stephanie Fishel, RN, BSN, and Chief Nursing Officer at Littauer. “For a little over a year, we’ve been combating this deadly virus. Now, we can optimistically look forward. I am very proud of the clinical staff that are here today, getting vaccinated with me. All this time, there has been light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel. We’ve almost reached that light, and this vaccine is going to help us get there.”Three coach buses fill up quickly with Littauer employees outside of the organization’s new Medical Arts Primary Care Center.“We’re all proud to represent the bigger picture here,” says Littauer’s Performance Improvement Specialist Wes McFee. “This is the beginning of a beautiful dream for a COVID-19-free community, nation, and planet. Many of us are humbled and honored to receive this vaccine.”The Pfizer SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccines were just a small portion of what was allocated to Littauer. With the Federal Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of Moderna’s vaccine, Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is set to receive 1,000 more SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccine in the coming weeks.“Our goal is to safely vaccinate our workforce as quickly and efficiently as possible,” says President and CEO of Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, Sean Fadale. “We can expect more vaccines for the rest of our employees in the coming weeks, and many are excited to receive it. I am very proud of the employees who volunteered to receive their first dose of the vaccine. They are leading by example.”Additionally, Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is launching a campaign on vaccination. It is called, “A Pinch of Hope.” The campaign will help educate the public on the safety and effectiveness of the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccines and provide resources for the community.Excited, Littauer employees take a “selfie” on their journey to be vaccinated.To see pictures of Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home staff before and after their vaccinations, or for more information on the “A Pinch of Hope” campaign, visit the Nathan Littauer official Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/NathanLittauerHospital
Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home and 1199SEIU Members Ratify New Contract Posted on November 19, 2020November 19, 2020 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Healthcare workers at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home in Gloversville, New York, represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement just as communities across the state are facing a surge in COVID-19 cases. On Monday, November 16, the 321 healthcare workers voted overwhelmingly in favor of the contract. The previous contract expired almost two years ago; the new agreement is effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2023.“We have come to an equitable agreement at a pivotal time,” affirmed Sean Fadale, FACHE, Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home’s President and CEO. “As the holidays approach, I want the community to know they are in good hands at Nathan Littauer. We are excited we reached an agreement so we can continue to focus on the organization’s future. As this contract illustrates, we are a community hospital focused on unity and compassion. We strive to be fair to all employees allowing us to deliver outstanding patient care.”“This agreement proves that the dedicated Nathan Littauer healthcare workers are respected and valued for all that they do,” said Maureen Tomlinson, 1199SEIU Vice President in the Capital Region. “The agreed upon raises and wage increases indicate that we were heard when we said two important things: we need to be able to take care of our own families at the same time we care for others and Nathan Littauer must be able to attract and retain qualified staff. It is clear that when we work together, we can tackle even the most difficult challenges and there are many ahead. Together, we are prepared.”The two sides announced a four-year agreement that provides annual raises across the board to 1199 members, as well as base wage increases in certain job categories, which will help attract new employees. The workers will maintain their health and pension benefits through the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund, which is one of the most comprehensive joint labor-management funds in the nation.“Especially now, as we face a COVID-19 wave in our community, I am proud of this outcome,” explained Lana E. Wydra, PHR, SHRM-CP and Vice President of Human Resources for Littauer. “This agreement honors our employees, and the organization’s mission. Looking ahead, we are working toward a common goal: a strong workforce coupled with outstanding clinical outcomes to help keep our community safe.”“The hospital has been very successful in treating our neighbors with COVID-19 and will strive to keep our patients and staff safe during the challenging months ahead,” adds Fadale. “We invite our region to join us in that quest, by masking and following safety guidelines.”Littauer employees covered by the 1199 bargaining unit are technical and service employees, including licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, environmental services, nutritional services, lab and pharmacy technicians, diagnostic imaging services, engineering staff and others.“This is a great accomplishment as we continue to care for our community,” said Fadale. He went on to say, “Littauer and its employees can confidently move forward as one workforce.”XXXABOUT 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-¬growing healthcare union in the nation, with over 450,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. For more information please visit www.1199seiu.org.ABOUT Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing HomeNathan Littauer Hospital and Family of Health Services serves Fulton, Montgomery, and Hamilton counties in upstate New York with a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital, nine primary care centers, a nursing home and a community education center. The hospital was founded in 1894 and has 1,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.nlh.org.
Littauer’s Annual “Tree of Lights” to Take Place Virtually Posted on November 16, 2020November 16, 2020 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home’s Auxiliary will host its annual event, “The Tree of Lights Ceremony,” December 1, 2020 at Noon. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the event will virtually take place on the hospital’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NathanLittauerHospitalThe ceremony is held in the memory of, or in honor of a loved one. A listing of those who have been honored and memorialized will be displayed in the hospital lobby in their remembrance. Pictures of the display will be made available online. A light can be purchased by anyone who wishes to commemorate their loss of a loved one, and the tree will remain lit through the month of December.Littauer’s Tree of Lights and list of honored loved ones.To purchase a light, hang an ornament on the Littauer Tree of Lights, or for more information, please call Susan “Sue” McNeil, Director of Volunteer Services at Littauer, at (518) 773-5408.
History and Health Care Posted on October 23, 2020March 5, 2021 by Dakota PikeA New Primary Care Center in Caroga LakeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Caroga is a town steeped in history. According to the town’s comprehensive plan, the roaring 20s marked an increase of commercial activity, complete with swelling summer populations. After the establishment of the Caroga campgrounds, many developments would take place, further increasing the population of the town.In 1992, the town acquired the old Wheelerville School, which was originally constructed in 1856. Soon after, the town opened: municipal offices, a courtroom, a public meeting space, with a medical clinic for the public. It wasn’t until late 2005, when Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home would lease a portion of the municipal building, would the area finally welcome their first primary care office.Thursday, September 24, 2020, began Caroga Lake’s newest historic milestone.From left: Building architect, Fred Franko; with Hyman Hayes Associates, Vice President of Population Health and Executive Director of the Nathan Littauer Foundation, Geoffrey Peck, former President and CEO of Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, Laurence E. Kelly, Supervisor of Town of Caroga, Scott Horton, Caroga Lake PCC Coordinator, Betsy Oathout, and Caroga Town Clerk, Linda Gilbert, break ground for the new Caroga Lake Primary Care Center.Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home proudly announced to the Town of Caroga Lake; the construction of a new, modern primary care center. The new center is approximately 1,350 square feet of space, and will be next to Caroga’s Town Hall, where the original primary care center was housed. A groundbreaking ceremony marked the expansion of primary care in Caroga with: the building architect, Fred Franko; with Hyman Hayes Associates, former President and CEO of Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, Laurence E. Kelly, Vice President of Population Health and Executive Director of the Nathan Littauer Foundation, Geoffrey Peck, and the Supervisor of the Town of Caroga, Scott Horton.“It is exciting to work with Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home in our commitment to the community,” said Horton. “We appreciate Nathan Littauer Hospital and everything they have done for the area. This new Caroga Lake Primary Care Center is a boon, and it shows that the area of our town continues to grow. In turn, so is its need for great healthcare services.” “We continue to expand our services we provide in the Adirondack area, and we look forward to meeting new patients,” says Alison Townsend, Physician Assistant with Nathan Littauer. “We provide an invaluable service to the community members here, and I think our patients are really grateful for that. There’s a lot of history here. I am incredibly impressed with Nathan Littauer’s ability to expand healthcare services, so they are more accessible for people in the region.”
