Valachovic as Fourth Quarter Goodwill Award Recipient Posted on February 6, 2020February 6, 2020 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY — Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to announce Mary Valachovic, as their Fourth Quarter Goodwill Award recipient for 2019! Employees of Nathan Littauer took a short break from their regular work schedule to celebrate their “Employee of the Quarter” during a gathering February 6. President and CEO of Littauer, Laurence E. Kelly, had many positive things to say about Valachovic before surprising her with the award: “This employee is hard-working and organized. Her charming personality and her gracious attitude make her a pleasure to work with. She’s helpful to anyone that asks her for assistance. These qualities and her ‘can-do’ attitude make her the epitomical employee of Nathan Littauer.”President and CEO of Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, Laurence E. Kelly, presents the Fourth Quarter Goodwill Award to Mary Valachovic.Once Valachovic was named the award recipient, she was congratulated and presented with an engraved plaque. Overwhelmed with joy, she found her close friends, colleagues, and family surrounding her for her achievement. Valachovic is an employee of Littauer’s Medical Records, Employee Health, and Performance Improvement Department. She has worked with Littauer for 16 years. After hearing Valachovic’s accomplishments, staff gave her a standing ovation. President and CEO of Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, Laurence E. Kelly, and the Fourth Quarter Goodwill Award recipient, Mary Valachovic. A peer who nominated Valachovic explained: “Mary has an endless supply of friendliness. We’re so lucky to have her on our team at Littauer. Her values, work ethic, pleasant personality, and her dependability make her a valuable employee of Littauer. Afterwards, Valachovic received many positive comments, commendations, and well-wishes from employees and friends. Along with her plaque, Valachovic receives a monetary gift, as well as a designated parking spot on the hospital’s campus. 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.###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.
Littauer’s Sepsis Care Initiative Posted on January 30, 2020January 30, 2020 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is raising awareness for sepsis. Sepsis is a complication of an infection. It requires immediate and emergency medical attention. Although many may not have heard of sepsis, it has become one man’s quest to change that.“Sepsis is responsible for more patient deaths than any other hospital condition nationally,” says Wes McFee, Performance Improvement Specialist with Littauer. “In Littauer’s last quarters of 2019, we have out-performed 94 percent of New York State hospitals in regards to compliant sepsis care. We have increased our overall performance for sepsis protocols.”Nathan Littauer’s Performance Improvement Specialist, Wes McFee.Recently, McFee delivered a statewide presentation on “Littauer’s Sepsis Care Initiative” at the request of The New York State Department of Health. The presentation addressed sepsis protocols within the hospital setting, and also discussed corrective action strategies regarding the deadly illness. Using compiled sepsis data, McFee discussed the strategies he implemented for Nathan Littauer Hospital with the Department of Health. The strategies used at Littauer have improved the quality of care, and will serve as a model for other hospitals in New York State to consider adapting. Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home also led the charge in providing more awareness for sepsis with their “sepsis awareness campaign” September 2019. As a result, the campaign brought an immense amount of community awareness of the illness. Many members of the region were discussing the dangers of sepsis on social media. “Sepsis is no laughing matter,” McFee adds. “It has a high mortality rate, so we’re always looking to improve. This is a beginning of our long-term goals for sepsis care at Littauer. We’ll continue these strategies, and reach our goals.”###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.
Littauer CEO Set to Retire in October Posted on January 23, 2020January 23, 2020 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home President & CEO, Laurence E. Kelly, will retire effective October 2, after a successful administrative health care career spanning 41 years; 19 of them at the helm of the Gloversville-based hospital.“It has been an absolute pleasure,” Kelly says. “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve the Gloversville community and this region.”Kelly has led Littauer during a period of tremendous growth and financial stability. The hospital’s total net assets increased nearly sevenfold from $13.3 million in 2001; when Kelly began as CEO to $90 million in 2019. This period was also marked by an increase in jobs. In 2001, the hospital had 656.5 full-time equivalents (FTEs). By 2019, that number had grown to 807.5. Littauer’s footprint has expanded as well, adding eight primary care centers, spanning a total of 52 square miles within the region. President and CEO of Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, Laurence E. KellyKelly explains, “I think we have achieved these milestones because of two factors: I work with a fearless, creative team. Because of the employees here, I enjoy coming to work each day. I really like my colleagues. That makes a huge difference. The second piece is that we have invested our positive operating margin back into our hospital. In essence, we have paid ourselves first. I think it has worked. With a positive operating budget, we have saved for our future and simultaneously secured sophisticated technology and improved access to care.”“Larry has great insight and vision in the health care industry,” says Gregory Truckenmiller, Ph.D., Chair of the Littauer Board of Directors. “He has been adaptable amidst constant change in the industry and had the courage to make decisions others had difficulty with. It is because he took those risks that Littauer has remained independent, committed to quality, and achieved 18 consecutive years operating in the black while many rural hospitals around the country are struggling or even closing.” “Medical staff who have worked at other hospitals often observe that the equipment we provide our surgeons and radiologists is much better than what they have used at other, often larger hospitals,” said Frederick Goldberg, M.D., Littauer Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer. “Under his guidance we have been able to offer:• minimally invasive spine surgery • advanced diagnostic imaging technologies • critical care telemedicine • state-of-the-art maternity facilities • a dialysis center that is attached to the hospital and nursing home.These medical and technological advancements mean better care for our patients,” Dr. Goldberg adds. “It helps recruit talented physicians to the area. None of this would have been possible without the vision and leadership of Mr. Kelly.”“Influential leaders are a rare breed,” said Stephanie Fishel, Littauer Chief Nursing Officer. “Larry Kelly is an influential leader. He mentors the strengths of his team members and sets us up to succeed. Under his leadership, our nursing care has evolved, strengthening our foundation in patient safety, clinical skills, and more. Because of him, our patients experience state-of-the-art technology and expert care-givers right here in our rural community.”Kelly adds, “My goal has always been to build an independent organization that can quickly respond to the unique needs of this community. We also needed to stand on solid footing. I wanted to build a hospital for this generation and the next.”The Littauer Board of Directors will begin work immediately to recruit Kelly’s successor. Littauer staff, volunteers, and others will celebrate his contributions to the organization and community at an event in September. Details will be forthcoming.A fund is being established at the Nathan Littauer Hospital Foundation to honor his years of service and leadership. More information on the details of that fund will be shared as soon as possible.Kelly noted, “I am grateful for the visionary leadership of Littauer board members past and present, the talented and dedicated team of professionals with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with, the selfless donors and volunteers who support the hospital with such enthusiasm, and the people who consistently choose us for their health care. I will leave Littauer with a great sense of pride, knowing what we’ve accomplished together is meaningful and will matter to this community for generations to come.”“There never is a perfect time to leave,” Kelly explains. “But I wanted to go out on a high-note without worrying about our future. This feels like the right time.” Truckenmiller agrees. “He will be missed, but he has positioned us perfectly for Littauer’s next chapter. On behalf of a grateful board of directors, we are committed to making sure his legacy will continue.”###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.
Littauer’s Baby of the Year! Posted on January 6, 2020January 6, 2020 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – A couple battling a snow squall on their way to The Birthing Center at Nathan Littauer Hospital may not have realized they would be bringing home a little celebrity. Barbara Ralph and Daniel Williams, who traveled all the way from Speculator, ended up having the local New Year’s Day Baby!Barbara checked into Littauer’s Birthing Center at 3:34 p.m. on December 31st.Mother; Barbara Ralph, and Father; Daniel Williams, were very excited to bring baby Daniel into this world. “I was so excited for Daniel,” mom says.Mother and Father of Baby Daniel pictured with Nathan Littauer’s Auxiliary.21 hours and seven minutes after check-in, Baby Daniel Scott Williams, was born January 1st at 1:31 p.m. He weighed 8 lbs. and 2 oz. with a length of 21”, making him the very first baby delivered at Nathan Littauer Hospital for the year 2020.Holding Daniel, dad says, “He is a very peaceful and happy baby.”As tradition, Nathan Littauer’s Auxiliary made a donation to the family of the Baby of the Year. Littauer’s Auxiliary donated over 200 dollars in special gifts for little Daniel and his parents.Inside the gift basket, are: clothes for baby Daniel, blankets, pacifiers, and little plush toys. President of Nathan Littauer’s Auxiliary, Norma Cozzolino, Director of Nathan Littauer’s Volunteer Services, Sue McNeil, Auxiliary Volunteer, Fran Mosconi, all presented the basket to little Daniel and his family.“This is so nice,” says mom. “We’re very happy to have had our baby with Littauer.”Mom and Dad are very excited. They look forward to bringing Daniel home.###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.
NLH Nurse Tapped to Lead Posted on November 25, 2019 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home’s Eileen Breckenridge, RN, Nurse Educator, and Nursing Administration Supervisor was recently elected as the Secretary of the New York State Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). Eileen will serve the ENA in this position on the Board of Directors for two years. She currently serves the ENA as the President of the Adirondack Chapter.(Left) Eileen Breckenridge accepts the election to serve as Secretary on the ENA’s Board of Directors from the President of the New York State ENA, Mary Ann Teeter. (Right)“It is one of the most educational and inspiring processes I have ever been involved with,” says Eileen.The ENA is an international professional organization with approximately 43,000 members worldwide. In New York State alone, there are 2,600 members divided into three chapters. The Adirondack Chapter of the ENA is the largest chapter that exists within the ENA. The ENA’s mission is to provide evidence-based education to establish quality care for the emergency care patient.Eileen has been an active member of the ENA for ten years. In her newly elected position, Eileen says her goal is: “To help foster and develop future instructors ensuring the integrity of the courses the ENA provides.” She will also continue to develop programming for the New York State ENA Conference.The ENA was originally founded by two nurses; one nurse that resides in New York and another that resides in California. Later in 2020, the ENA will celebrate its 50th anniversary commemorating the merging of the state committees. To mark the occasion, October 14, 2020, the Empire State Building will be illuminated purple, celebrating the ENA’s achievements.“Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to have such distinguished nursing staff like Eileen,” says Cheryl McGrattan, Vice President of Marketing with Littauer. “Our nurses not only focus on delivering excellent patient care, but their willingness to create meaningful educational opportunities for nurses at all stages of their careers is inspiring.”“This is a great thing,” Eileen continues. “The ENA is an organization of renowned nursing professionals. We’re leading the charge and it’s giving us a big voice.”###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.
Phil Guild as 2019 Third Quarter Goodwill Award Recipient Posted on November 15, 2019November 15, 2019 by Dakota PikePhil Guild, RN, with his 2019 Third Quarter Goodwill Award.Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to announce Phil Guild, RN, as the Third Quarter Goodwill Award recipient for 2019!After being congratulated and presented with the award, Phil was momentarily speechless and overwhelmed with excitement. While smiling, he said, “I am very surprised!”Laurence E. Kelly, President and CEO, presented Phil with the award November 13, during a gathering at Nate’s Café.Interestingly, Phil was nominated for the Goodwill Award by a relative of a patient. Thanks to Phil’s efforts, not only was the patient extremely happy with the care received, but the family members were moved by Phil’s kind and caring expertise.The family commended Phil for being gentle, patient, and compassionate. Always humble, Phil replied that he was “Just doing his job.”Upon hearing Phil’s story, employees gave Phil a standing ovation for his heartwarming behavior. Afterwards, Phil received many positive comments, commendations, and a plaque recognizing his achievement.“Phil is very good at what he does,” says Mr. Kelly. “It is not unusual for Phil to assist a patient in any way he can. It’s this type of quality care that makes us proud of our staff and their integrity.”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, Phil! Way to go! XXX 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.