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Littauer Offers New Life-Saving CT Scan Technology!

Posted on by Dakota Pike

GLOVERSVILLE, NY – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home purchased a new Computed Tomography (CT) machine. The hospital started clinical trials with patients April 6.
Since then, the 128-slice General Electric (GE) Revolution EVO CT machine has been delivering higher resolution images, lower doses of radiation, faster scan times, and more efficient technology. The new machine also has metal artifact reduction.

Littauer’s new 128-slice CT equipment, the “GE Revolution EVO Gen 3.”

A CT scan is a diagnostic tool taking images of the body. Using computer-processed X-rays taken from different angles, including cross-sectional images, The GE Revolution EVO Gen 3 is useful in diagnosing illnesses and injuries.

Littauer’s Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Dwayne Eberle explains the difference between the new Revolution EVO and prior machinery used at Littauer, “The machine is incredible. With this new technology, we’re able to produce higher quality images, with lower radiation, all with more efficiency. This is a machine you don’t find in your typical, local hospital – and we’re offering it to our patients here at Littauer.”

The new machine offers cutting-edge images, in a matter of three to five minutes. A patient who has an exam using the new machine can expect to spend less time “on the table”.
“Securing the newest technologies for our community has always been a hallmark of our care,” says Littauer’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Cheryl McGrattan. “It is our mission to embrace new diagnostic imaging equipment, so that we may provide better healthcare for our patients.”


More information about the GE Revolution EVO Gen 3 can be found on GE’s website here.


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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 Releases Annual Report for 2019 to Community

Posted on by Dakota Pike

GLOVERSVILLE, NY – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home released their annual report to the community in June. The report was inspired by an earlier question for a Littauer employee newsletter: “Why did you choose a career in health care?”

“Instantly, we knew we had to tell their heartwarming stories to our patients,”says Littauer Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Cheryl McGrattan. “We were overwhelmed with what our team had to say and they became the basis for ‘The Spark.’ The report is a means to share their stories, along with the organization’s accomplishments for members of the community to enjoy.”

 Within the healthcare organization’s annual report for 2019, are a multitude of employee and patient stories. Littauer Marketing Specialist, Sara Schrum, says “It’s a report for the community by the community.”The result is “The Spark” featuring 40 pages of Nathan Littauer’s accomplishments as the organization cares for the community.

“As your local hospital for 126 years, we wanted to show the members of our community why we do what we do. The Spark does just that.” McGrattan adds.

“The Spark” not only offers information of the hospital’s past, but also provides a sense of where Nathan Littauer’s Hospital & Nursing Home is heading. While many hospitals face volatile economic challenges, the report describes how Littauer has managed to stay on track despite obstacles. What does that mean? Better healthcare service for the patients of Nathan Littauer Hospital.

The Spark” also includes a message from the healthcare organization’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Laurence E. Kelly, as he prepares to retire with nearly 20 years of distinct leadership. The report also includes: important organizational milestones over the past ten years, new medical providers, financial statistics, award recipients, and employees of recognition.

The title page of Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home’s annual report, “The Spark”

President and CEO of Nathan Littauer, Laurence E. Kelly, explains:

“I will leave Littauer with a great sense of pride, knowing that what we’ve accomplished – and will accomplish together is meaningful and will matter to this community for generations to come. You can be assured that we’ll remain committed to the same independent ‘Spark’ that’s kept us successful and in service to you since 1894.”

The report is an organic collaboration from the team at Littauer. From volunteers, nurses, and providers; to the administrative level – every employee, patient, and member of the community has made this report possible.

“The Spark” has been mailed to many members of the community for them to read at their own leisure. The report has also been made available to read online. You may read “The Spark” by visiting:  
https://issuu.com/home/published/nlh-annual_report-rev2-color_adj-cmyk-indicia

    Infection Control and Prevention at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home

    Posted on by Dakota Pike

    This information is current as of: 06/25/2020 2:00 p.m.

    Below are the current preventative measures Nathan Littauer Hospital is undertaking to ensure our patients remain safe during the COVID-19 pandemic:


    • We are advising those who show symptoms of Coronavirus/COVID-19 to stay home when possible. If they plan to visit our hospital for emergency services, we ask they call ahead of time, or report upon arrival.

    • Nathan Littauer Hospital has followed visitation guidelines in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDoH). At our own discretion, we will continue our current visitation rules.

    • All foot traffic and entrance into the hospital has been directed to the main entrance. During the weekend, they must use our Emergency Care Center entrance for proper screening.

    • Upon entering the hospital, all individuals will be asked questions such as:

    “Do you have any of the following symptoms?”

    o Fever
    o Cough
    o Diarrhea
    o Sore throat
    o Chills, and or repeated shaking with chills
    o Muscle pain
    o Headache


    “Have you recently traveled?”

    “Do you have a sudden loss of taste and or smell?”

    • All patients, visitors, employees, vendors, and staff are required to wear a mask covering their mouth and nose, when unable to maintain social distancing. Additionally, all individuals who enter the hospital will have their temperature taken.

    • For those who have medical appointments, they will be screened, and then directed to the location of their appointment. We advise those who have appointments to strictly go to the location of their appointment, then leave the hospital campus immediately after.

    • Waiting rooms have been redesigned to ensure a social distancing measurement of six feet or greater between patients.

    • Those who are to be seen at the Respiratory Illness Clinic (RIC) are asked to enter through the Primary Care Entrance, as signs instruct, instead of traveling through the hospital.

    • We have resumed elective surgeries May 11, 2020. For those with scheduled procedures, patients must test negative for Coronavirus/COVID-19 in order to have surgery within our facility. During Monday to Friday, patients will be swabbed or tested inside our surgery center. Patients will be swabbed or tested in their vehicles during Saturday and Sunday outside of our surgery center before their procedure.

    • In accordance with our visitation guidelines, families of surgical patients cannot wait in surgical waiting rooms.

    • Visitation for special cases such as end-of-life care and compassionate exemptions, exceptions for visitation may be allowed. This stipulation is at the discretion of the Nursing Supervisor.

    More information is available from the CDC, here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

    Johnstown Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps INC. Generously Donates to Nathan Littauer

    Posted on by Dakota Pike

    GLOVERSVILLE, NY – Last month, 2020, Johnstown Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps INC. (JAVAC) made a $25,000.00 donation to Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home. The donation was made to aid the hospital in our fight against the Coronavirus pandemic. Included with JAVAC’s donation was a letter that stated:

    “This donation is to be used towards the purchase of a ventilator and/or supplies needed for the hospital to fight the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic . . . on behalf of JAVAC, thank you and your staff for the support during a very difficult time. We hope this donation will make a difference in the treatment of COVID-19 patients now, and in the future.”

    • Two ambulances outside of the JAVAC Center.

    Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is extremely grateful for all donations given to the organization. Executive Director of the Nathan Littauer Foundation, Geoffrey Peck explains:

    “JAVAC’s volunteer and paid staff displayed selfless community commitment for decades. As a chapter of area history closes, JAVAC once again has served our community by helping Littauer fight the COVID-19 virus.”

    Donations can be made to Nathan Littauer Hospital by contacting the Nathan Littauer Hospital Foundation Coordinator, Kelly Colby, at: (518) 773-5505. You may also make a contribution online by visiting the organization’s website at: https://www.nlh.org/giving

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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 & Nursing Home Gifted $2 Million Dollars to Aid in Fight Against Coronavirus

    Posted on by Dakota Pike

    Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home received $2,048,000.00 in funding allocated by Health and Human Services (HHS) to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19), through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Signed into law March 27, the legislation is designed to help rural hospitals like Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home.

    “Nathan Littauer would like to thank the efforts of the Department of Health and Human Services, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer,” stated Michael Ostrander, Chief Financial Officer for Littauer.  He added, “We are grateful people are looking out for rural hospitals like Littauer. Our response to COVID is encompassing and comprehensive employing a tremendous amount of resources. From a financial perspective, we have done everything we can to support our medical team. We will continue to do so. However, a response to a global pandemic was not a part of our strategic plan. The CARES act gives us a needed injection of capital to continue our fight.”

    Littauer believes the CARES Act is an important first step forward. However, we believe more will need to be done to support rural healthcare providers as we deal with the unprecedented challenge of this virus. We have endured unbudgeted healthcare related expenses and some lost revenues from halted elective surgeries. Many of our expenses are not reimbursed and are directly attributable to COVID-19. As we learn more about this virus, we understand we may still see a substantial patient surge of COVID positive patients.

    Our goal as an organization is to remain independent while we serve this unique community. Most importantly, this funding will help the patients we gratefully serve. We would like to thank all entities involved with the CARES Act as we do our important work during this pandemic.

    COVID-19 Resources For Our Patients and The Community

    Posted on by Dakota Pike

    The CDC has the most current information about the virus, including everything you need to know about how the virus spreads, how it’s treated, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you get sick. You can learn more by visiting the CDC website, which is updated frequently.

    Protect Yourself

    Regular handwashing remains one of the best defenses against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions:

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Practice social distancing by staying home, and if you go outside or have to the grocery store or pharmacy, maintain at least six feet of physical space in public.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
       

    Protect Others

    • Stay home when you are sick and as designated by the state of New York. Follow your provider’s instructions about quarantine measures.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with your sleeve (not your hands) or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
    • The CDC has stated that cloth face masks may be worn in public places where social distancing measures may be difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores and pharmacies. Please note that following guidance from the New York State Department of Health regarding personal protective equipment updated April 3, 2020, cloth masks are not recommended for health care professionals when working in a health care setting. It is unknown whether cloth masks provide effective source control for infectious patients.


    Your Emotional Health

    New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at
    1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.

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