Holy Trinity Church Donates to Littauer’s Birthing Center Posted on February 10, 2020February 10, 2020 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Sunday, February 9, Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home received a generous donation from the Holy Trinity Parish, a local Catholic church in Johnstown, NY. The donation was made possible by the church’s Faith Formation Program. “We are so proud of the children for all their efforts,” says Cheryl Walton, member of Holy Trinity Church and Director of the children’s Faith Formation Program. “They were so excited they had the opportunity to make a difference in their community.”The $2,000 of baby care items donated to Littauer’s Birthing Center, given by the Holy Trinity Church in Johnstown, NY.The children’s Faith Formation class is part of the church’s Sunday school program. The Faith Formation is comprised of middle-school children from the area including the: Johnstown, Broadalbin, Gloversville, and Fonda-Fultonville school districts. At the beginning of the school year, the children brainstormed ideas for possible community service projects. The students decided they wanted to help local mothers and newborns by donating child health and baby care items to Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Birthing Center. Once they established their plan, the children distributed a flyer in their communities asking for donations of several needed newborn items. They received donations from fellow church members, school staff, and peers. Some of the children even made their own donations to further the cause.The Holy Trinity Faith Formation children pictured with the baby care items they donated to Littauer’s Birthing Center.“It’s amazing how much of a collaborative effort went into making this happen,” adds Walton. “They worked so hard.” Collecting donations for several weeks, the church managed to obtain over $2,000 in baby care products. The donations were then personally delivered by the children, were they were received by Littauer’s Birthing Center staff. “I am overwhelmed with joy,” says Wendy Bowie, Maternal Child Health, RN with Littauer. “Many mothers don’t have access to these baby care products. With their hard work, they made the impossible – possible. A wonderful thing has been done for our future mothers and future babies.”###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.
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.
Infection Prevention – Coronavirus Posted on January 30, 2020January 30, 2020 by Dakota PikeLittauer’s Manager of Infection Prevention and Manager of Employee Health, NP-C, Melissa Bown had a few things to say about the recent Coronavirus. She has been following the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as well as the New York State Department of Health (NYSDoH) to monitor the virus. She offers some peace-of-mind, and some tips.Littauer’s Infection Prevention/Employee Health Manager, Melissa Bown“Both the CDC and NYSDoH have a good handle on the situation,” Bown says. “They are working very diligently. Littauer is always preparing so that we may weather any storm. We’re prepared. Our hospital staff screen patients who have traveled out of the country, especially for those who show symptoms for illnesses like the coronavirus.”Here are some tips on how to prevent getting sick from The New York State Department of Health: Tips on preventing infection of the Coronavirus
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.
Wellness Words January 2020 Posted on January 15, 2020February 7, 2020 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Alicia DeRuscio, B.S. Eye HealthWhen you think of good health, you probably picture someone free of illness or chronic conditions. What about someone with good eye health? Your eyes are an important part of your body – they help you see, connect with, and experience the world around you.According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), your eyes experience many changes as you age. For example, some of the cells in your eyes, called rod cells, are more likely to break down over time. These cells are responsible for helping your eyes focus and adjust, and are affected by certain lifestyle factors including smoking or excessive sun exposure. As rod cells break down, you may experience trouble with your vision.The AAO lists several common problems that older adults experience with age:A gradual loss in ability to see things up close, known as presbyopia.Difficulty adjusting or focusing eyes when moving from a poor-lit area to a well-lit area, or vice versa.Difficulty adjusting to light or dark when driving, especially in the rain.Contrast sensitivity, or trouble separating an image from its background with a similar color or tone.Aging also makes you more likely to develop eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma or cataracts. Many eye diseases do not have any signs or symptoms, so it’s important to keep your eyes healthy and get them checked regularly.In order to maintain good eye health, the National Eye Institute (NIH) recommends:Getting a dilated eye exam every year to check for eye diseases.Wearing sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.Wearing protective eyewear such as goggles or safety glasses when playing sports or performing manual labor.Giving your eyes a rest every 20 minutes when looking at a computer or TV screen.Washing your hands before putting in or taking out contacts.Disinfecting contact lenses and replacing them regularlyAs with any health-related disease, it’s also important to maintain good physical health in order to protect your eyes. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits like eating a nutritious diet, getting adequate sleep, quitting smoking and getting regular physical activity can decrease the risk of developing eye diseases.Certain foods, like spinach, kale, tuna, halibut and salmon are beneficial to eye health. Sleeping also promotes eye health by providing continuous lubrication, helping eyes to rid themselves of dust or other irritants that may have built up during the day.While some changes in vision naturally occur because of age, others do not. Low vision, or vision loss that makes daily activities difficult, is usually the result of an eye disease. Low vision can include both losses of central and side vision, as well as blurred or hazy vision. Common symptoms include difficulty reading, driving, shopping or recognizing faces.If you experience low vision or have trouble with any of these tasks, be sure to contact your eye doctor. Scheduling a visit with an eye doctor will help determine if you have an eye condition and provide you with resources to aid with low vision.For more information on healthy lifestyles, contact HealthLink Littauer at 518-736-1120. You can email us at healthlink@nlh.org or visit our wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
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.
