A Gift of Artful Healing Posted on December 6, 2019December 6, 2019 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Recently, Mr. Joseph Rossi made a generous donation to Nathan Littauer’s Auxiliary, a volunteer service within Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home. Mr. Rossi made the sole donation of $17,000 funding a large format art installation. The tiled, mosaic waterfall mural was revealed in Littauer’s Reflection Garden this past August. The mural is a tribute to Mr. Rossi’s wife, JoAnn Rossi, and other loved ones who have passed. Jo Ann worked with Nathan Littauer’s Auxiliary for 12 years.The mural was created by artists Tammy Merendo, Linda Biggers, and Susan Ruscitto. It was also a collaborative effort of numerous Littauer employees and volunteers. The mosaic was not only created to represent our spirituality and humanity, but it was made to honor loved ones who have passed.“It is made of stained glass, agate, clay, and Love,” says Sue McNeil, Director of Volunteer Services. “Jo Ann loved working in our Extended Care Facility. She would visit each and every resident, if time allowed.”“Art is most needed where you don’t expect to find it,” says Cheryl McGrattan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications with Littauer. “A hospital is a place where joy and sorrow meet all too often. The memories of those passed will continue to live-on through the mural.”To honor Mr. Rossi’s generous donation, Nathan Littauer’s Auxiliary purchased a plaque to commemorate Jo Ann.“Being an Auxiliary member runs in the family,” says Mr. Rossi. “My mother was an Auxilian with Littauer for over 20 years. So, my wife and I found it very fitting to be involved with the auxiliary.”Mr. Rossi wants people to know about Jo Ann. He explains, “She was an extremely caring person and would always come and visit with the residents in the Extended Care Facility.” It’s very fitting for the mural and plaque to have a place in the Reflection Garden, where they would share time together.President and CEO of Littauer, Laurence E. Kelly, Director of Volunteer Services with Littauer, Sue McNeil, President of Littauer’s Auxiliary, Norma Cozzolino, and Mr. Rossi had gathered November 12, to pay homage to Jo Ann.The plaque reads:“In Loving Memory of Jo Ann Rossi –‘If there was a resident in the Nursing Home who had no one coming to visit them, I would be there. I loved visiting with the residents, sharing stories, and listening to them talk about their wonderful lives.’Donated by Husband and Best Friend – Joseph”Mr. Rossi reflects on the meaningfulness of the plaque and mural:“Thank you to Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home and The Auxiliary for all the good deeds they perform each and every day. The Auxilians are a special group of people that are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. It is an honor to support this outstanding organization by donating the funding for the beautiful mosaic waterfall mural. It is in memory of my wife, Jo Ann, who was one of those dedicated Auxilians and in memory of other loved ones.”###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.
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.
AHI Presents Littauer’s Third Winner of The Rural Health Champion Award Posted on October 29, 2019October 29, 2019 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home staff member, Margaret “Maggie” Rowley, care coordination manager, was awarded the prestigious “Rural Health Champion of the Year Award” October 24. The award was presented by Executive Director of Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) and the Fulton Population Health Network (FPN), Nancy Gildersleeve, and Littauer’s Vice President of Population Health and Executive Director of the Nathan Littauer Foundation, Geoff Peck.Executive Director of DSRIP at Adirondack Health Institute, Nancy Gildersleeve (left), Littauer’s Vice President of Population Health and Executive Director of the Nathan Littauer Foundation, Geoff Peck (right), present the Rural Health Champion Award to Care Coordination Manager of Littauer, Maggie Rowley (middle)“I am honored and humbled,” Maggie reflects. “The credit for the award not only goes to me, but to all Nathan Littauer staff. It is a collective effort.”To qualify for the Rural Health Champion of the Year Award, recipients must demonstrate a great amount of dedication and exceptional healthcare service to the community. Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to have distinguished three Rural Health Champions. Maggie has been an employee of Littauer for nearly three years.“Together as a hospital, we’ve really embraced the needs of the community,” Maggie continues. “My family and friends come to Littauer. It’s very personal, and we want the community to know that we’re here to help. We work very closely with other organizations and providers in the community and our joint efforts are paramount in making a better experience for the patient.”“Maggie has done an outstanding job by leading a team of discharge planners, community navigators, and others to reduce overutilization of the emergency room and hospital services by a challenged population,” says Dr. Frederick Goldberg, Chief Medical Officer of Littauer. “She is highly deserving of this award. These patients are among the most vulnerable that we serve. These patients struggle with navigating the healthcare system to manage their illnesses. Maggie leads by example by actively listening to the struggles and concerns of these patients with sincere empathy. Thanks to Maggie’s leadership and the efforts of her team; utilization of our emergency room by this population has been reduced by over 30 percent over the past two years.”“She has played a crucial role in community-based care navigation and direct patient intervention,” agrees Geoff Peck, Vice President of Population Health and Executive Director of Nathan Littauer’s Foundation. “We’re very proud to have her as part of our staff.”# # # 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 on a Roll! Posted on October 16, 2019 by Dakota PikeBabies to BenefitGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home was recently recognized for the considerable vaccine rate for Hepatitis B vaccines of newborns. The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) included Littauer on their honor roll for a reported coverage rate of over 90 percent from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019.“We educate new parents on the importance of vaccinating their children,” says Krista Sheils, MPH, RN-C, and Assistant Manager of Maternal Child Health. “We all work very hard and we’re glad to provide the best care possible for our babies.”From left: Maternal Child Health Manager, Maureen Mosher, and Assistant Child Health Managers, Krista Sheils, and Amy Smith with honor roll certificate.July 16, 2013, the IAC launched the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll program. The program helps recognize birthing centers and hospitals that have achieved high coverage rates for administering Hepatitis B vaccines to newborns.The Honor Roll is a key part of IAC’s major initiative urging the nation’s hospitals to Give Birth to the End of Hep B. The initiative urges qualifying healthcare organizations to apply for the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll online.To be included in the Hepatitis B Birth Dose Honor Roll, a birthing institution must have: (1) reported a coverage rate of 90 percent or greater, over a 12-month period, for administering hepatitis B vaccine before hospital discharge to all newborns, including those whose parents refuse vaccination, and (2) implemented specific written policies, procedures, and protocols to protect all newborns from hepatitis B virus infection prior to hospital discharge.Honorees are also awarded an 8.5″ x 11″ color certificate suitable for framing and their acceptance is announced to IAC Express’s approximately 51,000 readers. For any questions regarding vaccinations of newborns, please contact Krista M. Sheils at: (518) 775-4061 or via email: ksheils@nlh.org“This award not only represents how much we care for our babies, but vaccinations put our babies’ best feet forward – even if they’re being carried,” says Cheryl McGrattan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. 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.
