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.
Brandis, MD, Wins Reader’s Choice Award Posted on December 6, 2019 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Robert Brandis, MD, of Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home was chosen as the Reader’s Choice for The Leader Herald.“Dr. Brandis is yet another Gem in the Adirondacks,” says Cheryl McGrattan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications of Littauer. “We’re glad to have him as one of our providers – our patients are too!”Dr. Brandis was voted as the best Doctor and Physician in the Adirondack region.“We’re honored to have Dr. Brandis in our midst,” says Patrice McMahon Vice President of Littauer’s Primary Care Centers. “We say thank you to our staff and our community as Dr. Robert Brandis wins this award.”### 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 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.
