Memorial’s chief of robotic surgery performs area’s first single site robotic hysterectomy

Dr. Donna Feldman has pioneered a new surgical procedure at Niagara Falls Memorial, performing the first single site robotic hysterectomy in Niagara County.

The procedure, which was performed earlier this month using the DaVinci robotic surgical system, is virtually scarless and can benefit women in several ways.

“Single-site robotic surgery, also known as single incision surgery, is a significant advance over minimally invasive hysterectomies requiring multiple incisions,” said Dr. Feldman, Memorial’s chief of robotic surgery. “The surgery is performed with one incision through the patient’s belly button, which leaves an almost invisible scar.”

Benefits for the patient can include less blood loss, fewer complications and shorter hospital stays than are experienced following vaginal or abdominal hysterectomies. Women who undergo a single-site hysterectomy often go home within a day of their surgery and are able to resume their normal activities in two weeks. 

“The typical recovery time is significantly quicker than that from a traditional hysterectomy,” Dr. Feldman said. “Robotic surgeries are more and more becoming the standard of care.”

Memorial introduced robotic surgery to the Greater Niagara Region in 2012. Its expert surgical team offers robotic procedures for hernia repair, abdominal reconstruction and other general surgeries including single incision gallbladder removal, as well as for benign and cancerous conditions in gynecology, urology, nephrology, colorectal and bariatrics.

GreenField Court Resident, Jodi King, Turns 103

Josephine King, a current resident at GreenField Court in Lancaster, NY, will be celebrating her 103^rd birthday on November 29^th. She will be celebrating with nieces, nephews and staff at GreenField Court dining room Saturday afternoon with an orange crème cake because “most people will like that.”

Born in Utica, NY on November 29^th, 1911, Jodi grew up with three sisters and two brothers. Her mother passed away when she was 11 and her father struggled as a shoemaker, so she took over the care of her sisters.

She went from being called “Jo” to “Jodi” after she met the man who became her husband, Lawrence. Lawrence, who passed in 2004, was an Army Colonel for 30 years and thought of  G.I. Jo with her first nickname, so he started calling her “Jodi,” which she still goes by today. She met Lawrence at a Fireman’s Ball in Utica, where Jodi’s heel broke and Lawrence then escorted her home. He was her only boyfriend. They were happily married for 67 years.

The best advice Jodi has received is, “do your best and keep smiling.” To the younger generations, her advice is, “have courage, all is well, keep moving ahead” and “always think positive thoughts” for a happy life. As for her secret to a long, healthy life? “Love of God, staying active, and a nap every day in my apartment at GreenField Court.”

Jodi moved to The GreenFields after her husband’s passing in 2004, so she could be near family.   

Small Business Saturday November 29

Keep the momentum going in North Buffalo
Create a tradition of shopping locally

Enjoy your holiday shopping and celebrating even more this year by supporting small businesses in North Buffalo that help ourneighborhood thrive!

Kick-off the season on November 29th with Small Business Saturday, an event founded by American Express in 2010 to help businesses get more customers. According to the company, interest has grown into a powerful nationwide movement with an estimated $5.5 billion being spent at small independent businesses on that day alone.

Along Hertel Avenue, several businesses are participating by offering discounts when customers use their American Express cards for purchases. These include: The Antique Lamp Co. and Gift Emporium, North Park Theatre, P.S. Accessories, Cone 5 Pottery, andSilent Voices.

The following weekend, the Hertel-North Buffalo Business Association presents the 19th Annual Hertel Holidays on Friday, December 5th from 5-9 PM and Saturday, December 6th from 11 AM-4 PM.

It's the perfect time to meet up with friends and celebrate with great shopping and dining all along the Avenue. Santa Claus will be making an appearance once again and carolers will be singing your holiday favorites. Many stores will be offering refreshments just for stopping by.

Premium hearing aids giveaway

Non-profit audiology practice will award set of premium hearings aids to a deserving Western New Yorker

AMHERST, N.Y. – A fortunate Western New Yorker will be given the gift of better hearing. It’s called the “Good to Hear Giveaway”, and it is being presented by Hearing Evaluation Services of Buffalo via their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/HearingEvaluationServices.

“We’re asking the people of WNY to nominate a friend or loved one who would be deserving of a set of hearing aids at no cost to them. It won’t be us deciding the winner; it will be other Facebook users determining the winner by ‘liking’ who they feel should win,” says Dr. Rebecca Wantuck, Doctor of Audiology at Hearing Evaluation Services.

This is a first for Hearing Evaluation Services. When asked why the small non-profit would pick up the bill on premium hearing aid technology for a deserving western New Yorker, Wantuck said: “We have a very rich culture here of doing the right thing and treating our patients like family. With the holidays upon us, we wanted to spread some good cheer among the WNY community and give someone the gift of better hearing.”

The contest ends on November 30, 2014. The Hearing Evaluation Services of Buffalo Facebook page is www.facebook.com/hearingevaluationservices.

Hearing Evaluation Services is the largest freestanding non-profit audiology practice in the country. They are located in Amherst, Williamsville, and Orchard Park.

For more information on Hearing Evaluation Services of Buffalo, log ontowww.HearingEvaluationServices.com or call (716) 833-4488.

Memorial sets schedule for health insurance navigators

The New York State Department of Health’s NY State of Health insurance marketplace begins its second open enrollment period Saturday (11/15).

Thousands of certified assistors, navigators and brokers statewide will be available during the enrollment period to assist consumers with the entire process.  Specially trained navigators from Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center will provide assistance at locations across Niagara County.

“All existing marketplace qualified health plans will expire Dec. 31,” said Christin Culligan, Memorial’s director of health insurance In Person Assistance/Navigation. “This year, individuals will need to determine if they want to stay in their current plan or change plans. Open enrollment will continue until Feb. 15, 2015 but to have a plan in place by Jan. 1, you must enroll by Dec. 15.”

Consumers must make an appointment in order to be seen. To request an appointment call 278-4264 or emailnavigator@nfmmc.org.  The navigator’s weekly schedule, effective Monday (11/17):

Mondays

8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Lewiston Village Hall

Tuesdays

8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Dale Association, Lockport

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center

9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. YWCA of the Tonawandas, North Tonawanda

4 p.m. – 9 p.m. North Tonawanda Library

Wednesdays

8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Dale Association, Lockport

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Lewiston Village Hall

10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center

Thursdays

8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center

8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Dale Association, Lockport

Fridays

8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center

8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Dale Association, North Tonawanda

Saturdays

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Dale Association, Lockport

9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Lockport Library

Critical Need for Blood Following Storm

Unyts urges WNY to donate blood for local patients in local hospitals

After being forced to cancel blood drives this week due to the storm, Unyts is urging the community to donate bloodTODAY. Demand at our local hospitals has increased and a strong turnout by donors is critical to ensure we have blood available for patients in the WNY community. 

Unyts is the primary supplier of blood products to Kaleida Health, ECMC and all hospitals in Niagara and Wyoming Counties. The real need for blood came into play last night when 3 year old Leukemia patient Kallie Swan had to be transported by Wings Flights of Hope to Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo for a platelet transfusion (seehttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Kallies-Krusade/267365016721998 & attached). Kallie and her family live in Jamestown and were unable to make it to the hospital alone due to the storm.  While Unyts is thrilled that we were able to provide the blood needed to help Kallie and other patients, the supply has to be continually replenished. As WNY’s only community blood bank it is our responsibility to answer the call for blood products to ANY hospital in need, but we will need help from blood donors to do that. As local residents are able to return to their normal activities following the storm, Unyts encourages eligible donors to give blood. “O negative” donors and platelet donors are especially encouraged to give.

To make an appointment, call 512-7940 or visit www.unyts.org and click on Give Blood.

Blood Drives TODAY, November 21^st

Eastern Hills Mall Donation Center

4545 Transit Road

Williamsville, NY 

7am-2pm

Medlab, Inc.

600 Cayuga Rd

Cheektowaga, NY

2-6pm

Blood Drives TOMORROW, November 22^nd

Eastern Hills Mall Donation Center

4545 Transit Road

Williamsville, NY 

7am-3pm

Erie County Auto Bureau

2122 George Urban Blvd.

Depew, NY

8:30am-12:30pm

Tonawanda Donation Center

96 Niagara Street

Tonawanda, NY 

7am-3pm

Blood Drives Monday, November 24^th

Eastern Hills Mall Donation Center

4545 Transit Road

Williamsville, NY  14221

10am-8pm

Southgate Plaza Donation Center

1000 Union Road

West Seneca, NY  14224

10am-8pm

Tonawanda Donation Center

96 Niagara Street

Tonawanda, NY  14150

10am-8pm

Blood Drives Tuesday, November 25^th

Tonawanda Donation Center         

96 Niagara Street                             

Tonawanda, NY 

10am-8pm

Unyts Donation Center

110 Broadway

Buffalo, NY

10am-4pm                                       

Maintaining Vascular Health is Critical For Persons with Diabetes

Vascular and Endovascular Center of WNY Encourages Screening During American Diabetes Month

During American Diabetes Month (November) and throughout the year, members of the Society of Vascular Surgery encourage people with diabetes or pre-diabetes symptoms to schedule a vascular screening. Diabetes, if not managed, can cause a number of complications and one of the most serious is the development of vascular disease. It is estimated that there are nearly 9 million people in the US who are not aware that they have diabetes and another 86 million who are pre-diabetic.

Vascular disease, among other complications, can impair circulation to the legs, leading to a reduced ability to walk and in some cases, leg amputation. Vascular disease in the legs is also a major marker for heart disease.

“The most devastating consequences of unchecked diabetes include amputation as well as blindness and kidney failure,” said Paul M. Anain, MD, FACS, of the Vascular & Endovascular Center of WNY, Society of Vascular Surgery members and pioneers in the field. “Our practice is committed to improving awareness in order to prevent and treat the serious consequences of diabetes and undiagnosed vascular disease.”

Because vascular disease is generally asymptomatic until a catastrophic event occurs, such as a stroke or aneurysm rupture, millions of Americans who are at risk remain unaware. Persons with diagnosed diabetes, which the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates at more than 29 million, are at an even greater risk of vascular disease. The symptoms include:

· Blurry vision

· Floating spots in vision (called floaters)

· Swelling of the face or limbs or unexpected weight gain

· Foamy looking urine

· Foot sores

· Loss of feeling or burning sensation in hands or feet

· Leg pain while walking

· High blood pressure

· Chest pain

Vascular Screenings are used to detect the presence of serious disease and employ painless, noninvasive tests (or a combination of tests) to find potentially dangerous conditions. These screening examinations include:

· Ultrasound scan of the aorta to identify aortic aneurysms

· Ultrasound scan of the carotid arteries to assess stroke risk

· Blood pressure measurements in the legs to identify peripheral arterial disease and risk of heart disease.

Vascular and endovascular surgeons are partners with primary care physicians in providing comprehensive care for people with diabetes. For further information, visit www.vecwny.com or call 716-837-2400. 

The Vascular & Endovascular Center of WNY provides services to patients throughout the region at facilities in Erie, Genesee and Niagara counties. The information included in this release is for educational purposes only. It is neither professional medical advice nor is it intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Reading the information in this article does not create a physician-patient relationship.

Thanksgiving celebrations must include a safe ride home

In recent years, Thanksgiving Eve has become known as the biggest party night of the year. While everyone enjoys a good party with family and friends to usher in the holiday season, the planning isn’t complete until arrangements have been made to guarantee a safe ride home at the end of the evening for all of your guests.

“There are many reasons why Thanksgiving Eve has evolved into the biggest party night of the year,” said Monica Farrar, Drinking Driver Program Director at The Resource Training Center in Amherst. “Work usually lets out early on Wednesday, giving employees a longer weekend and more time to spend at happy hour. People are also traveling back into town for the holiday, allowing for more get-togethers. Many of those reunions take place in a bar or home where large amounts of alcohol are consumed. Throw in some poor planning — such as not having a designated driver — and a fun evening surrounded by those closest to you now has the potential for a disastrous outcome.”

The Resource Training Center reminds Western New Yorkers to consider the following tips that can help prevent such a tragedy from occurring:
• Plan ahead and be sure to designate a sober driver before the party begins.
• If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Even one drink can increase the risk of a crash while driving a motor vehicle.
• Remember that buzzed driving is the same as drunk driving.
• If you’re impaired, find another way home. Call a taxi or a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
• Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, while inaction could cost a life.

“The holiday season should be a time for celebration, not tragedy,” added Farrar. “Together, we can make Western New York’s roadways safer by never driving after drinking!”

For additional information, please call The Resource Training Center at 983-2258, email info@wnyresourcetraining.org or visitwww.wnyresourcetraining.org. You can also follow The Resource Training Center on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/The-Resource-Training-Center/112019195650348 or Twitter (@monica_farrar).

Buffalo General Medical Center and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital Receive Consumer Choice Award

BUFFALO, N.Y. (November 5, 2014) – Buffalo General Medical Center (BGMC) and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital (MFSH) have received the 2014/2015 Consumer Choice Award from National Research Corporation, as announced in the October 13 issue of Modern Healthcare magazine. The annual award identifies hospitals across the United States that healthcare consumers choose as having the highest quality and image.

“We are honored and privileged to have our two hospitals recognized as consumer choice award winners this year,” said Jody Lomeo, president and CEO of Kaleida Health. “This recognition further demonstrates that we are not only focused on providing the best care, but we are delivering on our commitment to do so."

Winners are determined by consumer perceptions on multiple quality and image ratings collected in the company’s Market Insights survey, the largest online consumer healthcare survey in the country.

"The BGMC team continues to receive national recognition for the expertise and care provided to our patients,” said Cheryl Klass, senior vice president, operations, Kaleida Health and president, BGMC. “This Consumer Choice Award recognizes our frontline staff – those at the bedside. I am very proud to work with this team.”

National Research surveys more than 290,000 households in the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia. Hospitals named by consumers are analyzed and ranked based on Core Based Statistical Areas defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, with winning facilities being ranked the highest.

“We are proud to have been chosen by our patients as a National Consumer Choice award winner,” said Chris Lane, president, MFSH. “This honor is truly a reflection of the dedication, care and skill our staff and physicians demonstrate each and every day.”

This is the 19th anniversary of the Consumer Choice Award.

“The complexity of healthcare has urged consumers to play much more of an integral role in their care decisions, which in turn, is prompting hospitals and healthcare systems to lead a proactive approach to brand awareness,” said Brian Wynne, vice president of sales at National Research. “This year’s winners have done an exceptional job of representing their organizations in terms of high-quality care, improvement initiatives, and positive consumer perceptions and experiences.”

ECMC Wound Care Center and Healogics raise awareness about Diabetic Foot Ulcers

BUFFALO, NY; October 27 2014—The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at ECMC (Erie County Medical Center) is participating in the Healogics National Diabetes Campaign from October 27 to October 31.  One of nearly 600 Healogics managed centers; ECMC offers advanced therapies to patients suffering from chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers.  Program directors across the nation are dedicating the entire week to visiting local physician offices to provide education to help staff identify diabetic patients with or at risk of having ulcers of the lower extremity. 

 

There are approximately 29 million people living with diabetes in the United States.  Of those, about 15 percent will develop an ulcer of the lower extremity.  Left untreated, these ulcers can impair quality of life and may lead to amputation.  Early detection and intervention can help to mitigate the possibility of limb loss. 

 

“Diabetics represent approximately 60 percent of non-traumatic lower limb amputations among people 20 years and older,” said D. Scott Covington, MD, FACS, Chief Medical Officer for Healogics, Inc.  Covington goes on to say, “It is vitally important that people with diabetes, their caregivers and physicians recognize the warning signs of diabetic foot ulcers and seek appropriate treatment immediately when an ulcer does occur.” 

 

If you have a wound, you may benefit from a visit to the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at ECMC.  To schedule an appointment, please call (716) 898-4800 or visit http://www.ecmc.edu/medicalservices/wound/. 

 

ECMC recognized by AHA with GWTG® Gold-Plus Heart Failure Quality Achievement Award

 

BUFFALO, NY; OCTOBER 28, 2014—Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Corporation has received the Get With The Guidelines^®–Heart Failure Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Foundation secondary prevention guidelines for heart failure patients. 

 

This marks the 9^th year that ECMC has been recognized with a quality achievement award. 

 

Get With The Guidelines–Heart Failure is a quality improvement program that helps hospital teams provide the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing hospital readmissions for heart failure patients. 

 

ECMC earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure patients at a set level for a designated period.  These measures include proper use of medications and aggressive risk-reduction therapies such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, aspirin, diuretics and anticoagulants while patients are in the hospital.  Before patients are discharged, they also receive education on managing their heart failure and overall health, as well as referrals for cardiac rehabilitation. 

 

ECMC also received the association’s Target: Heart Failure Honor Roll.  Target: Heart Failure is an initiative that provides hospitals with educational tools, prevention programs and treatment guidelines developed to reduce the risk of heart failure patients ending up back in the hospital.   Hospitals are required to meet criteria that improves medication adherence, provides early follow-up care and coordination and enhances patient education.  The goal is to reduce hospital readmissions and help patients improve their quality of life in managing this chronic condition. 

 

“ECMC is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our heart failure patients, and implementing the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines–Heart Failure program helps us to accomplish this goal by tracking and measuring our success in meeting internationally-respected guidelines,” said Richard C. Cleland, MPA, FACHE, NHA, President/Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer, ECMC Corporation.  “This recognition demonstrates that we are on the right track and we’re very proud of our team.”   

 

“We are pleased to recognize ECMC for their commitment to heart failure care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, M.D., M.P.H., national chairman of the Get With The Guidelines steering committee and Executive Director of Interventional Cardiovascular Programs at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.  “Studies have shown that hospitals that consistently follow Get With The Guidelines quality improvement measures can reduce patients’ length of stays and 30-day readmission rates and also reduce disparity gaps in care.” 

 

According to the American Heart Association, about 5.1 million people suffer from heart failure.  Each year, 670,000 new cases are diagnosed and more than 275,000 people will die of heart failure.  However, many heart failure patients can lead a full life when their condition is managed with proper medications and devices and with healthy lifestyle changes. 

 

About Get With The Guidelines: Get With The Guidelines^® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines.  Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 4 million patients since 2001.  For more information, visit heart.org/quality or heart.org/myhealthcare. 

 

ECMC Works with Health Department on Ebola Designation

Regional hospital’s readiness and expertise reason for decision

 

            BUFFALO, NY – Oct. 30, 2014 – Erie County Medical Center officials announced today that the hospital will partner with the New York State Department of Health to be  designated as an Ebola-care facility for adult patients in Western New York.

Hospital officials stressed that ECMC is currently well-prepared to handle patients presenting with a suspected Ebola infection, with a capacity for two patients to be treated in planned isolation – should the need arise.

They also emphasized that training for clinical staff who may encounter a potential Ebola patient started weeks ago and staff members were retrained regarding the latest guidelines. In addition, extensive measures have been taken at the Emergency Room, entry points, and at clinical offices to insure that patients who may meet criteria for being exposed to the disease are quickly identified and isolated.

“Recognizing our leadership role in the community, our mission, and the excellence of our institution, we have decided to partner with the Department of Health to be designated as an Ebola center,” said Thomas Quatroche Jr., senior vice president. “This effort will only improve ECMC’s ability to keep the community and our workforce safe in the event that a Western New York Ebola patient does come to our hospital.” 

“We remain confident that we are prepared and that this ongoing collaboration with the state, will make us even more prepared. ECMC will continue to diligently conduct drills, train staff, insure appropriate supplies, and conduct town hall meetings for employees.”

To date, ECMC has trained 126 clinical personnel, including doctors, nurses and staff members. All were trained in the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols, specifically around putting on and removing personal protective equipment. Training also focused on the clinical protocols for caring for an Ebola patient.

The following represent just some of the efforts made in preparation: 

• An unannounced successful drill in the Emergency Department was conducted based on criteria from the New York State Department of Health and the Healthcare Association of New York State;
• Signage and entry/registration points on travel history within three weeks to West Africa;
• Emergency Department staff educated on initial triage, inclusive of travel history/symptoms;
• Competency with direct observation for application and removal of personal protective equipment have been expanded to targeted patient-care areas;
• Purchased high-level personal protective equipment to be used consistent with the most current recommendations;
• Education and training for all clinical staff that may be in direct contact with potential patients;
• Daily communications with NYSDOH, HANYS and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to ensure the most current information is part of the hospital’s plan;
• Partnering with NYSDOH as further guidelines and safety measures are developed. 

“If an Ebola patient comes to ECMC, only a small group of clinical staff will interact with them and a patient will be totally isolated from the general patient population,” said Charlene Ludlow R.N., chief safety officer. “We will continue to take every precaution to ensure the safety of every ECMC family member and patient.” 

Murawski appointed Transplant Administrator for the Regional Center of Excellence for Transplantation & Kidney Care at ECMC

BUFFALO, NY; November 12, 2014—Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Corporation recently announced the appointment of Phyllis Murawski, MS, BSN, RN, as Transplant Administrator for the Regional Center of Excellence for Transplantation & Kidney Care at ECMC. 

“After working with the Transplant Leadership Institute to conduct a national search, Phyllis Murawski, who previously served in an interim leadership capacity since August of 2014, was identified as the strongest candidate to oversee our transplant program and move it forward,” stated Richard C. Cleland, MPA, FACHE, NHA, President / Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer, ECMC Corporation. 

 

Recognized for inspiring employees to succeed while working toward unified goals, Murawski is an experienced instructor and skilled communicator who has proven to be a team builder. 

 

“Phyllis has proven to be a strong leader and valuable asset.  She worked closely with our transplant physicians and staff to assure the reopening of our Living Donor Program,” explained Mary L. Hoffman, RN, MBA, FACHE, Senior Vice President of Operations, ECMC Corporation. 

 

Murawski joined ECMC in February of 2014, as Assistant Vice President of Critical Care and Emergency Services.  She previously held transplant positions as Vice President of Clinical Services at Unyts (2012-2014) and Director of Medical Surgical Nursing and Transplant Administrator at Kaleida Health (2008-2012). 

 

Prior to holding top level administrative/clinical positions, Murawski served as Manager, Surgical Intensive Care and Nursing/Telemetry Units (2008-2009), Kaleida Health; Manager of Organ Services, Unyts (2004-2008); Director of Patient Services, Niagara Hospice and Palliative Care Group (2000-2004); Registered Nurse, Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit, Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital, Kaleida Health (1996-2001). 

 

Phyllis Murawski earned a Master of Science in Executive Leadership and Change and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Daemen College, Amherst, New York; and an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing at Erie Community College. 

 

Phyllis Murawski is a member of the WNY Organization of Nurse Executives (2010-present) and treasurer of American Legion Auxiliary Post 410 B. Leo Dolan (2009-present). 

 

The Regional Center of Excellence for Transplantation and Kidney Care at ECMC is the result of the merging of two transplant programs—from Buffalo General Hospital and ECMC—into a single streamlined, highly specialized program that offers patients world class care. The mission of the Center is to provide lifesaving kidney and pancreas transplants, vascular access surgical care, hemodialysis for outpatients and inpatients, and treatment and disease management services for patients with all stages of chronic kidney disease.  This concentration of services means a greater number of procedures performed, a high level of expertise among the medical staff, and the most favorable outcomes for renal patients at all levels of care. 

 

ABOUT ERIE COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER (ECMC) CORPORATION:  The ECMC Corporation includes an advanced academic medical center (ECMC) with 602 inpatient beds, on- and off-campus health centers, more than 30 outpatient specialty care services and Terrace View, a 390-bed long-term care facility.  ECMC is the regional center for trauma, burn care, behavioral health services, transplantation, and rehabilitation and is a major teaching facility for the University at Buffalo.  Most ECMC physicians, dentists and pharmacists are dedicated faculty members of the university and/or members of a private practice plan.  More Western New York residents are choosing ECMC for exceptional patient care and patient experiences—the difference between healthcare and true care™. 

 

Buffalo General Medical Center and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital Receive Consumer Choice Award

BUFFALO, N.Y. (November 5, 2014) – Buffalo General Medical Center (BGMC) and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital (MFSH) have received the 2014/2015 Consumer Choice Award from National Research Corporation, as announced in the October 13 issue of Modern Healthcare magazine. The annual award identifies hospitals across the United States that healthcare consumers choose as having the highest quality and image.

“We are honored and privileged to have our two hospitals recognized as consumer choice award winners this year,” said Jody Lomeo, president and CEO of Kaleida Health. “This recognition further demonstrates that we are not only focused on providing the best care, but we are delivering on our commitment to do so."

Winners are determined by consumer perceptions on multiple quality and image ratings collected in the company’s Market Insights survey, the largest online consumer healthcare survey in the country.

"The BGMC team continues to receive national recognition for the expertise and care provided to our patients,” said Cheryl Klass, senior vice president, operations, Kaleida Health and president, BGMC. “This Consumer Choice Award recognizes our frontline staff – those at the bedside. I am very proud to work with this team.”

National Research surveys more than 290,000 households in the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia. Hospitals named by consumers are analyzed and ranked based on Core Based Statistical Areas defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, with winning facilities being ranked the highest.

“We are proud to have been chosen by our patients as a National Consumer Choice award winner,” said Chris Lane, president, MFSH. “This honor is truly a reflection of the dedication, care and skill our staff and physicians demonstrate each and every day.”

This is the 19^th anniversary of the Consumer Choice Award.

“The complexity of healthcare has urged consumers to play much more of an integral role in their care decisions, which in turn, is prompting hospitals and healthcare systems to lead a proactive approach to brand awareness,” said Brian Wynne, vice president of sales at National Research. “This year’s winners have done an exceptional job of representing their organizations in terms of high-quality care, improvement initiatives, and positive consumer perceptions and experiences.”            

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State association commends Memorial Medical Center athletic trainer for his role in saving student’s life

The New York State Athletic Trainers Association has commended Jeff Green, MS, ATC, for his role in saving the life of a Grand Island middle school student after she collapsed and went into cardiac arrest during a Sept. 24 physical education class.

Green, a Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Athletic Trainer (ATC) assigned full-time to the Grand Island school district, was at the high school when the student’s physical education teachers called 911 and the high school office to request an automated external defibrillator (AED). Green grabbed his portable AED and, with another  physical education teacher, ran out to the high school track where they found school staff administering CPR.

Green and a school nurse attached the AED to the patient and a shock was advised and delivered. He then performed CPR until a pulse was detected.

Grand Island Fire Co. personnel worked with Green and school staff to continue CPR and prepare the student for transport by Twin City Ambulance to Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. She has since returned home.

Green is one of 13 athletic trainers in Memorial’s sports medicine program. Operating in partnership with UBMD Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, the program provides sports medicine, athletic training and concussion management services to several area high schools and colleges. 

Green’s efforts were recognized in the New York State Athletic Trainers Association’s fall newsletter and earned him a nomination for the National Athletic Trainer’s Association Lifesaver Recognition Program, which recognizes associationmembers who have provided skilled medical care and assistance to victims in situations where a life is at risk.