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.

Hope for Two...The Pregnant with Cancer Network

HOPE FOR TWO…THE PREGNANT WITH CANCER NETWORK

Established in 1997, and based right here in Buffalo,  Hope for Two... The Pregnant with Cancer Network is a not-for profit organization that offers hope, information and support to women whom face the terrifying diagnosis of cancer during pregnancy.  Our three founding members each endured this frightening reality; the confusion, uncertainty and isolation prompted them to co-create a supportive network of fellow pregnant cancer patients.  Hope for Two seeks to replace bewildering fear with comfort, knowledge and encouragement for all women who undergo this difficult experience.

Hope for Two…The Pregnant with Cancer Network is hoping to broaden our outreach by making more women aware of our organization. Please consider a mention or article in your magazine about our organization to bring information that is so desperately needed. You can find out about us at our website: www.hopefortwo.org or our Facebook page Hope for Two…The Pregnant with Cancer Network, and we can be contacted through any of these channels.  We host a yearly fundraiser at 'Babeville' that takes place in the Spring. We would love to have our event featured in your magazine.

Now active in 46 states and 13 countries, our organization trains and certifies ‘peer counselor’ volunteers who have themselves at one time been diagnosed with cancer while pregnant.  We pair each patient with a peer who has dealt with a similar diagnosis.  We also offer free education information and resource materials for women, their families, and their Ob-Gyns to help them deal with these difficult circumstances. To learn more call 716 773.5242.

Local Researchers Helping Lead National Study Evaluating New Approach That Could Slow Progression of Alzheimer's Disease

NOBLE Study at Dent Neurologic Institute Could Offer Hope for People with Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease

Buffalo, New York—Date—Today, Dent Neurologic Institute announced that it is participating in a new, national, Alzheimer's disease (AD) clinical research study evaluating the potential benefits of an investigational medicine when taken by people with mild-to-moderate AD who are already being treated with donepezil (Aricept). Entitled NOBLE, the trial is evaluating an investigational drug, T- 817MA, which may have the potential to modify the pace of the disease in those who are currently suffering with mild-to-moderate AD.

The advent of NOBLE comes at a time when the AD clinical research community is moving to prevention- oriented trials that don't include those already diagnosed with the disease. An estimated five million people in the U.S. already suffer from mild-to-moderate AD, with those numbers growing at an alarming rate. However, no new drug has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of AD since 2003. The NOBLE study was launched to potentially help address this gap in treatment.

"The impact of Alzheimer's disease both for sufferers and their loved ones is staggering, and many people living with mild-to-moderate AD may feel left behind when it comes to options that could slow the pace of the disease," said Dr. Horacio Capote. "We are proud to take part in this important study to evaluate a treatment that may contribute to changing the game for people suffering with AD and their families in the future, and to advance the research around breakthrough therapy options for Alzheimer's disease."

AD develops when nerve cells in the brain no longer function normally, causing a change in one's memory, behavior and ability to think clearly. The NOBLE study will explore the potential of T-817MA, a neuroprotectant agent designed to protect against neuron loss. Neuroprotectants are used for many central nervous system disorders including stroke and Parkinson's disease.

During the mild-to-moderate stage, people with AD begin to show significant decline in cognitive function, from forgetfulness about one's personal history and becoming moody and withdrawn in social situations to an inability to identify the day of the week or where they are. As a result of this decline, sufferers with mild-to-moderate AD often require round the clock care.

In consultation with family caregivers, clinicians at Dent Neurologic Institute are now seeking eligible candidates for NOBLE. Potential volunteers should live with or be in regular contact with a partner or family caregiver who can assist with their consideration of participation and accompany them to study visits.

Dent Neurologic Institute is one of 50 centers nationally who will participate in the NOBLE Study. The study is sponsored by Toyama Chemical Co., Ltd., FUJIFILM Group, makers of T-817MA, and is being conducted by the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS), the largest Alzheimer's disease therapeutic research consortium in the United States. To be eligible to participate, people must be between 55 and 85 with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease, have been taking donepezil (Aricept®) for at least 6 months, and have a study partner that has regular contact with the candidate and is able to attend study visits. For additional information on the NOBLE study, please visit: http://www.adcs.org/Studies/Noble.aspx

For additional information, contact: NOBLEStudy@mslgroup.com

Partners in Care Providing Free Mammograms To Uninsured this October

Statistics demonstrate that deaths from breast cancer could be avoided if cancer screening rates increased among women at risk. Tragically, deaths from this disease occur disproportionately among women who are uninsured or underinsured. To help change this rate, this October 4th Windsong Radiology Group in Williamsville, Neighborhood Health Center, Cancer Services Program of Erie County and the MASH Network’s We Care Transportation are combining resources to offer free mammograms to women ages 40 to 64 who are uninsured. Thanks to the providers at Neighborhood Health Center and nurse practitioner, Lucy Coady, free clinical breast exams will also be provided. Women who qualify for this program will have the opportunity to receive their mammogram findings from the radiologists that same day. Service does not end with the screening. The Cancer Services Program will cover the cost of additional testing and provide treatment options, at no cost, if needed.

These partners are coming together again this year to make a difference in the lives of the many uninsured women who have not had their recommended screening mammogram. Data shows that this life saving screening test is especially underused by women who have no regular source of healthcare and those women who have immigrated to the United States within the past 10 years.

To accommodate those who may need transportation, this year the MASH Network’s We Care Transportation will be providing scheduled transportation from the Neighborhood Health Center on Lawn Avenue to the Windsong Williamsville location at 55 Spindrift Drive.

“Community outreach is critical for the success of this event, and we are delighted to have the support of the Neighborhood Health Center and Windsong Radiology Group,” said Lisa Napier, Outreach Manager of Erie County’s Cancer Services Program. Early detection of breast cancer through a mammogram is crucial to increasing the effectiveness of treatment and/or a cure. Surprisingly even with the Affordable Care Act there are many women who still lack health insurance. These partners are assuring that these women will not be denied access to this life saving screening.

Participants must meet eligibility requirements and appointments are necessary. For more information and to schedule an appointment, contact Cancer Services Program of Erie County at (716) 858-7376.