Meet the man with the plan

Meet the man with the plan

After a small smoke event at the hospital our Safety Officer reflects on why Littauer’s response was so exemplary

He reflects on Fire Safety Training

Joe Slovack answers our questions about Fire Safety

After a Code Red at Nathan Littauer Hospital on December 29, 2011 we sat down with Nathan Littauer’s own Joe Slovack to shed some light on how Nathan Littauer readies for emergencies. Here are a few questions we asked Joe Slovack:

Q: What is your title at Nathan Littauer Hospital?

A: I am the Safety Officer at Nathan Littauer Hospital.

Q: How long have you been employed at Nathan Littauer Hospital?

A: 30 years.

Q: What happened yesterday at Nathan Littauer Hospital?

A: A Code Red (fire) occurred on the 2nd floor of the Hospital at 1PM on 12/29/11. The fire was caused by construction activities that were taking place on the roof at that time. This was a small event that was mostly smoke-related but we did move patients away from the effected areas. Our staff responded quickly and efficiently by closing off areas, pulling alarms, alerting staff, and ultimately moving patients away from the smoke. No patients, staff or firefighters were injured as it was a relatively small event. Everyone did their part and many areas of the hospital were fully operational during the event.

Q: The fire department arrived?

A: Yes, the fire department responded quickly. And thanks to the fast acting staff in the pediatric unit and engineering and housekeeping departments, everything was mostly over by the time they arrived here. The fire department was extremely professional and excellent in their response. The Fire Department issued an ‘all-clear’ in about 40 minutes.

Q: Does this type of thing happen often?

A: Fortunately no.

Q: The fire department was very quick to compliment Nathan Littauer staff about their response. In fact, Beth Whitman-Putnam, Fire Chief of the City of Gloversville Fire Department stated “The Staff of Nathan Littauer Hospital performed an exemplary job of evacuating and isolating the area of alarm in advance of the Fire Department’s arrival.”

A: It was certainly a proud moment for the Hospital to be recognized as doing a good job reacting to an incident like this by fire personnel who do this professionally. That they were impressed with our performance says a lot about the abilities of our staff.

Q: What do you have to do with the response?

A: As the Safety Officer I help train all the employees at Nathan Littauer Hospital in fire safety procedures. Hospital employees receive a tremendous amount of fire and disaster response training: New hospital employees receive fire response training as part of their orientation; All staff wear badges at all times that display fire response instructions on the back; We also have completed one-on-one training with staff in different departments; And additionally, all staff must pass written tests about fire safety yearly. And then of course we have fire drills.

All Littauer staff wear fire safety tips on their badges

All Littauer staff wear fire safety tips on their badges

Q: How often do you have drills?

A: Once a month, one shift per quarter. In fact, we had an evacuation fire drill in June of this year that was performed in conjunction with the fire department and the activities were very similar to yesterday’s events.

Q: Why do you think this “event went so well” given the circumstances?

A: As a whole, our staff has many years experience doing what they do. And the practice, skills and knowledge they have gives them the confidence and ability to respond calmly to an emergency situation.

Q: So I guess its back to usual at Littauer?

A: Actually no. We conduct a Post-plan Activation Feedback Request with all managers after every emergency event. It’s a global survey used to review any effects an incident had in each work area. Managers get input from their staff as to what went well, or what could be improved. The responses come back to me and the results are used to assess our overall staff response and preparation, building operation, and the effectiveness of our policies related to the event. That way we can continue to improve our preparedness based on actual hand-on experience. And earning praise from the fire department like we did in this incident proves that it works.

Thanks Joe Slovack Safety Officer!

XXX

Thank You

http://blip.tv/play/g9Q8guPhcgA

“I have never been so happy with a medical practice. Everyone I encounter in this building, even if they are not caring for me or my children leaves me feeling respected and acknowledged. I tell everyone (I care about) about this place!”

June 3, 2010
Rebecca, Johnstown

“I fell on black ice and came to your ER on February 11th. Everyone was so kind and caring during the 3 hours I was there. I was so pleased my follow-up instructions were sent to my own doctor.”

February 2010
Elise

“I would like everyone to know of the excellent health care services we have in this area. I just wanted to express my heartfelt thanks for your care and assistance throughout my ordeal.”
June 11, 2010

Letter to the Editor, Leader Herald
Richard N. Shafer, Gloversville

See what else our patients are saying!

Shopping local? Find a gem in the Adirondacks

SHOPPING LOCAL? DON’T FORGET ABOUT NATHAN LITTAUER

Gifts for the holiday season

Consider Littauer for your gift giving.

Consider Littauer for your gift giving.

Gloversville, NY…Nathan Littauer Hospital is reminding people who want to “shop locally” to consider Nathan Littauer Hospital for their last- minute holiday shopping. Besides providing excellent health care services, the hospital is also a shopping and eating destination. “The hospital gift shop, run by our Auxilians is a perfect place to shop!” explained Susan McNeil Director of Volunteer Services for the hospital. “Our Auxilians Ann Adore, Chairman, Dianne James, Assistant Chairman, and Stacey White, Schedule Chairman have done an outstanding job with our hospital gift shop this year.” Sue McNeil stated, “Ann Adore would love you to see the wonderful variety of gifts, cards, toys, infant clothing, jewelry and candy.” The hospital also carries holiday flower arrangements.

Terry A. Swierzowski, Interim President, Director of Tourism & Communications Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry agrees noting, “They have an excellent selection of jewelry and other gifts. I personally shop there.” “I think our gift shop is the best kept secret in the region” stated Susan Kiernan Vice President of Development at Nathan Littauer Hospital. “When I get a compliment on a handbag or a piece of jewelry people always seem surprised when I tell them where I got it.”

The gift shop hours are Monday through Friday 10am to 4pm and on weekends from 11am to 3pm. Questions about hours can be directed to 773-5408. Sample photos of the inventory at the gift shop can be found on the hopsital FaceBook site. The shop is offering 30% of all Christmas-related items.

The hospital Nutritional Services team is also selling holiday pies. “For $8.99 people can get a high-rise Dutch apple, blueberry, chocolate cream or lemon meringue pie.” stated Tim Forte, Nutrition Services Director. They are also selling holiday cookie assortments for $4.99. Orders must be made by Wednesday, December 21, for pick-up Thursday or Friday. People interested in ordering a pie can call 773-5415 or they can stop by Nate‘s Place (the cafeteria) and fill out an order form with the cashier.

"The gift shop at Littauer is a find!"

“The gift shop at Littauer is a find!”

Ms. Kiernan advises “Visit a friend in the hospital or nursing home, stay for lunch or dinner and pick up a gift WITH free gift wrapping, and bring home a pie for your holiday meal -all the while avoiding holiday crowds.” She added, “We always have secure parking and all our proceeds go to the hospital. It does not get more local than that.” XXX Caption for photo: Holiday gifts abound at Nathan Littauer Hospital.

Spirit of giving hits Nathan Littauer

Employees step up to give over 500 holiday gifts to those in need

“We have been very good this year” jokes Kelly Colby when people walk into the Development Office to see a sea of Christmas presents covering every square inch of space, rising at least 3 feet tall. Actually, the gifts are destined to local families in need, and the secret shopping elves are Nathan Littauer employees. The “Gingerbread Project”, born out of Nathan Littauer Hospital has been providing gifts to local children since 1994. This year the hospital took on more children- helping 55 local children. “We knew this was going to be a hard year for people, stated Ms. Colby, a Development Coordinator at the hospital who heads up the Gingerbread Project at Littauer. “And we are so moved by the EXTRA generosity of our employees this year.” She added, “Our team understands that local families are hurting this year and wanted to make sure kids still had a happy Christmas. It makes me so proud to be a Littauer employee.”

Hospital employees Kelly Colby and Maggie Luck help with the Gingerbread Project

Hospital employees Kelly Colby and Maggie Luck help with the Gingerbread Project

The Gingerbread Project coordinates efforts through Fulmont Community Action Agency. Denis Wilson Executive Director of Fulmont Community Action Agency stated, “Once again this year the employees of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home came through to assist our agency in helping the less fortunate in our communities. The efforts of NLH show the level of commitment that they have to helping the community. These employees have brightened the holidays for many who would otherwise go without.”

Bound for needy families

Presents bound for needy families

Named the Gingerbread Project after the gingerbread cut outs that hang outside the cafeteria, the initiative is totally voluntary. Employees each choose a name and shop for a local child in need. Kelly notes, “Many times there are crowds around the gingerbread cutouts as employees gather to choose names and to discuss their plans.” Employees will frequently send notes to Kelly thanking her for the opportunity to give to others and explaining how much they look forward to the program.

The program is a completely anonymous. Recipients of the gifts are never known and the names of the givers are not provided. Kelly explained, “We get to be Santa to a child we do not know, but we do know our efforts brighten their Christmas as well as our own.”

“Whether it is giving to our hospital or to the community, our employees step up top the plate.” stated Susan Kiernan Vice President of Development. She added, “This year was an extraordinary year for employee generosity”. Hospital employees raised money for the hospital Foundation, raised money through the Kozy Coat program to buy outerwear for children and donated 110 cleaned, gently-worn coats to children in the area, helped people who were impacted by the floods and also cleaned local roads in their adopt-a-highway program. During the holidays, hospital employees also adopt all 84 nursing home residents. That way every resident gets a gift on Christmas morning.

And people seem to notice. From time to time, past family recipients of the Gingerbread Project have written notes and letters to the hospital. One mother who received gifts from the Gingerbread Project wrote, “Thank you so much for helping to make Christmas something wonderful again for my son and I. This was a long hard year for my son and I but (the next year) is looking bright.” Another wrote, “Thanks for putting happy faces on my two kids. Thank you for everything. You really make a difference in their lives.”

Most of the gifts were picked up today from the hospital bound for families. The agency needs a truck to pick up all the gifts. Ms. Colby reflects, “Every year the generosity of the Littauer employees amazes me. It just goes to show – at Littauer we not only give great care… we also care greatly….”

Wellness Words December 2011

HealthLink Littauer’s

WELLNESS WORDS

Submitted by Ryan Wille, B.S.

Community Health Educator

STAYING FIT DURING WINTER

 

The cold temperatures and snowy conditions of winter force many people to hibernate in their homes. It is important for the human body to stay active throughout all of the four seasons. However, many people get little to no exercise during the winter months. There are many ways that people can stay healthy and active during this time. WebMD has provided several ideas, which include:

INDOORS:

  • Go for walks with friends at the mall, local schools and churches that have indoor gyms or large areas to walk.
  • Get some hand weights or stretch bands to use at home for resistance exercise.
  • Buy or rent an exercise DVD.
  • Take the stairs and fit in walk breaks whenever you can. This will give you extra activity during the day.
  • Perform active housework like sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, doing laundry, or washing the windows.
  • Join a gym or health club. These facilities have treadmills, stair-climbers, exercise bikes, free-weights and even fitness classes.
  • Get involved in sports leagues in your community or at work. Many places offer indoor sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer or swimming.

 

OUTDOORS:

  • Bundle up and take the dog for a walk. This can help make walks part of the daily routine.
  • Shoveling snow can be a great winter exercise. If you have heart problems or other health conditions, be sure to ask your doctor is shoveling is okay. Overdoing it can lead to dangerous strain on the body.
  • Try a new winter activity. These activities could include skating, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. If you do outdoor activities in less populated areas, be sure to plan ahead. Let people know where you will be, and take the right gear for the conditions.

 

If you plan to be active outdoors, it is important to dress appropriately for the winter weather. It is best to wear:

  • A warm hat. If it’s very cold, you also may want to wear covering for your face.
  • Layers of clothing to keep you warm. Wear a waterproof outer layer to keep dry.
  • Clothing made of wool, polypropylene, or a material like thinsulate. These will keep you from losing body heat even if the material gets wet. DON’T WEAR COTTON.
  • Wool socks and waterproof shoes. It’s important to keep your feet warm and dry during outdoor activities. These socks and shoes should fit tightly, but not too tight.
  • Mittens rather than gloves. Mittens keep your fingers close together and you can roll them into a tight fist for warmth.

 

For more information, visit WebMD.com or call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our wellness center at 213 Harrison Street Ext. in Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.