Nathan Littauer Gift Shop Reopens Posted on March 15, 2023April 17, 2023 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Auxiliary and Staff have Ribbon-cutting Ceremony after Completing RenovationsGLOVERSVILLE, NY – Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is excited to announce the reopening of its gift shop to the public on March 14, 2023, after remaining closed for some time, due to planned renovations. The Nathan Littauer Auxiliary gift shop will once again offer a variety of unique gifts, snacks, and personal items to patients, their families, hospital staff, and members of its community – with even more variety and products to choose from than before. “The gift shop’s grand opening was widely anticipated by our Auxiliary, our employees, and our patients,” said Nathan Littauer President and CEO, Sean Fadale. “They say, ‘Good things come to those who wait.’ This could not be more true for our Auxiliary. Even though the recent snow storm impacted the opening, the gift shop still had robust sales.”The reopening of the Nathan Littauer Auxiliary gift shop is a significant milestone for Nathan Littauer. The gift shop has been a beloved fixture of the hospital for many years, providing patients and their families with a convenient and accessible way to purchase items they may need during their hospital stay. The gift shop has also served as a source of comfort and support for many patients and their families, offering a selection of thoughtful and inspiring gifts. “We’ve waited a while for its completion,” said Nathan Littauer Auxiliary President Evelyn McSpirit and Auxiliary Gift Shop Chairman Frances Mosconi. “It was so worth the wait. It’s spacious, beautiful, and we’re glad it’s open to patients, their family members, Nathan Littauer employees, and our community.”“We appreciate our volunteers’ hard work and patience in the reimagining of our retail shop,” says Nathan Littauer Vice President of Business Development and Executive Director of the Nathan Littauer Foundation, Geoffrey Peck. “Curating a small space can be challenging, but our team has truly done an outstanding job.” Now having undergone extensive renovations and upgrades to safety and aesthetics, the shop features a more spacious layout, new lighting fixtures, new displays, and a wider selection of items to choose from.Nathan Littauer’s Engineering Services Team completed most of the renovations alone, an impressive feat for the hospital’s small engineering team. While the engineering team was renovating the gift shop, they were also maintaining regular hospital and nursing home operations. “Our team worked tremendously hard on this project, and it turned out really well,” said Nathan Littauer Director of Engineering Services, Paul Mahaney. “It was a wonderful example of what great teamwork could accomplish. We thank everyone that played a part in its revitalization, and we hope everyone enjoys all that it has to offer.”In addition to offering a variety of products for patients, family members, and staff, the gift shop will also serve as a fundraising tool for the hospital. As a separate non-profit organization from the hospital, The Nathan Littauer Auxiliary and its members volunteer in the Nathan Littauer Gift Shop. The funds from purchases made in the gift shop then assist with the Auxiliary’s commitment to help Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home with purchasing necessary medical equipment for patients. “This is a huge investment for our hospital, Auxiliary, and for our community,” says Nathan Littauer Development Coordinator, Kelly Colby. “Our gift shop is more than just a cosmetic upgrade. At times, it is a beacon of hope and comfort. During a hospital stay, a small gift can make all the difference in a person’s care, and the gift shop plays an important role in those moments of compassion.”What’s more, The Nathan Littauer Auxiliary and Volunteers are excited to announce that they are currently accepting applications for new volunteers, including positions to volunteer in the newly renovated gift shop. “Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting patients and their families during their hospital stay, and we welcome anyone who wishes to join to fill out an application!” adds Colby. Individuals who are interested in volunteering at Nathan Littauer Hospital or Nursing Home are encouraged to apply online at https://www.nlh.org/about-nlh/auxiliaryvolunteers or contact the Volunteer Office at (518) 773-5505 for more information.“On behalf of our great organization, we are glad our gift shop is back open,” adds Fadale. “We invite the members of our community to stop by for a visit – you’ll be impressed with what you find!”###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.
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.
Littauer’s Baby of the Year! Posted on January 6, 2020January 6, 2020 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE, NY – A couple battling a snow squall on their way to The Birthing Center at Nathan Littauer Hospital may not have realized they would be bringing home a little celebrity. Barbara Ralph and Daniel Williams, who traveled all the way from Speculator, ended up having the local New Year’s Day Baby!Barbara checked into Littauer’s Birthing Center at 3:34 p.m. on December 31st.Mother; Barbara Ralph, and Father; Daniel Williams, were very excited to bring baby Daniel into this world. “I was so excited for Daniel,” mom says.Mother and Father of Baby Daniel pictured with Nathan Littauer’s Auxiliary.21 hours and seven minutes after check-in, Baby Daniel Scott Williams, was born January 1st at 1:31 p.m. He weighed 8 lbs. and 2 oz. with a length of 21”, making him the very first baby delivered at Nathan Littauer Hospital for the year 2020.Holding Daniel, dad says, “He is a very peaceful and happy baby.”As tradition, Nathan Littauer’s Auxiliary made a donation to the family of the Baby of the Year. Littauer’s Auxiliary donated over 200 dollars in special gifts for little Daniel and his parents.Inside the gift basket, are: clothes for baby Daniel, blankets, pacifiers, and little plush toys. President of Nathan Littauer’s Auxiliary, Norma Cozzolino, Director of Nathan Littauer’s Volunteer Services, Sue McNeil, Auxiliary Volunteer, Fran Mosconi, all presented the basket to little Daniel and his family.“This is so nice,” says mom. “We’re very happy to have had our baby with Littauer.”Mom and Dad are very excited. They look forward to bringing Daniel home.###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 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.
Meeting with Flare Posted on October 28, 2019 by Dakota PikeOctober 10, 2019, Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home invited The Albany Medical Center (AMC) to state and review perinatal quality improvement processes and initiatives. Every year, the auditorium is decorated very lavishly in preparation of AMC’s arrival, as tradition. Deborah “Debbie” Fredriksen, one of Littauer’s Maternity RN’s, had gone above and beyond to make AMC’s site visit more special. She was working the night prior and spent many hours decorating the auditorium the night before the meeting. Employees and Staff of Littauer were in complete awe at how beautifully decorated the auditorium was.“Debbie always does a fantastic job when she decorates,” said Nancy Quinlin, IBCLC, Lactation Consultant. “It is absolutely amazing what she has done. It really adds a touch of home when Albany comes to visit.”“It is generally a very formal meeting,” says Deborah Fredriksen, RN, and Maternity Nurse. “I try to make everyone feel comfortable and right at home.” Maternity’s Debbie Fredriksen with Maureen Mosher.
