Fulton and Montgomery Counties Benefit from Increased Local Access to Spine and Orthopedic Care Posted on March 2, 2026March 2, 2026 by Dakota PikeSt. Mary’s Healthcare, Nathan Littauer Hospital & Mohawk Valley Orthopedic Associates Add First New Surgeons Under Joint VentureFeb. 24, 2026—Residents of Fulton, Montgomery and Hamilton counties are reaping the first benefits of a joint venture that brings much-needed spine and orthopedic surgeons to St. Mary’s Healthcare, Nathan Littauer Hospital and Mohawk Valley Orthopedic Associates.The three organizations are partners in Fulton-Montgomery Medical, a professional corporation that enables St. Mary’s and Nathan Littauer to collaborate on attracting medical providers and practices. MVOA joined Fulton-Montgomery Medical last year as the corporation’s first service line.Dr. Arnaldo Martinez, a spine surgeon, has joined Mohawk Valley Orthopedic Associates.Dr. Joachim Tenuta, an orthopedic surgeon with nearly 40 years of experience, as joined the Mohawk Valley Orthopedic Associates.Spine surgeon Arnaldo Martinez, MD, and orthopedic surgeon Joachim Tenuta, MD, came on board this month as members of MVOA. They join Russell Cecil, MD, and Gerald Ortiz, MD, who have been the Mohawk Valley’s leading orthopedic surgeons for decades.“Our partnership with St. Mary’s and Nathan Littauer was instrumental in recruiting exceptionally skilled surgeons to help our practice grow alongside the region’s expanding orthopedic needs,” Dr. Cecil said. “With two more physicians on our team, patients can be confident that timely, high-quality orthopedic care will remain available in our community.”Dr. Martinez comes to MVOA from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he completed fellowships in spine surgery and pediatric orthopedics. He earned his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus and is a member of the North American Spine Society and the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery.Dr. Tenuta has nearly 40 years of experience, including as an orthopedic surgeon at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center. He also served as team physician at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for 12 years and as clinical instructor in West Point’s John A. Feagin Jr. Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. A graduate of West Point and University of Virginia School of Medicine, Dr. Tenuta completed his orthopedic residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons and is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.The two new physicians add complementary expertise to a practice that has earned a reputation for excellence, compassion and its personal approach to patient care.Dr. Martinez is highly skilled in spine surgery and pediatric orthopedics, and Dr. Tenuta has special expertise in sports medicine and shoulder arthroplasty. Dr. Cecil is an expert in joint replacement surgery, and Dr. Ortiz is specially trained in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery.“Whether they have bone, joint or muscle injuries, patients can count on MVOA for accurate diagnosis and superior care right here, close to home,” Dr. Ortiz said.MVOA has offices at 5010 State Highway 30 in Amsterdam and 434 South Kingsboro Ave. in Johnstown. Surgery is performed at St. Mary’s Healthcare and Nathan Littauer Hospital. For appointments, call (518) 842-2663 (Amsterdam) or (518) 773-4242 (Johnstown).***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 or calling (518) 725-8621About Fulton-Montgomery Medical, PC: A joint venture of St. Mary’s Healthcare and Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, Fulton-Montgomery Medical, PC, was founded in fall 2024 to help ensure continued, seamless access to essential care locally. Instead of competing on certain service lines, the two independent community hospitals created a vehicle to collaborate in attracting and retaining physicians and other providers. Orthopedics is the first specialty under this new partnership.
Johnstown Hospital Foundation Supports Upgrades at Nathan Littauer Perry St. Johnstown Primary Care Posted on February 26, 2026February 26, 2026 by Dakota PikeGloversville, NY — The Johnstown Hospital Foundation, INC. has generously donated $50,000 to the Nathan Littauer Foundation to support Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home’s renovation costs of its Johnstown Primary/Specialty Care Center.The funding will directly assist with improvements to the Johnstown Primary Care Center facility, enhancing the environment for patients and staff while strengthening access to high-quality primary care services for Johnstown-area residents.“We are grateful to the Johnstown Hospital Foundation (JHF) for their generous $50,000 donation,” said Geoffrey Peck, Vice President of Business Development at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home and Executive Director of the Nathan Littauer Foundation. “Since its formation, the Foundation has been a great partner to Littauer. Although JHF closed long ago, the JHF continues to help Johnstown residents maintain access to safe, high-quality healthcare. This latest gift is a huge help in our transformation of our Johnstown Primary Care location.”The Johnstown Hospital Foundation has a longstanding history of supporting healthcare advancements and community wellness efforts. By partnering with the Nathan Littauer Foundation, the organization continues its mission of fostering collaboration and ensuring sustainable healthcare resources for residents across the region.“We are very proud to support this important renovation project,” said Paul VanDenburgh, President of the Johnstown Hospital Foundation, INC. “Investing in Littauer’s Johnstown Primary Care Center ensures that Johnstown continues to have access to modern, high-quality healthcare services. This donation reflects the Johnstown Hospital Foundation’s ongoing commitment and mission to strengthening healthcare resources for the people of Johnstown and to promote its health and safety.”This investment underscores a shared commitment to community health and ensures that residents of Johnstown and the surrounding areas continue to benefit from accessible, modernized primary care services. “I am especially pleased to see our Foundation’s resources directed toward a project that delivers tangible benefits to Johnstown,” said Bill Easterly, Treasurer of the Johnstown Hospital Foundation, INC. “Supporting the renovation of the Johnstown Primary Care Center is a sound investment in the health and well-being of Johnstown residents, ensuring they have convenient access to quality care in a modern and welcoming setting.”For more information about the Nathan Littauer Foundation and its initiatives, please visit Nathan Littauer’s website at nlh.org.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 or calling (518) 725-8621
Littauer Presents First ICARE Champion Award to Christina Smida Posted on February 11, 2026 by Dakota PikeYesterday, employees and staff gathered to celebrate a meaningful milestone—the presentation of our very first ICARE Award! The honor was presented to Christina Smida of Women’s Health in recognition of her consistent commitment to living out our ICARE values in her daily work and interactions. The moment was made even more special by the element of surprise, as Christina was caught off guard when her colleagues rounded the corner clapping, joyfully cheering, and saying, “Congratulations, Christina!” Christina was specifically nominated for exemplifying Integrity, demonstrating that she always does the right thing—even when no one is watching. A portion of her nomination reads: “. . . She approaches every responsibility with accountability and a strong moral compass, even during challenging situations and when no one is watching. Christina can always be trusted to do the right thing. Through her actions, she sets a positive example for others and helps foster a culture rooted in trust, respect, and professionalism.” The ICARE award was presented by Meegan Goodman, Interim Practice Administrator of Primary and Specialty Care Services, alongside Amy Green, Women’s Health and Pediatrics PCC/SCC Manager. Both shared heartfelt words of appreciation, highlighting Christina’s dedication, compassion, and positive impact across the organization. This inaugural ICARE Award marks an important step in recognizing the exceptional individuals who embody our values each day. Congratulations to Christina on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to all who help make Nathan Littauer a place rooted in integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect, and empathy.
Nathan Littauer Birthing Center Achieves 67% Reduction in Narcotic Use Following Cesarean Deliveries Through Enhanced Recovery Program Posted on January 27, 2026 by Dakota PikeGloversville, NY — Nathan Littauer’s Birthing Center has achieved a significant milestone in maternal care, reducing postoperative narcotic use by 67% among cesarean (c-section) birth patients in 2025 through the implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean (ERAC) program.This reduction reflects a direct comparison of cesarean deliveries within the same calendar year. Data was analyzed from the first 18 cesarean patients of 2025, prior to ERAC implementation, and compared with the most recent 18 cesarean patients following ERAC rollout between September and December 2025. Using consistent documentation and patient populations allowed for a reliable, same-year comparison.A chart review of medication administration records revealed that overall postoperative opioid use decreased by approximately 67% after ERAC implementation. Notably, 33% of ERAC patients required no narcotics at all, while 28% only required one dose or less. Most patients achieved effective pain control using scheduled non-opioid medications alone.Pictured (left) is our very own Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OB-GYN) Patricia Nguyen, MD as she celebrates this special moment with Kylea and her brand-new baby girl Blair, with OR scrub nurse Allison Sweer (right)! With the option of a clear drape, parents can witness their baby’s very first moments of life! “Our goal was never to eliminate pain, it was to improve pain management,” said Birthing Center Registered Nurse, Hanna Barnholt. “By prioritizing multimodal pain management and patient education, we’ve been able to support safer, gentler recoveries while still ensuring patient’s comfort.”The success of the program is attributed to a multidisciplinary, system-wide approach, including standardized scheduled non-opioid medications such as Tylenol and NSAIDs, regional anesthesia techniques like TAP blocks, and comprehensive preoperative education that sets clear expectations for recovery. Nursing education, consistent medication timing, early mobility, hydration, warming, and recovery milestones also play key roles.“Reducing narcotic use was a priority for our Birthing Center to enhance patient safety, minimize common opioid-related side effects such as nausea and sedation, support opioid stewardship during a national opioid crisis, and promote faster recovery and mobility after cesarean birth,” said Birthing Center Manager Maureen Mosher, RN, BSN. “Patients have also reported high satisfaction with pain management and recovery under the ERAC model.”Patients benefiting from the ERAC program have experienced faster physical recovery, reduced grogginess and gastrointestinal side effects, earlier bonding and breastfeeding, and an improved ability to care for and connect with their newborns.While narcotic medications remain available when clinically indicated, they are no longer the default option. Instead, ERAC emphasizes multimodal pain management combined with non-pharmacologic comfort strategies and realistic recovery education.This achievement reflects close collaboration among Littauer’s Birthing Center nurses, obstetricians, midwives, anesthesiology department, nursing education, and leadership. Together, these teams shared a common goal of improving outcomes through evidence-based practice.Nationally, ERAC programs are recognized as best practice, though adoption and results vary widely. A 67% reduction in postoperative opioid use places the Littauer’s Birthing Center in alignment with—and in many cases exceeding—outcomes reported by larger academic medical centers, demonstrating that high-quality, innovative maternal care can thrive in a community hospital setting.Looking ahead, the Birthing Center plans to sustain and refine ERAC outcomes as additional data is collected, expand education around non-opioid and non-pharmacologic pain management options, and explore additional comfort and recovery tools—all while continuing to prioritize patient safety, comfort, and choice.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 or calling (518) 725-8621
Nathan Littauer Hospital Implements Temporary Visitation Guidelines to Reduce Spread of Seasonal Respiratory Illnesses Posted on January 5, 2026 by Dakota PikeGloversville, NY —Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home has implemented temporary visitation guidelines for inpatient areas in response to increased seasonal respiratory illnesses. These measures are intended to help reduce the transmission of respiratory viruses and protect the health and safety of patients, visitors, and healthcare professionals.Under the updated guidelines, general inpatient visiting hours are 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Visitors are asked not to visit if they are experiencing cold, flu-like, or respiratory symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath. To further reduce risk, children under the age of 17 are not permitted to visit inpatient areas, and all visitors must enter through the hospital’s main entrance.On the Medical-Surgical Unit, visitation is limited to two visitors at a patient’s bedside at a time. Visitors are required to practice proper hand hygiene upon entering and leaving patient rooms and to use hand sanitizer stations located throughout the facility. For patients on enhanced droplet or contact precautions, visitors must speak with a nurse and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).The hospital’s care team may make limited exceptions to these guidelines on a case-by-case basis, including circumstances such as end-of-life care.Additional department-specific visitation guidelines include:Emergency Department: Limited to one visitor at a time over the age of 17. Parents of minor patients may both visit. If a patient is on enhanced respiratory precautions, one visitor is permitted and must remain in the room at all times while complying with PPE requirements.Special Care Unit (SCU): Visiting hours are 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visits are typically limited to 15 minutes and immediate family, with a maximum of two visitors at a time. No children under 10 are permitted.Birthing Center (Post-Delivery): Visiting hours are 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visitors must be 18 or older unless they are a sibling of the newborn.Labor and Delivery: Two designated support persons, including a doula if desired, may be present throughout labor and delivery and may not rotate.Postpartum: One designated support person may remain with the patient throughout the hospital stay. Two additional visitors may be present at a time. Siblings may visit for up to one hour per day during posted visiting hours.Antepartum Testing: One support person may accompany the patient.Nathan Littauer Hospital appreciates the community’s cooperation as these temporary precautions are put in place to ensure a safe healing environment for all.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 or calling (518) 725-8621
