Patient health information to be shared electronically upon consent

Gloversville, NEW YORK – The Healthcare Information Xchange of New York (HIXNY) today announced that Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home has joined the regional health information organization.

By joining HIXNY, authorized personnel at Nathan Littauer Hospital are now able to access patient health information electronically when medically necessary. The goal is to improve the delivery of care, enhance clinical outcomes and help mitigate healthcare costs throughout the 17 county-region served by HIXNY.

“Littauer is pleased to join HIXNY. As we strive to deliver seamless, coordinated patient care, HIXNY has created a secure, electronic service for exchanging health information among hospitals and doctors in the Capital Region and Northern New York,” said Nathan Littauer Hospital President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly. “The people who will benefit the most from this collaboration will be the patients we serve. Our collaboration will ultimately mobilize medical information for the benefit of our patients. Simply put, it is secure, safe and makes sense for everyone in our region.”

“The addition of Nathan Littauer Hospital to the health information exchange continues the unprecedented level of collaboration among healthcare providers throughout our diverse region,” said John A. Collins, MD, FACP, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President Northeast Health and Chairman of HIXNY. “The promise of technology has significant benefits to enhance the quality of care for patients of all ages.”

HIXNY operates the health information exchange (HIE), a secure, online information service allowing authorized clinicians to access patient medical data from across the community with the patient’s consent ensuring patient privacy. Hospitals, health plans, physicians, pharmacies, and other stakeholders contribute patient data into the HIE. At the other end, a healthcare provider can query the system and gain a comprehensive view of a patient’s history, including test results, diagnoses, image reports, medications and other pertinent health information in order to make the most informed and best possible care decision on behalf of the patient.

“HIXNY and its membership organizations, including Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home, are committed to creating a safe and secure network to electronically share patient health information,” said HIXNY vice president Scott Momrow. “Patient privacy is of paramount importance in order to build a sustainable information exchange network for healthcare consumers throughout the Capital Region and Montgomery County.”

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About Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home:

Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home. Littauer provides the finest in state-of-the-art technology and a caring, dedicated staff of health care professionals. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities we serve. The Littauer medical staff brings amazing technical expertise and competence to the residents of Fulton County and the surrounding communities.

About the Healthcare Information Xchange of New York (HIXNY):

HIXNY (“hix-knee”) is a collaboration of health plans, hospitals, physician practices and other entities in a 17 county geography comprising the Capital Region and Northern New York. HIXNY has built an interoperable network to electronically share medical information more efficiently for the benefit of healthcare consumers. HIXNY, a not-for-profit organization, has been designated as a regional health information organization (RHIO) by the New York State Department of Health. HIXNY works collaboratively with healthcare providers to enable accurate and efficient decision making at the point of care. For more information about HIXNY, including a list of the member organizations please visit www.hixny.org.

Michael Nickerson’s “heart of gold” celebrated

Employee of the Quarter, Michael Nickerson

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home awarded their Employee of the Quarter to Mr. Michael Nickerson. Mr. Nickerson is a Licensed Practical Nurse II, (LPN2) at the Nathan Littauer Nursing Home, a position he has held since 2002. Mr. Nickerson was presented with a gift of appreciation by the Hospital’s President and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly during an employee celebration last month. He was also presented with a plaque. Mr. Kelly explained, “He exemplifies the true meaning of caring and compassion.” Mr. Kelly added, “He possesses exceptional clinical skills.” His coworkers, many who made the nominations, explained he “Has a heart of gold” and he “is an excellent role model”. One employee stated that Michael is “A rare gem that shines brightly”.

Mr. Nickerson said thank you to the crowd that had gathered, which included his mother. He did not know he would be chosen as Employee of the Quarter until Mr. Kelly announced his name. He later explained, “I was very surprised to hear Mr. Kelly announce my name. For me this job means everything.” Upon reflection as Employee of the Quarter he added, “I consider everyone I work with family”.

The Employee of the Quarter is a function of the Hospital’s Goodwill Committee a multi-disciplinary team that strives to recognize employees within the hospital who embody Nathan Littauer’s original mission.

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Gloversville NY — Nathan Littauer Hospital joins other hospitals across the country celebrating National Hospital Week, May 8-14, 2011. Hospital week is a yearly recognition program, spotlighting the individuals who drive the engine of health care. This year’s theme is “Champions of Care”. Nathan Littauer is also celebrating National Nursing Home Week the same week.

Nathan Littauer Hospital will be celebrating Hospital Week May 2011

At a picnic May 12^th employees will be recognized for their dedication to the Littauer Family of Health Services. In celebration the hospital plans the following activities:

Monday: Kick off event: Employee Appreciation Cake with background music by volunteer Pat Travis-Doull. 2-4 pm.

Tuesday: Hospital employees with be given a sweet surprise by Courtesy Council Members and can receive chair massages

Wednesday: Employees will be wearing green to show their pride in the Hospital and Nursing Home. Employees will be able to receive Healing Touch Treatments.

Thursday: The Hospital will be putting on a BBQ luncheon with music for all shifts. 11am -1:30 pm.

Friday: Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home plans a “Give back” where employees will be bringing in summer fun items for the

BOYS and GIRLS CLUB.

According to the American Hospital Association, “Hospitals are: Economic Contributors, Gateways to Care, Centers of Innovation. Improving Community Health and Committed to Quality and Safety.”

The celebration of National Hospital Week began in 1921 when a magazine editor suggested that more information about hospitals might alleviate public fears about the “shrouded” institutions of the day. From that beginning, Hospital Week expanded to facilities across the nation. Today, National Hospital Week is the largest health care event that celebrates hospitals’ history, technology and dedicated health care professionals.

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Notes for the press: Members of the press are invited to any of the above events. Press must be escorted to any event. To make arrangements to cover any of the above activities please contact Cheryl McGrattan at 773-5533. Media policy is also posted on www.nlh.org.

“We have an event every day!”

Nathan Littauer Nursing Home Celebrates National Nursing Home Week.

Nathan Littauer Nursing Home is getting ready for a week long celebration honoring National Nursing Home Week. This year’s theme is “Fulfilling the Promise” and is part of the National Nursing Home Week started by The American Health Care Association (AHCA). “We are so proud of the work we do here everyday.” said Leslie Beadle, Vice President and Nursing Home Administrator. “Therefore, we are thrilled to celebrate our nursing home, our wonderful residents and our committed staff.” She added, “We hope this is a community wide celebration.”

Nathan Littauer’s Nursing Home will be joining nursing and rehabilitation facilities nationwide, beginning Mother’s Day, May 8, and continuing through May 14, 2011. This year’s theme was selected to honor those who are “Fulfilling the Promise” by serving others, thus adding value to life and helping to overcome many of the infirmities of age and disability.

“We want to celebrate those people that make a positive contribution every day. We are also saluting our staff.” Explained Rachel Killips, Littauer’s Recreational Director. She is heading up the festivities at Littauer. She explains, “We have something planned every day to mark the occasion.” For Nursing Home Week, Nathan Littauer is announcing the following activities the week of May 9-14, 2011:

Sunday, May 8- In honor of Mother’s Day Nursing Home staff will be passing out corsages to all the ladies and hosting a Tea at 2:15 with a violin player.

Monday, May 9– The Nursing Home will be hosting Jackpot Bingo from 2:15-3:15pm for residents and a Sundae Party 2:00-4:00pm for staff.

Tuesday, May 10– The Nursing Home will throw a 90’s and over birthday party at 2:15. Staff will be able to enjoy chair massages from 6:00-8:00am and 2:00-4:00pm

Wednesday, May 11- The Nursing Home will be throwing a “Night in Paris” Dinner Dance from 6-8 pm. with a band and cocktail attire, and we will be having a decorating contest with staff and residents alike participating.

Thursday, May 12– Gary Van Slyke will be performing patriotic songs for the residents from 2:15-3:15 pm. Rachel Killips will be teaching a dance class for the staff at 3:30pm.

Friday, May 13– Decorating contest winner announced with continental breakfast for residents and staff at 10:30am.

Saturday, May 14- Staff and residents will be starting their own mini greenhouse plants to put out in the patio for everyone to enjoy in a few weeks.

Nathan Littauer Nursing Home is an 84-bed skilled nursing facility providing short and long-term rehabilitation for people of all ages. They are tireless advocates for quality care and services recognizing each person’s individuality. The Nursing Home’s compassionate and caring employees provide essential care to people in our area. Along with a long-term residence, the center has been instrumental in helping hundreds of people return to their homes through careful rehabilitation. The Nursing Home opened in 1972 and has been recognized by the State for their excellence in care. The Nursing Home currently employs approximately 115 people.

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Notes for the press: Press are invited to any of the above events. Press must be escorted to any event. To make arrangements to cover any of the above activities please contact Cheryl McGrattan at 773-5533. Media policy is also posted on www.nlh.org.

Dr. Frederick Goldberg is pictured with WAMC’s Alan Chartock

On April 11, 2011 Nathan Littauer’s new Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Frederick Goldberg made a highly-anticipated appearance on WAMC’s radio show “Medical Monday”. He spoke for an hour about Patient Safety. “The prestige of this show cannot be underestimated” stated hospital spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan. The show is heard on 26 stations spanning seven states. If you did not hear the show you can listen to the Medical Monday archives by pressing here>>