School ‘explosion’ makes for good practice Posted on May 1, 2013 by Dakota PikeDaily Gazette published Tuesday, April 30, 2013By Edward Munger Jr.Littauer practices a disaster, with “patients” wearing make-up and acting the part of victimsGLOVERSVILLE — Birds were chirping as the sun poked through clouds while a few patients meandered through Nathan Littauer Hospital on Tuesday.It was a typical, not-too-busy morning at a hospital that saw roughly 24,000 emergency room patients last year.But that would all change with a phone call aimed at giving hospital staff some practice for what they’d do if a calm morning was shattered by an explosion at a local middle school.Though it took place just two weeks after the Boston Marathon bombing, Nathan Littauer’s emergency — a bombing — was coincidentally planned two years ago. The initial phone call alerted the hospital of only one thing: there had been an explosion at a local school, and no further information was available.That call set in motion an emergency plan that runs from the hospital’s top executives through engineering and other departments — it was time to prepare for the unknown.The scene in the emergency room was not what one might expect — there weren’t a bunch of harried doctors and nurses running around shouting and calling out for supplies.Students played victims in a disaster drill.Instead, each member of the staff had a role to play and moved into position at the emergency room entrance. Rooms were being prepped and supplies were being gathered.Behind the scenes, hospital President and CEO Laurence Kelly joined other administrators in a command room to prepare the hospital for what would come next.Kelly said he and others were taking a “snapshot” of the hospital to answer several questions, like how many physicians and nurses were on hand, how many patients were already there and how many were in surgery.If there were non-essential elective surgeries planned, they would be canceled to ensure sufficient medical staff and equipment for emergency treatment.Within 20 minutes, another call came in to report that 14 patients were on their way in. Critical work by EMTs to stabilize patients for transport had already taken place. Some victims would be coming in via ambulance; another group of 10 was headed in on a bus.“Then we knew we had enough staff,” Kelly said. Hospitals in the vicinity of the Boston Marathon took on anywhere from 14 to 30 patients following the April 15 bombing, officials said, and Nathan Littauer had sufficient operating room space, staff and equipment available to handle 14 victims, Kelly said. If it didn’t, he said, the next step would be to start calling in doctors, nurses and other staff not currently working.A series of steps were under way in the front of hospital as staff awaited patients. Then the patients — played by BOCES students considering careers in health care — showed up all at once, and there were more patients in the ER than nurses.Registered nurse Bonnie Looman, a critical care manager, admitted they were temporarily outnumbered. “We are. But that’s what we do,” the 40-year hospital veteran said calmly. “We’re going to need more nursing,” emergency room doctor Robert Werblin said, loud enough to be heard but also in a calm manner.He had already asked for several pieces of equipment to be prepared, including intravenous holders and oxygen monitors. One by one, each patient was directed to the appropriate place. Many who were walking and appeared to have flesh wounds were taken to one side.Others were unconscious; one was crying out for her baby, one was dead and bound for the morgue and another patient came in with a simulated object protruding from her eye. That patient was brought to Room 10, where RN Shawn Cronin took over.“I’ve got a priority-one here,” said Cronin, summoning Werblin for his input. Werblin called for a CT scan, and Cronin continued to monitor the patient. Cronin got the patient hooked up to monitors that check blood pressure, oxygen, respiration and other factors after making sure the eye wound was secured and her airway wasn’t restricted.“Now I’m one-on-one with this patient,” said Cronin, who said the object had to stay where it was until staff determined whether it was keeping an artery or vein from gushing.As nurses and doctors attended to patients, several other tasks taking place highlighted the complicated nature of mass casualty response.Family members would be showing up, so the hospital designated a family liaison and a spot for family members to wait — the cafeteria. Another site would be set up outside for the media expected to show up. One staff member was cataloging all of the patients who came in and marking their status and location on a chart. They were also recording how much time it took to get patients stabilized.“We’re trying to improve our time,” said Carrie Newkirk, the hospital’s security supervisor and emergency management coordinator. From past experience with multiple injuries, Newkirk said there was one major difference between the drill and the real thing: there would be fewer people in the way during a real incident. Several staff members were on hand during the drill to evaluate everybody’s performance, and members of the media allowed to view the drill were also in the corridor. “It goes much smoother than the drills,” Newkirk said.Susan McNeil, the hospital’s volunteer services director, said the staff’s relaxed demeanor during the drill is typical even for real-life situations. “It is not abnormal for it to be calm,” she said.
Littauer Salutes a 50-year employee Posted on April 11, 2013April 11, 2013 by Dakota Pike“Shirley Cook is a part of this hospital” Shirley Cook worked at Nathan Littauer for 50 years. She recently retired after a send-off from a grateful hospital.In 1963 when Shirley Cook began her career at Nathan Littauer Hospital, the Beatles had just released “I want to hold your hand”, “To Kill a Mockingbird” was a favorite movie, the US started to use zip codes and AT&T had introduced touch tone phones. Gas prices were at $.30 a gallon. Last week, Nathan Littauer Hospital bid farewell to Shirley Cook who retired from Nathan Littauer’s Nutrition Services Department after 50 years of service. The hospital threw her a celebration on her last day working at the hospital. “Everyone likes Shirley Cook.” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO. He added, “The large turnout at her reception was the best way to acknowledge her career.” “Shirley is as much a part of NLH&NH as the foundation the building was built on.” stated Timothy J. Forte CDM, CFPP, and General Manager of Nutrition Services for Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home and Shirley’s supervisor. “Having been with us for 50 years, Shirley experienced all of the changes our department has embarked on over those decades. Shirley’s bright smile, unmistakable laugh and warm heart will be missed. I am better for knowing her”.In a room filled with balloons, Shirley was surprised by the party. Hundreds of people came, some with gifts, many with stories, and all to bid her goodbye. “I will miss buying my coffee and chatting with her. She always had a smile for me” said Martin Brown, a hospital employee. Shirley’s family was also at the ceremony. Mr. Kelly surmised, “Shirley recently wondered to me how much money has she handled at the cafeteria’s cash register. I told her at least a million dollars!” Shirley received a bonus check as part of her retirement package and a special $500 gift card from the hospital. Pictures of the party may be seen on the hospital’s Facebook site.
Wellness Words April 2013 Posted on April 11, 2013 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Wendy Chirieleison, MS EdCommunity Health Educator Advance Care PlanningWhere Do You Want Your Life To Go? What are your long term care goals and wishes? What are your preferences on the best living environment for you, pain management, having control over decisions regarding your health care, your end of life wishes? Does your family and loved ones know how you feel? It is important to think about what you would like your long term care to look like and make sure that your family members are aware so they can ensure your goals are met and your wishes are honored.How Do You Begin?April 16 is National Health Care Decisions Day, a time when you are encouraged to discuss this important information with family and loved ones. That would be an ideal day to visit TheConversationProject.org where you can gather ideas about what and how to discuss this information with your family.What The Research ShowsSurveys done by The Conversation Project suggest that only 44% of people say that they have communicated their end of life wishes to their families and loved ones. Many times, what people say they want to happen and what actually happens is very different. The Center for Disease Control reports that 70% of people say they prefer to remain at home during their final days. However, 70% of people wind up in a hospital, nursing home, or other long-term care facility. The California Health Care Foundation found that 82% of people think it is important to put their long term care wishes in writing, but only 23% of people actually do it. You should be the expert on your wishes, because you know better than anyone else what you would want for your long term care.Building A Road Map For Difficult ConversationsDeciding how you want to live can seem like a difficult task. Here are some important things to consider that can help guide you to developing a road map to your long-term care conversation. Read each statement below and rate them on a scale from 1-5, 1 being the least important and 5 being the most important.Rating Scale12345I want my doctors to do what they think is best. I want to be in charge of each decision made about me. I am worried that I won’t get enough care. I am worried that my care might be too aggressive. I want to live as long as possible, no matter what. Quality of life is more important to me than quantity. I wouldn’t mind going to a nursing facility if necessary. I want to live independently no matter what. I want my loved ones to abide by my wishes,even if they don’t agree with me. I want my loved ones to do what they think is best for me,even if it goes against my wishes. Who should you talk to?Who do you want to speak on your behalf regarding health related issues? Choose someone that you can trust to speak for you. Think about when would be a good time to have this conversation, and where you would be most comfortable. Be sure that you have your road map for this conversation. You could start the conversation by asking for help with something, or by saying that you would like help in thinking about the future.What else should you be thinking about?Patricia Bombard MD, Vice President and Medical Director of Geriatrics for Excellus Health Plan, suggests that families need compassion, support, and education when helping Seniors make plans for their lives. Goals and decisions should be focused on the individual’s desires first and foremost, and be based on reliable information.Keeping that in mind, it is very important to think about what medical interventions you would want or would not want – such as resuscitation, a feeding tube, or a breathing machine, and then determining if these services are available to you at facilities you may wish to reside in, such as assisted living facilities.You could also consider using legal and medical documents to put your wishes on paper. There are a few different forms that are important. First is Advance Care Planning, which is a document that will summarize everything you have been reading about in this article. An Advance Directive, or a Living Will, is a document that states your wishes for health care in the event that you are unable to communicate them. Finally, a Health Care Proxy is a document that identifies the person you chose to make medical decisions on your behalf in the event that you are unable to do so.For more information, ideas and links to important documents, visit theconversationproject.org and compassionandsupport.org. You can also attend a free program entitled ‘Advance Care Planning’ on April 24 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in Littauer’s Auditorium presented by Reverend Bonnie Orth, Pastoral Care Coordinator. For more information, call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120.
Littauer gears up for an active tick season Posted on April 10, 2013April 10, 2013 by Dakota Pike “Hospital aims to reduce tick-borne illnesses” Nathan Littauer gets the word out about ticks.“The snow is still on the ground I have already found three ticks –one engorged on my puppy.” stated Hospital Spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan. And she is not alone. According to staff working at Littauer’s Perth Primary Care Center, local residents are already asking about tick bites. While the area braces for another busy tick season, Nathan Littauer is getting people ready with some tools needed to fend off Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. While the message is still “get outside”, the hospital is helping people enjoy the Adirondacks safely. The hospital has partnered with the one of the most astute resource groups in the US, The Tick Encounter Center out of Rhode Island. “Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to partner with the TickEncounter Resource Center. We have combined our resources to provide our neighbors and visitors with the most reliable strategies for preventing tick bites and tick-transmitted diseases.” explained Cheryl McGrattan. Last year, the hospital brought a world-renowned tick expert to the region. Thomas Mather, PhD appeared in sold-out town hall meetings. Continuing on that momentum, the hospital has launched a multi-media program aimed at preventing tick bites in the first place. The hospital has launched a new “Got ticks?” widget which can be found on the home page of www.nlh.org. The hospital has tools in place for this tick season.The hospital has launched a “tick widget” on their home page. The widget brings the surfer to a micro site complete with identification resources, video and additional information related to the prevention of tick bites. It also explains the “Top ten things to know about ticks”. Cheryl McGrattan explains, “So now if someone finds a tick they can literally log onto to nlh.org and identify the type of tick.” Only deer ticks are known to transmit Lyme disease. “We are no stranger to the outdoors.” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO. “As a full-service hospital located at the foothills of the Adirondacks, we are also no stranger to ticks. That is why we have launched a comprehensive community education program with TickEncounter to safeguard our residents and our region’s visitors. Our provider’s share our message of tick bite prevention.” The hospital gift shop is also selling Sawyer premium permethrin spray. The spray is recommended by Dr. Mather as one of the best defenses against tick bites, “As a treatment for clothing, Permethrin clothing insect repellent does not harm fabrics and is odorless after dried. Use Permethrin on clothing by itself or with skin-applied repellents to create the ultimate protective, armor-like insect barrier. Permethrin-treatments on clothing are non-toxic to humans and are registered for use by the U.S. EPA.”The hospital is also distributing shower tick cards for free to local camp grounds and summer camps. The shower cards show the areas of the body to check for tick bites and it also contains tick identification images. “It is important that we encourage people to look for ticks on their skin daily as it typically takes 24 hours for the tick to pass on anything threatening.” stated Dr. McBiles, Chief of Staff at Littauer. Summer camp counselors are encouraged to get a shower card by emailing the hospital at ticks@nlh.org. The hospital will also be using their powerful social media channels to inform the public about the importance of tick-bite prevention. Lastly, the hospital also has resources now available to providers in the Emergency Center for quick and more accurate tick identification. Dr. McBiles, Chief of Staff at Littauer explains, “We want people to enjoy all this region has to offer. And ticks should not prevent anyone from enjoying the outdoors. But we also want to be a resource to anyone who is striving to be tick-bite free.” XXX To find our tick widget, log onto www.nlh.org. In the right hand corner is a button with the image of a tick and the words, “Got ticks?” Community organizations like summer camps and campgrounds can email a request for a Tick Shower Card to the hospital at ticks@nlh.org.
For 25 years Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Lifeline program has touched the lives of seniors Posted on April 9, 2013April 9, 2013 by Dakota PikeProgram provides independence with help at the push of the button Maggie Luck holds a Lifeline button. Littauer’s Lifeline program is 25 years old. Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Lifeline program has reached a major milestone this year. The medical alert program, managed out of the hospital is celebrating 25 years of service to seniors in our region. Laurence E. Kelly Littauer’s President and CEO stated, “Lifeline is one of those programs Nathan Littauer provides that some people don’t know about. Yet Lifeline greatly impacts the quality of life for thousands of local people.” Littauer’s Lifeline is a medical alert system designed to reduce the risk of living alone. In the event of a fall or emergency, help is available at the push of a button. Since 1988, the LifeLine Littauer program has grown to over 500 subscribers serving thousands of people. Under the leadership and vision of Margaret Luck, Lifeline’s Director since its inception the program is credited with helping countless people. Mr. Kelly explained, “Maggie has been a tireless advocate for this program personally touching the lives of people throughout this region.” He added, “Not only is she passionate about elders and their independence, she has made it her life’s work to bring needed services to people in their homes.” Lifeline provides help at the press of a buttonLifeline offers people, usually senior, but some with other medical conditions, the confidence to continue to live independently at home. Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Lifeline Program serves people in the Fulton, Montgomery, Hamilton County, and bordering communities in Herkimer and Saratoga Counties.“We are proud to have touched the lives of seniors.” said Maggie Luck, adding, “By offering Lifeline, we give seniors in our community a meaningful and needed service, allowing them to have the confidence to continue to live in the homes they love, knowing that help is available at a push of a button.” And Littauer subscribers agree, in a past survey program participants were asked what Lifeline meant to them and some responded, “Lifeline is so special, as I used to fall a lot. I walk slowly and watch every I step, but I feel safe with my Lifeline as I can get help when I need it. I will be 87 next month and I am still living at home. ” Another wrote, “It also means my husband can do things or go places and I do not have to feel guilty. It gives him and I freedom. I am not afraid of being alone.” Maggie Luck observed, “So many people cherish their independence. I am proud to help people live with dignity. So many family members- daughters and sons have increased peace of mind knowing that Lifeline can be there when they cannot. ” Lifeline operates out of Nathan Littauer Hospital On average, one of every three adults over age 65 falls each year, making falls the most common cause of death or injury in the home – causing real concern for seniors and their caregivers. Lifeline is able to provide seniors with help at the push of a button which can make a significant difference in survival and recovery. Ms. Luck concludes, “Thousands of local people have stated, ‘My Lifeline makes me feel safe.’ That is a good legacy to have.”
