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“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!

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

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.”

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….”

Aaron Hayes is our Employee of the Quarter

Hospital engineer was instrumental during recent storms

When Hurricane Irene and the related storms came barreling down on our region, Aaron Hayes, an engineer at Nathan Littauer Hospital knew his shift was not going to be a typical shift. And he was right. After working around the clock, he continually addressed leaks, assured patient safety, maintained building integrity and answered internal alarms. And when Nathan Littauer Hospital announced their Employee of the Quarter last week in an organization-wide celebration, his name was called. “This quarter we are recognizing Aaron Hayes.” stated Littauer’s President and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly. Employees gathered for the celebration cheered when they heard is name called.

Mr. Kelly explained, “Our hospital never works better than when we have a real emergency. Aaron was one of the responders to that crisis.” During that crucial time, Nathan Littauer was weathering the storm and receiving patient transfers from another hospital who had to evacuate. Aaron chipped in, took action and did what ever was asked of him. Even more, he did it with a smile.

One of the housekeepers who nominated him wrote, “He worked non-stop, going on the roof, traveling throughout the entire campus, responding to alarms and he never complained- he just kept right on going.”

Aaron is a Mayfield native and has worked at Nathan Littauer for three years. Upon receiving the award Aaron said, “I was very surprised when they called my name.” He added humbly, “I was just doing my job. I did not do anything differently than what any member of the engineering team would do.”

Hospital spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan explained, “Patient care does not end with clinical support. Aaron made sure any leaks were quickly fixed, assured patient safety from any wind and water damage and safe-guarded our equipment,” She added, “Aaron is a fine example of what we do best: people caring for people.” She noted, “Aaron even moved a patient’s car when the patient was discharged during the height of the storm.”

Employee of the Quarter is a function of the Goodwill Committee at Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing home. The committee meets to find “someone who displays an attitude and a professional demeanor that captures the ideals of the hospital’s mission.” Employees of the Quarter receive a plaque, preferred parking and a check.

In his own words, the new Orthopedic Surgeon to address community

Dr. Shen arrived in the region 78 days ago and in that short time he has: completed numerous ground-breaking surgeries; had hundreds of patient visits-some traveling as far away as Connecticut and Tennessee; appeared on national radio shows; opened a new office in Johnstown with Mohawk Valley Orthopedics; and even weighed 125 children’s’ backpacks. “With his rising popularity and high demand, we wanted to offer our community an opportunity to hear him speak first-hand about the techniques he brings to our region.” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Littauer’s President and CEO.

Dr. Jian Shen at Nathan Littauer Hospital will offer a FREE clinic to the community, October 18, 2011 at the Johnstown Holiday Inn

Therefore, Nathan Littauer Hospital is presenting an evening with Dr. Shen to address “Innovations in Spine Care”. The free seminar will be Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 6:30pm at The Johnstown Holiday Inn. A free dessert buffet will be provided. “This will be a rare opportunity to hear about the myriad of solutions this phenomenal surgeon brings to our region” said Hospital Spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan. “Patients will learn about break-through surgeries and be given the opportunity to ask questions.” The hospital’s goal is to reduce spine pain.

Back Pain?

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), “Back pain is an all-too-familiar problem that can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that leaves you incapacitated. It can come on suddenly—from an accident, a fall, or lifting something heavy—or it can develop slowly, perhaps as the result of age-related changes to the spine. Regardless of how back pain happens or how it feels, you know it when you have it. And chances are, if you don’t have back pain now, you will eventually.”

“One of society’s most common medical problems”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that in a 3-month period, about one-fourth of U.S. adults experience at least 1 day of back pain. Therefore, they refer to back pain as, “one of our society’s most common medical problems.”

To reserve a seat at the free seminar, people are asked to RSVP by calling 773-5505 or by emailing spines@nlh.org. Seating is limited.

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing celebrated its 35th annual Candystriper/Jr. Volunteer 2011 Awards Ceremony

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing celebrated its 35th annual Candystriper/Jr. Volunteer 2011 Awards Ceremony on Monday, September 12. Dana Garguilo, a graduate from Gloversville High School, currently a freshman at Nazareth College, was the recipient of the Alice Paula Muskin Memorial Award. Dana entered the Candystriper program in July,on Monday, September 12. Dana entered the Candystriper program in July, 2007, in 2008 received an Honorable Service award, and has contributed over 325 hours of service in the hospital, nursing home and Camp SuperStarrs. The Alice Paula Muskin Award, established by Mr. & Mrs. Nathan J. Muskin in memory of their daughter, is given each year to a candystriper who demonstrates outstanding service, commitment and leadership. Laurence Kelly, President/CEO, addressed the volunteers stating, “You are shining example to other young men and women with your volunteer spirit. In addition to the residents and patients, the staff also appreciates you giving of your time throughout the summer and some of you, I understand, choose to volunteer throughout the year. Thank you!”

Other hospital staff, Rachel Johnson, Nursing Home Director of Recreation Therapy, Carol Sleezer, Education Resource Coordinator, Linda Hidde, Nursing Education Services Coordinator also addressed the group regarding volunteering and thanked them for volunteering their time in the other departments.

Bonnie James-Cooper, Auxiliary President along with Susan McNeil, Director Volunteer Services also presented Honorable Service Awards to Patrick Conner, Mitchell Akowicz, Kayla Edgar and Kiersten Chang, and also presented to those present a certificate of appreciation and a gift on behalf of the hospital and nursing home. In addition to Garguilo and the Honorable Awards recipients, 2011 candystripers and jr. volunteers include; Alexandra Bielli, Rachel Brown-Weinstock, Alyssa Butler, Courtney Cirillo, Katherine Dickey, Emily Dusenbury, Samantha Edgar, McKenzie Ellsworth, Caitlyn Hayward, Taylor Gifford, Nitara Jackson, Kelly Lawton, Sarah Lebel, Sally Loveless, megan McCall, Justin Moore, Logan Sala, Rachel Sproule, Kali Wadsworth. In 2011, these young adults generously contributed over 1,200 hours to the hospital & nursing home and Camp SuperStarrs.

The Auxiliary sponsors the annual event, which was chaired by Mona Capasso. Mrs. Capasso also presented each jr. volunteer with a carnation. The candystripers were treated to a pizza & wings party, and over 40 people attended the awards presentation in the auditorium which included candystripers, their families, hospital board members and auxilians. A special “thank you” cake was served.