So far, Nathan Littauer is seeing a slower flu season in 2013-2014 Posted on January 24, 2014January 24, 2014 by Dakota PikeNYS DOH released its most recent flu data. the red line is this year 2014Nathan Littauer is seeing a less active flu season this year than in past years, according to Littauer’s Infection Control Specialist, Theresa Klausner, NP. The hospital has not restricted its visitation policy due to flu activity as other local hospitals have recently announced. “So far Nathan Littauer has seen a fairly slow start to the flu season.” stated Cheryl McGrattan, hospital spokesperson, adding, “We are continually monitoring the flu data and we will change our visitation policy if needed. We always have the best interest of our patients in mind.” The hospital’s visiting hours are: 11am to 8pm.
Dr. James Anania to speak on WAMC’s Medical Monday Program Posted on January 17, 2014January 17, 2014 by Dakota PikeMeet Dr. James Anania, an anesthesiologist at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home in Gloversville, New York, certified with the American Board of Anesthesiology, who joined NLH in 2008.Dr. Anania will be on WAMC’s Jan. 20 Medical Monday program with Dr. Alan Chartock discussing the latest medical updates and procedures available with today’s anesthesiology. He will be available to field questions and discuss all aspects of the topic.Dr. James Anania anesthesiologist at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home in Gloversville who will presenting on WAMC’s Medical Monday with Dr. Alan Chartock from 2 to 3 p.m.Expect Dr. Anania to explain the latest advancements controlling pain post-op and intra-surgery, how to recognize a patients signs of discomfort, intra-op recall, regional blocks and the use of ultrasound to visualize the nerve and precautions in preventing post-op nausea. Learn how under Dr. Anania’s guidance, Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home maintains a 100 percent success rate.Dr. Anania will candidly discuss important information that patients should make known to their anesthesiologist prior to surgery such as their cardiac history, current physical health, and and current drugs the patients are on medically and recreationally.What makes Dr. Anania a most interesting doctor is what he does in his spare time. When not at the Surgery Center at Nathan Littauer Hospital, Dr. Anania volunteers his time to travel to underserved areas throughout the world. He serves as a volunteer for the NGOs (Non- Governmental Organization) Smile Train and ReSurge International. He has worked in third world countries on three occasions to date, assisting people – especially children who need surgery. Dr. Anania is part of ReSurge International (formerly Interplast). The organization works with Smile Train and other NGO’s “to restore the health and dreams to children and adults with deformities and injuries (such as disabling burns and clefts) so they can go to school, return to work to care for their families and be productive members of society. They also build surgical capacity in underserved areas to increase year-round access to surgical care. ReSurge mission is to reduce global suffering and poverty by giving more and more patients a second chance for a normal, productive life.Dr. Anania states that despite the exhausting schedule and challenging setting, he feels truly rewarded when he meets the patients and their grateful families. He explains, “The family members are very appreciative. This is truly life-changing. These kids tend to be ostracized and these surgeries are a new lease on life for them.”An avid photographer, Dr. Anania had taken photos of his journey which are posted on the hospital’s Facebook site. He summarizes, “I like to do this. This is where medicine can change a person’s life. And these are extremely poor people.” He added, “I am satisfied to know that I played a direct role in changing somebody’s life.”Listen to Dr. Anania’s interview with Dr. Alan Chartock as WAMC broadcasts live in seven states at local stations: WAMC, 90.3 FM, Albany NY; WAMC, 1400 AM, Albany, NY or WCAN, 93.3 FM, Canajoharie NY.
Nathan Littauer to talk about the first robotic-assisted spine surgery cases in the Northeast Posted on September 18, 2013 by Dakota Pike What: Press conference at Nathan Littauer Hospital Date: Friday, September 20, 2013Time: 12:00 NoonPlace: Board Room of Nathan Littauer Hospital, 99 East State Street Gloversville, NY 12078**************************************************************************************************Recently, history was made in a four-state region of the Northeast when Nathan Littauer Hospital hosted the first robotic assisted spine surgery case in New York State and the entire Upstate Region. Nathan Littauer will be hosting a press conference Friday to review the outcomes of the first few cases. Nathan Littauer Hospital started using the Renaissance Guidance System as part of a partnership with Mazor Robotics, a developer of innovative surgical robots and complementary products. Multiple subsequent surgeries have been successfully performed since then. Nathan Littauer, as an independent, rural community hospital has a history of being an early adopter of new, therapeutic technologies.Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO states, “We are compelled to share the outcomes we are experiencing with this technology.” Dr. Jian Shen noted, “This system is a tool in my minimally invasive arsenal created for patients who suffer from debilitating spine pain.”About the event:Hear from the Hospital President and CEO, Laurence E. KellyHear from Dr. Jian Shen, the surgeon who conducted the first robotic- assisted surgery in New York State and the Upstate RegionHear first hand from one of the first robotic–assisted surgery patients as she tells her compelling storyWatch footage of the first surgerySee a demonstration on an anatomically correct replicaSee the robotSee the team that assisted in the surgery ****************************************************************************************************Notes for the press:Appropriate for: reporters, health reporters, technology reporters, economic development reporters, living sections and business reporters. Approximately 30 minutes in length.Nathan Littauer is approximately 50 minutes from Albany, NY.Individual interviews granted upon request following the event.XXX About Nathan Littauer HospitalNathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. For 118 years, 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 it serves. For more information, please visit www.nlh.org.About MazorMazor Robotics (TASE: MZOR; NASDAQCM: MZOR) is dedicated to the development and marketing of innovative surgical robots and complementary products that provide a safer surgical environment for patients, surgeons, and operating room staff. Mazor Robotics’ flagship product, Renaissance™, is a state-of-the-art surgical robotic system that enables surgeons to conduct spine surgeries in an accurate and secure manner. Mazor Robotics systems have been successfully used in the placement of tens of thousands of implants in the United States, Asia and Europe. Numerous peer-reviewed publications and presentations at leading scientific conferences have validated the accuracy, usability, and clinical advantages of Mazor Robotics technology. For more information, please visit www.mazorrobotics.com.
Nathan Littauer celebrates its 37th annual Candystriper/Jr. Volunteer awards Posted on September 16, 2013September 16, 2013 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing celebrated its 37th annual Candystriper/Jr. Volunteer 2013 Awards Ceremony on Monday, September 9. Taylor Gifford, a student at Mayfield High School, was the recipient of the Alice Paula Muskin Memorial Award. Taylor has volunteered in the Nursing Home since 2010. She officially became a Candystriper this past summer. 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, “There are different groups of volunteers; our Board of Directors, auxilians and jr. volunteers who continue the tradition of giving back to others. You have started the tradition of giving back to your community at your age here at our hospital and nursing home. 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!” Anita Beck, Auxiliary First Vice President, Susan McNeil, DVS, Rachel Johnson, Nursing Home Director of Recreation Therapy, Cathy Burek, RN, Supervisor, Nadine Gifford, RN, Nursing Home Supervisor, Carol Sleezer, Medical Library addressed the group regarding volunteering and thanked them for volunteering their time. Mr. Kelly, Mrs. Beck, Mrs. McNeil, also presented Honorable Service Awards to Darcy Dunn, Jessie Brand, Raina Danylak, Emily Garrigan, and also presented to those present a certificate of appreciation and a gift on behalf of the hospital and nursing home. In addition to Taylor and the Honorable Awards recipients, 2013 candystripers and jr. volunteers include; Garrett Andrist, Kaylee Beddow, Felicia Benedict-Hillman, Alexandra Bielli, Abigail Blake, Kiersten chang, Jillian Chase, Caitlin Lawton, Sarah Lebel, Hayley Mellis, Jennifer Sprung, Megan Moore, Morgan Swedick, Sydney Towne. In 2013, these young adults generously contributed approximately 700 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, and a special guest, Nancy Muskin. A special “thank you” cake was served.
Nathan Littauer has Healthcare Proxy available on website Posted on August 5, 2013August 5, 2013 by Dakota PikeFor those looking for information about New York State’s Health Care Proxy, the information is available on our website at the following link: http://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-1430.pdfHard copies are also available at the hospital.
Nathan Littauer Hospital Acquires Mazor Robotics’ Renaissance System Posted on July 18, 2013July 18, 2013 by Dakota Pike “The future has arrived”Nathan Littauer Hospital has purchased and received its first Renaissance Robotic System. MZOR, a developer of innovative surgical robots and complementary products, delivered the system to an eager staff yesterday afternoon. Nathan Littauer provides the finest in state-of-the-art technology and a caring, dedicated staff of health care professionals to the residents of Fulton County and the surrounding communities. Nathan Littauer, as an independent community hospital has a history of being an early adopter of new, therapeutic technologies.“Littauer’s experience in minimally invasive surgery under Dr. Jian Shen just made history by acquiring this new technology for our grateful community.” stated Laurence E. Kelly Nathan Littauer Hospital’s President and CEO. He explained, “Dr. Shen has performed many ground-breaking surgeries at Nathan Littauer.” He states, “This system is a tool in our minimally-invasive arsenal created for patients who suffer from debilitating spine pain. However, it is our team, with Dr. Shen at the helm that makes Littauer unique.” He concluded, “The future has arrived.”“This is another key endorsement of our Renaissance system and further reflects the continued momentum we are experiencing in the northeastern U.S. market,” commented Ori Hadomi, Chief Executive Officer. “Within just the past few days we have installed our first two systems in New York, so we will be entering the second half of 2013 with momentum and a wider installed footprint in the northeastern U.S. This is an encouraging development, and it clearly demonstrates, both from a clinical and an economic proposition, that surgeons and hospital administrators are seeing the advantages of using our Renaissance systems.”Cheryl McGrattan, Hospital Spokesperson notes, “Renaissance, which is the only FDA approved surgical guidance system for spine surgeries, has already proven to be highly effective and safe, with an efficacy rate near 99%.” She added, “Naturally, we wanted to leverage its advanced capabilities with the expertise of our leading orthopedic team to offer better and safer patient outcomes.”Dr. Jian Shen, who will be performing the surgeries, agreed stating, “I am pleased to bring this minimally invasive surgical approach to Nathan Littauer Hospital and the Upstate New York region.” He added, “Ultimately it is the patient who will benefit. Time and time again, that is where my focus lies – to create outstanding outcomes for my patients.”