Program 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 button

Lifeline 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.”

Nathan Littauer Hospital employees recently completed an eight-week weight loss competition. Over 88 people started and 48 people weighed- in on the final day last week. The friendly competition- aimed at getting fit for spring, was based on total body weight percentages. The total weight loss was 346 pounds. The hospital’s nutrition team managed the program.  

The results are as follows:

OVERALL “Biggest Loser”:
1st Place: Dr. Peter Dowling
2nd Place: Bruce Jones
3rd Place: Veronica Thomas

Top 3 Males:
1st Dr. Peter Dowling
2nd Bruce Jones
3rd Chris Hughes

 Top 3 Females:
1st Veronica Thomas
2nd Carol SILVEIRA
3rd Rachel Johnson

Our Employee of the Year! Jackie Ruggeri

 Jackie Ruggeri’s day changed completely when Littauer’s President and CEO, Laurence Kelly announced to over 100 of her colleagues that she was Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Employee of the Year. Jackie explains that moment as “Overwhelming.”

Jackie Ruggeri works in Littauer’s Department of Care Coordination as a Care Coordination Assistant. Jackie has been with Littauer for over 10 years. One of her colleagues stated, “Whether it is contacting insurance companies to payroll to copying a chart, she does it with grace and effortlessness.  When dealing with insurance companies on a daily basis she represents herself and the facility in an exceptionally professional manner.”  Known for her good attitude, her manager explained, “Jackie is the embodiment of a great attitude. She inspires everyone around her with her dedication and caring. She is very well organized, diligent in her work, easily reachable and always on time.” One of our nurses explained, “She is a quiet hero. She is in the trenches everyday; ensuring loose ends are tied up and safety nets are in place for our patients.”

Jackie receives the award from CEO, Laurence E. Kelly.

Mr. Kelly agreed noting, “Jackie certainly deserves our thanks and appreciation.”  Many people gathered at the celebration undoubtedly agreed as they clapped and cheered when her name was read.  Jackie upon learning of the award stated, “It is an honor to receive this award!”

“Jackie is truly someone who puts the patient first. Time-and-time again, she goes the extra mile to advocate for our patients in the complex world of medical care coverage.” stated Hospital Spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan.

Jackie explained, “I want patients to know that there are many people at Littauer working behind the scenes who are looking out for their best interests. We are really a patient-centered team and I have great respect for my colleagues. That is why being nominated by fellow team members means so much to me.”

 Jackie responded to the award by saying, “I am honored and I feel privileged to receive this award. I love my job, co-workers and our patients. NLH is a great place to work and everyone is very friendly. ”

 A Johnstown native, in her spare time Jackie enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. She also enjoys watching her daughter play sports.   

 Honorable Mention for the Employee of the Year went to Lisa Langlois a Patient Access Representative and Danita Curtis, a Family Nurse Practitioner at Littauer’s Decker Drive Primary Care.

 The “Employee of the Year” is a function of the Nathan Littauer’s Goodwill Committee which promotes employees who embody the Hospital’s mission. The committee recognizes an employee per quarter and announces an Employee of the Year. With about 1000 employees the hospital receives many nominations every year. “The standard is set very high.” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO at the celebration. Adding, “This is the person we put on the pedestal.” Jackie received gift certificates, preferred parking, a plaque and a pizza party for her department, a photograph on the Hospital’s Hall of Fame.

Unique breast-health technology will be used to help local women

Photo from left: Laurie Agee (SIFC Club President, Deb Sidney (SIFC Club VP), Drue Wallach (Club Finance Committee Chair), Deb Finkle (NLH Foundation Chair ), Dr. McBiles, Chief of Radiology for Nathan Littauer Hospital, and Kelly Colby (NLH Development Coordinator).

Representatives of the Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home and Soroptimist International of Fulton County recently met to celebrate their collaboration in bringing the newest technology, Faxitron, LLC’s Core Vision stereotactic breast biopsy equipment suite, to Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Women’s Breast Health Department.  The new technology is used to help physicians in the correct diagnosis of breast cancer. “We owe a debt of gratitude to the local Soroptimist group” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Littauer’s President and CEO. He added, “Their unwavering commitment to serving the needs of women in our area should be commended.” He praised their relationship of 17 years noting, “Our team had been hoping to secure this technology for women in our area and with the help of the Fulton County Soroptomist group, this clinically advanced equipment now also has a home in Fulton County.” He said, “Ultimately, it is the women in our area that will benefit.”

“Core Vision” is lauded for providing doctors with “immediate confirmation that the proper tissue sample has been removed…” and saving those patients who must undergo breast biopsies from “unnecessary delays, discomfort or stress during a biopsy.”  According to Dr. Mike McBiles, Chief of Radiology for Littauer, “Simply put, our patients who are already concerned about a breast abnormality now are treated to a ‘one-stop’ approach to breast health.” According to Dr. McBiles, “We are able to get a tissue sample completed and reviewed without having to make another appointment or worse, another uncomfortable tissue donation.”  He explains, “This technology is cutting edge for any region- including larger metropolitan areas. It is a real coup for our region.”

The Soroptimist organization, having provided $10,000 in funding for Littauer’s first stereotactic mammography equipment in 1996, was a likely choice for Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Foundation to seek funding for the advanced technology available through the capabilities of the Core Vision stereotactic suite. As stated in the grant proposal submitted in 2012 by Susan A. Kiernan, Vice President of Development, “We know Soroptimists have particular interest in assisting underserved women.   Littauer is the breast health safety net for so many women in our service area.   For those requiring a biopsy, and many more do because of the accuracy of digital mammography, ‘Core vision’ is the current gold standard in breast health imaging.”

After hearing from Tammy Gerdes, Senior Mammography Technologist at Littauer’s Diagnostic Imaging Department, about the benefits of the Core Vision equipment, the Soroptimist membership embraced the proposal, granting $26,250.00 toward the purchase, finding it to be significant to the medical and emotional care of women in our area and finding it invaluable to the Soroptimist mission to improve the lives of women and girls. The cost of the entire Core Vision stereotactic suite is $52,500.00.

The implementation of the Core Vision equipment was recognized at a presentation of the Soroptimist donation check to the Nathan Littauer Hospital Foundation.  Debra Finkle, Chair of the Nathan Littauer Foundation thanked Drue Wallach and Lisa Queeney of the Soroptimist Finance/Ways & Means Committee, for spearheading this project, as well as the entire Finance Committee. Laurie Agee, President of Soroptimist International of Fulton County, also in attendance at the check presentation, along with Vice President Deb Sidney, voiced appreciation to all Soroptimist members for their hard work in making such a valuable contribution to the hospital and to the care of women. Wallach echoed Agee, adding that Fulton County Soroptimist members have been able to contribute in this way and to this extent, not only due to the hard work of Soroptimist members but through the community support given to the Club’s many fundraising activities, especially its annual Celebrity Chef Dinner event.

Dr. McBiles concluded, “As I perform a procedure using the technology, I tell my patients about the Soroptimist donation.  I think it is important for women to know about their health advocacy and activism in our community.”

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About Soroptimist International of Fulton County:

Soroptimist International of Fulton County is a volunteer service organization for business and professional women from both Fulton and Montgomery counties who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in their community and throughout the world.   The Fulton County Club is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, which was founded in Oakland, California in 1921.  The local chapter was chartered in 1953 and is one of over three thousand clubs in 125 countries.  Soroptimist International is the only women’s organization with a voting seat on the United Nations.  For more information, please contact SIFC, PO Box 168, Gloversville, NY 12078 or email: sifultoncounty@soroptimist.net.

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. To learn more please visit www.nlh.org.

Nathan Littauer Hospital announced today that Greg Truckenmiller PhD, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fulton Montgomery Community College will be joining the Nathan Littauer Hospital board. He will be serving a two year term. 

Gregory Truckenmiller joins the NLH board

Nathan Littauer’s Board President David R. Seward said, “Nathan Littauer is pleased to welcome Dr. Truckenmiller to our hospital board. Dr. Truckenmiller’s professionalism and experience will serve us well as we implement our strategic plan.” 

Greg Truckenmiller, PhD stated, “I am honored to join the board. Nathan Littauer Hospital is a tremendous asset to our community and I look forward to contributing to the organization’s continued success.”

“Stephanie Boyd’s career is a service to our community”

Gloversville, NY…Nathan Littauer Hospital announced their Employee of the Quarter recently in an organization-wide celebration. “This employee was nominated by a few of her peers.” stated Littauer’s President and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly. Recognized for her organization skills, warmth and attention to detail skills, Stephanie Boyd was given the high honor.

Her career is a service to the hospital and to our community

Stephanie receives the award from Littauer President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly.

Stephanie’s family was at the ceremony when she was announced as the winner. Upon reflection she noted, “I was very surprised and honored to receive the award.  I love the work I do and the people I work with.”