Card party players: L front to R – Iris Hayes, Barbara Draffen; L rear to R – Marge Maio, Pam Henke

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary hosted its annual Card/Game Party fundraiser on Wednesday, October 3, at The Holiday Inn, Johnstown.

Approximately 70 women & men joined in playing cards and/or board games, and enjoyed a delicious luncheon. Louise Hornung and Deborah SanJuan co-hosted the event and Suzanne Herrick, Patron Chairman together raised approximately $2,500. Gift Certificates donated by Laurence Kelly, NLH & NH Gift Shop, Olde Bryan Inn, Raindancer Steak Parlor, Holiday Inn, Lanzi’s On The Lake, Union Hall Inn, Mountain Memories, Bowman’s Market, Wine & Roses, Sam’s Seafood, Harold’s Restaurant, Castaglione Gem Jewelers, Barb Tucci. Winners were Toby Ortell, Gretchen Haight, Connie JoDiCruttalo, Betty Ringelese, Nelle Abel, Irene Beaudin, Sheila Sammons, Edith Eckert Peck, Louise Hornung, Shelia Ambrosino, Barb Lomanto, Sofia Piazza, Juanita Fisher, Dr. Horowitz. Attendees also received gifts from Asian Delight, Thomas’ Hallmark, Gianna’s Pizza & Pasta, Adirondack Stained Glass, Mulberry Tree, Mohawk Harvest CO OP, Peck’s Flowers, Mountain Valley Hospice, Bona’s.

Special thanks to Ann Adore, NLH & NH Gift Shop and Engineering Department, Jeanne Wilkinson, and thanks to committee members, Mona Capasso, Donna Ellithorpe, Ann Masala, Clementine Perritano, Barb Tucci, Pat Walker, Susan McNeil.

Proceeds go to the NLH & NH Auxiliary toward their Pledge to the hospital and nursing home.

Nathan Littauer’s Auxiliary presented the hospital with a donation during their annual luncheon recently. The check totaling $10,000 was a gift from their annual pledge to the hospital. Anita Moore, Auxiliary Interim President presented the donation to the hospital president and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly. The organization raised the monies throughout the year holding various fundraising activities throughout the year. Mr. Kelly explained, “The Auxiliary is truly an extension of our team. Beyond being generous of their time and spirit, they are also financially generous to our hospital.”

Dr. Frederick Goldberg, (VP Medical Staff), Guest Speaker presented a slide show presentation and spoke about healthcare issues effecting our hospital and community.

Anita Moore, Auxiliary Interim President hands Nathan Littauer’s hospital President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly a check.

Along with its fundraising activities the Auxiliary also has been recognized by the HealthCare Association of New York State (HANYS) with the 2011 Auxiliary Advocacy Recognition Award. The organization bestows the honor upon auxiliaries that have committed significant time and effort serving as an advocate for their facility and community.

In 2011 the Auxiliary had 99 active members donating 10,114 hours to the hospital. Also in 2011 Auxiliary members were used as “mock” patients during disaster drills. Last year 29 volunteers (27 volunteers and 12 auxiliary members) knitted 551 newborn caps, 21 booties, 6 dolls and 40 blankets and 15 sweaters to newborns in our Birthing Center. The group also launched a new program to honor our veterans. Now, when a patient is admitted to the hospital and identifies themselves as a veteran, the Auxiliary will present him or her with an American flag. In 2011 the Auxiliary delivered 149 flags to patients in the hospital.

Hospital expecting many babies with an interesting birth date

“We are expecting a baby boom today!” stated Birthing Center Ward Clerk, Melissa Walker. She continued, “And today is 10/11/12!”  The Birthing Center is expecting as many as six births today on the date of October 11, 2012. That is about four more than a typical day at the Birthing Center. “We are ready.” stated Hospital Spokesperson, Cheryl McGrattan.

Nathan Littauer expects children with a unique birth date today

“And these babies will have a very unique birth date- one that everyone will remember.”

New quality- based system focuses upon quality management

Nathan Littauer Hospital announced today that it has achieved national accreditation from DNV Healthcare. DNV Healthcare is the newest hospital accreditation service recognized by Medicare. Littauer decided to partner with DNV (which stands for Det Norske Veritas) to be a part of their prestigious National Integrated Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (NIAHO) hospital accreditation program. Littauer received a surprise audit from the organization earlier this year and as a result they are now fully accredited.

Dr. Goldberg, Cheif Medical Officer at Littauer and Diane Swartz , Director of Performance Improvement review their new DNV standards

“The new accreditation program better reflects our long-term commitment to patient safety and is a measurement of our efficiency, services and operations. The system allows for continual system improvements.” explained Laurence E. Kelly Hospital President and CEO. He added, “The accreditation is more strident. Yet, they have a very practical approach to healthcare.”

Diane Swartz, Littauer’s Director of Performance Improvement explains, “Accreditation is important because it confirms that Nathan Littauer is meeting Medicare and Medicaid’s standards in providing healthcare services. DNV applies ISO (international Organization for Standardization) 9001 Quality Management System standards which are integrated into the DNV Accreditation.

ISO 9001 is recognized by businesses around the world as the benchmark for continual quality improvement. Innovative hospitals have started embracing ISO as a way to identify and focus on the most successful approaches to improve patient care, safety, the patient experience and other critical aspects of running a modern hospital.

DNV is a 145 year-old company based in Norway. They recently received deeming authority from CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) to start conducting services in the United States. Nathan Littauer, always on the forefront of better patient care secured their services in January.

“This change is important to Nathan Littauer because ISO ensures we are taking all the necessary steps to deliver effective, compassionate and safe healthcare to our patients.” said Diane Swartz. She concluded, “At our core is Littauer’s unwavering commitment to patient care. This accreditation process is proof of that commitment and that we are willing to set the bar even higher.”