Littauer is ranked as one of the largest physician practices Posted on June 29, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeThe Business Review reveals annual list, marking Littauer’s growth Littauer was named one of the largest physician practicesGloversville, NY…The Business Review released its annual list of the “Area’s Largest Physician Practices” in the Capital Region. The list is ranked according to number of Capital Region Physicians. According to the list, Nathan Littauer is the 11th largest Physician Practice. The hospital employs 32 physicians, and 36 physician extenders placing it in the top 20 area practices. The area surveyed included: Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington Counties. The publication released “The List” in its June 18-24 publication.“What is impressive about The List is our 23% growth. Only a few other facilities had more growth than Littauer.” stated Laurence E. Kelly Littauer’s President and CEO adding, “This ranking is living proof of our mission to attract and retain the best medical minds for our region.
Littauer’s Joint Commission Accreditation to Continue Posted on June 22, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer receives high marks, accreditation extended for entire service line, including primary/specialty care centers“The highest standards of health care”Gloversville… Nathan Littauer Hospital was recently notified of the results of an unannounced on-site full survey conducted by The Joint Commission in February. The survey led to a three-year continuation of Littauer’s current full accreditation with the nation’s predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.“At the close of our survey, the examiners said such glowing things about our facility. Based on their comments, we were filled with such a sense of pride for the Littauer System of Health Services.” stated Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO. Adding, “Therefore we were not surprised to receive a continuation of our accreditation.”Littauer’s Chief of StaffThe accreditation extends to the hospital and now also to their eight primary/specialty care centers. Nathan Littauer Hospital was first accredited in 1953. The Hospital voluntarily belongs to The Joint Commission. “This is a national standard every health care organization strives to meet. We are pleased The Joint Commission acknowledges our efforts to meet their high standards for health care quality and safety,” said Paul Perreault, MD Chief of Staff for Nathan Littauer Hospital. He said, “But our work is not done. Everyday, we strive to be better for our patients, even after surveyors have long gone.”Littauer’s continuing accreditation by The Joint Commission follows an audit of actual delivery of patient-care services conducted in January of 2010. The survey team examined all facets of patient care from direct patient care to supporting teams, such as engineering and nutrition. “No stone was left unturned” commented Cheryl McGrattan Hospital Spokesperson. “Accreditation is a grueling process and speaks volumes about the level of care Littauer provides.”“Our mission lives” said Diane Swartz, Director of Performance Improvement for Littauer. “This is an important milestone for us and proves we are doing our best to provide excellent care at Nathan Littauer Hospital”“This important accreditation speaks to the level of care that Littauer provides,” said Wally Hart, President/CEO of the Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He continued, “Our community continues to be proud of its hospital and what its staff has accomplished, and this announcement proves what we already know–Nathan Littauer Hospital provides the highest levels of quality and patient care.”The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization which evaluates and accredits more than 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Since 1951, The Joint Commission has maintained standards that focus on improving the quality and safety of care provided by health care organizations, and Joint Commission accreditation is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting those standards.xxx Nathan Littauer Hospital and Family of Health Services serves Fulton, Montgomery and Hamilton Counties Upstate New York with a full-service 74-bed hospital, eight primary care centers, 84-bed nursing home and a community education center. The hospital opened 116 years ago, has 950 employees and recently opened a new Birthing Center. The hospital also opened a new Emergency Care Center this spring.
Radiology Revolution Launched Posted on June 22, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeLittauer’s successful new micro site www.radiologyrevolution.comeases fear of diagnostic procedures.The Radiology Revolution is underway!Gloversville, NY…If you scan the web you will see thousands of admissions: “I’m having my first MRI tomorrow I’M SCARED!” and “I am afraid of that dye for the CT scan.” or “Am I the only one who is scared to have an MRI?” and “I am 15 years old and I have to have an ultrasound. What are ultrasounds and what are they like?” or “I’m having my first mammogram tomorrow and I’m really scared. I’ve heard some women say it’s painful.” And there are countless more anonymous confessions. According to Patrice McMahon, Vice President of Primary Care Services for Nathan Littauer Hospital, “Doctors have so many diagnostic tools available to them and they are so effective in diagnosing disease. Unfortunately ordering a test may strike fear into even the savviest patient.” McMahon, added, “And these admissions of fear are not typically heard during a doctor’s visit.” According to Cheryl McGrattan Hospital spokesperson, “We found that people are not only afraid of the test results but of the procedure itself. When I heard a nurse practitioner state that she was nervous about her upcoming MRI, I knew Nathan Littauer’s diagnostic team could play a central role in alleviating patient concern.”The answer? In 3 short months the hospital developed a new microsite aimed at subsiding fear while touting their diagnostic capabilities: www.radiologyrevolution.com. It is a site developed specifically for patients and doctors. Patients can read a patient story, ask a question, do some research and they can even see an exam. They can “meet” the technicians; they can learn about how a radiologist is trained, see the equipment and meet the radiologists at Nathan Littauer Hospital. “I think the most useful piece of the site is the videos.” stated Cheryl McGrattan. The site has 9 of the most popular diagnostic exams available to view. Each bears a title such as: “A CT scan. What to expect.” The doctor portal allows practitioners to read up on all the hospital’s capabilities, see where exams can be fulfilled and link directly to the Diagnostic Imaging Team. The site also has hyperlinks to frequently used physician and patient resources.A site for anyone who needs a diagnostic testThe goal? “The goal is to create an information portal” explains Cheryl McGrattan. Mike McBiles, MD was recently named the head of the Diagnostic Team at Littauer. He states, “I’ve worked many places in the U.S. and I can honestly say Nathan Littauer is state-of-the-art.” He added, “I am thrilled to have this tool available to not only our patients and doctors but for anyone who would like more information about their exam. This team and this equipment is worth bragging about.”Department Secretary Priscilla Pearson, a Diagnostic Imaging Team member for 22 years, is excited about this tool stating, “Patients come in and do not understand what is going to happen to them. They ask if they are going to need an injection for a dexa scan. They do not know what the equipment looks like.” She states, “The videos on Radiology Revolution are my favorite part. It does not look so scary when you can actually see it.”“We have made significant investment in our diagnostic capabilities, spending almost 3.5 million since 2008.” stated Hospital President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly. “We have big city technology right here in Fulton County.” “Unfortunately,” he admits, “all the investment in the world does not do any good if someone is too afraid to go.” He added, “We even have a regular x-ray on Radiology Revolution- which is great for children to watch.” He concludes, “Our physicians or any physician for that matter will now be able to say, ‘I am sending you for PET SCAN, if you would like to see what the exam is like log onto radiology revolution.com’”.According to Ms. McGrattan, “Microsites are very useful. Hospital websites can be huge and daunting. Radiology Revolution supplements our primary website: www.nlh.org, and allows us to focus on one thing: our fantastic diagnostic imaging capabilities.” The hospital also launched series of teaser billboards, explaining, “We can see right through you- www.radiologyrevolution.com”Susan Kiernan Vice President of Development notes, “We do not want this tool to be limited to just our patients.” The site has been well received by physicians from around the region. Michael Katz, MD a family Practitioner from East Greenbush heard about the website and said, “I will use the site for my patients.”According to Susan Kiernan, “The site is a huge success.” When the hospital loaded the videos on to You Tube they immediately started to get hits. She added, “I was amazed. People are hungry and clamoring for this information. We have gotten 1107 hits on these videos.” She concludes, “I am thrilled the world is using this tool.” xxx Nathan Littauer Hospital and Family of Health Services serves Fulton, Montgomery and Hamilton Counties Upstate New York with a full-service 74-bed hospital, eight primary care centers, 84-bed nursing home and a community education center. The hospital opened 116 years ago, has 950 employees and recently opened a new Birthing Center. The hospital also opened a new Emergency Care Center this spring.The Radiology Revolution is underway!
Camp SuperStarrs- a camp for special kids Posted on June 21, 2010 by Dakota PikeChildren with health problems find a summer haven in Fulton County for two weeksLifelong friendships started hereGloversville, NY…“I am going to summer camp!” That is what Nathan Littauer Hospital wants every kid to be able to say, even those with medical conditions. And thanks to Camp SuperStarrs, that dream is coming true for many kids. This year, Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Camp SuperStarrs will be celebrating 31 years of bringing summer fun to children with health problems. The dates for this year’s camp will be July 19-23rd, and the second session will take place July 26th– July 30th. The camp is held at Woodworth Lake’s Boy Scout Camp.The program, available to children between the ages of 5 to 14, was lovingly created by Wayne McNeil, and Dr. David V. Clough. Susan McNeil stated, “They wanted to give children with health problems the opportunity to go to summer camp like other kids.” And for 31 years Camp SuperStarrs has done just that. Campers, whose health problems include asthma, diabetes, eating disorders and other conditions, participate in typical summer camp activities such as fishing, arts and crafts, swimming, and field sports. Laurence E. Kelly, President and CEO of the Hospital agrees noting, “This program opens doors, and provides lasting friendships for children around this region. If you do not know about Camp SuperStarrs, you should. I could not be prouder of this program, and the commitment we have demonstrated to our region’s youth.”Founded in 1979, the camp provides medical support and education to children in an Adirondack Camp. Hospital Spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan notes, “Last year, one parent said to me, ‘Camp SuperStarrs was the only time I slept all year, because I knew my son was having fun and under medical care.’” Ms. McGrattan added, “Camp SuperStarrs is pure magic!” In addition to the fun programs, children are educated about their health conditions helping them gain awareness about the causes and controls of their situation. Mostly children are encouraged to participate at any level while enjoying a host of summer activities. As a rule, children are called “campers” and never “patients”. The campers experience can have a lasting effect as Susan McNeil points out, “Many of the campers form friendships that last well into their adulthood. And some of camp counselors started coming to camp as children.”The camp is staffed with trained medical staff including a nurse and respiratory therapist from Nathan Littauer Hospital. “We couldn’t be as successful as we are without the Hospital’s support,” McNeil concludes. “The staff work very hard for two weeks making sure that the children are safe and happy from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. In addition to the staff who volunteer their time, the Hospital provides the food for the campers’ lunch and overnight stay.” Their one-week camping experience concludes with an overnight in tents that were donated by Ronald McDonald House. For more information about Camp SuperStarrs call Susan McNeil at 773-5408.XXX
Littauer’s travel tips featured on the news! Posted on June 14, 2010 by Dakota PikeLittauer’s own Barb DeLuca was recently featured on WRGB news encouraging people with lung conditions to “get out and enjoy summer.” See the coverage here:http://www.cbs6albany.com/video/?videoId=91440756001&lineupId=1143371293&play=nowIf you have any questions please contact our Respiratory THerapy Department at 518-773-5453
Taking your lungs on vacation Posted on June 11, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeTaking Your Lungs on Vacation: Littauer Respiratory Therapists invite people with lung disease to enjoy summer vacations again.Advice on vacationing with special conditionsGloversville, NY…Consider this: AAA estimated 32.1 million Americans started the summer traveling season this past Memorial Day. But for those with a lung condition like asthma or COPD, many opt for a “staycation” because of their apprehension to travel. If Nathan Littauer Respiratory Therapists have their way, more people with lung conditions will join the ranks of those taking an old fashioned summer vacation. Nathan Littauer is offering some advice and some practical tips for people with lung disease planning on traveling this summer.Barb DeLUca is a registered Respiratory Therapist“Getting ready to go on vacation is always a lot of work, but if you have breathing problems that require you to be on oxygen, an inhaler or a nebulizer, planning for a trip can sometimes seem overwhelming.” stated Barbara DeLuca, Registered Respiratory Therapist at Nathan Littauer Hospital.“I find that people with lung conditions often do not travel” Ms. DeLuca explains. “Patients tell me they are afraid they will run out of oxygen, or they are afraid they won’t be able to take their treatments when they need them or they may simply be embarrassed of their condition.”It doesn’t have to be that way say respiratory therapists from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). Ms. DeLuca adds, “I want people to know that their lung disease should not hinder them from enjoying life. They just need to plan ahead.”Ms. DeLuca remembers, “I know of a patient who had very bad COPD and we worked with her and her son to get her back to something she really enjoyed: boating. She went out on a boat for the first time in 5 years with her son. We helped her get a portable unit and spent the afternoon floating around on the Sacandaga. She was ecstatic.”Using OxygenBarb DeLuca gives suggestions about traveling with a lung condition“A lot of people who are on oxygen think they can’t travel anymore,” says Barb DeLuca. “That’s just not true. It just takes a little extra planning.”Ms. DeLuca says the first thing to do is talk to your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough for the trip. “Your doctor knows your specific medical problems and needs, and will be able to answer your questions.” The next step depends a lot on what form of transportation you’re going to be using to get where you want to go.“If you are traveling by car, bus, train, or ship then you can take your portable oxygen system with you,” says Ms. DeLuca. You’ll need to let the bus, train, or cruise line know you will be taking oxygen on board, however, and follow their instructions for its use. You’ll also need to make sure the bus or train stops at cities where you can get your portable oxygen tank refilled. If you’re taking a cruise, you’ll need to have enough oxygen delivered to the ship before leaving harbor.Also check the latest information on airline travel. Certain oxygen concentrators are now allowed aboard airlines, thanks to lobbying efforts by the AARC and other health care groups. A list of those approved devices is on the AARC’s patient education website, YourLungHealth.org.If you’ll be staying in a hotel during your trip, you’ll also need to call them ahead of time and let them know you’ll be using oxygen during your stay.While traveling with oxygen may sound complicated, Ms, DeLuca emphasizes help is readily available for people who give it a try. In most cases, your oxygen supplier will work with you to set up the trip, making sure you have what you need when you need it.“One purpose of oxygen is to improve the quality of your lifestyle,” says the respiratory therapist. “That ‘quality’ includes being able to visit friends, make business trips, and take vacations.”Helpful Hints for Traveling with Oxygen Here are some helpful hints from the American Association for Respiratory Care on taking oxygen on the road:Call your oxygen supplier and let them know when, where, and how you plan to travel so they can arrange to meet you at the airport, hotel, or other locations along the way to deliver you the oxygen you’ll need while you’re away.Notify your doctor about your travel plans. You’ll need a special prescription for oxygen used while on the airplane.For more information on traveling with oxygen visit the AARC’s consumer web site, www.YourLungHealth.orgAsthma “on the road”For those people with asthma who are traveling, Ms. DeLuca recommends the following: Speak to your doctor before you leave. Your health care provider can be a wealth of knowledge. Take with you a detailed list of medications showing prescription refill number, prescribing physician and dosage. (Each medication’s original label should have all the needed information.)* Pack the needed quantities of medications and, if possible, also pack a backup quantity to avoid being caught short. Be sure to pack your medication in your carry-on luggage in case checked luggage is lost.* If you are using a peak flow meter, be sure to bring it along on your vacation, with the chart that is used to record results.* If you are using a nebulizer to deliver anti-asthma medication, it should not be left at home when going on vacation. Be sure that, if traveling abroad, you have an electrical current converter for the nebulizer. For campers and others who will be spending vacation periods in “the rough,” portable nebulizers powered off an auto cigarette lighter receptacle are available.* When booking a hotel room, make sure you ask for a non-smoking and mold-free room. Some hotels are now advertising hypoallergenic rooms. Ask. Traveling can be a very dusty environment. Make sure you replace the cap on the inhaler after each use. This keeps dust and dirt off the mouthpiece, and keeps anything from getting into the inhaler and blocking the action. * Store your inhaler in a clean environment, convenient place. Put your inhaler in a sealed zip-top bag. It will still be handy when you need it, but it will always be clean. * Keep your inhaler with you and not in a car! The glove box of your car might seem like a handy place to store an inhaler, but the extreme heat in your car can change the composition of the medication and render it ineffective. Some inhalers can burst when exposed to extreme heat. Think your car is not extreme heat? Think again. Cars can reach an internal temperature of over 130 degrees on hot days. A study from Stanford University shows that even on comparatively cool days, such as 72 degrees, a car’s internal temperature will rocket to 116 degrees within 60 minutes. And keeping the windows open a crack hardly slows the rise at all. If you have questions about the primary allergens and pollen count in the area you are visiting, contact the local Chamber of Commerce. Or you can call the National Allergy Bureau at 1-800-9-POLLEN or visit the Asthma and Allergy page of our website. AAFA also has a national network of educational support groups. One may be in the area you are traveling to and could provide you with useful local information. And finally Ms. DeLuca suggests: If you are apprehensive about getting back on the road, you may want to plan a short overnight trip, as a trial run well before a long trip. She concludes, “What is important is to have a good quality of life and if you want to travel we can help you get there.” XXX * Information provided by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology You can get more information by visiting:The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology www.aaaai.orgTo learn more about lung health, visit the American Association for Respiratory Care’s patient education website at www.YourLungHealth.org. Respiratory therapists are specially trained health care professionals who assist physicians in treating and managing respiratory patients in hospitals, outpatient centers, physicians’ offices, skilled nursing facilities, and patients’ homes.The American Association for Respiratory Care is a professional membership organization of respiratory therapists dedicated to respiratory therapy education and research. Among its goals are to advocate on behalf of pulmonary patients for appropriate access to respiratory services provided by qualified professionals and to benefit respiratory health care providers.Nathan Littauer Hospital and Family of Health Services serves Fulton, Montgomery and Hamilton Counties Upstate New York with a full-service 74-bed hospital, eight primary care centers, 84-bed nursing home and a community education center. The hospital opened 116 years ago, has 950 employees and recently opened a new Birthing Center. The hospital also opened a new Emergency Care Center this spring. Caption for photo: Ms. DeLuca warns people not to store medications in a hot car when traveling
