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Nathan Littauer Launches COVID Recovery Program

June 8, 2021

After saving lives, Nathan Littauer aims to improve them!

According to an article from Harvard Health published March 2021, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 50% to 80% of patients continue to have troubling symptoms three months after the onset of COVID, even after tests no longer detect the virus in their body. Also, according to early studies July 2020 from NIH, one in ten people with COVID may develop long-lasting symptoms for at least a year. Always embracing new medical approaches, Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home announces the launch of a new relief program for those suffering with the long-term effects of COVID. Survivors of both mild and severe COVID illnesses report a wide range of symptoms that can persist for weeks or even months after they are diagnosed. These patients, sometimes called “Long-haulers” or people with “Long COVID.” Therefore, Nathan Littauer is announcing a new COVID Recovery Program aiming to restore people back to better health. “This program shows the strength of our fully-integrated health delivery system,” says Littauer’s President and CEO, Sean Fadale. “From physical therapy, to diagnostic imaging, to primary care and beyond, we bring these pieces together for the good of our most vulnerable neighbors.”

From left: Littauer’s Board-Certified Provider in Lifestyle Medicine, Janis Freeman; Littauer’s COVID Recovery Program Leader, Nicole Higgins, RPA; Littauer’s President and CEO, Sean Fadale.

The COVID Recovery Program at Nathan Littauer is for COVID survivors who are medically stable, but not able to return to their premorbid and/or prior activity levels. Littauer’s program is a whole-person approach with customized treatments for a patient’s path to recovery. Those suffering from Long COVID may have, but are not limited to: fatigue, exercise or exertion endurance issues, headaches, brain fog, dizziness, problems concentrating, loss of taste or smell, gastrointestinal issues, sleep disturbances, breathing issues, lung and heart inflammation, clotting issues, or any other new symptoms.

“This program will provide a much-needed service to our patients and our community,” says Littauer’s COVID Recovery Program Leader Nicole Higgins, RPA. “We provide an environment where patients can get answers and we intend to help people recover, while all the time, listening.”

COVID Recovery Program Leader, Nicole Higgins, RPA, discusses the importance of the COVID Recovery Program for the communities Nathan Littauer serves.

If a person is suffering from Long COVID, Nathan Littauer Hospital would like members of the community to know: “We believe you, and we are here to help.”

How does the COVID Recovery Program at Nathan Littauer Hospital work? Littauer explains:

First, we listen. Patients with lasting COVID complications often feel no one believes them. Patients will not experience that with us. We listen, create individualized treatment plans, and provide an environment where patients can get answers to their questions and quick referrals to participating specialists.

Second, we test and start customized treatment plans. We also have specialists throughout our health system who can provide timely consultations. Patients may receive referrals to our Physical Therapy, Vascular, Neurology, and Wellness Specialists.

Third, we are providing lasting support through wellness and offer education for our community, designed to teach and support.

Why is Nathan Littauer Hospital launching the COVID Recovery Program? Higgins affirms, “There are many people who are suffering in silence or feel ignored when it comes to their long-lasting COVID symptoms. This program will provide a much-needed service to our patients and our community. People deserve to have their problems evaluated in a systematic way, by experienced clinicians who care. We have built that program. We have a responsibility to help, because we can.”

The healthcare organization developed a multidisciplinary team, studied many Long COVID Programs, and most importantly, collaborated with Brian Curtis, MD, of Peoria, Illinois, an Internal Medicine Specialist specializing in Long COVID care. “I have enjoyed collaborating with Nathan Littauer Hospital staff and providers as they create a responsive, clinical program for people suffering with long-COVID,” says Curtis. “As a physician who designed a COVID ‘Long Haulers’ program in December of 2020, I can say the clinical landscape for some patients struggling to recuperate from COVID is complex. Through our sharing, I believe Littauer has the building blocks to assist their patients in their trajectory for recovery. I did take note that Nathan Littauer is a small, regional hospital looking to provide the most cutting-edge services to their community. I applaud their entrepreneurial, forward thinking approach to rural medicine. I look forward to sharing notes in the months to come.”

Fadale agrees, “I’m looking forward to patients engaging with our health system, particularly those who may have suffered with COVID. It is our quest to help them on their journey to better health. This is the right solution, at the right time.”

Littauer’s President and CEO and providers unveil the COVID Recovery Program logo to the community.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from Nathan Littauer’s COVID Recovery Program, please call (518) 774-1883 or email COVIDrecovery@nlh.org for your appointment today.

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About Nathan Littauer

Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, 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 they serve.  More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org.

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Nathan Littauer Teams Up With Survivor Corps

June 11, 2021

Survivor Corps Launches Digital Platform, SurvivorCorps.com, to Empower Community of COVID-19 Survivors to Step Up to Support Pandemic's End

Survivor Corps is one of the largest and fastest growing grassroots movements connecting, supporting, educating, motivating and mobilizing COVID-19 Survivors to support all medical, scientific and academic research, help stem the tide of this pandemic and assist in the national recovery.

Nathan Littauer Hospital listed as one of the few COVID recovery programs offered in New York State, as seen on survivorcorps.com

With the launch of Nathan Littauer’s new COVID Recovery Program, the healthcare organization is working with Survivor Corps, and is now listed as a resource on their website for those who may be suffering from Long COVID.

The new Nathan Littauer COVID Recovery Program is designed for people experiencing Long COVID symptoms for weeks and even months after having the virus. Our network of specialists along with a series of support groups and wellness classes, can help speed up your recovery.

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Nathan Littauer Announces Updated Visitation Restrictions for Hospital

June 10, 2021

With a decline in the number of COVID-19 infections within Fulton County, we are pleased to be able to allow our hospitalized patients to have visitors on a limited basis. Visits from friends and family can promote patients’ physical or emotional well-being and care. Please be aware that the pandemic is not over and risks of transmission remain. We encourage virtual visits as an alternative to in-person visitation. Visitor access will be managed by the Nursing Supervisor, Manager, and Security: Any questions related to visitation: please call (518) 725-8621. If needed, patients can ask their care team for additional guidance on virtual visits.

Nathan Littauer Hospital’s visitation guidelines as of June 10, 2021 can be found below.

A Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home employee is screened as they enter the hospital.

To keep patients, staff, and visitors safe, the following list of expectations for visitation must be adhered to at all times:

  • Two visitors permitted at a time on Medical/Surgical Unit.  (see below for other unit guidelines)  
  • Proper handwashing and wearing of personal protective equipment is expected.
  • Visitors must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Visiting hours are limited to 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday with inpatients units.
  • Visiting hours are limited to 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, Saturday – Sunday with inpatients units.
  • Visitors must wear masks covering mouth and nose at all times while in the hospital.
  • All visitors must check-in at the registration desk.
  • Visitors will register and participate in the automated screening process in the lobby.  
  • Registration will give visitor patient’s room number; visitors will be requested to show a photo ID.
  • The visitors’ badge, printed from screening machine, will identify the approved destination; this badge must be visible during the entire length of the visit.
  • Visitors will check in with the ward clerk at the nurses’ station.
  • Visitors must stay in the room of the patient they are visiting.
  • Family and Friends may rotate visiting, keeping in mind, all visitors must go through screening and only 2 visitors at any one time.
  • Cafeteria and Gift shop closed to visitors. 
  • Patients are encouraged to wear masks covering mouth and nose as tolerated.
  • At least six feet of distancing between visitors and patients should be practiced at all times.
  • Visitors may not eat or drink in the patient’s room.
  • Anyone who has any symptoms of illness should not visit the hospital and will be asked to leave.
  • You may be asked to leave the premises should you fail to adhere to any of these requirements.
  • We will continue to provide compassionate exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

Separate visitation guidelines are established for the following:

  • Emergency Department and Special Care Unit (SCU): One visitor allowed at a time.  Visitor is able to switch out with other family to visit.  Compassionate exceptions made on a case-by-case basis.
    • The Birthing Center:  Labor and Delivery:  Patients are allowed to have one designated support person throughout the patients stay which may include a doula.
    • The Birthing Center: Postpartum (After Delivery):   Same designated support person as in Labor and Delivery and one visitor following the above visiting hour guidelines.
    • Outpatient services: One visitor allowed.  Please follow guidelines above.
    • COVID Positive patients: to be determined by Nursing Supervision and care team. 

Nathan Littauer’s Nursing Home visitation guidelines can be found here.

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Littauer Lights the Way to Accessible Healthcare

June 9, 2021

Nathan Littauer Hospital Celebrates Opening of Caroga Lake Primary Care

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to announce the opening of the organization’s new Caroga Lake Primary Care Center in Caroga, NY. The healthcare organization began the center’s construction in late September 2020. Previously, Nathan Littauer Hospital leased a portion of the municipal building, owned by the Town of Caroga in 2005. Now as a standalone structure for the people of Caroga, the organization is proudly continuing its healthcare services in a new center. “We look forward to meeting new patients in the area,” says Alison Townsend, Physician Assistant with Nathan Littauer. “We provide an invaluable service to the community members here, and I think our patients are really grateful for that.”

The new Primary Care Center is approximately 1,350 square feet of space, and is next to Caroga’s Town Hall, where the original primary care center was housed.

Nathan Littauer’s new Caroga Lake Primary Care Center.

“It is exciting to work with Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home in our commitment to the community,” said Supervisor of Town of Caroga Scott Horton. “This new Caroga Lake Primary Care Center is a boon, and it shows that the area of our town continues to grow. In turn, so is its need for great healthcare services.”

The Caroga Lake Primary Care Center is now accepting new patients. To call and schedule an appointment, or to select a primary care provider, call: (518) 835-2341.

Nathan Littauer Hospital invites the members of its community, and the people of the Town of Caroga, to celebrate the Primary Care Center’s opening June 24, 2021. From 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Nathan Littauer will host a “drive-thru open house,” where members of the public will get a glimpse of the new center, and receive a free gift, while supplies last!

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About Nathan Littauer

Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, 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 they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org.

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Littauer Physician’s Work with COVID Draws International Attention

May 27, 2021

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is proud to announce the Medical Director of the healthcare organization’s Hospitalist program, Devjit Roy, MD, has an article accepted for publication with the prestigious British Medical Journal. Roy is one of the authors of the article. “We’re extremely proud Dr. Roy received the recognition he deserves for his work,” says Littauer’s Chief Medical Officer Frederick Goldberg. “The research findings in Treatment of unexplained coma and hypokinetic-rigid syndrome in a patient with COVID-19 provides greater understanding of COVID’s complexity. His work may shape future treatments and clinical approaches for people with COVID.”

The study follows a patient suffering from severe complications of COVID. The patient experienced encephalopathy (damage or disease which affects the brain), hypokinetic rigid syndrome (the decreased and slowed movements similar to Parkinson’s disease), and severe cognitive impairment.

“Some may call the patient’s recovery a miracle,” says Dr. Roy. “But, on the scientific level there’s much more at work. This specific patient in our study was suffering from, not only the negative effects of the virus, but from prolonged hospitalization and being on a ventilator. It was likely this patient was not going to make it.”

We are learning, infection complications from COVID vary from person to person. Some positive with the disease feel little to no symptoms. For others, it can ravage their health and respiratory system completely, requiring intubation and placement on a ventilator. Numerous symptoms of the disease suggest even long-term neurological involvement and complications. Proving more challenging, there is little to no literature to describe neurophysiological cognitive state and treatment of patients in the post-intensive care unit (ICU).

Moreover, the patient in Dr. Roy’s study began experiencing depleted dopamine stores in the brain due to long-term use of anesthetics to keep the patient breathing on the ventilator, without the risk of erratic or inconsistent breathing patterns. This results in preserved consciousness, tremors, and intact eye movements.

“This patient was at risk of not making it,” explained Dr. Roy. “We needed to act fast. So, we tried an approach that was scientifically supported, and it worked. It was very successful.”

Dr. Roy and his care team immediately began treating the patient with Modafinil (used to treat narcolepsy) and Carbidopa-Levodopa (used to treat Parkinson’s disease). These medications have been shown to improve and accelerate functional recovery and sleep-wake cycles.

Within just a few days, the patient was awake, alert, and began showing increased movement of their body. After the first week of treatment, the patient was weaned from ventilator usage, able to communicate meaningfully, and demonstrated increased mobility. When the patient was medically stable for discharge and rehabilitation, the patient continued their medication regiment and showed overall signs of improvement. The patient was discharged home after a month of acute rehabilitation.

“This study is very meaningful to me,” Dr. Roy adds. “Not much was known about COVID at the time – there still isn’t,” Dr. Roy adds. “Nobody would’ve imagined this crisis to happen when it did, and for it to have put such a strain on hospitals, our healthcare systems, and our country. But it did. Yet, we have responded in the best way possible – get more information, understand more about the virus, and find answers. And we are actively doing that.”

Medical Director of Littauer’s Hospitalist program, Devjit Roy, MD

To read the full article, visit: https://casereports.bmj.com/content/14/3/e239781.full?ijkey=KCNlkQBsWbMgeuJ&keytype=ref

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New Providers Say, “We’ve Got This.”

May 27, 2021

While many hospitals struggled to find medical care providers, Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home acquired new, talented providers during the pandemic, acclimating them quickly to serve a critical role during a critical time. For the year 2020, the healthcare organization added 28 new providers to its medical staff, totaling more than 200 providers working with Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home. “The members of our community are deserving of great healthcare services,” says Littauer Vice President of Primary and Specialty Care, Patrice McMahon. “That’s why we’ve chosen some of the best providers our patients could ask for.”

Nathan Littauer Primary/Specialty Care welcomed the following providers to its medical staff in the year 2020:

James Alexander, MD, Radiology; Mohammad Al-Hasan, MD, Emergency Medicine; James Bai, MD, Radiology; Emmanuel Bapana, MD, Emergency Medicine; Medhat Barsoom, MD, Emergency Medicine; Kayla Bellinger, FNP, Family Practice; Jeremiah Benoit, MD, Internal Medicine; Susan Duross, NP, Palliative Care; Obafemi Giwa-Amu, MD, Family Practice; Kristi Hecker, FNP, Family Practice; Abigail Johnson, PA, Orthopedics; Monika Kapusniak, CRNA, Anesthesiology; Stephen Little, DO, Anesthesiology; Sandeep Mangalmurti, MD, Cardiology; Trevor McGinley, MD, Emergency Medicine; Harish Moorjani, MD, Infectious Disease; Brittany Mulhall, NP, Cardiology; Elizabeth “Betty” O’Hagan, FNP, Family Practice; Sein Yone Pao, DO, Hospitalist; Ashlee Podolec, NP, Primary Care/OR; Betti Ressler, MD; Locums/Pediatrics; Ryan Richman, MD, Emergency Medicine; Devjit, Roy, MD, Inpatient Specialist/Hospitalist; Thomas Rush, MD, Infectious Disease; Krista Sheils, FNP, Pediatrics; Alison Townsend, PA, Caroga Lake Primary Care; Melissa VanSlyke, ANP, Family Medicine; Omer Wali, MD, Hospitalist; and Timothy Waters, DO, Hospitalist.

“While our nation is experiencing a shortage of medical providers, we have enjoyed great success in attracting high-quality physicians and Advance Practice Professionals to our medical staff,” says Littauer’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Frederick Goldberg, “These skilled, compassionate and dedicated medical professionals make it possible for our community to have easy access on a daily basis to what they most need and deserve: patient-centered, high-quality healthcare close to home.” 

In addition to welcoming new providers to the organization, Nathan Littauer Hospital is actively engaged in the early stages of a community and organizational pandemic recovery. The organization’s plan for recovery focuses on internal workforce development, increasing community vaccination rates, and general organizational growth.

New Littauer providers had a few things to say to the community members they serve:

“I am proud to be working with Nathan Littauer,” says Jeremiah Benoit, MD. “The past year has carried unique limitations and concerns, but we can continue working together to keep our community safe. Our Broadalbin Primary Care Center has been able to successfully stay open and accessible to our patients during the pandemic, and I’m adamant we will continue to do so. We have a great team of providers, nurses, and staff.”

Jeremiah Benoit, MD

“Being a healthcare provider during a pandemic presents unique challenges,” says Kayla Bellinger, FNP. “However, it has been reassuring to be part of a team that puts our community and the safety of our patients at the forefront. Most of us go into this field to optimize the health of others and advocate for those who have difficulty doing so for themselves; this has not changed through the pandemic. More than ever, we are here to help our community navigate through a scary and confusing time. Our facilities are open, safe, and we are here for you.”

Kayla Bellinger, FNP

“We are very understanding of the general public’s thoughts about visiting their provider during a pandemic,” says Obafemi “Femi” Giwa-Amu, MD. “But, we want to reassure our community members that we strive to keep our patients safe. We have safe, effective infection control and preventative measures in place, and stringent guidelines to ensure that we are healthy before we even start our day. We have all been offered vaccines as an added layer of protection, for us, and for you! I urge you not to delay your routine appointments, and know that we are here to keep you healthy.”

Obafemi “Dr. Femi”
Giwa-Amu, MD

Littauer’s providers explain, “We’ve got this,” to the people in the region. Now, Littauer providers are eager to help their patients prevent disease, and look forward to continuing a routine course of care. Nathan Littauer invites people back to their community hospital adding, “Health care should not be placed on-hold. We are here to help you heal.”

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About Nathan Littauer

Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74 bed acute care hospital with an 84 bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, 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 they serve.  More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org.

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Statement from New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker Regarding Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

April 13, 2021

“Today the CDC and FDA issued a statement recommending a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine out of an abundance of caution. New York State will follow the CDC and FDA recommendation and pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine statewide immediately today while these health and safety agencies evaluate next steps. All appointments for Johnson & Johnson vaccines today at New York State mass vaccination sites will be honored with the Pfizer vaccine.

“As the CDC and FDA have said, any adverse events related to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine ‘appear to be extremely rare’ and, ‘People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.’

“I am in constant contact with the federal government and we will update New Yorkers as more information becomes available.”

Visit New York State’s website for more information: http://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-new-york-state-health-commissioner-dr-howard-zucker-regarding-johnson-johnson

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