Polly Peck, NP joins the Gastroenterology Specialists of Littauer Posted on May 26, 2015 by Dakota PikeGLOVERSVILLE – Nathan Littauer Hospital is proud to announce Polly Peck, NP has joined the Gastroenterology Specialists of Littauer. Peck will be assisting Dr. Luz Alvarez and her practice located at Littauer’s Gastroenterology Primary/Specialty Center, 135 County Highway 128, Johnstown, (also known as 434 So. Kingsboro Ave. Extension next to Cataract Care Center and Mohawk Valley Orthopedics). “I am very fortunate to have been chosen to work with such an amazing, compassionate, patient-centered team,” said Peck. “It is great to be a part of Littauer’s growth and the offering of such a vital resources to our community.” Peck is in her tenth year working for Littauer. She is now seeing patients, and assisting with gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures. An entirely new gastroenterology office was developed at Litttauer’s Johnstown Surgery Center on So. Kingsboro Ave. The 1458 square foot office houses three exam rooms, one procedure room, two offices, two restrooms, and a new reception area. The office is adjacent to the completely refurbished Endoscopy Center with a reception area, three operating rooms; sterilization equipment, a multiple patient recovery room, exam rooms, and the most complete state-of-the art technology and equipment for all procedures. “One of the most rewarding aspects of working with Dr. Alvarez is experiencing first-hand her patient-centered philosophy. This career move reinforces the reasons why I went into medicine in the first place,” added Peck. To schedule a consultation or appointment with Polly Peck or the Gastroenterology Specialists of Littauer, please call (518) 752-5275.
Littauer welcomes Dr. Luz Alvarez Posted on May 7, 2015May 7, 2015 by Dakota Pike“I am excited to join Littauer and I am happy to bring my practice here”Nathan Littauer Hospital is proud to announce Luz F. Alvarez, M.D. has joined the Gastroenterology Specialists of Littauer. Alvarez is an established gastroenterologist with a dedicated practice in this region and nearly three decades of medical experience.Dr. Alvarez has joined the Nathan Littauer Gastroenterologist Specialty Team“Dr. Alverez has a thriving practice and we were more than willing to help her migrate that practice to the new center we developed and customized to her clinical needs,” said Laurence E. Kelly, Littauer’s President and CEO. “As CEO, it is especially satisfying to know we will have thousands of new patients that will now be a part of Littauer Health Services.”“I am excited to join Littauer and I am happy to bring my practice here,” claims Dr. Alvarez.Dr. Alvarez is combining forces with Dr. Kamini Ramani who also has a firmly established and well respected medical practice, and Dr. Hamid Azizur Rehman, whom she has worked closely with for 25 years. The three Littauer doctors together create the region’s most highly respected force in gastroenterology, armed with the latest state-of-the-art technology and equipment.“Joining Littauer was a very smooth transition for me and my practice,” said Alvarez. “I am able to work with a well-recognized team, and bring my services to the Littauer community.”Dr. Alvarez was born in Colombia, and came to the United States when she was 14 years-old. She knew she wanted to be a doctor since childhood.“I was told as a child to be a nurse – women are not meant to be doctors” said Dr. Alvarez. “Perhaps that is why I have always strived so hard to be the best at what I do.”She completed her undergraduate education at SUNY New Paltz in three years then continued medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse at where she fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a doctor. She completed her residency and a GI fellowship at Albany Medical College and has been in private practice since 1990.“What is most gratifying to me is working directly with my patients. I enjoy getting to know them,” said Alvarez.You will find Dr. Alvarez’s offices at Littauer’s Gastroenterology Primary/Specialty Center, 135 County Highway 128, Johnstown, (also known as 434 So. Kingsboro Ave. Extension next to Cataract Care Center and Mohawk Valley Orthopedics).“I am looking forward to working in the new and complete outpatient endoscopy center,” touted Dr. Alvarez. “My patients can now be seen, be pretested, and undergo their procedure all at the same site. With this new seamless process, there will be no delays, and in most cases no lines and no use for a different facility. I think it will create a much more comfortable process for patients.”An entirely new gastroenterology suite was developed at Litttauer’s Johnstown Surgery Center on So. Kingsboro Ave. for Dr. Alvarez. The 1458 square foot suite houses three exam rooms, one procedure room, two offices, two restrooms, and a new reception area. The office is adjacent to the completely refurbished Endoscopy Center with a reception area, three operating rooms; sterilization equipment, a multiple patient bay recovery room, exam rooms, and the most complete state-of-the art technology and equipment for all procedures.Dr. Alvarez notes the transition for her existing patients is going to be a very comfortable process, as she is happy to say her staff has joined her at Littauer.“I am excited to bring to my new center many of the same people I have worked with for the past 25 years. People from the front desk, to nurses, and gastroenterology technicians have been with my practice. Patients will have a very easy transition with all the familiar faces they have gotten to know and trust over the years,” said Alvarez.Alvarez went on to say; “In addition to the new center, I am thrilled to be working with such a brilliant team of gastroenterologists. I have worked in collaboration with Dr. Ramani and Dr. Rehman for the past 25 years. As a team we can offer wonderful, quality patient care with complete coverage and service to this area.”Colorectal cancer – which can be detected and treated by gastroenterologists, is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. Regularly scheduled screenings are highly recommended. People with any type of digestive orders are encouraged to schedule a consultation or appointment with Dr. Alvarez by calling (518) 752-5275. XXX
WOW! Technology meets comfort at Littauer Posted on March 25, 2015April 1, 2015 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer brings unique technology to the areaOnce again, Littauer has brought cutting-edge diagnostic imaging to the region. The hospital added the latest MRI technology to their main campus. A new suite was constructed to house the Optima MR450w with GEM, the latest in an advanced system from GE Healthcare. The system is designed to help maximize patient comfort while delivering uncompromised image quality.“This latest MRI is both patient and clinician friendly while producing leading-edge imagery,” states Director of Imaging/Cardiopulmonary Services Dwayne Eberle at Nathan Littauer Hospital.“The image quality at Littauer is of the highest quality anywhere. You could not get a better image at another major hospital. And good imagery means a better diagnosis,” said Littauer’s Chief of Radiology Dr. John Mastrangelo.The GE Optima* MR450w’s innovative wide bore design allows more space for added patient comfort. The table surface with different cushion densities is designed to alleviate pressure points, and a new coil array that offers feet-first imaging for all exam types. “Our Diagnostic Team is committed to making people feel as comfortable as possible. We understand these are stressful tests. That is why my staff is committed to making people feel comfortable. The more comfortable a patient feels the better images we get” said Littauer’s Chief of Radiology Dr. John Mastrangelo.In addition, GE’s Optima MR450w includes Silent Scan, a revolutionary new technique that makes some exams as quiet as a whisper.“Nathan Littauer has always been a leader in bringing new diagnostic imaging to this area,” said Cheryl McGrattan, Littauer Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “People with migraines or people who are claustrophobic will be especially happy to hear this news.”Funding for MRI was made in part by donations from the Nathan Littauer Foundation. “The community response to this MRI project was overwhelming. Clearly, people are committed to keeping Littauer in the forefront of technology. ” said Geoffrey Peck, Nathan Littauer Foundation Executive Director. He added, “We are so grateful to the donors who saw the need in our community and responded so generously.”To learn more or to schedule services, contact Littauer’s Diagnostic Imaging Department at (518) 773-5520, or go to www.nlh.orgPhoto – Littauer Patient Coordinator Keri Calhoun assists a patient for a scan in Littauer’s Optima MR450w with GEM, the latest in an advanced system from GE Healthcare
Littauer announces new Chief Nursing Officer Posted on March 25, 2015 by Dakota PikeLittauer is proud to welcome Stephanie Fishel, RN, NE-BC, BS BA, as the Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, a position recently vacated by the retired Regina Mulligan. Stephanie comes to Littauer from St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany where she had worked as their operations manager for over five years. A registered nurse for 15 years, Stephanie has an additional degree in health promotion/disease prevention and has her nurse executive certification.“It is an honor to follow Ginger Mulligan, a respected nurse, manager and a valued Littauer employee for 43 years,” said Stephanie.“I am thrilled to welcome Stephanie to our Littauer family. Her integrity as a nurse and professionalism parallel Littauer’s values of superior patient care and satisfaction,” said Littauer President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly.“Quality patient care and supporting the health care providers who are committed to delivering superior care is my passion,” said Stephanie.Stephanie attended Temple University and completed her education at University of Connecticut. For four years she lived in Moscow, Idaho working at Gritman Medical Center. While at Gritman Medical, a critical access hospital in a rural area, she became a jack-of-all-trades. “I learned from nurse mentors in rural Idaho, from ICU to home care,” said Stephanie. “I left there a better nurse.”Stephanie returned to the east coast and while working in Albany she developed a passion for operational management and process improvement. “How do we create a culture of safety? With a professional, self-driven team who embraces creativity and understands that patient safety is a journey,” said Stephanie.After working in both small community hospital settings and large metropolitan hospitals, Stephanie is happy to be at Littauer. “I feel at home here, and I knew immediately Littauer was the right fit for me.”Stephanie’s mantra is: “Treat others the way you would like to be treated yourself.” You can plan on seeing more smiles with Stephanie Fishel leading the way.Photo – Stephanie Fishel, Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Officer at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home
Amy Ellsworth, NLH Goodwill Employee for the Year Posted on March 25, 2015 by Dakota PikeLittauer recently announced their 2014 Goodwill Employee of the year. Amy Ellsworth, Office Coordinator of the Gloversville Primary & Specialty Care Center was the recipient of the honor. Ellsworth, a 14-year Littauer employee was nominated by her peers for her professional work ethic and endless compassion.At a hospital-wide award ceremony held Thursday, March 5, Littauer President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly said, “It takes all 1000 Littauer employees to do what we do for our patients and community. Not all of us are hands on, but we are here to support behind the scenes.”There were many examples of Ellsworth’s commitment to excellence. For example, a patient attributed Ellsworth’s intuitiveness to saving her life. The patient was in the parking lot refusing to come in and Ellsworth went outside to encourage her to enter the primary care center. Refusing to take no for an answer, Ellsworth got a wheelchair and brought the patient in. The patient was having a heart attack, and Ellsworth’s persistent actions most likely saved her life that day.“I’m a bit overwhelmed by this honor” said Ellsworth.Ellsworth was one of three top extraordinary finalists for the award. Second runner-up was Nicole Cleary, a Registration Representative. She was the 2014 third quarter Goodwill Award recipient. Cleary’s positive attitude and genuine smile, along with her outgoing personality with patients and co-workers made her an obvious choice as a finalist.First runner-up was Jessica Insogna, a Radiology Office Rep in Littauer’s Diagnostic Imaging Department. Insogna enjoys working with patients and has been employed by Littauer since 2006. Insogna was the 2014 first quarter Goodwill Employee recognized for her kindness, compassion, and professionalism.Ellsworth was presented with a bouquet of flowers, a plaque, gift certificate, check and a privileged hospital parking spot for a year. Her family was also present for the ceremony. Ellsworth’s family is from Galway and she resides in Mayfield with her fiancé Todd Brown.Photo – 2014 Goodwill Employee of the Year Amy Ellsworth, center, first runner up was Jessica Insogna, left, and Nicole Cleary at right
