WELLSVILLE, NY (May 16, 2013) – Jones Memorial Hospital recently updated their bone density program with the purchase of a Bone Densitometer. This new machine offers more latitude in detecting low bone density and has the ability to image patient’s pediatrics through geriatrics and measures bone density at multiple anatomical sites including the spine, hip, and forearm.
Osteoporosis is the gradual thinning and weakening of the bones. It is often referred to as the “silent disease,” because there is rarely a sign of the disease until a lot of bone density has been lost. Visible symptoms may include loss of height and curvature of the upper back. Osteoporosis also can result in crippling and painful fractures, most often in the hip, back, or wrist.
Are you at risk for developing osteoporosis? According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 57 million Americans either have low bone density or osteoporosis. By 2020, half of all Americans over the age of 50 are expected to have these conditions. The most common risk factors are: female, over the age of 50, menopause, family history, low body weight/ being small and thin, and broken bones or height loss.
Osteoporosis can also affect men. Up to one in four will break a bone due to osteoporosis. The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that 2 million American men already have the disease and it’s expected the 12 million more men are at risk. Risk factors exist for men also. They are: family history, long term use of steroid medications, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, in activity and low testosterone.
JMH has the equipment to help your fight against osteoporosis. Talk to your healthcare provider about your bone health and ask about having a bone density exam. To schedule your appointment, call the Medical Imaging Department at 585-596-4014. The Bone Densitometry hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
PHOTO CAPTION: JMH Medical Imaging Tech Heather Kelley screens a patient with the new Bone Densitometer, an important tool in the fight against osteoporosis.
WELLSVILLE, NY (April 24, 2013) – Jones Memorial Hospital is pleased to announced that Dr. Pasquale Picco will be relocating his busy practice in Hornell to Wellsville to become part of the Jones Memorial Medical Practices. Dr. Picco will begin seeing patients at the Loder Street office on September 3, 2013.
“Dr. Picco is a wonderful addition to our medical staff,” said Eva Benedict, CEO at Jones. “We have never had a pulmonologist on staff so his experience and expertise will allow us to expand and grow our inpatient and outpatient services. We couldn’t be happier to welcome him to Wellsville.”
Board certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. Picco has been in private practice in Hornell for 17 years. After graduating from University of Rochester, Dr. Picco completed medical school at Syracuse University. After completing his internal medicine residency and a pulmonary fellowship at Guthrie Healthcare, he joined St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell.
“I am very excited by this opportunity,” said Dr. Picco. “I practice in both an inpatient and outpatient setting and I look forward to working in the hospital and OR at Jones Memorial as well as seeing patients in my new office.”
According to Julie Hart, Vice President of Physician Practices & Marketing at Jones, JMH plans on growing and expanding several service areas that will benefit from involving Dr. Picco – an experienced and board certified pulmonologist. “We are looking at expanding our Sleep Disorder Center and our cardiopulmonary services,” she said.
WELLSVILLE, NY (April 24, 2013) – Jones Memorial Hospital has announced that Cardiopulmonary Services have been updated with several pieces of new equipment!
“The new equipment is easier to use, has greater technology and produces better results,” explained Mona Carbone, RN, Director of the ER and Cardiopulmonary Services at JMH. The new EKG equipment provides graphic display of electric current generated by the heart. An EKG helps the provider identify conduction abnormalities that may indicate cardiopulmonary disease. The new Holter Monitor equipment also looks at the heart’s activity and provides a graphic display, but over a longer period of time: normally 24 to 48 hours. JMH also works with the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) to provide 30-day event monitoring. While wearing this type of monitor, patients push a button when they are experiencing symptoms that they have discussed with their provider. A recording is made of the condition right when it is happening. A heart patient may progress through all three stages of testing, from EKG to Holter to 30-day. The Holter Monitor readings are done by Cardiologist Imran Chaudry, MD.
New equipment has also been purchased for stress testing, which is also part of the cardiac testing progression. This test consists of monitoring the heart’s rhythm, pulse rate and blood pressure while the patient performs increasingly demanding physical exercise on a treadmill.
Another major equipment addition to the Cardiopulmonary Department is the PFT, Pulmonary Function Test. This test is used to diagnose many types of pulmonary disease. The new equipment is suitable for adults and children. “The PFT measures the air coming in to check for restrictive lung disease and air going out, which tells is there is an obstruction,” said Mrs. Carbone, adding that the results of a PFT can also be used to tell if a therapy is working.
All forms of cardiopulmonary testing requires an order from the healthcare provider. “Your provider will contact the JMH cardiopulmonary department to schedule testing at a time that is convenient for you,” said Mrs. Carbone.
Mona Carbone, RN, looks over the graphic display provided by the new Holter Monitoring equipment at JMH.
LITTLE GENESEE (April 11, 2013) – A Korean War Veteran who helped to develop one of the military's first remote-controlled tanks over 60 years ago was given five service medals from Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- Olean) at a ceremony today.
Sergeant Edwards received the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Korea Medal, the Republic of Korea-Korean War Service Medal, the New York State Medal For Merit and the New York State Conspicuous Service Star for his service overseas during the Korean War. The ceremony took place at the Faith Bible Church Learning Center in Little Genesee.
“Sergeant Edwards has been an inspiration to us all. He answered the call to service at a time when the entire globe was still recovering from World War II, and turmoil and uncertainty reigned. He rose through the ranks quickly, achieving the rank of Sergeant, and was an integral support piece to our nation’s efforts to bring peace to Korea. I am thrilled to give these medals to such a deserving veteran,” said Senator Young.
“This event today gives me a lot of personal satisfaction. Not only do I appreciate these medals and the recognition I received today, but I am happy that so many of my family members could be here to see it and I hope it is something that they will always remember. Thank you to Senator Young for these medals and this great honor,” said Sergeant Edwards.
Sergeant Lyle P. Edwards enlisted in the Army with one of his friends on August 17, 1948, at the recruiting office in Olean. From there, he was off to Jamestown to be sworn in and then to Fort Bragg where he completed basic training.
He was stationed in Japan for occupation duty for one year, and then was deployed to Korea. He was assigned to the 27th Ordinance Maintenance Company of the 1st Cavalry Division, working as a Tank Mechanic, when he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
When his tour ended after two years, one month and two days overseas and five campaigns, he was reassigned to the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, where he and his team worked to develop and improve military ordinance. With his extensive experience and knowledge of tanks from his time in Korea, Sergeant Edwards worked to produce one of the military’s first ever remote-controlled tanks.
“Sergeant Edwards traveled all over the world to spread freedom and we are all so thankful that he came back to his roots and settled here in Allegany County. I’d like to thank him for his service in the military, as well as being such an important contributor to the local community,” added Senator Young.
Sergeant Edwards was born in Belmont and spent most of his time growing up in Allegany County. After he was discharged from service on May 26, 1952, he returned to Allegany County and began working for Clark Brothers, which later became Dresser-Rand. Later, he started a 30-year career with Agway, serving as a store manager and then as a traveling representative.
He also found ways to continue his service, even after leaving the military. Sergeant Edwards was a school board member, rising to President of the Board for three years. He also was the Supervisor of Genesee. When he retired from Agway in 1990, he and his wife traveled to the Philippines for volunteer service, where he became the treasurer of a large mission.
WELLSVILLE, NY (April 9, 2013) – Imagine a world where the hospital pharmacist – the go-to expert on all kinds of medications – visits you while you are an inpatient. The pharmacist collaborates with you and your healthcare provider and discusses your medications, making personalized recommendations about which medication therapies are safe, appropriate and cost-effective. What a relief that would be, right? Welcome to Jones Memorial Hospital!
On April 1, Jones Memorial began offering a new trend in patient care: the Clinical Pharmacy Program. In addition to reducing medication errors and providing one-on-one patient counseling, the program has been shown to improve clinical outcomes and med reconciliation, which leads to decreased re-admission rates. “By talking to the patient’s family, we can answer questions and promote proper use of their medications, reducing the likelihood that the patient will come back to the hospital because of a problem with their medications,” explained Jody Bellows, RPh, Director of Pharmacy Services at JMH. The pharmacists at JMH will round on patients between 8 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday.
The Clinical Pharmacy process is patient-centered. The pharmacist begins by reviewing the patient’s history and profile to determine whether the prescribed medications are optimally meeting the patient’s needs and goals of care. “The pharmacist will be adding to the care notes and documenting interventions,” said Kerry Clark, PharmD, a member of the pharmacy staff at JMH. “Consulting with the patient’s health care providers and checking lab values and renal function is part of the regular morning meeting.” Because the pharmacists will be visiting the patients, there will be more opportunity to interact with the nurses and providers. “We will be able to check for anti-coagulation issues and allergic reactions and bring them to the attention of the nursing staff and the provider,” added Mr. Bellows, noting that often an adverse reaction to a medication is listed as an allergy.
In addition to improving patient safety, the Clinical Pharmacy program will also help with recruitment and retention of health care providers and pharmacists. According to Kerry Clark, pharmacy schools now graduate only Doctors of Pharmacy, PharmD. “The days of a pharmacist just dispensing drugs are gone,” she said. “A PharmD is trained to focus on the clinical aspects – rounding on patients, consulting with physicians – and it is what we want to do.”
Medication Reconciliation is important for every patient. “Even if a patient takes the time to write out all of their medications, they may not remember to update it every time there is a change,” explained Dr. Clark. “If they present the list upon admission and it includes a wrong dosage or a prescription they are no longer taking, they may get a new prescription for it when they leave the hospital.” If the med list is questionable, the clinical pharmacists will call the primary care provider or the retail pharmacy to double check the prescription list before the patient leaves. When a patient is discharged, they will have a complete and up-to-date list of their current medications on a wallet sized card.
Photo Caption: The Pharmacists at Jones Memorial Hospital include, clockwise from front left, Bill Wilson, RPh; Kerry Clark, PharmD; Jody Bellows, RPh; and Kathy Felip, RPh.
WELLSVILLE, NY (March 20, 2013) -- Dr. Heather Lanphere recently earned her board certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
“Dr. Lanphere’s certification is a testament to her expertise and her commitment to her patients,” said Julie Hart, VP of Marketing and Physician Practices. Obstetrician-gynecologists specialize in the general medical care of women, as well as care related to pregnancy and the reproductive tract. Dr. Lanphere is part of the Jones Memorial Medical Practices and sees patients at the Women and Children’s Health Services Office on Main Street.
Dr. Lanphere has a special interest in urogynecology. She sees females in all stages of life, from adolescence on and is accepting new patients. You may make an appointment with Dr. Lanphere by calling her office 585-596-4091.
A native of Wellsville and a graduate of Wellsville High School, Dr. Lanphere received her medical degree from the University Of Vermont College Of Medicine and completed her OB/GYN residency at the University of Louisville in Kentucky.
WELLSVILLE, NY (March 18, 2013) – In her late 50s, Sue Ellen has high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure. She has long struggled with her weight and is “too busy” to exercise. After taking the risk assessment provided by the American Diabetes Association, Sue Ellen was shocked to discover she is a textbook candidate for developing Type 2 Diabetes. Like everyone else who is overweight, under active and over the age of 45, she is at risk for developing diabetes.
The idea behind Diabetes Alert Day, set for Tuesday March 26 this year, is to increase awareness of prediabetes and actively engage people in preventative behaviors such as weight loss, physical activity and healthy eating.
“Alert Day is a way to raise awareness and prompt action among the general public – particularly those at risk,” explained Brenda Torrey, RN CDE, of the Wellsville Lions Club Diabetes Center at Jones Memorial Hospital. The hospital will have a table set up in the main lobby on Diabetes Alert Day with information and risk assessments.
Type 2 diabetes is a growing epidemic in the United States, but it can be controlled with knowledge and healthy behavior Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed by losing just 7 percent of body weight (such as 15 pounds if you weigh 200) through regular physical activity (30 minutes a day, five days a week) and healthy eating. By understanding your risk, you can take the necessary steps to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
For more information or to find out your risk, contact the Wellsville Lions Club Diabetes Center at 585-596-4035 or stop by the hospital on Tuesday, March 26.
WELLSVILLE, NY (March 13, 2013) – Ramonia McCann is the new Director of Surgical Services at Jones Memorial Hospital. Romania comes to JMH from West Virginia, where she worked at Roane General Hospital as Director of Operative Services and Nursing Compliance.
Ramonia, who has worked in hospital ORs since 2005, expects to complete her Masters in Nursing by next summer. She is taking courses from Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Ramonia and her husband, Mark, have two daughters, aged 2 and 9. The family enjoys reading, movies, fishing, camping and all outdoor activities. “We like the rural life and enjoy the snow,” she said. “We are really looking forward to experiencing the Balloon Rally and the fishing derby.”
Welcome to Jones Memorial, Ramonia!
WELLSVILLE, NY (February 6, 2013) – High school sports like football and soccer can get very physical. When a player is injured and a concussion is suspected, the coach immediately pulls the athlete for the remainder of the game. In addition, the player may not return until he has been symptom-free for at least 24 hours after the injury and has been evaluated by a physician. Resuming play before full recovery from a concussion can have life-changing consequences so clearing an athlete is a challenge - especially when faced with an anxious student athlete who insists he feels great and just wants to get back in the game. Fortunately, Jones Memorial Hospital has a new service that can help physicians diagnose and manage concussions and determine when it is medically safe for the student to return to sports: The Biodex Concussion Management Program. JMH offers a free pre-season concussion screening and assessment to local schools and athletes. “Preseason baseline tests provide a comparison point for cognitive function and objectively measure the athletes balance,” explained Christy Hart, Physical Therapist on the staff at JMH. “In the case of a suspected concussion, the physician can compare the results of the baseline tests with post-injury assessments, giving them objective data to track recovery and determine when it is safe to return to play.” The program is being trialed at Wellsville High School and will be rolled out this fall at other schools that are interested in it. The Biodex Clinical Test for Sensory Integration of Balance involves four 20-second trails that assess the athlete’s balance. “For two of those trials, the student stands on a hard surface – one with eyes open and one with eyes closed - and then on a foam surface, again one with eyes open and one with eyes closed,” explained Mrs. Hart. “This establishes a pre-injury score and can be compared to the post-injury score, if an injury occurs.” PHOTO CAPTION: Christy Hart, PT, demonstrates the Biodex Concussion Management System to new member of the JMH Rehab staff, Scott Siddall, PT, DPT.
WELLSVILLE, NY (January 15, 2013) – This year’s flu outbreak is reaching record numbers of people. For the protection of patients, Jones Memorial Hospital is requiring all staff members, medical staff, volunteers and vendors providing services in any JMH facility to either have a flu shot or wear a mask at all times when in the hospital.
“Since September, we have been offering staff the flu vaccine,” explained Brenda Robarts, Employee Health Nurse at JMH. “For the protection of our patients, all staff members who choose not to have a flu shot will be required to wear a mask at all times - except for when they are in the cafeteria.”
In addition, Jones Memorial will be enforcing visiting hours, which are 11 am to 8 pm. “We also ask that if you have a cough, cold or flu-like symptoms, please don’t visit,” Mrs. Robarts said, noting that visitors are limited to two per patient and must be over 14.
The first step in preventing the spread of flu is immunization, but the second step is practicing universal precautions and respiratory etiquette. “Your hands may look clean, but they have germs on them that could make you or someone else sick,” noted Mary Morse, the Infection Prevention and Control nurse at JMH. It is important to wash your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds. Carrying an alcohol-based hand rub (also called hand sanitizer) is also a great idea for when soap and water are not available.
Because coughing and sneezing spreads flu germs to everyone around you, it is important to practice respiratory etiquette. “Never cough or sneeze into your bare hand,” Mrs. Morse said. “Use a tissue to avoid spreading germs to everything you touch and throw the tissue into the trash.” If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the bend of your arm. It may feel strange at first, but soon it will come naturally.
Most importantly, stay home if you think you have the flu. “If you haven’t gotten a flu shot, it isn’t too late,” said Mrs. Robarts. “Talk to your healthcare provider.”
Photo Caption: CEO Eva Benedict, who was one of the first to line up for her flu shot last fall, encourages all JMH Staff to join her in getting immunized.
WELLSVILLE, NY (January 14, 2013) – When the Jones Memorial Hospital Wellness Committee formed, the idea was to promote health and wellness in the workplace among staff and volunteers. Recently, the committee’s efforts – which have ranged from employee health fairs to healthier options on the cafeteria menu - were rewarded when JMH was presented with Gold Recognition by the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA).
“What a wonderful validation of the work that the Wellness Committee has done,” said CEO Eva Benedict. “Our employees are at the heart of everything we do here at JMH and their health is vital to our mission.”
According to Brenda Szabo, VP of Diagnostics and Rehab and the Wellness Committee Facilitator, the gold designation is given to organizations that have successfully built comprehensive worksite wellness initiatives and are demonstrating and documenting outcomes. “The wellness efforts at Jones have included participation in Wegmans’ 8-Week Eat Well, Live Well program and Weight Watchers at Work,” she said, noting that stress management sessions, chair massages, tobacco use intervention, workstation ergonomics, and the Create Your Weight program by Sodexho have also been sponsored by the Wellness Committee.
But perhaps one of the best examples of the difference the Wellness Committee has made to staff members is Julie Lehman, a four-year member of the Environmental Services Department.
The first Employee Health Fair was held shortly after Julie started working at the hospital. Because it was conveniently located in the hospital’s Walchli Room, Julie decided to take advantage of the opportunity and had her blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels checked. The results showed that all three were high and Julie was at risk of a heart attack, stroke and diabetes. She was then given something she hadn’t had in years: an appointment with a healthcare provider and a review to see if she was eligible for medical insurance.
Now, nearly four years later, Julie has lost 20 pounds and gotten her blood pressure under control. She exercises regularly and eats a healthier diet. She joined the Eat Well Live Well program which required walking and taking the stairs as well as eating more fruits and vegetables. Recently, she was referred to the Wellsville Lions Club Diabetes Center at JMH to help her manage her diabetes risk. “I feel so much better,” she said. “I’ve had high blood pressure for years and having someone to talk to about it and help me take care of it has been a great benefit.” She encourages her co-workers to participate in the Wellness Committee’s activities as well.
“Julie is such a success story,” said Brenda Robarts, Employee Health Nurse at JMH. “She was identified as someone at risk during our first health fair and she has worked very hard to take care of herself and improve her numbers.” Julie’s success is exactly the result that the Wellness Committee was hoping for when it formed four years ago and the reason it continues to identify ways to help employees improve their health.
Most recently the Wellness Committee has developed a walking trail on the first floor of the hospital. This trail also includes seven “Stretching Stations” located along the route, which was designed so that an employee can complete a one-mile circuit during their 15-minute break. “The route incorporates cardiovascular stair climbing into the one-third mile walking loop,” explained Ms. Szabo. Julie is excited to try out the walking trail and is planning on making the walk part of her lunchtime routine.
There are four levels of distinction in the Well Workplace Awards: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Each application is graded according to how these seven benchmarks are met: Capturing CEO Support, Creating Cohesive Wellness Teams, Collecting Data to Drive Health Efforts, Crafting an Operating Plan, Choosing Appropriate Interventions, Creating a Supportive Environment, and Consistently Evaluating Outcomes. JMH received 175.35 points out of a possible 180. “We are going for the platinum next year,” said Ms. Szabo.
A multidisciplinary group, current members of the JMH Wellness Committee include Elaine Austin of the Laboratory; Cory Burge, Jason Reynolds, and Kristi Williams of Nutrition Services; Judy Burt, Community Relations; Mona Carbone, RN, Emergency Room; Cherrie Macafee, Quality Assurance; Mary Morse, Infection Control; Brenda Robarts, Employee Health; Brenda Sobeck, Human Resources; Brenda Szabo and Cathy Talbett, Rehab; and Carrie Walker, Medical Imaging.
Photo Caption: Julie Lehman, seated, regularly has her blood pressure checked by Employee Health Nurse Brenda Robarts. Encouraged by the JMH Wellness Committee, Julie has used a combination of better eating and more exercise to lower her blood pressure, blood sugar and her cholesterol. The Wellness Committee recently received national recognition for giving employees the tools they need to improve their health.
WELLSVILLE, NY (January 2, 2013) -- It doesn’t happen very often - in fact records show it's been six years - but this year, the new year’s baby at JMH was born on New Year’s Day! On January 1, Amber Slocum and Joe Barrett of Andover welcomed their son Raider Zen Barrett at 10:44 am. Raider weighed in at 6 pounds 8.3 ounces and was 19 inches long. Best wishes to the happy family!
WELLSVILLE, NY (December 10, 2012) -- Kirk Heriot, MD, PhD, chief of pathology at Jones Memorial Hospital, recently published his third book, Practical Surgical Pathology: Integrating Molecular Pathology into Your Morphologic Practice.
A textbook for practicing pathologists and residents, the book began as Dr. Heriot’s personal notes. “Whenever I attend a lecture or read a book or an article I take notes and keep them in one place for future reference,” he explained. “After ten years, my notes became pretty voluminous and not much more work was needed to put it in book form.” Copies of his book may be ordered from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) web site, ASCP.org. It will also be available through Amazon.com in January.
Dr. Heriot is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. “I graduated from a combined MD/PhD program which was created to train people for careers in academic medicine at universities,” he explained, adding that he decided not to get into the political world of academia. Dr. Heriot is also on the staff at Thompson Health in Canandaigua.
Dr. Heriot has written two previous books. The first, Who We Are: A Chronicle of the Ideas that Shaped Our World traces the development of civilization, chronicling the emergence of the world’s great religions, the most important scientific discoveries, and the flowering of the arts. His second book, Understanding Each Other After 9-11: What Everyone Should Know About the Religions of the World, is a look at the world’s array of faiths and how a lack of mutual understanding leads to conflict in the dialog between peoples and nations. Both are available at CypressHouse.com and Amazon.com.
WELLSVILLE, NY (November 6, 2012) – This year’s Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Queen Candidates raised over $12,000 by selling tickets to the grand raffle. The drawing and the crowning of the young lady who sold the most tickets is one of the highlights of the Auxiliary’s Gala & Silent Auction. This year, Liz Sobeck, the daughter of Dennis and Ann Sobeck of Wellsville, sold more tickets than any of the other queen candidates.
The Queen candidates is a long-time tradition. Each of the Auxiliary’s Twigs and several community organizations sponsor a candidate to sell tickets to the Grand Raffle. The young lady who sells the most tickets is crowned the Auxiliary’s Queen during the annual Gala.
The runners up to Liz, were second place winner Stephanie Moline of Andover and, coming in third, Rachel Ellison of Scio. The remaining candidates for the 2012 crown were Leah Farwell, Rachel Fahs, Hannah Graham, Daesha Plummer and Madilyn Williams.
“This was a wonderful group of young ladies,” said Kathryn Gilbert, who co-chairs the grand raffle with Sylvia Masin. “When you combine a generous and supportive community with a dedicated group like this, you have a very successful raffle fundraiser.” The Auxiliary has the express purpose of raising money for the hospital. The Gala is one of the major events on the Auxiliary calendar.
Don’t miss another opportunity to support the Auxiliary and the hospital! The Country Fair is set for Saturday, November 10 from 9 am to 6 pm at the Wellsville Elementary School!
Photo Caption: Liz Sobeck of Wellsville, center, was crowned during the JMH Auxiliary’s Gala & Silent Auction for selling the most tickets to the Grand Raffle. Andover resident Stephanie Moline, right, came in second and Rachel Ellison of Scio, took third place.
Several hundred people turned out at a special reception in Bolivar to welcome Dr. Elizabeth Osborn to the Bolivar practice established by her step-father Dr. Richard Cudahy over 30 years ago. Dr. Osborn will focus on family practice and see patients of all ages, from birth to senior citizens. She is welcoming new patients as well as taking care of those who have been patients of Dr. Cudahy.
Although he plans to step down from active practice in the next few months, Dr. Cudahy will serve as a mentor to Dr. Osborn and will continue as the school physician for Bolivar-Richburg School.
The Bolivar Office is now part of the JMH Medical Practices, which also includes offices in Wellsville, Belmont, and Andover. The office is located at 120 First Street and appointments can be made by calling 928-1600.
Jones CEO Eva Benedict presented Dr. Cudahy with a framed print of the hospital as a token of appreciation from the hospital for the care he has provided his patients.
WELLSVILLE, NY (October 16, 2012) – Thanks to a gift from the Gamma Pi Sorority, the staff training lab at Jones Memorial Hospital has a new Cardiac Simulator.
In the past, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, which is made up of three separate sorority groups in Wellsville, has raised money for JMH by participating in the Auxiliary’s Country Fair. The 40 members of the group were responsible for the candy booth; donating three pounds of candy or $15 to the event. In recent years, member participation was lagging and it was becoming increasingly difficult have the booth. The sorority’s City Council, which has representatives each of the three groups, decided to donate to the hospital in other ways, rather than the Candy Booth.
“As a group, Gamma Pi decided that we could donate directly to the hospital,” explained Nancy Lotter, president of Gamma Pi. “It took us two years to come up what we felt was a substantial contribution that the hospital could use to purchase something tangible.” A community-minded organization, Beta Sigma Phi also assists the David A. Howe Library Gardening Fund, the Ridgewalk & Run, the Hart Comfort House and the Wellsville Balloon Rally.
“The cardiac simulator simulates heart rhythms and is a wonderful addition to the SIM LAB in our staff training center,” said Betty Guinnip, Staff Development Director at JMH. “We are so appreciative of the generosity of the Sorority.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Nancy Lotter, left, President of the Gamma Pi Sorority, recently presented Betty Guinnip, Staff Development Coordinator, with a check for $500 for a Cardiac Simulator, which will be used for training purposes.
WELLSVILLE, NY (October 15, 2012) -- After months of planning and discussions, Jones Memorial Hospital CEO Eva Benedict and University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) vice president for Administration Steven Goldstein today signed an agreement making the two health systems official collaborators. Together, they will work to identify and meet community needs in the greater Wellsville area.
Jones joins a growing list of hospitals – among them, Canandaigua’s Thompson Health and Dansville’s Noyes Health – that are now collaborating with URMC on ways to bring advanced medical services to smaller communities.
For Jones, this agreement represents an opportunity to deepen a friendship that’s existed for a dozen years as the two systems have collaborated on cardiac care. A URMC cardiologist sees patients in Wellsville and helps to manage the care of patients admitted to Jones.
“We are very excited to be partnering with an organization the caliber of URMC,” Benedict said. “Having access to both their services and their academic resources will benefit our entire community, from our medical staff and employees, to the patients and their caregivers. The experience that we have had with them on the cardiology service line has been excellent and we look forward to extending it to other specialties as well.”
"Jones Memorial is a first-rate hospital with an excellent medical staff and we are pleased to have them in the URMC family," Goldstein said. "For us, this is all about finding ways to maximize the resources of an academic medical center to bring the best possible care to local communities."
Under the agreement, the two systems agree to maintain at least three collaborative services. Jones will give URMC the opportunity to bid on new services it may wish to introduce and to favor URMC’s bids if they are competitive. URMC agrees to meet regularly with Jones leadership to discuss additional collaborative programs, and to help find ways to make the most of Jones’ ability to care for patients locally.
Last month, Jones and URMC leaders met with Jones’ medical staff to discuss what local doctors see as gaps in medical services available within the community, and ways to address those gaps including everything from making more information available during consults with URMC specialists to possibly recruiting new physicians to Wellsville.
“These discussions are immensely helpful because local doctors know best what’s needed by patients in their own community,” Goldstein said. “In a world of limited resources, they help sharpen our priorities and ensure that new services we implement will be successful.”
One way the two systems plan to address community needs is by using emerging technologies like telemedicine; Jones and URMC hope it can eliminate the 90-minute drive to Rochester for many local patients. Already, Jones has begun to install the LifeImage system, information technology that allows physicians and staff in Wellsville to upload images in real-time to enrich their discussions with URMC physicians.
Initially, the system will be used on selected patients admitted to Jones, but the hospitals hope to quickly expand to include other admitted patients as well as outpatients. Jones was able to purchase some components of the system with funding received from Western New York Rural Area Health Education Center (R-AHEC). URMC supported Jones’ R-AHEC grant application.
According to Benedict, this is the first step toward a more robust telemedicine network. URMC is working with Jones to develop and audio-visual link that will, in the future, allow physician-patient consults in specific situations. “We believe this has tremendous potential and we have yet to determine all the ways it can be helpful,” she added.
Ideas like telemedicine could be additionally financed through a $1.3 million Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law (HEAL) grant recently received by Jones. The grant is designed to give multi-hospital collaborations a boost by providing funds for upgrading information technology equipment and investing in telemedicine and other technologies.
URMC has also taken steps to ensure that Allegany County physicians can communicate more readily with URMC colleagues – specifically for those patients they refer to Rochester for care. Through the “ePartner” function in URMC’s electronic patient record, local physicians will soon be able to see their patients’ medical records at URMC, so that they can stay abreast of care provided at URMC.
“We’ve started to lay the foundation for an exciting partnership that will change the way Wellsville residents receive care,” Benedict said. “Today’s signing sets the stage for us to only deepen these efforts.”
The collaboration agreement does not represent a merger or acquisition; both health systems remain fiscally independent. Jones Memorial Hospital’s leadership and board of directors will maintain full decision-making authority and URMC does not own Jones Memorial.
PHOTO CAPTION: Eva Benedict, CEO at Jones Memorial Hospital, and University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) vice president for Administration Steven Goldstein signed an affiliation agreement that will lay the foundation for a partnership between the two facilities.
WELLSVILLE, NY (October 15, 2012) – We can all read the labels at the grocery store, but do you know what they are really telling you?
Find out how to shop healthy by joining Jones Memorial Hospital Certified Diabetes Educator Brenda Torrey and Registered Dietitian Kristi Williams for an educational shopping experience! They will be hosting free grocery store tours for the community. The guided tours - set for Tuesday, October 23, at Tops and Tuesday, October 30 at Giant - will include information on what to look for when you are shopping.
“We will teach participants how to shop and read labels to improve diabetes control and overall health, explained Kristi Williams, RD. “Classes are limited to 10 shoppers, but we still have space available in both sessions. Register today by calling 585.593-1100, ext. 5424.
Photo Caption: Diabetes Nurse Educator Brenda Torrey, standing, and Register Dietician Kristi Williams discuss some of the lessons that will be taught at the first Grocery Store Tours. Sign up today!
WELLSVILLE, NY (September 25, 2012) -- Cardiopulmonary services at Jones Memorial Hospital have been expanded to include Stress Echocardiograms.
A Stress Echocardiogram is a highly specialized test, and although it involves similar elements to an ordinary exercise test and an echocardiogram, it provides very specific information about the heart in a non-invasive way. It not only increases the accuracy of the stress test in assessing coronary artery disease, but also can be used to provide specific information about valvular disease and the pressure in the heart and lungs.
Also known as an exercise echocardiogram, the stress echo is divided into 3 parts: A resting echo study, stress test, and a repeat echo while the heart is still beating fast. Finger Lakes Cardiology, under the Strong Health umbrella, will continue to provide our patients’ with the exam interpretations.
If you have any questions about stress echocardiograms, please contact your healthcare provider, Mona Carbone 585-596-4114 or Carrie Walker 585-596-4014.
WELLSVILLE (September 19, 2012) – Jones Memorial Hospital is pleased to announced that Elizabeth Osborn, MD, has chosen to launch her Family Medicine practice at the Jones Memorial Medical Practices in Bolivar. She will begin seeing patients on Monday, October 1 at 120 First Street. New patients are welcome and appointments may be made now by calling (585) 928-1600.
Dr. Osborn, who grew up in Wellsville, is taking over the practices established by her step-father, Dr. Richard Cudahy, who will retire this year. Dr. Osborn spent many school holidays helping out at Dr. Cudahy’s office. “I couldn’t fully embrace the idea of retirement until I knew that my patients would continue to get the care they need,” Dr. Cudahy said. “I am delighted to pass the torch to Libby.”
After graduating from Louisiana State University in Shreveport and attending medical school at the LSU Health Sciences Center, Dr. Osborn served her residency at Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. She is board certified in Family Practice and will see patients of all ages, including infants. “I went into Family Practice because I want to take care of the whole family,” she said, noting that her office will have evening hours on Tuesdays. “When I was in medical school, it became clear that evening hours are important to working people who need to see their physician.”
Dr. Osborn wanted to come back to Allegany County to practice because the need here is so great. “I wanted to give something back, she said. I am very excited to be here,” she said. She and her husband, Roger, have two young children. They will make their home in the Wellsville area.
This practice is a new addition to the Jones Memorial Medical Practices according to Julie Hart, Vice President of Physician Practice Management. “We are very excited not only to welcome Dr. Osborn to the JMH Family, but to provide Dr. Cudahy’s patients with the quality of care they have come to expect,” she said, noting that an official welcome reception is being planned in Bolivar. “We want to give the community an opportunity to meet Dr. Osborn and say good bye to Dr. Cudahy.”
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with Dr. Osborn, please call the office at 585-928-1600.
WELLSVILLE, NY (September 12, 2012) -- A trip to the emergency room can be scary at any age. For children, whether they are the patient or accompanying a patient, it can be exceptionally tense. At Jones Memorial Hospital, children who need a little extra comfort in the ER receive kit containing a stuffed animal, a soft blanket and a book to pass the time. Thanks to a recent gift from members of the ALCO Federal Credit Union in Wellsville, the Book, Blanket, and Buddy (3B) Program is back in business!
According to ALCO CEO Mike Miller, the credit union staff had heard of the 3B program and wanted to help it to continue using ALCOs Coins for Comfort Program. “We came up with several ways to raise Coins for Comfort and to encourage members to donate books,” he said, “We had a spring loan promotion, a Movie Basket drawing for members and a special coin collection at the Annual Meeting. I am so pleased with the support our members gave this effort.”
The Book, Blanket and Buddy program began at Jones several years ago, when ACCORD Corporation delivered a supply of the kits to the ER. “There is no question a soft blanket, a cuddly toy and a book can make a trying time a little easier,” said Mona Carbone, Nurse Manager of the ER at Jones. “We can’t thank members of ALCO enough for continuing this program.”
For more information about how you or your organization can help, please contact Judy Burt, Community Relations Director at JMH at (585) 596-4050.
PHOTO CAPTION: JMH Nurse Manager Mona Carbone, left, looks over the donated books, blankets and stuffed animals donated by members of the ALCO Federal Credit Union. Executive Vice President Pam Young and CEO Mike Miller presented the items to the Book, Blanket & Buddy Program.
WELLSVILLE, NY (September 1, 2012) -- The candidates for the 2012 Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Gala Queen have been announced! As part of a long-time tradition, each of the Auxiliary’s Twigs and several community organizations sponsor a queen candidate to sell tickets to the Grand Raffle, which is drawn at the Auxiliary’s Gala & Silent Auction. The young lady who sells the most tickets will be crowned the Auxiliary’s 2012 Queen.
Representing the Lilac Twig is Daesha Plummer of Belmont. Daesha, right, is the daughter of Chris and Lisa Plummer and attends Genesee Valley Central School. She is a member of the volleyball, golf, soccer, basketball and softball teams. She also is a member of the cheerleading squad and is a peer tutor. Daesha has been honored for perfect attendance and citizenship. Her hobbies include swimming, dancing, reading and art. She works at The American Hotel in Angelica and plans to attend college. She would like to work in the medical field.
Stephanie Moline, the daughter of Nick and Vivian Moline of Andover, left, is representing the Maple Twig. A junior at Andover Central School, Stephanie is on the soccer, basketball and tennis teams. She is consistently on the school’s honor roll. In her spare time, Stephanie can be found playing soccer, hanging with her friends and swimming. She is employed by Otis-Eastern but plans to attend college and pursue a career in physical therapy.
The Olive Twig has named Rachel Ellison as its candidate. She is the daughter of Kevin and Darla Ellison of Scio. Now a junior at Wellsville High School, Rachel is a graduate of Immaculate Conception School. She is a member of the Odyssey of the Mind teams throughout her school career. Rachel is an AP and Honors student who is in the top 10 of her class. She has done some modeling and in her spare time, Rachel enjoys shopping, reading, and creating art. Her future plans include medical school; she would like to be a plastic surgeon.
Rachel Fahs, the daughter of Michelle Boissenin and Edward Fahs, is representing the Wellsville Rotary Club. A junior at Wellsville High School, Rachel is in the science club and is one of the top 10 students in her class. She is consistently on the honor roll and received the Meritorious Service Award for Global. She is presently employed at Giant Food Mart and the Beef Haus. Rachel enjoys reading, camping, and being with her friends. She plans to attend college for a career as a veterinary technician. Rachel, right, is a junior at Wellsville High School. She is presently employed at Giant Food Mart.
The Hemlock Twig is represented this year by Elizabeth Sobeck, the daughter of Dennis and Annie Sobeck of Wellsville. Liz is a junior at Wellsville High School where she was a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions. She is presently on the yearbook committee and a member of the science club. Liz is serving her third year as Vice President of the Student Council and is a member of the soccer, and track teams. An honors student, Liz has been on the honor roll throughout her high school career and was chosen to be the student representative for the strategic planning committee. Liz enjoys babysitting, four-wheeling, and spending time with family and friends. She works at Short’s Deli and the Wellsville Recreation Center where she teaches dance classes. Liz plans to attend college and is considering a career in Dentistry.
Leah Farwell is the Evergreen Twig candidate. The daughter of Beth and Roger Farwell, Leah is on the Wellsville High School varsity swim team and. An honors student, she has been a continual member of the Wellsville School District’s Odyssey of the Mind team. Leah is an honors student who enjoys swimming, listening to music with friends and going on adventures. Lean babysits occasionally, and will be attending a four-year college with the plan of studying abroad.
The Xi Alpha Omicron Beta Sigma Phi Sorority will be represented by Madilyn Williams. Madilyn. left, is the daughter of Rebecca Loeb and lives in Wellsville. She is a junior at Wellsville High School, where she is in International Club and Ushers Club. She plays volleyball and softball and is involved in the school drama department. Her hobbies include racing soap box derby, horseback riding, painting, camping, playing with her sister, painting her nails and playing with her pets. Madi is planning to attend the University of Chicago for a degree in architecture and interior design. She enjoys traveling and would like to one day live in France.
The Wellsville Educators Association has selected Hannah Graham, the daughter of Melissa and David Graham, to represent the group this year. Hannah is a junior at Wellsville High School and has been involved with SADD. She is presently on the yearbook committee and an honors student. A member of the varsity soccer team and the track team, Hannah spends her free time with family and friends. She works at the Wellsville Recreation Center where she oversees activities for children including tracks, arts and crafts, and dance. After high school she will be attending college.
For more information about where to buy raffle tickets, contact the JMH Auxiliary at 585-593-1100, ext. 5426.
WELLSVILLE, NY (August 28, 2012) – Regina Raub, a licensed massage therapist, has joined the Jones Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Services Department. Gina is available by appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Massage therapy can provide relief from the symptoms of anxiety, tension, depression, insomnia, and stress, massage can help clients with back pain, headache, muscle pain, and some forms of chronic pain. Minor sports injuries and repetitive stress injuries may also be relieved by massage.
"By applying pressure and movement to the skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, massage encourages healing by promoting blood flow, stimulating nerves, and stretching and loosening muscles and connective tissue," explained Gina. Although massage therapy is generally a private pay service, some insurance carriers do cover the sessions with prior authorization. Contact your insurance provider for specific information.
A native of Scio, Gina is a graduate of the Finger Lakes School of Massage in Ithaca. She is certified in hydrotherapy. For more information or to make an appointment, call the Rehab Department at 585-596-4011 or check out the JMH web page www.jmhny.org.
Jones Memorial Hospital is hosting a Going Away Reception for long-time medical staff member Dr. Joe Felsen and his wife, F.A., on Sunday, August 26th from 3-5 pm in the Walchli Room at the hospital. The Felsens, who have been accepted to the Peace Corps, will be heading to the Fiji Islands on September1. “Joe and FA have been such a major part of the JMH family that we couldn’t let them leave without giving the community a chance to say good bye,” said Eva Benedict, CEO at Jones Memorial. “We hope that everyone can join us in wishing them well on the next chapter of their lives.” The Felsens are very excited to will be heading to the Fiji islands on September 1. “We are very much looking forward to having the opportunity to serve in another setting, particularly one in which there are such significant needs for medical care,” Dr. Felsen said. The reception is free and open to everyone who would like to wish the Felsens well before they head out on their adventure.
WELLSVILLE, NY (July 25, 2012) -- Spectacular. That is one of the words used to describe the recently completed “sample room” on the second floor at Jones Memorial Hospital.
This year, the focus of the hospitals Hometown Heroes Annual Fund Drive, is the complete renovation of 12 patient rooms on the second floor. Once completed, each room will have fresh paint, new flooring and new furniture including tables and chairs, bedside stands and wall cabinets. In addition, they will have flat screen televisions, and new privacy curtains, window treatments and bedding.
“We are very excited by what is coming,” said Donna Bliven, VP of Patient Care Services at JMH. “Now that the first room is complete, we can see what the rest of the floor will look like at the end of the project and it is very exciting!”
According to Facilities Services Director Jeff Ely, by concentrating their efforts on completely renovating one room from top to bottom, “we are able to show people what their gifts to the annual fund drive will accomplish.” He noted that by the end of the year, the plan is to have 12 of the 23 patient rooms on the second floor completed. “Of course, finances come into play,” Jeff said. “If all goes well, we will have six semi-private and six private rooms done by the end of the year.” The average cost of each room is about $6,000.
The renovation project was inspired by the work that was done last fall on the second floor nurses station. Thanks to a gift from the late Kathryn Church of Andover, the nurses area was given a complete facelift by Bill Lynch of Andover Wood Products.
“It is a wonderful workspace and a major improvement,” Donna added.
This year’s Annual Fund Drive, which continues until October 1, offers some unique recognition opportunities. “It is important that those who make a financial commitment to the hospital know how much their gift is appreciated and that they are recognized in an appropriate way,” explained Judy Burt, Director of Community Relations at Jones. “The nature of the project is such that we can put a plaque on each room either in honor of the donor or in memory of a loved one.” For more information about the recognition options available at JMH, please contact Mrs. Burt at 585 596 4050 or email.
To date, the annual fund drive has raised 50-percent of the funds needed to complete all 12 rooms. “We are looking to our community to support this project,” said Eva Benedict, CEO at Jones Memorial. “At some point, nearly everyone will have an opportunity to see the new rooms first hand; as a patient or a visitor.”
''PHOTO CAPTION:
Jeff Ely, Facilities Services Director at JMH, discusses the renovations that have been completed so far in with Med/Surg Coordinator Jennifer Scheible, center, and VP of Patient Care Services Donna Bliven.''
WELLSVILLE, NY (July 23, 2012) -- Vickie Hook, Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Tom Reed, stopped by JMH recently to tour the facility.
"We were delighted to show her around Jones Memorial," said Eva Benedict, CEO at Jones. "She was impressed with the staff and the services we provide on a very tight budget."
Congressman Reed has recently co-sponsored a bill in the US House of Representatives, H.R. 5943 the Rural Hospital Access Act of 2012, that would protect rural funding of over $620,000 annually for JMH. He also served on the Joint Conference Committee this past spring that negotiated to avoid the 27-percent decrease in reimbursement for physicians - at least until the end of this year.
According to Mrs. Benedict, Ms. Hook used the visit to talk to staff members and discuss the challenges faced by rural hospitals. "We showed her around the building – warts and all – and talked about how difficult it is to keep up with the capital improvement projects in the present economic environment," explained Tracy Gates, CFO at Jones.
"We are very grateful for the time Ms. Hook spent with us as well as the counsel and support she provided to our Congressman," Mrs. Benedict added.
PHOTO CAPTION: Tracy Gates, CFO at Jones, left, demonstrated the Workstation On Wheels to Vicki Hook of Sen. Tom Reed’s office. JMH has used grant funding to purchase the workstations, which are used by nurses for documentation and bedside medication verification.
WELLSVILLE, NY (June 19, 2012) – Jones Memorial Hospital will receive a grant of $1,067,258 through the Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law for New Yorkers (HEAL NY) program.
The HEAL NY grants are awarded to help hospitals and nursing homes improve primary and community-based care, eliminate excess bed capacity and reduce over-reliance on inpatient care. Jones Memorial, which recently announced a formal Collaborating Institution Agreement with the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), will use the funds to strengthen and facilitate that agreement, which should be finalized in the next few months.
"These funds will be used to strengthen our cardiac outpatient diagnostic services, our telemedicine equipment, consulting and legal fee support and a variety of other projects to facilitate the partnership with University of Rochester Medical Center," explained Eva Benedict CEO at Jones Memorial.
Through this agreement, the two health systems will work more closely together to identify and meet overall community healthcare needs. "It represents an extension of the alliance we have long enjoyed in cardiology," added Mrs. Benedict. "For the last 12 years, URMC's department of Cardiology has operated a practice in Wellsville, providing local office visits and diagnostic services, even helping to manage the care of patients who are admitted to JMH." The result of this formal agreement is better access to other types of specialty care, and smoother transfers and referrals as patients move between the two hospital systems.
"This is a huge step forward for JMH. It will really assist us as we move forward with our partnership," Mrs. Benedict added. "I am proud to work with such a dedicated and committed team."
WELLSVILLE, NY ( June 10, 2012) -- A semi-regular event at JMH, the Welcome Reception gives new faces—and familiar ones in new roles—a chance to meet the community at large. Attending this year were some of the newest faces at JMH. From left, Dr. James Rummel, Andover Medical Practice; Kathy Maine, NP, Pain Management; Dan Guiney, on the Board of Directors; Nicole Dusenbury, PA, Loder Street Medical Practice; Dr. Bill Coch, board member and hospitalist; Jody Bellows, Pharmacy Directory; Brenda Sobeck, Director of HR; Linda Spear, RN, Director of Acute Care Services; and Bob Seamon, Director of Health Information Management. Missing was Board Member Kim Toot.
WELLSVILLE, NY (June 12, 2012) – The Jones Memorial Hospital Board of Directors elected a new slate of officers at the annual meeting recently. Rich Shear of Wellsville was asked to assume the duties of Chairman and Samantha Gilkey took his position as Vice Chair. Rounding out the slate of officers are two newer members of the board: Dan Guiney is treasurer and Barry Kulp was elected secretary.
Rich, who has been on the board since 2006, is president of Hamilton Shoe Store, Inc. and founder of the annual Ridgewalk and Run. He is an active member of the community and he and his wife, Gwyn, live in Wellsville.
Sammy Gilkey has been on the board since. During that time, she has served as chairman, vice chair and treasurer. In 2011, Sammy and her husband Clint were honored as the 1921 Associates of the Year for their dedication to the hospital and to the community. Sammy is the great grandniece of hospital founder Gertrude Jones.
The new treasurer, Dan Guiney, is one of the newest members of the board. A retired attorney, Dan joined the board in September. He and his wife, Joan, have two grown children and live in Wellsville.
Now serving as secretary, Barry Kulp has been on the BOD since 2010. He is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with the Southern Tier Anesthesiologist Group. He and his wife, Kate, live in Wellsville.
The Jones Memorial Hospital Board of Directors also includes Gary Balcom, Mark Hunter, Dr. Joseph Felsen, Kim Toot, Rev. Marian Schneider, Dr. Bill Coch, Dr. Robert L. Gilfert, and Mike Berardi.
WELLSVILLE, NY (June 4, 2012) -- Jones Memorial Hospital President Eva Benedict today announced that JMH will pursue a formal Collaborating Institution Agreement with the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). The Agreement is expected to take a few months to finalize.
Through this agreement, the two health systems will work more closely together to identify and meet overall community healthcare needs. "It represents an extension of the alliance we have long enjoyed in cardiology," added Mrs. Benedict. "For the last 12 years, URMC’s department of Cardiology has operated a practice in Wellsville, providing local office visits and diagnostic services, even helping to manage the care of patients who are admitted to JMH." The result of this formal agreement is better access to other types of specialty care, and smoother transfers and referrals as patients move between the two hospital systems.
A formal Collaborating Institution Agreement, which would take a few months to finalize, also allows Jones to tap into URMC’s administrative expertise as the hospital prepares to face the challenges of health care reform. "As our health care system evolves, there is a growing need for us to work with larger health systems to improve access to specialty services right here in the Wellsville area," Benedict said. "In this case, we have the opportunity to formalize a long-standing friendship with upstate's largest academic medical center, the University of Rochester Medical Center. That could mean greater convenience and more comprehensive care for our local patients and their families."
"We are thrilled that Jones Memorial has expressed a desire to work more closely with URMC," said Steven I. Goldstein, URMC Senior Vice President. "They are a well-run hospital with exceptional leadership and a respected, engaged medical staff. Through this Collaborating Agreement, we hope to develop ways to keep more patients right there in Wellsville."
In the current health care environment, with health care reform initiatives and serious federal and state budget pressures, all hospitals are looking for ways to work together to reduce costs and improve care to the communities they serve. As part of its strategic planning process, Jones Memorial had invited URMC to propose various ways that the two systems could work together in a closer, more structured way.
While the formal agreement has not yet been signed, both parties have committed to moving forward with the collaboration process, beginning with a Letter of Intent. Jones selected URMC after considering proposals from other large health systems.
WELLSVILLE, NY (June 1, 2012) – It's commonly known that renovation projects can have a domino effect. You put up a new coat of paint and it makes the carpet look shabby. Or you replace the curtains and the furniture suddenly looks pretty worn. Not surprisingly, that situation can happen anywhere. Even at your community hospital!
Recently, with a generous gift from the late Katherine Church of Andover, Jones Memorial Hospital renovated the nurses’ station on the second floor. The results are so warm and beautiful – with wood laminate counters and flooring – that plans are underway to expand the project and renovate the patient rooms on the second floor. This project is the focus of the 2012 Annual Fund Drive.
"We will be updating and renovating 12 inpatient rooms on the second floor," explained Donna Bliven, VP of Patient Care Services at Jones. In addition to new paint, privacy curtains, window treatments and bedding, each room will be outfitted with new flat screen televisions and new furniture including table and chairs, bedside stands, over bed tables and wall cabinets.
The nature of this particular project presents unique giving and recognition opportunities, according to Community Relations Director Judy Burt. "For a gift of $6,000 or more, you can fund the complete renovation of a room," she said. "To thank our generous donors, those who give at this level will be acknowledged with a beautiful plaque outside of the room." Friends and friends can also dedicate a room to a loved one by combining their gift. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Judy at 585.596.4050 or by email.
WELLSVILLE, NY (May 17, 2012) – Providing quality healthcare services in an economically depressed rural environment is just another day at the office for Jones Memorial Hospital. However, toss in a requirement by the American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to become a meaningful user of health information technology, and you are really stretching the finances.
Thanks to a $125,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the installation of the software and the hardware needed to implement the electronic medical record throughout the hospital and the medical practices is nearly complete. The project includes the purchase of software, training the staff to use it and customizing it to suit our patient needs. "We also had to provide the tools - the computers - that the staff needs to use that software," said Roxie Williams, Clinical Information Specialist. "You can’t ask the providers to use the system if there aren't sufficient workstations available." Training, testing, evaluation and monitoring are all a continuing part of the program.
"This was an expensive undertaking and your support was vital," Tracy Gates, Chief Financial Officer at Jones told the ARC representatives who were in Wellsville recently. "The ARRA payments for the purchase and implementation of the required technology are not made until well after the project is completed." For a small community hospital, it would have been a difficult investment. But not meeting those requirements would have been a disaster, Ms. Gates noted, because penalties will be imposed on facilities who do not meet these federal requirements on time.
Overseeing and monitoring the technology is the hospital's Clinical Documentation Committee with representatives from nursing, the medical staff, pharmacy, Information Technology, Quality Assurance and Health Information Management. "We have completed 95-percent of the plan and have been meeting on a regular basis to work through the logistics of the implementation," Ms. Gates noted, adding that the benefits of a computerized physician order entry system are many. “In medical imaging, for example, the response time is much faster now that it is no longer a manual process, there is less time clarifying orders because of handwriting issues,” she said.
The representatives from the ARC were all pleased with the results of the project funded by the grant.
PHOTO CAPTION: Representatives from the Appalachian Regional Commission came to Jones Memorial Hospital recently to see the results of the grant awarded last year. In photo, from left, George Korchowsky, Land Use Training Specialist with the State Department Local Government Division; Richard Zink, Executive Director of Southern Tier West (STW); Roxie Williams, JMH Clinical Documentation Specialist at JMH; Lauren Moll, JMH Clinical Analyst; Ginger G. Malak, STW Development Coordinator; Deirdre Scozzafava, deputy secretary of state for local government; and Tracy Gates, CFO at Jones.'
WELLSVILLE, NY (May 12, 2012) – The Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s 8th Annual Celebrate Summer Classic Golf Tournament is set for Friday, June 29, at the Wellsville Country Club.
The tournament is a 4-person scramble. "What is really nice about the scramble format is that it is fun for serious golfers as well as those who haven’t picked up a club in years – or ever," said Co-Chair Jason Reynolds. "We are still looking for golfers and for local businesses and individuals who would like to be sponsors."
The cost of the tournament and complimentary dinner is $340 per four-person team or $85 per person. The fee includes a cart, 18 holes of golf and complimentary dinner. Members of the Wellsville Country Club pay $70 per golfer and $280 per team. If you want to come just for the dinner and awards ceremony, the cost is $15.
Sponsorship opportunities range from the $2,500 Hole in One Tournament Sponsor, to the Eagle level for $1000 and the Birdie level for $500, as well as Par sponsors for $250 and Tee sponsors for $100 and a cart sponsorship for $50. "We are looking for golfers and sponsors to offset the cost of the tournament and make it a successful fundraiser for the Auxiliary," Jodi Pearson, event co-chair, noted. If you would like a brochure or more information about how you can participate in this event, please contact Jason at 585-596-4060 or Jodi at 585-593-1100, ext 5333.
WELLSVILLE, NY (May 1, 2012) -- Wellness is the word during Hospital Week! In addition to the special Wellness Fair for JMH staff on Tuesday, May 8th in the Walchli Room, there will be one for the community the next day! Appointments are required for the Community Wellness Fair and can be made by calling the Nursing Office at 596-4056.
Both Wellness Fairs will offer a variety of health screenings including blood pressure, bone density testing, balance assessment and flexibility measurement. The lab work offered will include glucose and cholesterol screenings. The new Biodex balance machine, in photo, is a nice addition to the screenigs. The Tanita Scale will be available to measure body fat and BMI (Body Mass Index). In addition, information will be available on the importance of screening in preventing Colorectal Cancer and the JMH Dietician will be available to discuss the importance of healthy eating.
Allegany Western Steuben Rural Health Network will be at both events with information about the Share Your Wishes initiative and the Growing Stronger Program. Other organizations who will be at the Wellness Fair are UNYTS to discuss organ donation and Allegany County Cancer Services. The JMH Patient Financial Counselor and the Say2 Facilitated Enroller will also be on hand to discuss health insurance options.
"As we celebrate Hospital Week, the free Community Wellness Fair is a way to thank the community for continuing to support JMH," explained Brenda Szabo, who is heading up the hospital’s Wellness Committee.
Other Hospital Week activities include special deliveries of treats to all departments and health care centers. On Tuesday, the directors and coordinators will be delivering bouquets of fruit and cheese ka-bobs. Then on Friday, the Admin Team will be making the rounds with yogurt parfaits, a traditional Hospital Week favorite!
WELLSVILLE, NY (May 9, 2012) -- For years, the JMH Surgical Services Department has collected and donated surplus medical supplies to MedShare, an international organization that collects and redistributes these items to qualified healthcare facilities in the developing world. Now, because of the work Nurse Practitioner Sherry Herdman is doing in the Dominican Republic (DR), those surplus supplies are going directly to the Monkey Jungle, a medical and dental clinic located near Sherry's home in the DR.
"After visiting Sherry and seeing the work that Monkey Jungle does and the needs they have, I was happy to help Sherry redirect our supplies there," explained Jan Riley, ASU Coordinator at Jones. Monkey Jungle operates a zip line adventure to support the clinic, but relies on volunteers and donations for additional support. Many of the medical and dental clinic volunteers are from the US, Canada, and Europe.
Every Saturday, the Monkey Jungle Clinic cares for about 125 people. The main focus of the clinic is to provide medical and dental care and most of the patients come from the DR and Haiti. The dental clinic does extractions as needed and provides preventive care. Schools, orphanages, and organizations that serve children in the Dominican Republic bring their clients to the medical and dental clinics on a regular basis. "The Monkey Jungle farm grows food to feed the staff and freely gives food to clients that are hungry," Sherry added, noting that locally, East Wind Nursery donated vegetable seeds from the 2011 season. "Those seeds were used by Monkey Jungle as well as by the Mariposa DR Foundation."
Sherry is also working with Mariposa DR, a foundation that works with girls and their families to try to break the cycle of poverty by empowering, educating and employing women. Last year, Sherry was collecting sewing machines. This year, one of the projects is to provide clean, safe beds for 25 families. Bedding will be a part of the project so if anyone has sheets that fit twin or full size beds, new or slightly used, please consider donating that bedding to the project.
Even a small donation can make a big difference. For more information or to arrange pick up if bedding donations, email Sherry Herdman at sherrydog3@aol.com or call her at 585-268-5705.
PHOTO CAPTION: Sarah Hunter, wife of JMH Board Member Mark Hunter, recently delivered several suitcases full of medical supplies from JMH. Here, Surgical Services Director Sue Thomas, right, and ASU Coordinator Jan Riley present Mark with the most recent donation.
WELLSVILLE, NY (May 2, 2012) -- If you are diabetic and take more than one insulin injection a day, it may be time to explore your options and learn more about insulin pump therapy. You can find out more at a free class at 4 pm on Thursday, May 17 in the third floor conference room at Jones Memorial Hospital.
Lead by Brenda Torrey, Diabetic Nurse Educator and Certified Pump Trainer in the Wellsville Lions Club Diabetes Center, the class will explore options and discuss how technology can help diabetics gain better control of their blood sugar. If you have ever considered pump therapy or would like to find out more, please register for the class by calling 585-596-4035 or by emailing Brenda.
Certified by the American Diabetes Association, the Wellsville Lions Club Diabetes Center was established to provide education and services to the community. The services offered include Point Of Care testing for A1C, lipid profile, urine micro albumin, and external ocular photographic screening. For more information, contact your healthcare provider or call the Diabetes Center at (585) 596 5035.
WELLSVILLE, NY (March 14, 2012) -- Wow! That Maddison Zimmer is a real go-getter! Only a few days old and she is already a Girl Scout and has her first Fun Patch and her first pin! She won’t be able to go to meetings until she enters kindergarten, but she is a member of a very special Girl Scout Troop.
Maddison arrived at Jones Memorial Hospital on March 12, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts. She is the daughter of Rebecca Hillman and Jason Zimmer of Rushford and sister to 17 months old Olivia. As a former Girl Scout herself, Rebecca was delighted with the recognition her new daughter received.
In honor of the 100th anniversary of the very first Girl Scout meeting, all girls born on March 12, 2012 are eligible members of the 100th Anniversary Troop. According to Sonya Ellis, who manages four troops of 56 girls in the Bolivar-Rushford area, all girls may to join the Girl Scouts when they are five years old. Members must learn the GS Promise and follow GS law.
The gift package that Sonya’s troop put together for Maddison includes a Fun Patch, a special centennial pin and a handmade blanket with ladybugs and butterflies. “That is in honor of our founder, Juliette Gordon Low, who loved the outdoors and was very athletic,” Sonja said, noting that there are also a couple of boxes of Girl Scout cookies in the gift bag.
Like all Girl Scout troops, Sonia's are dedicated to community service and helping others. This year, everything they do, they do 100 of them. They sent 100 boxes to Christmas for Children, sent 100 Christmas Cards to Walter Reed Hospital and collected 100 items for Joyful Rescues in Cuba. The girls under Sonya’s Daisy Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts and Cadets,
''Photo: Rebecca Hillman, left, accepts a special gift from the Girl Scouts on behalf of her daughter, Maddison. Because Maddision was born on March 12, 2012 – the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts – local leader Sonya Ellis and her troop prepared a special birthday present for her.'
In 1976, members of the Hemlock Twig created a very special quilt to raffle off at that years Country Fair. The lucky winner, Marcella Richardson of Wellsville, has donated the quilt to the Nathaniel Dyke Museum. The quilt is now on display in the main lobby at Jones Memorial.
Measuring 82” x 82”, this hand-quilted work consists of 25 appliquéd, embroidered and initialed squares. Each square depicts a scene from the Wellsville-area except for the center square, which portrays Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. It took Twig members more than a year to design, sew and create it.
Present members of the Hemlock Twig helped match the initials on the quilt squares to the names of the members who created them. The identification is still going on, so it you are able to help, please contact Nathaniel Dyke Museum President, Jane Pinney. So far, the following squares have been identified, from left to right:
The following is a list of items the JMH Auxiliary has agreed to purchase for JMH. Every year, hospital Administration presents the Auxiliary with a “Wish List” and every year the Auxilians purchase many of the items with the money raised through their fundraisers, including the most recent Country Fair and the Gala & Silent Auction. Thank you to the Auxiliary for all the hard work and thank you to everyone who supports their efforts.
This year's Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Queen Candidates broke all previous fund-raising records by selling $14,752 worth of tickets to the grand raffle. The drawing and the crowning of the young lady who sold the most tickets is one of the highlights of the Auxiliary's Gala & Silent Auction. This year, Liz Hart, the daughter of Jerome and Nancy Hart of Wellsville, sold nearly 5,000 tickets - more tickets than any of the other candidates. Coming in second was Catherine Spare of Scio, followed by Emily Gilfert of Wellsville.
"It is incredible, especially in these tough economic times, that these young ladies were able to raise this amount of money,” said Sylvia Masin, Auxiliary member and co-chair of the Grand Raffle. "We have a generous and supportive community and this is a dedicated group of young ladies." The winner of the Grand Raffle was Kathryn Gilbert.
It was another successful year for the annual Country Fair! With a record-setting number of baskets in the basket auction along with the usual selection of handmade and unique items available at the various booths, it is no surprise that this year the fair was very well attended! Before things got started, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to officially open the Country Fair. Doing the honors were, left, Julie Hart, Jones Memorial's VP Marketing and Practice Management, Auxilian Ruth Kling, Country Fair Co-Chair Joyce Wheaton, and Auxilian Kay Eicher.
Cash, cans, cereal, clothes. The 2nd Annual Helping Hands for Healthy Families drive was a big success for the Employee Activities Committee and for Healthy Families of Allegany County!
In mid-October, JMH staff were encouraged to bring in items to be donated to Healthy Families of Allegany County. As a thank you for those who participated, the Employee Activities Committee held a drawing for four $50 Wellsville-Area Chamber gift certificates. The lucky winners were Lisa Coombes, Kathy Kurschner, Norma Drake and Cheryl Baker.
"I am so proud of the way the Helping Hands initiative has gone," said Co-Chair Jeff Ely, noting that this is the second year JMH has been able to make a significant contribution to the Healthy Families Program. Healthy Families Allegany & Cattaraugus are voluntary home visiting programs for expectant and new parents that promote parent-child interaction, self-sufficiency and encourage families to access community resources. Families can enter the program prenatally and up until the baby reaches the age of three months. There are four levels of home visits provided until the child reaches the age of five, or attends preschool or Head Start. Services are provided to families annually in all of Allegany County.
"This is truly impressive," said Parent Education Supervisor Shane Lehman of the donation. "A lot of families will be helped because of the generous people at Jones Memorial."
Thanks to everyone who donated sewing machines, we were able to ship 27 machines to the Dominican Republic. I am working with Mariposa DR Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of girls through education and mentoring. I am using the sewing machines when I teach sewing classes to local girls. My students range in age from 10 to 15. Because space is limited at the Mariposa the classes are being held at my house and each class has 4-5 students. Imagine teaching sewing in a different language to students that have never touched a sewing machine before! I am responsible for transporting the students to and from classes. I can tell you for sure that every street in every barrio is narrow and dead ends. Sometimes my students arrive hungry so cheese sandwiches and juice are always available. Yesterday two of my students could not come to class for what I think are interesting reasons. One girl's family had run out of propane so she had to cook with carbon (charcoal) and therefore would not finish her work in time to go to class. The other girl's mother was away that day so she had to stay home to cook and clean for her father.
Students in the Dominican Republic go to school half days. There are not enough schools so half of the students attend mornings and the others attend in the afternoons. The DR spends less than 4% of it's budget on education. That is a big issue in DR presidential elections that will take place in spring 2012. On December 17th Mariposa is having a holiday bazaar on the beach in Cabarete, a small beach town known for sail boarding and kite sailing. Vendors have rented space to sell things and Mariposa Foundation will be doing health education, gardening demonstrations (part of healthy eating and nutrition classes), height-weight and blood pressure screenings, as well as providing information about regional activities. I am proud to say some of the things being sold will have been made by my sewing students and I will be doing BP screenings.
More than ever I find myself thankful every day for things we take for granted in the US, like a good education, reasonable prices in the supermarket, consistent electricity, and yes....the US postal service. The DR does not have a functioning postal service. You are expected to pay bills by taking your money (pesos) to the service provider. It takes 21 to 41 days to clear a check so pesos in hand are the expectation. On the other hand, it is the 80s daily and the ocean is warm, warm, warm!
Adios, Sherry Herdman
Jones Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce three new members of the board of directors: Daniel Guiney, Kimberly Toot, and William Coch, MD.
Dan Guiney is a native of Central New York, but has lived in Allegany County for over 35 years. In 2008, Dan retired after 30 years as an Allegany County Attorney. A member and past president of the Allegany County Bar Association, Dan is also on the Independent Judicial Election Qualification Commission for the 8th Judicial District. He serves on the Immaculate Conception Church and Parish Council, the Stannards Water Board and is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Educational Foundation of Alfred, Inc. Dan’s hobbies include fishing, reading and spending time with his family. He and his wife, Joan, have two grown children, Katie and Dan, and one grandson, Sean Guiney. Dan accepted the position on the JMH Board because the hospital is "one of the most important assets of our community."
Bill Coch is a familiar face at the hospital, having been a part of the medical staff for 30 years. He came to Andover as part of the National Health Service Corps in 1975 and opened his private practice in 1979. In 2006, JMH acquired his practice and he remains an employed physician until his retirement later this year. He and his wife, Carla, have two grown sons, Julian and Reilly. Music and farming are two of his outside interests. Dr. Coch agrees with Dan Guiney on the importance of Jones Memorial. "The hospital is an essential part of this community," he said. "My experience and perspective can make a positive contribution to furthering the mission of JMH."
Kim Toot came to Wellsville in 1985 from Boulder, Colorado. Her life-long interest in geriatric and end-of-life care issues has served her well in her position as director of the Allegany County Office for the Aging. The founder and secretary of the Allegany Senior Foundation, Kim is also chair of the ACCORD board of directors and a member of the Allegany Western Steuben Rural Health Network. She is a diaconate at First Congregational Church and is in the choir. Her other interests include pottery. "It is vital to the health and wellness of our community to have access to the services provided by Jones Memorial and its medical practices," she said. "I bring with me a community services/elder perspective to the board."
In addition to the new members, the Jones Memorial Hosptial Board of Directors includes Chairman Gary Balcom, Vice-Chairman Rich Shear, Secretary Mark Hunter, Treasurer Samantha Gilkey, Dr. Joseph Felsen, Rev. Marian Schneider, Dr. Willard Simons, Dr. Robert L. Gilfert, Mike Berardi and Barry Kulp.
When Dr. Bill Coch announced his plans to retire this year, finding a replacement physician who is a good fit for the patient practice he has built over the past 26 years was not an easy task. Good news! Dr. Coch and Jones Memorial Hospital are very pleased that . James R. Rummel, DO, will be joining the Jones Memorial Medical Practices site in Andover.
Dr. Rummel is board eligible in Family Practice, recently completed a family practice residency in Texas and earned his Doctor of Osteopathy at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
According to Julie Hart, Vice President of Practice Management, patients who presently see Dr. Coch will be under the care of Dr. Rummel when Dr. Coch retires. As a family practitioner, Dr. Rummel will be seeing patients of all ages. Dan Woolston, Nurse Practitioner, is planning to stay on at the practice and will continue to see his patients.
Photo Caption: Dr. James Rummel, his wife, Cassie, and their children have relocated to Wellsville. Dr. Rummel will begin seeing patients at the Andover Medical Practices on September 1.
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