News, announcements, and vital information for associates, their families, and friends of Catholic Health.
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Living Our Mission Margaret L. Wendt Family Center
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Miracles & Wonders Through Technology School Health Program is Real Lifesaver
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Foundations of Catholic Health Voice of the Associate Coming Soon
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HR Benefit News Community Education
Fall 2014
Catholic Health Administrative & Regional Training Center Open for Business... and Training Catholic Health celebrated the official blessing and dedication of its new Administrative & Regional Training Center (ARTC) during a special ceremony at the facility on October 2.
Catholic Medical Partners ACO Among Best in Nation Providing efficient, high quality healthcare to Medicare patients is the goal behind the Federal Government’s Shared Savings Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) program. In 2012, Catholic Medical Partners ACO, along with nearly 700 member physicians and Catholic Health, was one of the first 27 organizations in the country chosen to participate in this national health reform initiative. The ACO program encourages doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers to work together to better coordinate care and keep Medicare recipients healthy rather than treat them when they are sick, which helps to reduce overall healthcare costs. Recently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued quality and financial performance results for more than 200 ACOs across the country. In its first year in the program, Catholic Medical Partners ACO ranked as one of the best performing in the country, improving care and producing significant cost savings. The Catholic Medical Partners ACO reduced healthcare expenses for its participating Medicare patients by seven percent from the national benchmark, saving more than $27 million, while also demonstrating high levels of quality in such areas as patient safety, care coordination and preventive health. It was the third highest level of savings among all 220 Medicare ACOs across the country. “We have been committed to the principles of accountable, well-coordinated healthcare for many years, long before the establishment of the ACO program,” said Joe McDonald, president and CEO of Catholic Health. “Our culture of collaboration and focus on quality and safety helps ensure that every patient gets the right care in the right place at the right time, and makes us leaders in healthcare transformation locally, regionally, and nationally.” Catholic Health and Catholic Medical Partners attribute their success to a long-standing partnership and shared focus on improving patient care for all patients across the healthcare spectrum. “We are pleased with the results our ACO was able to achieve,” said Dennis R. Horrigan, president & CEO, Catholic Medical Partners. “Everything we do at Catholic Medical Partners and Catholic Health is focused on improving patient care. Our investments in technology, human capital, and best practice medicine are designed to strengthen the clinical office and enhance the coordination of care for all patients.” Pictured above: Dr. David Martinke is one of nearly 700 physicians participating in the Catholic Medical Partners ACO.
The Most Reverend Richard J. Malone, Bishop of Buffalo, presided over the ceremony that included Joe McDonald, president & CEO of Catholic Health; Congressman Brian Higgins; New York State Assembly Member Crystal PeopleStokes; and Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. “Over the past decade, we have made tremendous strides in clinical excellence through a relentless focus on quality and Joe McDonald was joined by a by investing in number of dignitaries to cut the some of the most ribbon on the Administrative & advanced health- Regional Training Center. care technology available,” said McDonald. “Today’s changing healthcare environment challenges us to go even further – to not only deliver great care, but to do so as efficiently and cost effectively as possible. That challenge is what brings us together in this beautiful new facility.” Nearly 650 Catholic Health associates have relocated to the ARTC from seven different locations across the area. That number will climb to 700 when Catholic Medical Partners moves into the facility next summer. The sav-
ings associated with consolidating from seven locations to one is more than $1.5 million annually. Catholic Health will also partner with a variety of educational institutions and community organizations to offer the resources of its Regional Training Center. “It’s much more than an office building; it’s an environment that promotes innovation and collaboration, and serves as a hub for training and education not only for Catholic Health associates, but the community as well,” McDonald added.
At the heart of the facility, developed by Uniland and designed by Stieglitz Snyder Architecture, is the Catholic Health Chapel, which features elements of stone and wood. The focal point of the new chapel is a beautiful two-story mosaic of the Blessed Mother that was relocated from its original home at the former Nazareth Nursing Home on North Street.
News from Joe McDonald, President & CEO
New ARTC and Mount St. Mary’s Hospital CON Signal Next Steps for the Future of Catholic Health When you work in healthcare, you learn to live with change. Some changes are monumental for our industry, like the Affordable Care Act, while others are more localized, in terms of what they mean for Catholic Health and the people we serve. The opening of our new Administrative & Regional Training Center (ARTC) and the filing of a Certificate of Need (CON) to have Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health System join Catholic Health (see article page 3) are two important changes that will help us continue our vision to lead the transformation of healthcare in our community. Both of these changes have been a long journey from where we began. When Catholic Health formed in 1998, we knew we needed to address technology and infrastructure needs throughout our organization. We had aging facilities with outdated medical equip-
ment and information technology that would not support our clinical needs or the industry shift to electronic medical records (EMR). We began this process with a solid plan to invest our dollars in the most advanced clinical and information technology. Our $100 million partnership with Siemens Medical Solutions gave us the medical tools to deliver the highest quality care and the technological resources to deliver that care more efficiently by becoming a national leader in the adoption of electronic medical records. Similarly, we made hundreds of millions of dollars in capital improvements throughout our ministries. This provided our patients with safe, modern and comfortable settings to receive care and our staff with more efficient work spaces to match the caliber of the care they provide. Continued on page 2
Living Our Mission
Catholic Health Remembers Jim Boldt We were saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of James R. Boldt, chair of the Catholic Health Board of Directors, on October 13. He was appointed chair in May after serving on the Board since 2009. “Jim was an active and dedicated member of our board and gave freely of his time for the betterment of our organization,” said Joe McDonald, president & CEO of Catholic Health. “He was a valued colleague and trusted advisor and I was honored and blessed to serve alongside him during his tenure on our board.”
Catholic Health 2020 Vision – Moving Us Forward By Sr. Nancy Hoff, Senior Associate Catholic Health Ministry Formation Take a drive down Broadway, Walden Avenue or Ohio Street and you will see miles and miles of railroad tracks; what you will rarely see is a moving train on those tracks. It was not that long ago that the majority of our population and consumer goods were transported from place to place by rail. What happened? Many experts will say that railroads contributed to their own demise by losing focus. “Railroads assumed themselves to be in the railroad business rather than in the transportation business.”1 They lost sight of the big picture – who they are and what they are about. So, as Catholic Health, what business are we in and how do we ensure that we stay focused and not lose our way within the complexities of healthcare today? The first three words of our 2020 Vision provide the answer: “Inspired by faith.” Our main business is continuing the ministry of Jesus and bringing his healing presence into a world that is crying out Inspired by faith... for compassion, mercy and wholewe will lead ness.
the transformation of healthcare...
One of the meanings of the word “inspire” is to “breathe in.” The act of breathing is so much a part of us that we hardly notice it; the same is true of faith. It is our faith in Jesus and our commitment to carrying on his mission that is the leaven that permeates everything we do in Catholic Health. It is everywhere! We see it in the gentle touch of a nurse, the willingness to go the extra mile to help someone in need, a smile in the hall, our commitment to care for those who are poor, and in so many other ways. Yes, we are people who are inspired by faith and this is our business! Theodore Levitt, “Marketing Myopia,” Harvard Business Review 38, July-Aug 1960, p.45.
Mr. Boldt was well respected among our board and system leadership. His special knowledge of information technology and its important role in healthcare was a valuable asset to our system and contributed to our success as a national leader in this area. Jerry Castiglia, former chair of the Catholic Health Board of Directors and a longtime
friend of Jim Boldt, first recommended him to serve on our board. “Jim was bright, hardworking and genuinely committed to his work, his community, and above all, his family,” said Mr. Castiglia. “His James R. Boldt passing is a great loss for me personally, the Catholic Health board, and our community as a whole.” Most recently, Mr. Boldt served as chairman & CEO of Computer Task Group. He also served as chief financial officer for Pratt & Lambert United, Inc. An active business and civic leader, he had more than 30 years of experience in the areas of IT, finance and general management.
New Administrative & Regional Training Center is Green Inside and Out When you look at Catholic Health’s Administrative & Regional Training Center (see photo on page 1) you may notice gleaming silver accents and rows of crystal clear windows. But inside and out, our new corporate home and training facility is all “green.” With LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification for its core and shell, and dozens of other green features throughout, Catholic Health has made a significant commitment to ensure that the ARTC is not only eco-friendly, but also promotes healthy and environmentallyresponsible work and business practices. Some “green” features of the ARTC include:
• Modular work spaces, with movable
walls and access floors for power and cables, are easily re-configurable and minimize construction waste. • Shared multifunction devices (printer/ copier/fax) eliminate personal printers and force print double-sided and B&W copies to save on paper and toner. • Less associate travel between sites, distance learning/video conferencing,
and the ability to bike and/or take public transportation to work, eliminates excessive travel and gas consumption.
• Volume discounts, wind power and high
efficiency HVAC and LED lighting, including motion sensors and glass walls to disperse natural light, save energy. • UV-filtered water stations on each floor eliminate the need for bottled water. • Single-stream recycling stations and personal recycling bins at each workstation promote facility-wide recycling. • Designated parking for hybrid and compact vehicles. • Low flow faucets, toilets and showers, conserve water. “We’ve worked hard to create a workplace that is efficient, functional and aesthetically pleasing, while supporting our system-wide ‘Go Green’ initiatives,” said David Vitka, vice president of Facility Planning for Catholic Health. “It is our hope that all our associates who work in and visit the ARTC will champion these efforts and adopt many of these green practices in their own homes.”
Visit: chsbuffalo.org/AboutUs/Green
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Our Mission WHY WE EXIST
We are called to reveal the healing love of Jesus to those in need.
Our 2O2O Vision W H AT A R E W E S T R I V I N G T O D O
Inspired by faith and committed to excellence, we will lead the transformation of healthcare in our communities.
Our Values W H AT W E B E L I E V E I N
Reverence, Compassion, Justice, Excellence
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News from Joe McDonald, President & CEO continued from page 1 The ER Renaissance projects at all our hospitals, the Orthopedic Unit at Kenmore Mercy, and the Ambulatory Surgery Unit at St. Joseph Campus are just a few recent examples of the types of construction and renovation projects we will continue to support to maintain our facilities and attract more patients to Catholic Health. With all this progress, however, comes the need for more centralized and coordinated administrative services to meet the growing needs of a growing organization. Designed with operational and environmental efficiencies, the ARTC will enable our administrative and shared services functions to provide better, more cost-effective support to associates throughout Catholic Health and the ministries in which they work. It will also enable our system to branch out beyond our original borders.
When Catholic Health formed, we focused our efforts on bringing together Catholicsponsored health providers throughout Erie County. As we continued to develop as a system, it became clear that a more formal association with Mount St. Mary’s Hospital would solidify our common missions and enable us to serve the region more effectively. The filing of our Certificate of Need to bring Mount St. Mary’s into the Catholic Health fold is an important step to strengthen our mission and strengthen Catholic sponsored healthcare in Niagara County. While changes like these can sometimes move us out of our comfort zone, they are necessary and signal exciting progress in the continued development of our healthcare ministry and the high quality, compassionate care we collectively provide to the people of Western New York.
Work Groups Formed as Progress Continues on Mount St. Mary’s Hospital Joining Catholic Health Since plans were first announced in April to have Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center join Catholic Health, the two organizations, along with Ascension Health, have been laying the groundwork for the governance, religious and government approvals needed to make this vision a reality.
will be conducting meetings and gathering information to plan for the numerous details that need to be addressed as we come together as one unified system,” McDonald continued.
Pending CON approval, we remain hopeful that the transfer of Mount In September, CathoSt. Mary’s from lic Health filed a Ascension Health Certificate of Need to Catholic Health (CON) with the New will be completed by York State Departmid-2015. “These ment of Health to activities will take begin the government several months to review and approval complete, as the to assume ownership Plans are underway to have Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in various work groups of Mount St. Mary’s. carry out their assignLewiston, NY join Catholic Health. “Following this filing, ments,” said Judith associates and physicians within Catholic Maness, President & CEO of Mount St. Health and Mount St. Mary’s will begin to Mary’s Hospital. “While we have a lot of see more visible activity as we work together work ahead of us, we have a good team in to develop a detailed transition plan,” said place and support from everyone involved.” Joe McDonald, president & CEO of the Both Catholic Health and Mount St. Mary’s health system. are members of Ascension Health. As previThis work will include organizing task forces ously announced, Our Lady of Peace, Mount around various functional areas and creating St. Mary’s Nursing Care Residence in Lewwork groups made up of Catholic Health and iston, will remain part of Ascension Health Mount St. Mary’s leadership. “The groups Senior Care.
New Operating Rooms Enhance Care and Expand Surgical Capabilities at Kenmore Mercy Hospital With the growth of Kenmore Mercy Hospital as an Orthopedic Campus of Excellence comes the need for additional operating rooms(ORs), equipped to handle more complex surgical cases. Physicians and staff gathered in June to bless and dedicate two new state-of-the-art operating rooms at the hospital. John Repicci, DDS, MD; and Richard Buckley, MD; performed the first surgeries in the new operating suites on July 8. In the 45 years Dr. Repicci has been associated with Kenmore Mercy Hospital, many surgical procedures have changed. Laparoscopic surgery for routine procedures, like appendix and gall bladder removals and hysterectomies, have become commonplace. In addition, the hospital has seen significant growth in complex orthopedic and neurosurgery cases, creating a need for larger, more sophisticated ORs.
Physicians and Surgery staff joined together as Father Bob Schober blessed the new ORs at Kenmore Mercy.
This phase of Kenmore Mercy’s continued expansion, increases the number of ORs at the hospital from eight to ten. The new rooms, which are more than 700 square feet, are designed to accommodate more advanced minimally invasive and robotic surgical technology. With this project complete, expansion of the hospital’s Ambulatory Surgery Unit is slated to begin soon.
The IMPACT Journey Continues The initiative known as IMPACT (Innovation in Managing Performance And Changing Technology) continues to move forward as project teams design and build the new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system that will enable Catholic Health to better manage its Human Resources, Purchasing/ Supply Chain, and Finance functions. The IMPACT team continues to work towards implementing the Purchasing and Finance modules in Spring 2015, followed by HR next Fall. Testing is now underway on the new ERP system, which will also include comprehensive training for all users. The benefits and changes that come with IMPACT will be felt by all associates, not just HR, Finance and Purchasing. Through the work of IMPACT, we will be able to improve operational efficiencies across our system, while enhancing the employment experience for our associates and practice experience for our physicians. These improvements will also mean changes in the way we do things – from how we manage our benefits to how we order supplies.
Service Spotlight
This initiative also provides us with a significant opportunity to standardize the way we operate across the system, from managing inventory to paying our bills. Greater standardization improves efficiency and organizational performance, which in turn allows us to focus more resources on patient care. If we’re headed toward our goal of being an even more effective healthcare system, then ERP is the vehicle that will get us there, the IMPACT initiative is the IT superhighway on which we will travel, and the dedicated team of professionals testing and building the system will lead us in the right direction. In fact, a simple way to understand IMPACT is to think about it like taking a trip in a car:
• The ERP software is the car; • The IMPACT initiative is the roads,
bridges and traffic laws we must follow;
• The IMPACT Team is behind the wheel; • and becoming a highly effective healthcare system is the final destination.
A Closer Look at Catholic Health Neonatology Services When it comes to caring for our tiniest patients, some as small as 14 ounces at birth, Catholic Health has two highly specialized Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) – one at Sisters of Charity Hospital and one at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo. Along with adult Intensive Care Units at both hospitals, Sisters and Mercy are the only area hospitals that can care for sick mothers and sick or premature newborns, who need intensive care, all under one roof. “We practice a familycentered model of care, involving families as much as possible,” says Dr. Thomas Riley, medical director of the NICU at Sister’s Hospital. “Families are encouraged to spend as much time as possible with their babies. We also use a method of family bonding called ‘Kangaroo care’ (pictured here) in which the babies are held skin-to-skin by their parents.” As a Level III unit, the NICU at Sisters Hospital cares for babies as young as 23 weeks. Mercy’s Level II NICU cares for babies as young as 32 weeks. Both units provide a variety of medical interventions from a multidisciplinary team of neonatal specials to help premature babies develop as they would if their mothers were able to carry them to full term. “We rely on physical and occupational therapy to help the babies develop muscle tone as they gain weight,” says Dr. Riley. “For the sickest and tiniest babies, Respiratory Therapy provides specialized ventilation to help their underdeveloped lungs operate and minimize damage as they grow.” Other members of the neonatal team include nurses, social workers and chaplains. With a skilled and dedicated team utilizing the most advanced technology, along with the special love and attention that only a family can provide, Catholic Health’s Neonatology Services, makes a big difference in the lives of our tiniest patients. Pictured above (l-r): Catholic Health Neonatologists Dr. Robert Dukarm, Dr. George Albert., Dr. Thomas Riley and Dr. Kamal Singhal.
Ebola Update Catholic Health has a team of clinical and administrative leaders, under the guidance of Dr. Kevin Shiley, director of Infection Prevention & Control, working non-stop to develop a comprehensive Ebola Response Plan. The plan includes creating a dedicated Ebola Response Team, purchasing needed equipment and providing extensive training across our system. It also involves identifying possible Ebola patients at their earliest point of entry; isolating those patients; and providing the proper medical care to help the patient, prevent the spread of the virus, and first and foremost, protect the safety of our associates. More information is available on “Click on the Bug” on the Catholic Health Intranet. Other questions can be directed to John Kane, VP Quality & Patient Safety, at jkane@chsbuffalo.org or 923-2942 or Dr. Brian D’Arcy, SVP/chief medical officer, at 864-4564.
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Miracles & Wonders
Margaret L. Wendt Family Center Provides Comfortable Waiting Area at Mercy Hospital Mercy Hospital of Buffalo recently held a blessing and ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the Margaret L. Wendt Family Center (pictured here), which serves as the waiting area for family and friends of patients undergoing surgery at the hospital. “We would like to thank the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation whose generous lead gift made this project possible,” said hospital President & CEO C.J. Urlaub, who explained that the continued growth in surgical cases at Mercy Hospital necessitated a larger waiting area with private consultation rooms.
Dr. Ghomi Performs Area’s First Single-Incision Hysterectomy Once doctors cut the umbilical cord at birth, most people don’t find a practical use for their belly button. But in recent years, single-incision laparoscopic surgery through the umbilicus – the medical term for navel or belly button – is becoming an even more minimallyinvasive surgical option for many patients. In July, the surgical team at Sisters of Charity Hospital, St. Joseph Campus, lead by Dr. Ali Ghomi, the hospital’s chief of Robotic Surgery and director of Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, performed the Buffalo area’s first two single-incision hysterectomies using the da Vinci robotic surgical system. Unlike traditional “multi-port” laparoscopic or robotic surgery, which requires three to five dime-sized incisions through the abdomen, single-incision hysterectomy is performed through a small incision hidden within the naval. “Single-incision robotic cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal) has been performed successfully in Catholic Health for some time, however, this is the first time a single-incision approach has been used to perform a hysterectomy in Western New York,” said Aimeé Gomlak, Catholic Health vice president of Women’s Services. More than 600,000 hysterectomies are performed in the U.S. each year, being the second most common surgery in adult women. The procedure is recommended for a number of medical reasons including fibroid tumors, endometriosis or cancer. Besides the cosmetic considerations, the benefits of the single-incision procedure include quicker recovery, less post-operative pain, and the potential for fewer complications. “Both patients who underwent the procedure at St. Joseph Campus are doing very well. They were able to go home the same day and resume most normal activities in about two weeks,” said Dr. Ghomi. “Since there are fewer incisions, there is less discomfort and virtually no visible scarring once the naval incision heals. For patients, especially busy women, it means they can resume their normal lives in a fraction of the time than with other surgical procedures.” In 2013, Sisters Hospital, St. Joseph Campus was the first hospital in New York State to be named a “GYN Epicenter” training site by Intuitive Surgical, developer of the da Vinci system. Dr. Ghomi helps train other surgeons from throughout the country how to perform a variety of advanced, minimally invasive gynecological procedures, including single-incision hysterectomy. Pictured above: Dr. Ghomi prepares for a da Vinci procedure.
A Special Visitor Acting NYS Health Commissioner Howard A. Zucker, MD, paid a visit to Catholic Health earlier this summer to meet with President & CEO Joe McDonald. During his visit, he stopped by the Baby Café at Sisters Hospital, an innovative program that provides information and group support to help moms with breastfeeding. He was joined by Tina Harmon (to his left), certified lactation consultant.
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“We expect more than 20,000 visitors to use this space each year,” he added. “We are pleased to be able to provide them with a comfortable and peaceful area to wait during what can be a stressful time.” The $600,000 renovation project was funded by the Mercy Hospital Foundation through
generous grant awards, special event revenue, individual donations and support from the Mercy Hospital Medical Staff. The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation provided a $375,000 grant for the project. The new center is located on the hospital’s 3rd floor and features a patient tracking board, enabling guests to monitor a patient’s progress throughout surgery. The project included the expansion of the former surgical waiting room, along with three new private consultation rooms.
School Health Program is a Real Lifesaver For decades, people have touted the benefits of school lunch programs. Similarly, School Based Health Centers (SBHC) provide important health and academic benefits, often serving as a safety net for children in need of medical care and other health services. Earlier this year, Kannon Connolly was a first grade student at Southside Elementary School, when Rachel Spector, a nurse practitioner in Sisters Hospital’s School Based Health Program (SBHP), noticed a lump on his neck. Rachel contacted Kannon’s family and after further testing he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He underwent surgery over the summer and is doing well. This story illustrates the importance of SBHCs, especially in areas where regular medical care may be lacking. Sisters Hospital operates three SBHCs in high-need communities, serving more than 2,500 students at Buffalo’s Harvey Austin School, West Hertel Academy, and Southside Elementary. SBHCs are facing significant financial uncertainty as part of New York State’s “Medicaid Redesign” initiative, which could eliminate funding for these programs as early as October 2015. The financial viability of SBHCs are crucial to ensuring that children, who might not otherwise receive needed care, have access to healthcare services at school.
Kannon is back at school and all smiles with Dr. Robert Schulman, Medical Director of the SBHC program; Rachel Spector, nurse practitioner; and his grandmother and mother Dawn and Brandi Schoonmaker.
In partnership with the School Based Health Alliance, Sisters Hospital received a $50,000 grant from the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust to help develop strategies to ensure the sustainability of SBHC programs. Sisters Hospital opened its first SBHC in 1995. In 2013, the sites, which are staffed by a pediatrician, nurse practitioners, social workers, and other support staff, recorded more than 12,000 visits. In September, Kannon was able to join his second grade classmates for the start of the new school year. His family credits the SBHC program with helping to save his life.
Pulmonary Rehab Patient Celebrates Milestone Jerry Kreutzer has reason to celebrate. This August, the 77-year-old retired police officer marked his 1,000th visit to Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center, a significant milestone for an emphysema patient. He is only the fourth patient in the center’s 25 history to reach that goal. Pulmonary Rehabilitation is designed for patients with chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma, emphysema or COPD. The program provides structured exercise and education to help patients increase their stamina and manage their lung disease. It has also become a place where patients can talk to each other, sharing ideas and experiences – the group support that is so valuable in day-to-day living. Dr. James Fitzpatrick, a pulmonologist at Kenmore Mercy, referred Jerry to the program 11 years ago. He noticed an improvement in his symptoms after completing the eight-week program and has continued a maintenance program ever since. Jerry attends the program two days a week, working out with a variety of exercise equipment. Between exercises, he records his
Nancy Kreutzer has supported her husband Jerry throughout his 1,000 Pulmonary Rehabilitation visits.
activities and measures his oxygen saturation and pulse. His commitment to the program has far exceeded doctor’s orders – and he has no plans to stop now. “Pulmonary rehabilitation works,” said Jerry without hesitation. He also attributes his success to the professional and motivational staff at the center. “Jerry’s success is a direct result of his commitment and hard work,” said Karen Hamp, RN, a Pulmonary Rehabilitation nurse at the center. “He knows to maintain his respiratory health, Pulmonary Rehab must be part of his regular routine.”
Kenmore Mercy and Mount St. Mary’s Nominated for HANYS Pinnacle Award The Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) recently recognized Kenmore Mercy Hospital and our affiliate Mount St. Mary’s Hospital as part of its Pinnacle Award for Quality and Patient Safety program. The program recognizes successful quality improvement and patient safety initiatives and shares best practices among HANYS’s more than 250 members. Kenmore Mercy and Mount St. Mary’s were among only 67 hospitals nominated for the 2014 Pinnacle Award. Kenmore Mercy earned nominations for two clinical improvement projects, “A Team Approach to Reduction in Central Line Infections” and “Implementation of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in a Community Hospital.” Mount St. Mary’s earned a nomination for its initiative, “Reducing
Patient Falls – Purposeful Rounding.” Kenmore Mercy’s multidisciplinary central line infection initiative was able to reduce hospital-acquired infections by 60% from 2012-2013. The antimicrobial stewardship program, led by pharmacist James Bartlett, saw a dramatic change in prescriber practice patterns and associated antibiotic costs. Mount St. Mary’s falls initiative was led by Mark E. Carl, RN, nursing supervisor/quality improvement coordinator, with support from the hospital’s nursing team. Their efforts resulted in a significant decline in patient falls and falls with injuries to well below national averages. Falls resulting in injuries decreased to only two in 2013, also well below the national average for hospitals.
Catholic Health Home Response is All New We all remember that iconic television commercial of the late 1980s, “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” But since that time, home medical alert systems have come a long way. Catholic Health Home Response recently introduced the latest generation of medical alert technology that enables area seniors, individuals with medical conditions, or anyone with physical challenges to live independently in their own homes with more options than ever before. Whether at home or on the go, the system provides 24/7 emergency assistance at the touch of a button. It also features several new options giving subscribers an added level of independence not available with older systems. In addition to the standard plug-in unit that connects to most home phone lines, Catholic Health’s VRI Medical Alert System also offers a cellular unit, for individuals without landlines, that works on AT&T and T-Mobile’s cellular networks, and a Mobile Care System that features GPS tracking for those who travel beyond the confines of their home. A special Fall Detection Button
also sends help when participants are not able to press their button after a fall. For subscribers and their families, Catholic Health Home Response offers peace of mind that help is available when needed. At the push of a button, callers are connected to the VRI Care Center, where specially trained emergency response specialists send needed help quickly. The system is convenient, affordable and easy to use. There’s no long term contract or installation fee. Catholic Health Home Response also offers a special discount for family and friends of associates and affiliated physicians, and a sliding scale for participants who qualify for financial assistance. For more information, call 447-6309 or log on to www.HomeResponseSystem.com.
A Patient’s Best Friend – Sisters Hospital Introduces Therapy Dog Program Whether it’s for companionship or service needs, human beings and canines have always had a special bond. For hospitalized patients, this special relationship has been shown to have healing and other quality-of-life benefits as well.
Enhancing the Patient Experience
The pilot program has been met with positive reviews from both patients and associates. The dogs help reduce anxiety and stress for patients who may be missing their own pets at home or visitors who are worried about their hospitalized loved ones.
“A study was done by Therapy Dogs Inter“Our hope is to expand national showing the the program to the overwhelming benother Catholic Health efits of having therapy hospitals by the end of dogs visit hospitalized the year,” said Molly patients,” says Heide Lange, RN, unit Cornell, director of champion for the pilot Volunteer Services at program at Sisters HosSisters Hospital volunteers Nancy McCabe and her dog Sisters of Charity Hos- Bella visit with patient Delene Kendrick. pital. “You can almost pital. “Knowing this, we see the stress melt off a formed an interdisciplinary team from across patient when their favorite pup arrives.” Catholic Health to look at incorporating Volunteer Nancy McCabe and her lovtherapy dogs into our hospital volunteer and able Bullmastiff Bella have been visiting patient experience programs.” patients at Sisters Hospital. Like all hospital Therapy Dogs International, which does volunteers, Bella wears a bright yellow name rigorous training and certification of therapy badge around her neck, so everyone knows dogs, worked with Cornell to find dogs who she is giving of her time to help others. The were well-suited for hospital work. From hospital currently has 15 therapy dogs, who there, a pilot Therapy Dog Program began at visit patients on a rotating schedule accomSisters Hospital in September. panied by their handlers/owners.
Grateful Patient Reunites with Mercy Hospital Team Dan Coughlin spent 76 days at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo earlier this year following a life-threatening cardiac condition. He was so grateful for everyone involved in his care that he wanted to return to the hospital and personally thank them. His story began last February when the 73-year-old Orchard Park resident experienced sharp pain in the middle of his back while skiing. At first, he thought he pinched a nerve or pulled a muscle, but when he got home, the pain was so severe his son called an ambulance and he was rushed to Mercy Hospital. After arriving at the hospital, doctors discovered Dan had suffered an aortic dissection, the same heart condition that took the life of popular TV star John Ritter in 2003. An aortic dissection occurs when blood from the aorta leaves its “channel” through a small tear in the aortic wall and forms a new channel causing the inner and outer walls of the aorta to separate or dissect. The weakened blood vessel may burst, which is often fatal if not treated immediately. It’s rare that hospital staff get to see patients once they leave the hospital, so when Dan requested a return visit to thank everyone, hospital officials were happy to help coordinate the reunion. More than two dozen associates gathered at the hospital on September 4 to share in Dan’s “homecoming,” including cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Stephen Downing and MRU medical director Dr. George Boucher. During his stay at Mercy Hospital, Dan passed through the caring hands of countless healthcare professionals in the ER, Cardiothoracic Surgery, ICU, Open Heart Unit, Cardiac Care Unit and finally the Medical Rehab Unit. What do you say at a time like this? Filled with emotion and sincere appreciation, Dan looked at the staff and simply said, “Thank you to all of you who saved my life.” Pictured above: Dan Coughlin (in the light blue shirt) is surrounded by the staff who cared for him during his stay at Mercy Hospital.
Catholic Health Heart Center Welcomes New Physician The Heart Center at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo welcomes Mark Adkins, MD, to its Cardiothoracic Surgery team. Board certified in Surgery and Thoracic Surgery, Dr. Adkins has more than 26 years of experience in cardiothoracic surgery. He previously served as chief of Adult Cardiac Surgery at Saad Specialist Hospital in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, and chairman of Cardiothoracic Surgery at New York Hospital Queens. He completed a fellowship in Thoracic and Cardiothoracic Surgery at the New York University Medical Center and earned his medical degree from George Washington University.
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Foundations of Catholic Health
P-TECH Prepares Students for Healthcare Careers Catholic Health, Trocaire College, Erie 1 BOCES, and the Lackawanna City School District are participating in a unique collaborative effort to help students transition from high school to college to a rewarding healthcare career. Led by the Lackawanna School District, the NYS Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program is a publicprivate initiative designed to prepare high school students for high-demand careers in the health sciences field. The program, which targets at-risk students, incorporates a six-year education model that combines high school, college and career training.
Foundation News Give to the Foundations That Give Back to You! Last year, associates donated more than $225,000 to the Annual Giving Campaign. Thank you! In 2013, the Foundations of Catholic Health raised $3.6 million for facility improvements, leading-edge technology and programs to serve those in need. You asked and we funded clinical education opportunities and small grant requests. Why give? You say it best! “I support the Sisters Hospital Foundation, St. Joseph Fund because everyone benefits. From high-tech equipment used in surgery, to renovating a unit, to the purchase of new vacuum cleaners for Environmental Service, the Foundation makes an impact.” ~ Greg Chatham, Environmental Services manager, St. Joseph Campus “Mercy Hospital Foundation helped to fund Brigit’s Closet. Now, if a refugee comes in with sandals and bare feet, they leave with winter wool socks or a pair of boots.” ~ Eileen Needham, Social Worker, Mercy Comprehensive Care Center Eileen Needham with a patient at the “The Continuing & Home Care Foundation Mercy Comprehensive Care Center funded an automatic door opener for the courtyard at Father Baker Manor. They also asked a grateful donor who funded new blood testing equipment at another site, if he’d be willing to fund this equipment for our other sites. Now, other residents and patients are benefitting as well.” ~ Mark Wheeler, administrator, Father Baker Manor
“In 2012, Kenmore Mercy was awarded the Pathways to Excellence® designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in part because our nurses regularly attend professional development seminars funded by Kenmore Mercy Foundation. The Foundation has again designated $30,000 for staff education in 2014. ~ Cheryl Hayes, VP, Patient Care Services, Kenmore Mercy Hospital 2014 Annual Giving Campaign. Pledge cards and current funding needs are available on the Catholic Health Intranet at Departments/Corporate & Foundation Relations/Annual Giving or from any of our Foundations.
Upcoming Foundation Events • Kenmore Mercy Hospital Foundation Tribute to
Angels – November 21, Buffalo Niagara Mariott.
For more information on these events and other Foundation activities, visit chsbuffalo.org/Giving/foundations.
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Students selected for this program will be able to obtain an associate’s degree in a health-related field from Trocaire College at no cost – giving them the opportunity to focus on their education and future career goals without the burden of student loans. Winning partnerships were selected from around the state through a highly competitive process. The group, which includes Catholic Health, was the only one from Western New York selected to participate in the P-TECH program.
P-TECH students participate in a hands-on learning opportunity with Steve Nolte, RRT, clinical coordinator for Respiratory Care at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo.
Students may participate in college career pathways in Health Information Technology, Nutrition & Dietetics, Surgical Technology or Radiologic Technology. After receiving their college degrees, students will be eligible for job opportunities in Catholic Health. “Students in this program will be introduced to career pathways in their freshman year in high school and will participate in a curriculum that will be integrated with work-based learning activities such as job shadowing, work site field trips and internships,“ said Anne Spadone, superintendent of the Lackawanna City School District.
Voice of the Associate Survey Coming Soon For the past 8 years, Catholic Health has sponsored the Voice of the Associate Survey (VOA) to measure associate engagement, learn more about the work environment within our ministries, and make positive changes throughout our system, as we strive to be an employer of choice in Western New York.
tion of healthcare in our community. Our leadership team will be using this webbased system to view responses, compare benchmarks, create/track action plans and chart our progress. The graphic below illustrates Press Ganey’s “Workforce Commit-
ORGANIZATION
MANAGER
EMPLOYEE
Employee Respect Work-Life Balance Fair Compensation Growth and Development Citizenship Organizational Alignment
Leadership Employee Involvement
Coworker Relations Job-Person Match
Quality-Customer Focus
With each generation of this survey, we are learning more about our organization and developing better ways to meet the needs of our associates. As we strive to make the VOA more useful and effective, we recently partnered with Press Ganey/Morehead, a national leader in healthcare engagement surveys. Press Ganey brings valuable healthcare experience to this process and will help us design and administer a new and improved VOA.
ment” model, which provides a framework for the survey questions. In addition to these areas of focus, the new VOA survey with Press Ganey will include approximately 55 questions using a five-point rating scale.
The next VOA online survey will launch in February 2015. Your ongoing feedback is critically important as we continue to create an organization that will lead the transforma-
Want to get involved? Visit your local HR office or contact Bridget Russo at brusso@ chsbuffalo.org to share your ideas or suggestions for future surveys.
Watch for more information coming soon on the new 2015 VOA survey. As in the past, we will be sponsoring events and offering prizes at our ministries to thank associates for their participation.
There’s Something for Everyone at CHU Catholic Health University offers more than 50 courses to assist associates in improving their performance and enhancing our mission. Courses are specifically tailored to the needs of associates in clinical, nonclinical, managerial, and supervisory roles. November 5 - Care of the Poor and Vulnerable 6 - Leading Change and Renewal 7 - Working with You is Killing Me! 13 - Influential Leadership 19 - Leading in a Union Environment 20 - Stress Management 27 - Spirituality Grounded December 3 - Leadership in the Healing Ministry 8 - Documentation: Your Legal Defense 11- Surviving and Thriving Change 16 - Talent Selection & Interviewing
All classes are held at the Catholic Health Administrative & Regional Training, 144 Genesee St. in Buffalo. For more information, including class times or registration help, contact Tara Bingham at 706-2072.
HIPAA Compliance
Around the System... John Beyer has been named executive director of the LIFE (Living Independently for Elders) Program. He succeeds Tom Schiffere, who retired earlier this year after serving as executive director of LIFE since 2010. ••• Eddie Bratko has been promoted to vice president of Operations at Mercy Hospital. Eddie joined the hospital in 2010 as director of Financial Services. In his new role, he will have administrative oversight for a number of departments including Security, Pharmacy, Food & Nutrition and Respiratory Care. ••• Kenmore Mercy Hospital is pleased to congratulate Susan Conover, RN, as its first winner of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing. The DAISY Award is part of a national program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. Susan is an ICU nurse at Kenmore Mercy. ••• Heide Cornell, director of Volunteer Services for Sisters Hospital, was named Volunteer Director of the Month by the Association for Healthcare Volunteer Resource Professionals, which is part of the American Hospital Association. Heide was featured in the September issue of the AHVRP newsletter. ••• Erik Diringer, DO, received the 2014 Doctor of Distinction Award from Kenmore Mercy Hospital. An intensivist in the hospital’s ICU Unit, Dr. Diringer was recognized for the respect he shows to patients and staff. ••• Raichel Lytle, EEG technician at Kenmore Mercy, successfully completed the EEG credentialing exam given by the American Board of Registration of EEG and Electrophysiology Technologists. Raichel is the only EEP technologist credentialed in Catholic Health and one of only five in the area. ••• Julie Morgante has been named director, Quality & Patient Safety Clinical Data Systems. In this role, she is responsible for the development and implementation of clinical data. Julie began her career with Catholic Health in 2000 as charge technologist in the Mercy Hospital Laboratory. In 2007, she was named senior quality analyst.
Congratulations to Allison White who was recently named one of Business First’s 2014 30 Under 30 honorees. This honor goes to 30 Western New Yorkers in the early stages of their careers who are achieving at high levels at work and in the community.
Department Achievements The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Sisters Hospital has received three-year recertification from the American Association of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Rehabilitation for maintaining high quality standards. ••• Catholic Health’s Information Technology Department received two prestigious honors. Donna Ruhland, RN, BSN, lead clinical programmer/analyst, and Tony Paul, clinical workflow design analyst won the international “Workflow of the Year Award” presented by Siemens Medical Solutions. The award recognizes workflow solutions that improve quality, efficiency and patient safety. The Buffalo Chapter of the Project Management Institute named the technology portion of the Catholic Health Administrative & Regional Training Center its “Project of the Year” for 2014. A highly skilled team from IT, HR, and Facility Planning, led by Barb Balk, project manager, worked on 11 different IT initiatives to support the ARTC. ••• Patricia Siola, PharmD, MBA, PHD, FASHP, FACHE, Pharmacy director at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, received the Pharmacy Achievement Award from the WNY Society of Health System Pharmacists. WNYSHP also recognized Kenmore Mercy pharmacists Kevin Brandon, Rph, with the Dr. Robert Cooper Award; and Courtney LaDuca, Rph, as Pharmacist of the Year. Kevin was also recognized by D’Youville College as Pharmacy Institutional Preceptor of the Year. ••• St. Elizabeth’s of Lancaster received the “Excellence in Action Award” from My InnerView. Presented by the National Research Corporation, the award recognizes superior commitment to Independent Living. It is given to those facilities that achieve resident satisfaction scores within the top 10% in the nation for respondents who rate the facility as “excellent.”
Meet the Clinical Documentation Team Nurses fill many important roles within Catholic Health, but one you may not be aware of is that of the Clinical Documentation Specialist (CDS). First introduced at Mercy Hospital in 2003 and expanded to all our hospitals the following year, there is now a team of 13 CDSs who work throughout Catholic Health.
essential resource to the clinical team and promote better patient care and disease management by ensuring that all patient charts are accurately coded and contain specific documentation that appropriately reflects the acuity, severity, and overall outcome of each patient.
In 2013, the team was These nurse challenged specialists work to achieve hand in hand certification CDI Team (l to r): Patti Makey-Raab, Darcy Davignon, Carlene LoNobiwith our codin this nursle-Kasperek, Joanne Shaffer, Susan Urlaub, Janet Sikora, Mary Scholten, ing staff and ing specialty. Patricia Witnauer, Janet Adams, Barb Kosztowniak, and Karen Burger. physicians to This requires Missing from photo are Carol Bader and Judy Hewner. ensure that every experience patient’s medical record is accurate and in the field and the successful completion of complete. In 2010, the team was provided a 150-question exam. To maintain certificawith new documentation tools, including tion, there are continuing education requirespecialized software and an updated educaments every two years. Congratulations tion program. to the following nurses who earned CDI certification: Janet Adams, Carol Bader, According to the Association of CliniKaren Burger, Darcy Davignon, Carlene cal Documentation Improvement (CDI) LoNobile-Kasperek, Janet Sikora, Mary Specialists, CDI professionals serve as an Scholten and Patricia Witnauer.
Just the Fax Please Q: We still use the fax machine often to obtain and send patient records and other protected health information (PHI). How can we ensure we are being careful with the records? A: It is important to develop a secure procedure for faxing protected health information. Here are some tips to include:
• Protect the fax machine. Place it in a designated location, out of the main traffic flow and accessible only to designated clinical personnel. Consider using a separate machine for patient records and other PHI.
• Confirm fax numbers before transmission. Pre-
program frequently used telephone numbers into the fax machine to avoid misdialing.
• Use a cover page that designates information as confidential.
• Confirm the receipt of the transmission. Some
agencies incorporate a receipt page that the receiver faxes back. Others request a telephone call from the receiver.
• Maintain a file of fax transmission cover letters. • File the information that was faxed in the pa-
tient’s clinical record. – Homecare Insider, March 28, 2014
Safeguarding Protected Health Information (PHI) is everyone’s responsibility. Report suspected or actual breaches to: Leonardo Sette-Camara, Esq., Compliance & Privacy Officer, at 821-4469; the HIPAA Hotline, 862-1790; or the Compliance Line, 1-888200-5380. All calls are confidential and you may remain anonymous.
Dr. Meesala to Lead Women’s Heart Health Program The Catholic Health Heart Center has named Mrinalini Meesala, MD, medical director of Women’s Heart Health. In this new role, Dr. Meesala will develop medical programs and coordinate services to improve the heart health of women in our community. A cardiologist with the Cardiology Group of WNY and member of the Sisters of Charity Hospital Medical Staff, Dr. Meesala specializes in risk assessment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Board certified in cardiovascular disease, internal medicine, adult comprehensive echocardiography and nuclear cardiology, Dr. Meesala is a member of the American College of Cardiology Women in Cardiology. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in women, but often goes undiagnosed because the warning signs can be different for women than they are for men. Active in the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign, Dr. Meesala has been an outspoken advocate for educating women on the dangers of heart disease and how to identify warning signs and risk factors.
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For all Benefit Eligible Associates Electing Benefits for 2015
Fall 2014
Oct. 20 – Nov. 21
Oct. 27 – Nov. 21
• Mercy Hospital of Buffalo (and Ancillary Facilities) • Corporate/ Hospital 900 • Mercy Nursing Facility • LIFE/PACE • OLV Senior Neighborhood • Mercy Home Care
Nov. 3 – Nov. 21
• Kenmore Mercy Hospital (and Ancillary Facilities) • Sisters of Charity Hospital, St. Joseph Campus • McAuley Seton Home Care • St. Vincent’s of Dunkirk • St. Elizabeth’s of Lancaster • The McAuley Residence
• Sisters of Charity Hospital (Main Street Campus and Ancillary Facilities) • St. Francis of Williamsville • Catholic Health Home Infusion Pharmacy • Father Baker Manor
Open Enrollment Assistance – Weekday Schedule
2875 Union Road, Suite 23-24 Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Hours: ■ 7am - 11am • ■ 1pm - 3:30pm • ■ 7am - 11am & 1pm - 3:30pm • ■ 8am - 11am & 1pm - 3:30pm Mercy Hospital of Buffalo
Basement Computer Training Room #1 (1st Floor)
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Kenmore Mercy Hospital
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Email submissions to: Krista Nati at knati@chsbuffalo.org or JoAnn Cavanaugh at kjc4281@chsbuffalo.org
Catholic Health Creative Services and Public Relations Departments 2875 Union Road, Suite 23-24 Cheektowaga, NY 14227
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Administrative & Regional Training Center
3rd Floor – 3A Computer Lab Oct. 22: 8am – 12pm • Oct. 29: 7am – 11am & 1pm – 3:30pm Oct. 31: 8am – 12pm • Nov. 6: 11am – 2pm Nov. 10: 8am – 12pm • Nov. 19: 11am – 2pm
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Home & Community Based Care Call 706-2312 for enrollment assistance
You MUST Participate in Open Enrollment if: • • • •
You elect a flexible spending account for 2015
You are not currently enrolled for benefit coverage and wish to elect coverage in 2015 You elect to add or remove dependents (dependent verification documentation is required for all new additions) You elect to change your personal information or you want to add or change your beneficiary
Catholic Health HR News
Catholic Health Community Outreach News
Get Healthy with Choose Health!
Ask Us Anything About Your Health – Answers to Your Healthcare Questions
As a healthcare provider, Catholic Health knows how important good health is to our patients. As an employer, the health of our associates is just as important. To help our associates* choose and maintain healthy habits at home and at work, and reward those efforts, we are happy to announce the launch of an exciting new Associate Health & Wellness Program – Choose Health! – beginning in 2015. Choose Health! is free for all Catholic Health ACE associates enrolled in our health plan. We have partnered with Interactive Health, a leading provider of worksite wellness programs, to offer this valuable health benefit. To get started, Interactive Health will schedule free onsite preventive health evaluations beginning in November, which include a health survey and blood test. From this assessment, you will receive a customized health plan with your own personalized wellness goals. Once you share the results with your physician, you will be eligible for special rewards, including a chance to win a trip to Europe, Disney World or California, and other great prizes. With Choose Health!, living a healthier life can be fun and rewarding. This program is packed with valuable information and fun activities to help you get healthy and stay healthy, including: • A free health evaluation to learn your current health status, set personal health goals and develop a plan of action to reach your goals. • Fun, interactive health challenges and wellness workshops. • An interactive website to help you meet your diet and exercise goals. • Celebration activities to highlight and reward your success! Watch for Choose Health! enrollment information coming soon. * Choose Health is currently only available to ACE associates enrolled in the Catholic Health 2015 health plan.
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Sisters of Charity Hospital, St. Joseph Campus
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Connections is produced by:
News, announcements, and vital information for associates, their families, and friends of Catholic Health.
Open Enrollment Schedule
Did you ever want to speak with a doctor or health specialist on a particular health topic outside a formal office setting? Now’s your chance. Catholic Health will be sponsoring a free community program entitled, “Ask Us Anything About Your Health” on Thursday, November 20 from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Millennium Hotel, 2040 Walden Ave. in Cheektowaga. The program will feature board-certified physician specialists and other health professionals, who will be available to answer all your questions on a variety of important healthcare topics, including: • Treating Chronic Back Pain • Women’s Cancers • Obstetrics/Gynecology • Weight Loss Surgery • New Fixes for Knee & Hip Pain • Heart Health • Living with Stroke • Vascular Health • Pelvic Health & Urinary Incontinence • Plus free health screenings and info on healthcare services in WNY Participants will be able to choose from up to three topics of interest as the evening progresses. Each topic will be presented in a small, informal setting. The doctor/presenter will provide a brief overview of the topic and answer all your questions in an easy-to-understand manner. You deserve the best, especially when it comes to understanding your health and well-being. Attend “Ask Us Anything About Your Health” to learn more. The program is free and open to all. Free parking and snacks will also be available. Register by calling (716) 447-6205 or register online at www.chsbuffalo.org/events.
visit: chsbuffalo.org/events