Kenmore Mercy Hospital
Connections
News and announcements for associates, volunteers, and providers. Fall 2019
Nurses Celebrate Changing of The Guard
A Message from Walt Ludwig, President As we move into fall, I wanted to provide an update on my goals for 2019 that I noted in the spring newsletter. • Improvement in our patient experience. We have made some strides here, having gone from a score of 72.9 in 2018 to 74.1 this year. I have great confidence that the reboot of our “Picture Perfect Room” project and our white noise machines will help to further enhance our patient experience.
This past June, Cheryl W. Hayes, MS, ANP, NEABC, passed the torch to Heather Telford, MS, BSN, CEN, NEA-BC, who became the hospital’s new vice president of Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer. Heather is ready to put her more than 30 years of experience in nursing and healthcare administration to use in her new position. She has been with Kenmore Mercy since 2008, first serving as nurse manager of the Emergency Department. More recently, she was the hospital’s director of Nursing since 2013. She played an integral role in the opening of a new ER in 2013 and was also a key player in the hospital achieving Magnet status and the Beacon-silver award. “We welcome Heather’s experience, leadership, and dedication to maintaining our commitment to clinical and patientcare standards,” Walt Ludwig, president of Kenmore Mercy said.
• A stronger night shift focus. Hopefully you have seen me and other members of the management team rounding more often from 7 pm – 7 am. We also opened our Kenmore Mercy Marketplace on the second floor by the chapel as an easy way for night shift associates to get a quick snack, salad, or cold drink. • Market expansion into North Tonawanda. Though still a strong part of our patient population, we have lost some market share in North Tonawanda over the past year. It will be important to refocus on this area. • Increase our orthopedic business. With our partnership with Excelsior Orthopedics, we are seeing our volumes return to 2018 levels. Thank you to all the members of our surgical team and everyone who supports this service line for your work in bringing more surgeons and more volume back to Kenmore Mercy. • Maintain a closer working relationship with labor unions. We’ve reorganized many of our working committees to try to be more effective in communicating with each other. I also participate in a monthly meeting with union leadership. • Have Fun! Hopefully you were able to participate in one of our many summer activities – Gateway Harbor concerts, food trucks, 5K races, Riviera Theatre, and Rockin’ on the River. I was very proud of the great participation we had from many associates this summer and we’ll be renewing many of these sponsorships for 2020. Thank you for your continued dedication to Kenmore Mercy Hospital and our patients. You are making a difference in all you do every day.
Intenstivist Receives Doctor of Distinction Award
Concentrating on Kindness in Healthcare When patients are ill, they often face fear and uncertainty. It’s the associates they see daily that they look to for compassion and guidance. As part of Kenmore Mercy’s ongoing focus on key behaviors that are important to the patient experience, former patient and multi-organ transplant survivor Diana Donnarumma spoke to a group of 50 associates in August about the power of kindness in healthcare.
Humble, kind, respectful, thoughtful, dedicated, and compassionate are just a few words used to describe Samad Rasul, MD, FACP, Kenmore Mercy’s 2019 Doctor of Distinction. As an intensivist, he cares for some of the hospital’s sickest patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Dr. Rasul has been affiliated with Kenmore Mercy since 2018. He is a graduate of the King Edward Medical College in Lahore, Pakistan.
Food service ambassador Gloria Peay’s simple act of kindness, the gift of song, made Diana Donnarumma’s day in August 2018. Diana’s post of that video went viral with more than 10,000 views in 48 hours.
Having spent more than nine months in Georgetown MedStar Hospital in Washington, DC, where she received her transplant to correct complications from the autoimmune condition Dysautonomia, Diana has experienced the good, the bad and the ugly in patient experience at hospitals throughout the country. When the Clarence native came to Kenmore Mercy for the first time during her recovery, it was the gift of song from food service ambassador Gloria Peay, that made her smile. She notes that, “Kindness isn’t an option. Everyone at the hospital can and should show kindness.”
He completed fellowships in Critical Care Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Infectious Diseases at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC, where he also completed an Internal Medicine Internship and Residency.
Tips that Diana provided in her presentation include: • give someone your undivided attention • be other-centered versus self-centered • be vulnerable, truthful and honest • answer questions • provide matching open body language
Dr. Rasul is also a clinical assistant professor of Medicine at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
“We have a unique opportunity and privilege to provide comfort,” said Laura Verbanic, PT, BB, CPHQ, director of Quality & Patient Safety. “I hope Diana’s story inspires others to treat our patients with kindness and compassion.”
Congratulations, Dr. Rasul, and thank you for all you do for our patients every day.
If you missed Diana’s presentation, it has been made available for viewing on October 22 from 11:30 am - 12:15 pm & 12:30 pm -1:15 pm in the Community Room and October 24 from 8 pm - 8:45 pm in the Community Room. It will be posted on the intranet soon also.
Other Doctor of Distinction Award nominees this year included Drs. Thomas Brewer, Lloyd Brown, Patrick Chan-Lam, Erik Diringer, Michael Gough, Eric Koch, Matthew Missert and David Vogt.
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Nurse celebrates 45 years of service In the summer of 1974, Mary Hojnacki, BSN, RN, ONC, walked into Kenmore Mercy, a bright eyed graduate of the Edward J. Meyer Memorial Hospital School of Nursing (now the Erie County Medical Center). Nurse manager Mary Hojnacki joined the The north Buffalo hospital in 1974. On the left is Mary on her native, then a mere 21-years-old, was hired graduation day from nursing school. on the spot by Sister Magdeline Schott, who assigned Mary to the hospital’s original orthopedic wing. That was shortly after the hospital expanded its west building in the 1970s.
While most new nurses rotated through different units before receiving a permanent assignment, Dr. William Roger, the chief of orthopedics at the time, requested she remain in the orthopedic unit. She went on to become a nurse manager, first on the 2 North Patient Care Unit, then 2 East, and 2 South, where she is today. She continued her professional growth by obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Buffalo, and achieving Orthopaedic Nurses Certification. As Mary built on her education and nursing skills, she also helped with the growth of the hospital and developing its award-winning orthopedic program. She was a key player in the opening of the 2 East Patient Care Unit in 1996 and the newly constructed 2 South Patient Care Unit/Knee & Hip Center in 2013. Throughout her tenure, she worked with every one of the hospital’s CEOs, including its first, Sister Mary Mechtilde, who opened the hospital in 1951. She also experienced the evolution of the nursing uniform, first wearing a starched white dress, white stockings, shoes, and white cap. Over the years, the hospital changed its dress code, with Mary being one of the last nurse managers to switch to business casual attire in the last two years. The hospital’s frontline nurses now primarily wear scrubs. Mary tells younger nurses, “Nursing is an extremely rewarding profession… it’s a calling. But, it requires a profound need for adaptability and compassion.” She has proudly mentored hundreds of nurses throughout her career and watched many of them blossom into leadership roles and pursue advanced degrees.
Hospital Celebrates Founding with Heritage Exhibit
Founding physician Dr. Daniel Stedem’s daughter Joan Keller and his grandson Joseph Keller admire the new exhibit.
Kenmore Mercy celebrated its 68th anniversary with the opening of a heritage exhibit on October 7. It traces major milestones of the hospital and honors the contributions of its founders, including the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. From the opening of the first House of Mercy on September 24, 1827, to the dedication of Kenmore Mercy on October 7, 1951, the heritage exhibit represents a shared legacy of ministry dating back two centuries. Located on the second floor, the display spans across the rotunda outside the hospital’s chapel and features artifacts, photographs of early contributors, and a timeline of the progressive growth of Kenmore Mercy. Since history never ceases, this is purposely a living exhibit that will continue to expand over the years. The hospital is grateful to all the people, past and present, who helped shape its future and played a role in carrying out the mission of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy for generations of patients. Of special note is longtime contributor, the Kenneth L. and Katherine G. Koessler Family Foundation, which provided a gift to make the heritage exhibit possible.
When asked, what her most rewarding achievement has been, Mary stated, “I’m proudest that I will some day retire from a Magnet institution, a recognition that demonstrates the everyday exemplary care provided by Kenmore Mercy’s nurses.”
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Hospital Awarded Gold Seal of Approval for Total Hip, Knee Replacement Kenmore Mercy Hospital successfully completed its third Joint Commission Disease Specific survey for total knee and total hip replacement in September, achieving reaccreditation for another two years.
MRI technologist Traci Smith, chief technologist Cassie Russo, and MRI technologist Charles Schroeder.
MRI Awarded ACR Accreditation The MRI Department at Kenmore Mercy Hospital recently passed its American College of Radiology accreditation. “The three-year accreditation helps assure patients that we provide the highest level of image quality and safety. This is a wonderful accomplishment for our Imaging Department,” noted Imaging Department manager Carolyn Drews, BSN, BSM. The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by boardcertified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report that can be used for continuous practice improvement. Thank you to our MRI team for their valuable time, expertise and commitment to this success. Kenmore Mercy houses an advanced Siemen’s 3 Tesla (3T) MRI scanner, the most powerful magnetic strength available for clinical use. The system handles virtually any application, from routine brain and spine scans to orthopedic studies.
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Kenmore Mercy Hospital earned its initial Joint Commission knee and hip replacement certification in 2011, becoming the first hospital in Western New York to receive this quality certification for its joint replacement services. The award is a symbol of the highest quality safety and patient care, and recognizes compliance with The Joint Commission’s strict national standards. “This certification means that we help set the standard for best orthopedic practices in the country,” said Andrew C. Stoeckl, MD, Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s associate chairman of Orthopedics. To achieve these dual certifications, Kenmore Mercy’s total joint replacement program underwent a rigorous, voluntary, on-site review that looked at all aspects of care including patient education, surgical outcomes, rehabilitation practices, leadership, and medication management.
Hospital Receives Stroke Award Kenmore Mercy is proud to be recognized once again by the American Heart Association for its active involvement in Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke, a program designed to help hospitals make sure patients get the benefits of the latest evidence-based treatment. The hospital received its fourth Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award this past spring. Kenmore Mercy earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients. “Kenmore Mercy Hospital is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our stroke patients by implementing the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke initiative,” said Joy MacNeil, MSN, RN, SCRN, stroke coordinator.
Reminder We are up for recertification for Joint Commission Disease Specific for Stroke. The survey could take place anytime between September 2 and December 1.
ASU Nurses Exploring Music Therapy for Spinal Surgery Patients
Foundation Announced Tribute To Angels Honorees
Patients at Kenmore Mercy Hospital experienced some good vibrations in the form of music therapy. As part of a clinical study to decrease post-operative pain, nurses at Kenmore Mercy provided pre-recorded music to patients recovering from spine surgery. The study, which ran from November 2018 to February 2019, was conducted in collaboration with Sound Transformations Music Therapy Services and University at Buffalo, School of Nursing. It found that patients recovering from spine surgery reported less pain when they received music therapy, as opposed to those who only received traditional medicinal treatment. Chronic pain is common among adults with about 70 percent of people in the United States experiencing at least one episode of back pain in their lifetime. More than five million people are temporarily or permanently disabled by spinal disorders. According to Margy Donofrio, BSN, RN, CNML, CAPA, CPAN, nurse manager of the ASU, “Patients recovering from spine surgery are at higher risk for pain management challenges, anxiety and longer lengths of stay.” The eight patients who volunteered to participate in the study were asked to rate their pain level during several stages of their care, from pre-operative to post-operative. In reviewing the control group versus the test group, it was found that music does have the potential to reduce pain and length of stay. People who didn’t receive music therapy reported slight increases in pain, but, those who participated in the music sessions experienced a decline in their discomfort, the study found. The hospital plans to do a larger, follow-up study in 2020.
Dr. Brewer
Dr. Silverstein
During its annual A Tribute to Angels event, to be held on Friday, November 22, 2019 at Salvatore’s Italian Garden, the Kenmore Mercy Foundation will recognize several individuals whose dedication to the hospital and the community has been extraordinary. This year’s honorees are Thomas J. Brewer, DO, MS; David A. Silverstein, MD; and Cheryl W. Hayes, MS, ANP, NEA-BC. Dr. Brewer, a medical intensivist in Kenmore Mercy’s Beacon award-winning Cheryl Intensive Care Unit, and Dr. Silverstein, a geriatric specialist with Kenmore Family Medicine, will receive the Sister Mary Mechtilde Memorial Award. Cheryl will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. She retired in June as vice president of Patient Care Services after 26 years of service at Kenmore Mercy. The Sister Mary Mechtilde Memorial Award was established in 1980 by the Kenmore Mercy Foundation. A Tribute to Angels features a night of fine cuisine, auctions, recognition and achievement, while raising funds to benefit Kenmore Mercy Hospital. For more information or to reserve your table, call the Foundation office at 4476777 or visit http://blog.chsbuffalo.org/ kenmore-mercy-foundation-events/.
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Welcome! Beth Clark, MSN, RN, FNP, CWCN, is the new wound advisor at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, replacing Mary Applegate, who moved to a different Catholic Health site.
Jennifer Earls, BSN, RN, TCRN, from the Emergency Department, has been promoted to senior clinical advisor of the ER and ICU.
Associates Out in the Community Helping
Beth
Kenmore Mercy and other Catholic Health associates - JoAnn DePeters, Libby Smith, Jen McCarthy, Dennis Incorvaia, Christina Roux, Mary Scholten, Shannon Lavocat, and Barb Kostowniak. Jennifer
To deliver the best possible healthcare, hospitals must maintain strong relationships with their surrounding community. Kenmore Mercy’s associates are active all year long, partnering with neighborhood organizations, local chambers of commerce, and other non-profit organizations. This summer was no different.
Peter C. Schmitt joined us as business advisor, a position formerly held by Kyle Donovan who is now Kenmore Mercy’s finance director.
Peter
Peter was previously senior accountant for the Foundations of Catholic Health.
Kyle
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There was also a strong presence at sponsored events like the Gateway Harbor Concert Series and Kenmore Village Improvement Society Children’s Concert Series where brand ambassadors were at performances interacting with the crowds and handing out promotional items. In August, Emergency Department nurses teamed up with the Town of Tonawanda’s paramedics at National Night Out. They gave “check ups” to teddy bears and other special friends, giving local children a firsthand medical experience without a trip to the doctor. A team of volunteers put their hands to work in September, helping Habitat for Humanity build a house in Buffalo.
Perry Scinta joined us as Environmental Services supervisor. He was formerly a Erie County deputy sheriff.
Susan Shepherd joined us as the supervisor for the Patient Access Department. She joined us from Mercy Hospital where she held a similar position.
In June, the hospital sponsored the St. Andrew’s Country Day School 5K Race. There were more than twenty associates and their family members who participated in the race to support our Elmwood Avenue neighbor.
Reaching out beyond the hospital walls is a priority for Kenmore Mercy as we remain committed to serving our community.
Save the Dates Monday, November 25 Thanksgiving Basket Distribution
Perry
Saturday, December 14 Christmas Shoppe Program For information or to find out how you can help, call 447-6103. Susan
Cheryl Robinson, RN, gave Ryan McClure’s bear some TLC at the Teddy Bear Clinic.
Hospital Art Exhibits Helping Improve Patient Experience
Auxiliary Events this Season Thank you to the Kenmore Mercy Auxiliary for its ongoing support of the hospital. A number of sales remain for the 2019 season. Remember, a portion of the proceeds from their sales benefit the hospital. Mon. – Thurs. (Oct. 14 – 17) Theme Basket Raffle 9 am – 4:30 pm in the Atrium Friday, October 18 Theme Basket Raffle 8 am – 1 pm in the Atrium Wednesday, October 24 In The Bag - Handbag Sale 8 am – 4 pm in the Atrium
Local students have contributed their artwork to help expand the hospital’s art exhibit.
Our patients’ first impressions of our healthcare facilities can set the tone for the rest of their visit. At Kenmore Mercy Hospital, the artwork and photography in its ongoing community art exhibit helps promote the healing process. The hospital recently unveiled two new art exhibits – photography by Alyssa LaMartina and multimedia artwork created by students in the Ken-Ton School District – a welcome addition to its patient experience efforts. The Kenmore Art Society is also a frequent contributor to exhibit, located in the south hallway. “There is increasing evidence that art can reduce stress, create emotional connection, and improve the overall morale of patients and associates, alike,” said Heather Telford, BSN, MS, BCEN, NEABC, Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer, Patient Care Services.
Monday, October 28 Sewing Bazaar 10 am – 4 pm in the Atrium Tuesday, November 5 Small Indulgences Jewelry 8 am – 3 pm in the Atrium Tuesday, November 12 Dragonfly Jams & Jellies 9 am – 3 pm in the Atrium Thursday, November 14 Susie’s Children’s Books 9 am – 4 pm in the Atrium Tuesday, November 19 BuffaLove Sale 8 am – 4 pm in the Atrium Friday, December 6 Poinsettia & Wreath Sale 7 am – 6 pm in the Community Room & Atrium
“Art can offer a healthy and calming distraction and spark discussion,” she added.
Tuesday, December 10 Collective Goods (Books Are Fun) 8 am – 4 pm in the Atrium
Some of the artwork is available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the hospital. Give the Kenmore Mercy Foundation team a call to find out more at 447-6204.
Wednesday, December 11 Collective Goods (Books Are Fun) 7 am – 3 pm in the Atrium
Photographer Alyssa LaMartina’s “Perspective Collection” can be found in the hospital’s first floor south hallway.
In addition, the Auxiliary’s Sewing Group holds fundraising events every Monday in the atrium where they sell handmade items.
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Kudos & Congrats!
Associates Celebrate Kenmore Mercy Night at Gateway Harbor
Physical therapist Amanda Coniglio, was the second quarter LOVE Award honoree.
Michelle Eichler, CST, was named the 2019 Surgical Technologist of the Year. Emma Heim, BSN, RN, from the 2 West Patient Care Unit received the Daisy Award this summer. This honor celebrates her kindhearted nature and extraordinary clinical skills.
Stroke coordinator Joy MacNeil-Ennis, BSN, RN, SCRN, completed her Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Systems from University at Buffalo School of Nursing in May 2019.
Maria Roberts, RN, from the Emergency Department, completed her Bachelor of Nursing from Chamberlain College in June.
Kayla Thorn, RN, from the Emergency Department passed her CEN exam and is now a Board Certified Emergency Nurse.
Amanda
Hospital staff stepped out on July 31 to celebrate Kenmore Mercy Night at North Tonawanda’s Gateway Harbor Concerts. The concert series is sponsored by the hospital. Michelle
Emma
“The night was a fantastic way to have fun with work friends out in the community,” said Nurse of Distinction Chris Dowd, BSN, RN, CCRN, from the Intensive Care Unit. He was one of seven associates that joined Catholic Health’s Chief of Community Connections Kevin O’Connell on stage during intermission at the West of the Mark and Caitlin Koch concert. Other associates who joined us to be recognized that night were Medical Staff Associates of the Year Cheryl Tumia, RN, and Kathy Kanaley, patient representative; DAISY Award winner Emma Heim, RN; Imaging Distinction Award winner Lisa Prenatt, RDMS, RVT; Outstanding Respiratory Therapist Award winner Kristen Freeman, RT; Shining Star Award winner Carole Aronica, service representative; LOVE Award winner Amanda Coniglio, PT, and Outstanding Staff Nurse Jason Meder, RN, from the Operating Room. “Our goal was to create a fun event for our associates outside of the hospital,” said Walt Ludwig, President.
Joy
“Kenmore Mercy Night also gave us an opportunity to tell the community more about some of the extraordinary individuals that care for our patients each day.” Thank you to everyone who came out and to all of Kenmore Mercy’s associates for your dedication to excellent care, quality outcomes, and patient safety!
Save the Date! Fall 2019 Associate Forum Sessions
3 West Patient Care Unit Maria
Tuesday, October 29 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Wednesday, October 30 from 5 pm – 7 pm Friday, November 1 from 10 a.m. – noon Monday, November 4 from 5 pm -7 pm Wednesday, November 6 from 10 pm – midnight Friday, November 8 from 1 pm – 3 pm Thursday, November 14 from 10 pm – midnight Friday, November 15 from 1 pm – 3 pm
Kayla
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Ken-Ton FamilyCare/Pulmonary Rehab Monday, November 18 from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm AthletiCare Wednesday, November 20 at 11 am – noon