Kenmore Mercy Hospital
Connections
News and announcements for associates, patients, and their families. Winter 2018/2019
A Message from Walt Ludwig, President & CEO I’ve just completed my first year as CEO. It definitely went by very quickly for me. Over the past year, I’ve been an administrator, a negotiator, a communicator, and even a patient here. It continues to be an exciting role for me and I hope I am meeting your expectations. Stephanie Fino, PT; Amanda Kowalski, RN; Heide Fiorentino, RT; Beth Anne Rutter, PT; Sue McClure, RN; and Kevin Brandon, RPH, represent a small sampling of our associates who are key to ensuring top ratings.
Hospital Achieves Tenth Leapfrog “A” Kenmore Mercy Hospital continued its streak of top grades from The Leapfrog Group, achieving its tenth “A” in the biannual Hospital Safety Grade Report for Fall 2018. Furthermore, Catholic Health earned the region’s highest overall score in the report with four of its hospitals receiving Western New York’s only “A” grades. The Leapfrog Group strives to promote transparency in healthcare quality reporting, by assigning an “A, B, C, D or F” grade to hospitals across the country. Grades are based on how well a hospital protects patients from medical errors, infections, and other preventable harm. “For every member of our Kenmore Mercy family – from our physicians, nurses, clinical professionals, and support staff, to our volunteers and Foundation board members – quality and patient safety is our top priority,” said Walt Ludwig, president & CEO of Kenmore Mercy Hospital.
As with any new year, there are always new areas of focus and new goals developed. My own goals for Kenmore Mercy Hospital for 2019 include: - Continued improvement in our patient experience. I appreciate everyone’s efforts to work together to ensure every patient feels we are meeting their needs completely and with compassionate care. Our scores equal the national average, but I know we are better than average. - A stronger night shift focus. My goal is for off shift associates to see me and other members of the management team more often and to ensure associates on every shift have the same opportunities to participate in our celebrations and events. - Continued market expansion into the North Tonawanda area and adjacent markets. We’ve shown we can win over an area through participation in their community and providing great service. I believe we have additional opportunities here to continue to grow our patient base - Increase our orthopedic and musculoskeletal business. Though we lost some volume with the recent departure of a busy surgeon, we are developing new relationships with other surgeons, which will give us the opportunity to be even busier than before. - Maintain a closer working relationship with our organized labor partners. This will be a particular focus for me and the management team to ensure we have open communication and respectful dialogue throughout the organization - Have fun! Look for more ways to have fun at work or through our sponsorships like the Riviera Theatre or our new role with the Gateway Harbor Canal Summer Concert series. Though we all work hard, there should also be opportunities for our team to get together in fun and social settings. I look forward to updating you on the progress of these goals throughout the year.
Our Experience Improves the Patient’s Experience
Treating the Sick Can Mean Clothing Them Too
“Tremendous happiness and peace of mind are the results of loving service to others. Nobody can live fully and happily who lives only unto himself or herself.” ~ Gordon B. Hinckley, American religious leader As 2019 began, we continued with our efforts to improve our patient experience scores and the overall Kenmore Mercy experience with our behavior focus initiative, emphasizing specific behaviors every other month. Placing a renewed emphasis on our behaviors toward patients, their families, and our co-workers will hopefully see an enhanced and strengthened culture around Kenmore Mercy. Culture and patient experience are a natural connection, as good culture builds good outcomes. Our focus for February and March is Love. How can we display loving service and compassion to our patients and our coworkers? In our daily lives, how will we demonstrate God’s love to all we meet? All of us can be mindful examples of that love simply by allowing ourselves to be who we truly are when we respond to others with love, in all circumstances. We can bring the blessings of who we are to any situation simply through our love and compassion. In addition to Valentine’s cards and chocolate hearts, here are a few examples of displaying love in action: express empathy for others; cultivate attitudes of joy in yourself; appreciate the blessings that you are and that you have, and feel grateful for them; choose to smile when you go to sleep, and when you wake up in the morning; have a positive attitude - be the person everyone enjoys working with because you have a positive, can-do attitude; be loyal, trustworthy, and honest; and be a giver, not a taker.
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Bill Vaughan from Kenmore Mercy was joined by Paul Billoni and Amanda Kwaczala from Colvin Cleaners.
Kenmore Mercy Hospital shared the warmth this past holiday season, thanks to the generosity of its own associates and of Colvin Cleaners. The local cleaning business donated four dozen coats to Catherine's Closet at Kenmore Mercy. The coats will be given to the growing number of patients who have nothing to keep them warm when they are discharged from the hospital. Catherine’s Closet also houses donated shirts, pants, shoes and blankets for patients. “This is just one example of how today’s hospitals must treat more than just a patient’s sickness,” said Bill Vaughan, MAT, BCC, vice president of Mission Integration at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. In December, the hospital hosted its second annual Christmas Shoppe Program, providing new clothing, diapers, and gift cards to 66 families, including 155 children. Hospital associates donated the items to assist families who use services at Ken-Ton FamilyCare who may not otherwise have new items for their children during the holiday season. Easing a patient’s nonmedical needs is not a new idea for Kenmore Mercy Hospital. Its associates regularly commit to drives to support local organizations like Friends of Night People, Gerard Place, and St. Vincent DePaul.
Akron Students Get a Glimpse into Healthcare
Dietitians Complete Specialized Training
Christine Sikorski, Fran Max, Hollis Busch, and Theresa Jackson. Ricardo Senson, clinical laboratory histology technician, gives the students a behind the scenes look at the pathology lab.
It may not be a medical drama, but it promises to ignite emotions for area high school students considering careers in healthcare. Kenmore Mercy Hospital, in conjunction with Catholic Health, hosted a “M.A.S.H. Camp” or Medical Academy of Science and Health, for students from Akron High School in January. Now in its tenth year, the program gives local students the opportunity to explore careers with working healthcare professionals, participate in hands-on demonstrations, and tour various departments within the hospital to see if a future career in healthcare might be right for them. Student Nathan Chubb came to camp because he would love to be a doctor one day. He says, “I feel like many people, they don’t know what goes on and happens in the field. So this will give us all a better understanding as to what the possibilities are.” The group toured the Laboratory, the Knee & Hip Center, the Physical Therapy Department, and the Emergency Room. One of their guides was former Akron resident Deborah Micholas, RN, BSN, nurse manager of the 2 East Patient Unit. Her advice to the sophomores was to, “Keep focused. When you lose direction, you won’t achieve your goals.” “M.A.S.H. Camps are a unique opportunity for local middle and high school students to experience the healthcare world in an interactive way. It helps these young people become familiar with the broad range of job opportunities that healthcare offers. There is a tremendous need for more people to choose the challenging and rewarding career of healthcare,” said Nancy Preskop Catholic Health recruiter and M.A.S.H. Camp coordinator.
Five registered dietitians at Kenmore Mercy recently completed a Certificate of Training in Adult Malnutrition. Hollis Busch, Theresa Jackson, Fran Max, Annele Neyman (not pictured), and Christine Sikorski each earned over seven hours of continuing professional education. It culminated in a comprehensive post-test, regarding the identification and treatment of malnutrition in hospitalized patients. Registered dietitians are uniquely qualified to detect malnutrition and work with the multidisciplinary team to improve patient’s nutritional status. “I’m especially proud of our team of dietitians here at Kenmore Mercy,” said Theresa Jackson, RD, CSOWM, CDN, clinical nutrition manager. “They’ve relentlessly pursued the advancement of their own knowledge in order to affect patient outcomes in a positive way,” she added. Malnutrition affects as many as one in three patients admitted to the hospital, and can result in impaired healing, poor health outcomes, increased length of stay and associated costs.
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Surgeons Reach Milestone with da Vinci Changing the way surgeons can operate, robotic surgery is an effective, minimally invasive alternative to both open and laparoscopy surgery – even for highly complex surgeries – made possible through the use of the da Vinci® Surgical System. Stephen Griggs (r) was presented his award by Dr. Eric Koch (l).
Stephen Griggs Recognized with New Award In 2018, Kenmore Mercy introduced a new recognition, specifically acknowledging the amazing work of our advanced practice providers. The winner of this year’s inaugural Advanced Practice Provider of the Year Award was nurse practitioner Stephen Griggs. He received an overwhelming number of nominations, highlighting his excellent and attentive care of patients. “He always has a smile on his face and a kind word of support or encouragement for all of his patients. He takes the time to listen to each person’s questions or concerns and acts on them,” noted one nomination. While key members of our healthcare team, the advanced practice providers didn’t fit a specific mold in the hospital’s existing award programs, thus the creation of the Advanced Practice Provider of the Year Award. Other nominations were nurse practitioners Andrea Campagna, Nicole Faulkner, My Lan Le, and Amy Sisley, as well as physician assistants Cheri Gorski-Suhr, Karen McMahon, and Jessica Brown. Thank you to all these outstanding individuals for their dedication to Catholic Health’s mission and values and to providing excellent care for Kenmore Mercy’s patients.
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Collectively, the ten da Vinci trained surgeons at Kenmore Mercy Hospital have completed 1,000 surgeries using the system since it was acquired in February 2016.
Dr. Buckley celebrated his 500th da Vinci surgery with cake.
One surgeon has completed nearly 50 percent of those surgeries, Richard J. Buckley Jr., MD, FACS. In fact, he has exceeded more than 500 da Vinci Robotic surgeries in just a few years. “The da Vinci surgical system offers patients a minimally invasive approach as the incisions are smaller and recovery is faster,” said Dr. Buckley, who specializes in general and laparoscopic surgery. “Unlike conventional open surgery, patients who undergo this surgical option experience less pain and scarring, less risk of infection and shorter hospital stays,” he added. The da Vinci system is powered by robotic technology that allows the surgeon’s hand movements to be translated into smaller, precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body. “The robot mimics my movements while I’m sitting at the console,” said Dr. Buckley. “Unlike standard laparoscopic surgery with straight rigid instruments, I have instruments with a pair of wristed two finger hands within the abdomen which transforms the laparoscopic procedure into an open procedure. Whatever operative movement I perform with my hands, the robot duplicates those movements within the patient,” he added. Some of the benefits experienced by surgeons using the new technology over traditional approaches are greater surgical precision, increased range of motion of the instruments, improved agility, enhanced visualization and improved access to the surgical site.
Military Veteran Walking Pain Free Thanks to Local Surgeon
Associates Making Wellness a Priority at Kenmore Mercy
Registered nurses Rob Morello and Tina McGee, winner of a recent wellness raffle, from Interventional Radiology, regularly use the Wellness Center. Kenmore Mercy’s PACU and 2 South nursing teams, along with Dr. Vigna’s surgical team, rolled Kurt onto the second floor post surgery.
Navigating the healthcare system after military service can be a struggle for wounded soldiers. Kenmore Mercy Hospital, along with spine surgeon Franco Vigna M.D., M.P.H, and the military veteran support Operation Backbone, recently stepped in to make a difference for one soldier that has been waiting 17 years to relieve his back pain. Veteran Kurt Santini, US Army 10th Division, of Virginia, is finally walking pain free after his long overdue spinal surgery, done pro bono at Kenmore Mercy on October 16. Injured during a parachute accident, Kurt lost air in mid jump and free fell about 100 feet during a mission. He has suffered with severe back pain since, due to spinal cord compression. “My goal now is for me and my family to have a fulfilling life, a life that is more than dealing with my disabilities,” said Kurt.
Kurt Santini post surgery
Hospital professionals put patients first every day; but to care for others, they must stay healthy, too. This is why ChooseHealth and the many wellness programs offered at Kenmore Mercy are so important. “More and more hospitals across the nation are taking a vested interest in their employees’ wellness,” said Theresa Jackson, RD, CSOWM, CDN, clinical nutrition manager and co-chair of Kenmore Mercy’s Wellness Committee. In recent years, the facility opened up a wellness center available to all associates 24 hours a day/seven days a week, provided fun instructor-led exercise programs like Zumba, established walking paths, and offered healthy foods options in the cafeteria.
Kenmore Mercy donated the operating room, professional staff, medical supplies and post-surgical care. Dr. Vigna donated his services to perform the spinal surgery.
There have also been weight loss competitions, walking incentive programs, and various wellness challenges. Each of these are open to all of our associates.
“It is the mission of Kenmore Mercy Hospital, and all of Catholic Health, to help those in need, like Kurt, who would otherwise still be waiting for his surgery, said Walt Ludwig, president & CEO of Kenmore Mercy Hospital.
You can keep updated on the ChooseHealth (through Interactive Health Wellness Program) about fun activities, challenges and classes on the intranet.
“We were pleased to be part of the team to help him get a chance at a better life,” added Walt.
Also, be sure to access the Interactive Health Wellness Program from your iPhone or Android device with the new My Interactive Health app.
Operation Backbone, led by Corfu native Mike Sformo, works with hundreds of military members each year, coordinating medical logistics with key specialists to get them on the road to recovery, back on the front lines, and back to their families.
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Auxiliary Releases 2019 Schedule The Kenmore Mercy Auxiliary recently released its year-long schedule of vendor events. (See below for a partial list.) A portion of the proceeds from these these sales benefits the hospital.
Medical staff members Dr. Michael Slate and Dr. Joseph Ralabate, presented the check to Mark Keller, president of the Kenmore Mercy Foundation Board of Trustees and Walt Ludwig, hospital president & CEO.
Thank You to Our Major Donors December was a special month for the Kenmore Mercy Foundation, which received large donations from the Kenmore Mercy Auxiliary and the hospital’s medical staff. The Auxiliary donation of $48,000 will be used by the Foundation to purchase new equipment, support associate training, and help patients in need. This donation represents funds raised from the Gift Shop, and Atrium sales, along with proceeds from the sewing group. The medical staff’s donation of $30,000 will assist the Foundation in supporting associate educational opportunities. Kenmore Mercy Foundation sets aside funds annually to help provide associates with the means to learn up-to-date techniques, while providing the resources to treat patients with the high quality care for which Kenmore Mercy Hospital is recognized. “We are very grateful to the Kenmore Mercy medical staff and the Auxiliary for donating funds to assist the Foundation in supporting educational opportunities for our association to enhance their skills,” said Susan Jandzinski, executive director of the Kenmore Mercy Foundation.
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In addition, the Auxiliary’s Sewing Group holds fundraising events every Monday Joan Vitko, sewing group chair, and in the atrium where they sell Cheryl Ketcheson, show their goods. handmade items. Kenmore Mercy Auxiliary Vendors & Event Schedule Tuesday, March 5 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Popcorn Shack Atrium
Wednesday, March 6 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
BuffaLove Sale Atrium
Monday, March 11 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sewing Bazaar Atrium
Tuesday, March 26 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Collective Goods Atrium
Wednesday, March 27 from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Collective Goods Atrium
Tuesday, April 2 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Swarovski Jewelry Atrium
Wednesday, April 3 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Swarovski Jewelry Atrium
Tues. – Fri. (April 9 – 12 ) Used Book & Media Sale from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Atrium Thursday, May 2 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 7 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
BuffaLove Sale Atrium
Small Indulgences Jewelry Atrium
Thursday, May 9 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Dragonfly Jams & Jellies Atrium
Wednesday, May 15 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Spring Plant Sale Atrium
Thursday, May 23 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Grape Country Soaps Atrium
Thursday, June 6 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Popcorn Shack Atrium
Monday, July 15 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sewing Craft Bazaar Atrium
Tuesday, July 23 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Collective Goods Atrium
Wednesday July 24 from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Collective Goods Atrium
Ergonomics Important in the Workplace According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 60% of workplace illnesses reported each year are associated with repetitive stress injuries.
Foundation’s A Tribute To Angels a Success
According to Michelle Richey, physical therapist assistant at AthletiCare and an ergonomics assessment specialist, “For hospital employees, major ergonomic issues include patient handling and awkward postures.” However, all hospital disciplines can be impacted. Michelle added that, “anywhere individuals find themselves in awkward postures from bending or reaching can be impacted by strained hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, or back pain.” Workers may also be at risk for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinopathy and bursitis, which are caused by overuse and repetitive motions. Learning about sitting and standing proper posture, body mechanics and lifting techniques, and proactive stretches is essential to preventing workplace injuries that could potentially lead to longterm disability. Michelle is available to provide ergonomics training to Kenmore Mercy associates in their work environment where they perform their everyday tasks. Ergonomics often involves rearranging the environment—including equipment, tools, lighting, and how a task is performed—to fit the worker’s needs while they do their job. Ergonomic consultations in the workplace may be arranged by calling Michelle at 447-6037 or emailing her at mrichey@chsbuffalo.org.
Kenmore Mercy Celebrates Heart Month Associates at Kenmore Mercy kicked off Heart Month with Go Red Day on February 2. This included various disciplines coming together to educate individuals about cardiovascular disease and providing blood pressure screenings.
Dr. Michael Slate, Lee Ann Vogt and Dr. George Kalonaros.
During its annual A Tribute to Angels event, held on November 16, 2018 at Salvatore’s Italian Garden, the Kenmore Mercy Foundation raised more than $136,000 to benefit Kenmore Mercy Hospital, its associates, and its patients. In addition, Anthony B.H. Dr. Scamurra Habib and the Habib Family, George Kalonaros, MD; and David Scamurra, MD, were honored for their commitment to Kenmore Mercy Hospital and the community. Anthony B.H. Habib and the Habib Family, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Habib and his family have been active with the Foundation for more than 15 years and support many of organizations throughout the community.
This great event was made possible by the interdisciplinary team of Erik Musielak, RDCS; Carolyn Hilbert, RT; Theresa Jackson, RD; Susan McClure, RN; Joy MacNeil, RN; Mary Willis, RN; Elaine Schrutt, RN; and Sarah Nielsen, RN.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone that helped put the event together. The Kenmore Mercy family is always willing to lend a hand and it’s one small part of what makes this place great,” Erik Musielak, RDCS, supervisor of Non-Invasive Cardiac Services at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. Events like Go Red Day are important to supporting the fight against heart disease and helping us raise awareness for women’s heart health.
George Kalonaros, MD, neurologist and director of Kenmore Mercy’s award-winning stroke program, and David Scamurra, MD, an anatomic pathology specialist and board chair of HEALTHeLINK, received the Sister Mary Mechtilde Memorial Award.
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Kudos to our associates, physicians and volunteers! Pharmacist Kevin Brandon was a winner in the Western New York Society of Healthsystem Pharmacists logo design contest. Kevin
Lisa Prenatt, RDMS, RVT, was the 2018 winner of Kenmore Mercy’s Imaging Distinction Award. Lisa
Gloria Peay, food service ambassador, and Robin Balbuzoski, medical assistant at Ken-Ton Family Care, were the winners of the LOVE Award in second and third quarters of 2018. Ambulatory Surgery Unit registered nurse Betty Coon was chosen by the Nursing Shared Governance Committee as the December 2018 Daisy Award winner.
Cheryl Tumia, RN, 3 East; and Kathy Kanaley, patient representative, received the Medical Staff’s Associate of the Year Award for 2018.
Registered nurses Victoria McDonald from 2 South/2 East and Patricia Harter, from the Ambulatory Care Unit received our latest Great Catch Awards.
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Congrats to our Shining Stars Congratulations to our November 2018 Shining Star Award winners - utility mechanic Rich Vallieu, service representative Carole Aronica, and laboratory senior processing technician Michele Brown (not pictured). According to Jennifer Jacobs, Human Resources director at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, “The Shining Star Award is a new recognition program that hon- Carole Aronica ors and celebrates the outstanding work that our service, technical and clerical associates provide every day and highlights the very important work these associates do for our patients and their loved ones.” Thank you Rich, Carole, and Michele for your continued dedication to serving patients at Kenmore Mercy. Rich Vallieu
Welcome George Armele Robin
Welcome George R. Armele, director of Facilities & Operations. George is responsible for the departments of Facilities & Maintenance, Environmental Services & Grounds, Switchboard, Security, Valet, and Food Services.
Betty
He also works closely with our site safety officer and Facilities Planning Department, and ensures we are meeting all requirements of regulatory organizations with respect to the facility. George has over 20 years’ experience in facilities management and comes to us after a long tenure at Children’s Hospital and Buffalo General.
Cheryl
Patricia
George Armele
He’s a great addition to our team and will continue to help us ensure our beautiful facility stays beautiful and our patients and associates are safe and secure.
The HR Service Center Kiosk has moved to room 4041 (across from Associate Health).
This space is open for associates to use the computer, phone and printer to perform work related tasks. You can access your Catholic Health email, Employee Space or Manager Space, print or scan work related documents.