News, announcements, and vital information for associates, their families, and friends of Kenmore Mercy Hospital. ctober Septem ber O201 3 20 14
Hospital Recognized for Quality Initiatives In its annual publication, Profiles in Quality Improvement, the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) recognized Kenmore Mercy Hospital for two projects.
Richard Buckley, MD, Michael Landi, MD, James Millard, Krzysztof Merkel, MD, Gary Constantino, Joseph Ralabate, MD, Dennis Incorvaia, Walt Ludwig, Grace Logie, RN, Linda Butski, RN, Donna Conti, RN, and Marcus Romanowski, MD, cut the ribbon to open the new suites.
New ORs Improve Surgical Capabilities Physicians, staff and volunteers gathered on June 27 to bless and dedicate Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s two new state-of-the-art operating rooms. John Repicci, DDS, MD, and Richard Buckley, MD, performed the first surgeries in the new surgery suites on July 8.
In the 45 years since Dr. Repicci became associated with Kenmore Mercy Hospital, many surgical procedures have changed. Laparoscopic procedures for appendix and gall bladder, for instance, have become routine. In addition, the hospital has seen significant growth in complex orthopedic surgeries and neurosurgery, creating a need for larger, more sophisticated surgical suites.
This phase of the hospital’s expansion brought the operating room total to ten. Both rooms are more than 700 square feet to allow for more sophisticated minimally invasive and robotic surgical technology.
With this project complete, the construction of Ambulatory Surgery Unit, which will be relocated to the old Emergency Department, is slated to begin this fall.
The hospital earned nominations for the HANYS 2014 Pinnacle Award for Quality and Patient Safety 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.” Using strategies developed through the central line infection project, the total number of hospital acquired central line infections decreased by 60 percent from 2012 to 2013. As a result of work done by the antimicrobial stewardship committee, the hospital saw a dramatic change in prescriber practice patterns, resulting in reduced costs.
“These initiatives are just two examples of Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s ongoing efforts to continuously improve the safety and quality of the care that we provide,” said James Millard, president & CEO of Kenmore Mercy Hospital. The Pinnacle Award for Quality and Patient Safety recognizes successful quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
Only 64 hospitals across New York were nominated for this award in 2014
Hospital Exceeding Patients’ Expectations The challenge of providing patients with a positive healthcare experience are undisputable. Recent patient surveys show that Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s dedication to meeting these high demands, while providing high quality care, is making a difference. Through June, Kenmore Mercy has consistently exceeded its goal of 73 percent of inpatients rating their experience a nine or ten. That’s five out of the six months in 2014 and represents a six percent increase over last year.
In addition, data collected for the first half of 2014, shows an impressive seven percent increase in the Emergency Department. “We have been paying attention to survey comments and have implemented changes to improve the atmosphere
at the hospital,” said Laura Verbanic, director of Quality & Patient Safety.
Some of the common patient complaints include wait time, responsiveness to call lights, room cleanliness, manner of staff, and poor communication.
A few of the tactics used in the past year to improve patients’ perceptions of the hospital include: implementation of “Picture Perfect” rooms, use luminometers to ensure patient rooms are clean, purposeful rounding by nursing, creation of a Patient & Family Advisory Council, the purchase of new furniture for both the patient floors and lobby, and use of the My Rounding Tool. Thank you to all of our associates for their work to achieve these impressive results!
News from Jim Millard, President & CEO
Kudos
As we enter fall, we start to prepare so that we’re ready for the changing weather. Similarly, as a healthcare provider, we must also be prepared to meet the ever-changing needs of our patients, our community and our healthcare system.
These changes play heavily into our planning process, and they help us to identify our major goals and priorities each year. Raichel Lytle, electroencephalography (EEG) technician, successfully completed the credentialing exam in EEG technology given by the American Board of Registration of EEG and ElectrophysiolLytle ogy Technologists, Inc. (ABRET). ABRET credentials are the gold standard in electroneurodiagnostics. Raichel is the only EEP technologist credentialed in Catholic Health and only one of five in the area.
Thank you to the associates who participated in the 50/50 split at the Associate Picnic. They helped raise $210 for the Helping Hands Fund. Associates were also very generous with their donations of new men’s underwear for the Buffalo City Mission. Donna Kriegbaum, RD, graduated in May from Buffalo State College with a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Dietetics. In addition, she passed her registration exam. Donna was formerly a food Krieghaum service ambassador in the dietary department. Congratulations to Jessica Klug, RN, on 2 West. She published a paper on frontotemporal demential in the August edition of Nursing2014, a national trade journal. Margy Donofrio, nurse manager of ASU, PACU & Pre-Surgical Testing, completed the Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) and the Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA®) programs.
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Klug
Donofrio
In 2014, our priorities include patient experience/safety, surgical services, orthopedic campus of excellence, operational effectiveness, clinical integration and Magnet status. With the help of our physicians, our Foundation, and you, our associates, we have made significant strides in each of these areas. The changes and improvements that we are making are helping us today and they are also positioning us for success in the future. Some of our achievements are highlighted in this edition of the newsletter. In addition, we are currently planning our next round of associate forums, “A Recipe for Success,” where we will review and discuss each of these areas in more detail.
Based on your feedback, we’ve made these forums shorter, more interactive, and more accessible. I would encourage you all to take the time to attend one of these sessions.
It’s an exciting and challenging time to be in healthcare. In this period of unprecedented change, it’s more important than ever for each of us to understand where we’re heading and how we’re planning on getting there. As another means of keeping up to date, I encourage you to use our intranet and Facebook page to access important news and information. We’re also working to create a voluntary database of associates’ personal emails to allow us to communicate more efficiently with you.
There are many great things going on at Catholic Health and at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. I’d like to thank each of you for your continued efforts to provide the best care possible to our patients.
Pharmacy Staff Shining Bright Congratulations to the Pharmacy Department on their recent accomplishments.
Patricia Siola, PharmD, MBA, PHD, FASHP, FACHE, pharmacy director received the Pharmacy Achievement Award from the Western New York Society of Health-System Pharmacists (WNYSHP). WNYSHP also recognized Kevin Brandon, RPh, clinical pharmacist, with the Dr. Robert Cooper Award and Courtney Laduca, RPh, clinical pharmacist, with the Pharmacist of the Year Award. Kevin was also recognized by D’Youville College as the Pharmacy Institutional Preceptor of the Year.
Patti Siola, Kevin Brandon, and Courtney LaDuca accepted awards at the WNSHP banquet.
Dedicated Volunteers Recognized
Hospital volunteers Clifford Miller, Vincent Muscarella, Peter Stewart, Matthew Lepovich, James Cracciola, Sr., and Ann Marie Cracciola attended the annual event.
During a recent recognition ceremony, Kenmore Mercy Hospital and McAuley Residence paid tribute to their nearly 350 volunteers, including the following individuals whose outstanding efforts were recognized.
Heart of Gold Pin • Rose Pohrte, front desk volunteer • Jackie Jackson and Lesley Maisch, volunteers with the Sharegivers Program through the American Heart Association Caring Hands Pin • Ann Marie Cracchiola, pharmacy volunteer • Rosemarie Carmichael, Gift Shop volunteer and auxiliary member
Helping Hands Pin • Karen Sauter, Forks & Spoons Program volunteer • Jim Cracchiola, Pharmacy volunteer Above & Beyond Pin • Virginia Winter, Medical Staff volunteer and Auxiliary member • Vince Muscarella, Front Desk escort volunteer • Connie Paxhia, Ambulatory Surgery volunteer
Heart & Star Pin • Carolyn Beyer, transport pool volunteer • Shirley Hurst, Surgical Waiting Room volunteer
Excellence Pin • Dorothy Jedrzejek, patient information desk and Gift Shop volunteer and member of the Auxiliary • Berta Tejada, Quality & Patient Safety volunteer • Nancy Sanderson, surgery liaison volunteer
The Resident’s Choice Appreciation Award • Robert & Deanna Pagani, McAuley Residence Spiritual Care volunteer
Living Our Mission
By Mary Pat Barth Vice President of Mission Integration “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) With the change of each season, I’m always reminded of that passage from the Scriptures.
How fortunate we are to experience the change of seasons in Western New York! Autumn is a unique and beautiful season. We watch the magnificent colors of the trees with leaves turning from green to yellow, to gold to red and to brown.
The Mother McAuley Merit Award •Sr. Sheila Lederer, McAuley Residence Spiritual Care volunteer
As our evenings grow dark earlier, we fall back an hour in time. The whole fleeting season has an air of anticipation and mystery about it that can turn our minds and hearts to God.
The Activities Admiration Award Dorothy Hackett, McAuley Residence activities volunteer
In November, we also give thanks and rejoice on Thanksgiving Day, sharing time and food with family and friends. Gratitude, like love, increases within our hearts and flows over into action.
The Sister Richard Berry Service Award • Jack Popadick, McAuley Residence Spiritual Care volunteer
“I am grateful to all of our volunteers for their commitment and dedication to our mission and values. Their service to the hospital and the community is extraordinary,” said Lynn Overbeck, CAVS, director of the volunteer program at Kenmore Mercy Hospital.
As Christians, we celebrate All Saints’ Day on November 1 and remember our loved ones who have passed on All Soul’s Day, November 2.
Our Catholic Health mission is evident during this time of giving, expecially as we give generously to those less fortunate at our annual Thanksgiving Basket Collection & Blessing. As we enter this season of change, take stock in your own blessings and reflect with gratitude on your participation in these changing seasons of life.
Let us also remember the words of Anne Frank: “No one has ever become poor by giving.”
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Orthopedic Campus of Excellence
Hospital Abduction Drill Tests Policy Kenmore Mercy Hospital conducts unannounced emergency drills on a regular basis, including tornado, chemical fire, and bomb threat drills.
In late September, associates experienced a new drill, which included the mock abduction of a three-year-old girl.
Dr. Repicci Helps Orthopedic Patients in Need Kenmore Mercy Hospital and John Repicci, DDS, MD, are once again teaming up with Operation Walk USA to provide an uninsured patient with a free joint replacement surgery this year. The 2014 event is scheduled for December 1 through 6.
Through this nationwide program, uninsured patients are provided with all aspects of treatment – surgery, hospitalization, and pre-and post-operative care – at no cost to participatants. In 2013, orthopedic surgeons at 70 hospitals in 32 states collectively provided free joint replacements to nearly 500 individuals.
While more than one million hip and knee replacements are performed in the U.S. each year, countless men and women continue to live with severe arthritic pain and immobility because they cannot afford joint replacement surgery.
“Regardless of circumstances, people in need should have relief from debilitating joint conditions and receive a new lease on life,” said Dr. Repicci. “This is the essence of Operation Walk USA.”
During the infant/child abduction drill, all hospital exits were secured and the facility was thoroughly searched.
While Kenmore Mercy does not deliver babies or have a pediatric unit, “A child abduction is still a high-risk scenario for which we need to be prepared,” said Lynn M. Sigeti, system director of Associate Health and Safety. “Good internal and external communications is essential.” The Joint Commission requires that emergency plans like this be tested periodically.
In a real event, the hospital would work in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and the media to share appropriate information about the missing child. “Code exercises like this test the
Our “abductor” was stopped numerous times as he walked through the hospital with his niece.
hospital personnel’s decision making processes under pressure to recover the abducted child and maintain business continuity during facility lockdown,” explained Lynn. After the drill, staff reviewed the hospital’s response to the code, and discussed how the protocol worked.
Join us for our Fall 2014 Associate Forums January 5, 2012
A Recipe For Success
Monday, November 3 Tuesday, November 4 Friday, November 7
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 5 - 7 p.m. 3 - 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. - Noon
Monday, November 10 1 - 3 p.m. Tuesday, November 11 5 - 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 12 Noon - 2 p.m. Friday, November 14 3 - 5 a.m.
January 5, 2012
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Theses sessions will be held in the Community Room. A session will also be held on November 17 at the Sheridan Healthcare Center.
Intensivist Named Doctor of Distinction Kenmore Mercy Hospital is pleased to announce that Erik Diringer, DO, is the 2014 winner of the Doctor of Distinction Award.
Physician News
Dr. Diringer is an intensivist in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit where he cares for their most critical patients.
Nominations noted how Dr. Diringer demonstrates Kenmore Mercy’s mission and values in his daily interactions with patients and staff.
He is described as someone who is constantly teaching and reinforcing best practices, is willing to assist with patient care, and is compassionate with patients and their families. One nomination stated that, “He is calm, respectful, and never loses his temper; takes time to explain procedures to nurses, patients and families; and is easy to approach with questions or concerns. He is a wonderful asset to the ICU team.” Dr. Diringer attended Canisius College and received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree from
Dr. James Rycyna and Dr. David Lillie were presented with awards by James Millard (center).
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Sisters Hospital through the University of Buffalo and a fellowship in Critical Care Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
A Welcome To Our New Physicians Sadia Ahmed, MD Internal Medicine/Rheumatology
Leroy McCune, MD Family Practice
Margaret Eberl, MD Family Practice
Brandon Parker, DO Emergency Medicine
Jean Cange, MD Family Practice
David Farrugia, MD Internal Medicine Hany Fattouch, MD Anesthesia Eric Kauffman, MD Surgery/Urology
Haider Khadim, MD Internal Medicine
Tobias Mattei, MD Surgery/Neurosurgery
Joseph Mylotte, MD Internal Medicine
Kory Reed, MD Surgery/Orthopedics Brian Snyder, MD Internal Medicine
Nicholas Varallo, MD Family Practice Charles Yates, MD Family Practice
Hospital Celebrates Medical Staff’s Years of Service During Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s annual physician retreat in September, officials recognized physicians for their years of active service on the medical staff. Congratulations to Stanley Michalski, MD, a rheumatologist, who celebrated his 40th anniversary at Kenmore Mercy Hospital.
Dr. Michalski Recognized for serving the hospital’s medical staff for 35 years were Donald Copley, MD, cardiology; James Rycyna, MD, cardiology; and Stephen Rycyna, MD, orthopedic surgery.
Physicians celebrating 30 years of service were David Lillie, MD, urology; David Scamurra, MD, pathology; and James Twist, MD, ophthalmology. Sivakumar Reddy, MD, family practice, has served Kenmore Mercy’s patients for 25 years.
Lastly, congratulations to Matthew Antalek, MD, infectious disease; and George Kalonaros, MD, neurology, for their 20 years of service. Thank you to all Kenmore Mercy’s physicians for their ongoing support the hospital Mission … to reveal the healing love of Jesus to those in need.
These dedicated years of service are worthy of noting, but at Kenmore Mercy it is even more meaningful because their time is spent in service to others.
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Patient Experience
Hospital Quieter with Fewer Overhead Pages Hospital are places for individuals to heal. Often, however, they can be noisy and disruptive. Kenmore Mercy Hospital is taking action with its “quiet hospital” initiative. The most recent step in its efforts was to reduce overhead pages.
Hospital administrators rank noise reduction as a priority for improving scores on patient experience surveys, according to a benchmarking study by the Beryl Institute. Noise levels are also a consistent complaint among patients. “Noise is not just annoying; it can disturb sleep, cause spikes in blood pressure, interfere with pain management and impede the ability to heal,” said Laura Verbanic, director of Quality and Patient Safety. Noise also makes it difficult for clinicians to concentrate. It can cause stress and fatigue, and can affect workplace satisfaction and quality of care.
Associates are encouraged to use technology to enable more direct communication between caregivers. Rather than paging someone overhead, see if they have a direct phone line to call. For special events and sales, work with Public Relations to email associates or to post information on the intranet and message boards. “Obviously, if there is an urgent need, for instance a page for the rapid response team or a code, overhead paging will be utilized to reach clinicians quickly,” noted Laura.
By working together to reduce overhead pages, Kenmore Mercy Hospital will be a quieter environment for the patients, which will lead to improved patient and provider satisfaction.
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Pharmacy Indispensable to Patients Pharmacists at Kenmore Mercy are not only filling prescriptions, but also contributing to the hospital’s overall patient experience efforts by serving patients at the bedside. According to Kevin Brandon, RPh, a clinical pharmacist who serves on the Patient Experience Committee, “We are focusing on medication safety, trying to improve outcomes, making sure patients’ existing drug regimens are followed, striving to shorten patient stays when possible, and helping prevent readmissions related to medications.”
ing to the hospital pharmacists as their medication experts.
He noted that the pharmacists at Kenmore Mercy counsel an average of six patients a day. That is double what they did just two years ago.
This includes discussing side effects, reviewing current medications, assuring that patients are getting the correct drug to achieve the desired effect, discussing pain levels, and much more.
Their efforts kicked into high gear in February 2012 when Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHP) scores for pharmacy related questions had dipped. Two years later, their efforts are paying off. Kenmore Mercy Hospital recently exceeded the national average on the question that addresses medication side effects.
The key to their success is concentration on the continuum of care. Pharmacists see patients in the Emergency Department, follow them to the floor, meet with them during the discharge process, and make follow up calls to their home. “We are putting ourselves in front of patients and being proactive,” added Kevin. “This helps us to ensure they get the right drug at the right time, and the right dose every time.”
As the hospital admits more patients with multiple chronic conditions, more physicians and nurses are turn-
Kevin Brandon reconciles a patient’s medications in the Emergency Department.
Pharmacists also provide business cards to patients who are not in their rooms to encourage call backs. Historically, pharmacists only rounded with doctors at academic medical centers. Now, Kenmore Mercy Hospital is part of a growing trend.
Pharmacists are rounding at about 44 percent of hospitals, according to a new American Society of HealthSystem Pharmacists survey of more than 500 hospitals.
Certifications Celebrate Hospital’s Success Kenmore Mercy Hospital is pleased to share recent accomplishments in several departments.
The SleepCare Center was recently granted a five-year accreditation by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program earned a three-year recertification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
The hospital also earned recertification from The Joint Commission for its Total Knee & Hip Joint Replacement and Stroke programs, demonstrating compliance with national standards for health care quality and safety in disease-specific care. These recognitions validate the high quality of these programs and the skills and caring of the team members who are responsible for this success.
Pulmonary Patient Achieves Milestone Jerry Kreutzer had reason to celebrate this August. The 77-yearold recently achieved 1,000 visits 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 history to achieve that many visits, indicative of Jerry’s dedication to his rehabilitation program. Patients with chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma or emphysema, are often referred to pulmonary rehabilitation by their physicians to help in the management of their conditions.
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program provides structured exercise and education to help patients increase stamina and manage their lung disease.
It has also become a place where patients can talk to each other, sharing ideas and experiences - the personal information that is so valuable in day-to-day living. Jerry was referred to the program eleven years ago. He noticed an improvement in his symptoms after attending the 8-week program and has continued a maintenance program ever since. He completes a one-hour workout two days a week using a variety of exercise machines: treadmill, step
Nancy Kreutzer (left) has supported her husband Jerry throughout his 1,000 visits to Pulmonary Rehabilitation
machine, recumbent bike, weights, exercise bands, leg press and arm crank. Between exercises, he records his activities and measures his oxygen saturation and pulse.
Liz Woods, RN, discusses some details of the new system.
He also attributes his success to the professional and motivational staff at the center. An active person, he’s happy to be able to enjoy golf again too.
The goal of CRRT is to mimic, as best as possible, artificial kidney support for individuals who would not fare well on full dialysis.
His commitment to the program has far exceeded doctor’s orders—and he has no plans to stop now. “Pulmonary rehabilitation works,” Jerry said.
“Jerry’s success is a direct result of his commitment and hard work. He knows that in order to maintain his respiratory health, Pulmonary Rehab must be part of his regular routine,” said Karen Hamp, RN, a Kenmore Mercy Pulmonary Rehabilitation nurse.
Dates to Remember
Critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) have a new treatment option at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy or CRRT.
“CRRT provides slow and balanced fluid removal that even unstable patients - those with shock or severe fluid overload - can more easily tolerate,” said Irene McNeill, RN, an Intensive Care Unit nurse. The ICU had its first patient go through the therapy in August. The major advantage of CRRT is the slower rate of fluid removal which is gentler for the patient. It takes place over an extended period of 24 hours, over several days. Conventional dialysis, on the other hand, lasts four to six hours.
CCRT has both short- and long-term benefits. It is a gentler means of removing waste and improving electrolyte and acid/base balance. In addition, it restores and maintains fluid balance, delivers continuous nutritional support without concern for fluid restrictions, and provides for optimized drug dosing.
Thanksgiving Basket Blessing Monday, November 24 Noon (prayer service) Community Room
Friday, December 19 12:30 to 1:30 a.m.
CRRT Helps Improve Health of Kidney Patients
While the concept has been around since the 1970s, more and more clinicians are prescribing CCRT for ICU patients with AKI due to recent evidence-based research.
Grieving through the Holidays Friday, November 7 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Atrium & Community Room For more information, call 447-6388
Holiday Appreciation Dinner Thursday, December 18 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m.
Clinical Integration
Wendy Mack, John Severins, and Cathy Stachowski from the Imaging Department participate in the Thanksgiving Basket Collection each year.
Recent studies have also indicated improved patient survival rates and increased renal recovery.
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Nursing News
Congrats to Our Daisy Award-winning Nurse 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, a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit, was selected by the hospital’s Nursing Shared Governance Committee.
Serenity Room Provides Quiet Space for Associates Nurses and other patient care staff in acute and critical care settings deal with high levels of stress each and every day. To help alleviate daily anxieties, the Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s Nursing Department recently opened a Serenity Room. Room 5020 on the fifth floor was redesigned to be a relaxing and tranquil space, with comfortable furniture, soothing music, books, inspirational messages and meditative tools.
“This space is a safe harbor,” said Cheryl Hayes, vice president of Patient Care Services. “It’s a quiet place where nurses and other associates can go to escape the pressures of their job.” As providers of patient care, hospital associates witness the fear, pain and suffering of others every day, which can lead to “compassion fatigue.”
These symptoms include, but are not limited to: diminished concentration, headaches, feelings of powerlessness, anxiety, sleep disturbances, anger, and loss of purpose. This can ultimately affect their ability to care for patients.
“We are dedicated to providing a positive work environment,” added Cheryl. “This is just one of several iniatives we have underway right now.” Funding for the new Serenity Room was made possible by the Kenmore Mercy Hospital Foundation.
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Her nomination from a patient’s family explained that, Susan, “is a very special person. She is kind, caring and compassionate beyond compare. She treated my father with dignity and respect ... Susan respected our grief and privacy and she kept my mom comfortable with her kindness.” The letter goes on to say, “she touched our lives and our hearts. Our family will never forget her and all she did that long day.”
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families.
If you would like to nominate a nurse at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, visit our website at www.chsbuffalo.org or complete a nomination form and placie it in one of the Daisy boxes located throughout the hospital.
At a presentation, Susan received a certificate commending for being an “Extraordinary Nurse.”
The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.”
She also received a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa. In addition, Susan was presented with a bouquet of daisies and a daisy pin. Other hospital nominees included: Matt Winiarski, RN (2S/2E), Mary Whelan, RN (MRU), Cara Howitt, RN (Operating Room), Julie MacDonald, RN (2S/2E), Cheryl Robinson, RN (Emergency Department), Melissa Borgese, RN (Emergency Department), Lisa Smith, RN (Staff Education), and Pat Gutillo, RN (Ambulatory Surgery Unit).
Cheryl Hayes and Kristen Parisi present Susan Conover (center) with a Daisy Award certificate.