Mercy Hospital of Buffalo
Connections
News and announcements for associates, patients, and their families. Fall 2018
It’s That Special Mercy Touch!
Catholic Health President & CEO Mark Sullivan visits with participants of the Heart Smart for Life wellness program at the MCCC primary care facility.
More than 100 people attended a dedication ceremony for the Heart Center’s new cardiac surgical suites located in a newly-constructed addition to the hospital. Pictured above, Rev. Monsignor Robert Zapfel blesses the state-of-the-art suites.
There are lots of good things happening at the Mercy Comprehensive Care Center (MCCC) located in Buffalo’s Old First Ward. One of these is the Heart Smart for Life program, a free wellness program that began in 2017 with a goal to positively impact the health of the surrounding community. And, most recently, Mercy Hospital, Food Bank of WNY, and Catholic Charities collaborated on a new “Mobile” Food Pantry at the MCCC delivering thousands of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to nearby residents.
Cardiac Suites Are “Heart” of New Addition
A free monthly service that is scheduled the fourth Wednesday of each month (except November and December), the Mobile Food Pantry serves as an offshoot of the nearby Catholic Charities Food Pantry, and is the first healthcare-based distribution site for the Food Bank in the Buffalo region. “We are pleased to be part of this collaborative effort with the Food Bank and Catholic Charities to help create a healthier community,” said Mercy Hospital President & CEO C.J. Urlaub. “Residents have access to healthier foods plus can take advantage of a Continued on Page 4
The Catholic Health Heart Center at Mercy Hospital recently held a blessing and dedication ceremony for its two new cardiac surgical suites, housed in a newly-constructed 24,000 square foot, two-story addition to the hospital. This $12.5 million project was designed to modernize and expand surgical services to support the ongoing growth of the Heart Center. At 1,058 square feet, the new cardiac surgical suites are more than double the size of the hospital’s existing ORs. The additional space enhances patient and staff safety by allowing equipment to be centered around the surgical field, while providing ample area for staff to circulate around the perimeter. The suites feature new boom mounted gases, monitors, lights and video system, as well as a nurse workstation that controls lighting, image display and video functions. In addition, the project resulted in expanded storage space for Surgical Services and the creation of a new loading dock for the hospital. “As a tertiary referral center serving the region, Mercy Hospital continues to respond to the needs of our community,” said C.J. Urlaub, President and CEO of Mercy Hospital. “This investment in cardiac surgical suites, equipped with the most advanced technology available, demonstrates our commitment to provide the highest quality patient care.” The Heart Center was recognized among U.S. News Report’s 2018 Best Hospitals as a High Performing Hospital for Heart Bypass Surgery. The Heart Center has also earned a distinguished three-star rating for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) based on its patient care and outcomes in the 2017 reporting period.
Sweet Mercy! People In The News
During back to school time in September, Spectrum News Reporter Breanna Fuss interviewed Mercy Pediatrician Dr. Michael Zang about establishing healthy sleep schedules for toddlers and school-aged children. Among his advice was to remember the four B’s: bath, brush, book, and bed.
Edward Cosgrove, MD, was named Medical Director of the Mercy Hospital Emergency Department (ED). He is a member of TEAMHealth, Northeast Edward Cosgrove, MD Division, which services the hospital. With over 20 years of experience, he previously served as the Assistant Medical Director of Mercy’s ED since 2016. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he holds a medical degree and a law degree from the University at Buffalo. Mercy Hospital President and CEO C.J. Urlaub was recently honored as one of WNY’s Top C-Level Executives by Business First at a special awards luncheon held in C. J. Urlaub October. Since 2017, he has led the transformation of Mercy Hospital into a regional tertiary care center which is home to Catholic Health’s Heart Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center. C.J. also serves as Chairman of the Board at D’Youville College. Amee Mehta, MD, was recently appointed as a Fellow in Neurocritical Care at Mercy Hospital. She is also the Chief Hospitalist for Sound Physicians Amee Mehta, MD group which services the hospital. Amee completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Staten Island University Hospital. She earned her medical degree from the Medical University of Lublin in Poland and her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania.
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Mercy Earns National Patient Satisfaction Award Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our entire staff, Mercy Hospital received NRC Health’s 2018 Excellence Award in the large hospital category for most improved facility in the nation! NRC Health, which administers our patient survey program, noted that Mercy’s score for Overall Hospital Rating had the most significant improvement out of the Staff celebrated with an ice cream social. participating 110 large hospitals Donald, VP of Patient Care Servic(300+ beds) in the United States. es and CNO. “It is a well-deserved honor as we keep moving forward “We are so proud of our whole to reach our goals.” Mercy team who have been working very hard to enhance the Staff celebrated the achievement patient experience,” said Shari Mcwith an ice cream social.
Congratulations to our DAISY Award Winners Mercy Hospital presented its 2nd Quarter DAISY Awards to Kelly Bieniek (ED), Hannah Krencik (L&D), and Katelynn Lines (CVICU). The DAISY Award, Hannah Krencik, center, is recognized with Daisy Award. which recognizes tals across the country and world extraordinary compassionate participate in the program. nurses, was established by the National DAISY Foundation in To nominate a nurse for an award, memory of J. Patrick Barnes who forms can be found in the main died at 33 of ITP, an auto-immune lobby, surgical waiting room, disease. Today, nearly 2,500 hospi- nurses stations, and cafeteria.
Labor-Management Committees Update
Shining Star Winner Susan Umar, center, is congratulated by her co-workers.
The Catholic Health/CWA LaborManagement Steering Committee has introduced a new recognition program called the Shining Star Award to celebrate the outstanding work of our Service, Technical, and Clerical (STS) associates.
Congratulations to our 2018 Shining Star Honorees: Hoqbi Abdulla (nurse assistant, 5N), Maria Morgante (Dietary), Jose Ramos (EVS), Susan Umar (Non-invasive Cardiology), and Dottie Williams (Imaging).
Stroke Center Achieves Elite Quality Rating
Sweet Mercy! People In The News
The Stroke Center team celebrates AHA’s highest quality award for 6th year in a row.
Congratulations to our Mercy Comprehensive Stroke Center team for receiving the American Heart/ Stroke Association’s (AHA) highest level of hospital recognition for the sixth consecutive year— the Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award
and Target: Honor Roll Elite Plus. “This award demonstrates our commitment to being one of the top hospitals in the country for providing excellent, proven stroke care,” said C.J. Urlaub, Mercy Hospital President & CEO.
Perinatal Testing Center Earns AIUM Accreditation Mercy Hospital’s Perinatal Testing Center has been awarded ultrasound practice accreditation by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). Located in the Marian Building next to the hospital, the Center achieved this recogCongratulations to the Perinatal Testing team: nition by meeting rigorous voluntary guidelines set by (l.-r.) Sandra Mellerski, RN, Sharon Coughlin, RN; Bonnie Boeschel; Janet Keller; Sarah Long, RDMS; the diagnostic ultrasound Alan Bolnick, MD; and Pat Militello, RDMS. profession. All facets of the practice were reviewed, indocumentation, record-keeping, cluding training and qualifications quality assurance methods, and of staff, equipment maintenance, technical quality and performance.
Passport to Mercy Fair was a “Walk in the Park” There were lots of “Happy Campers” at this year’s Passport to Mercy Fair, “A Walk in the Park”. In fact, over 800 associates throughout the hospital and the Mercy offsites participated in the October event—a record-breaking turnout!—to learn about all the latest news around Mercy.
Amy Malinowski, left, and Kristin Wasielewski visit Sheleka Massey at “Yosemite Park”.
Raffle winners included: Brandon Jefferson (EVS)- $500 Southwest Gift Card; Michelle Jones (Sterile Prep)- Salvatore’s Weekend Package; Manar Salah (OR)Sabres Tickets; Jesse Tronolone (Respiratory)- Staycation Package;
and Patrick Hanlon (OR)Snowboard Package. The Best Decorated “Park” Station was Respiratory Care Services with their Yosemite Park theme.
The Laboratory staff celebrated the new U.S. citizenship of technologist Zhulin Chen on October 18. Originally from China, she currently lives in Orchard Park with her family. Pictured are (l.-r.): Rhonda Boulden, Sheila Bowers, Zhulin, Paul McGrath, Renee Rozniak, and Mark Tyson.
Jim Bartlett, PharmD, BCPS, was named Lead Pharmacist at Mercy Hospital. He previously served as the Lead Pharmacist at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. He first joined Catholic Health in 2007 as Jim Bartlett a pharmacy intern. He is a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy, and is board certified as a pharmacotherapy specialist. Sheleka Massey, BS, RRT, was named Clinical Coordinator of Respiratory Care Services. She previously served as a respiratory therapist at Mercy Hospital for the past eight years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Sheleka Massey Management from Houghton College and her associate’s degree in Respiratory Care from Erie Community College (ECC). An adjunct professor at ECC, she is currently pursuing her Adult Critical Care Specialist credentials. Sandra Napierala, RN, BSN, has been named Supervisor of Hospital Experience. Since 2008, she served as a bedside and charge nurse on the 6 McAuley West Unit. She is a Sandy Napierala 2018 graduate of the Catholic Health and Niagara University RN to BSN program. In addition, she was member of the 6 West team who won the 2018 Golden Research Award from the WNY Professional Nursing Association for the Implementation of White Noise Machines on a Medical-Surgical Unit, to create a quieter environment for patients.
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Mercy at Work
It’s That Special Mercy Touch, continued from page 1
Hospital and Food Bank officials celebrate the new Mobile Pantry site at the MCCC.
Every year, Mercy President & CEO C.J. Urlaub gets into the spirit of Halloween and delivers candy to associates throughout the hospital. This year’s costume was inspired by the Red Sox World Series win. Pictured above with C.J. are 6 West nurses Julianne Gabriel, Desiree Holtz, and Amanda Gynan.
wide variety of health and wellness programs offered at the MCCC.” In addition to providing staples for healthy meal planning, the Mobile Pantry offers healthy recipe ideas and food tastings, as well as the
opportunity to join Heart Smart for Life. As part of the program, participants receive one-on-one nutritional counseling and cooking classes conducted by a professional nutritionist. The program also offers free health screenings and education, exercise classes, and other resources focused on improving cardiovascular health. Heart Smart is made possible through support from the AstraZeneca Healthcare Foundation, Mercy Hospital Foundation, Key Bank and Fidelis Care. For more information about the program, call the MCCC at 716-923-6152.
A Record-breaking Run for the Heart Center
Earlier this year, the CCU and the OHU became the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, or CVICU. In above photo, members of the CVICU team celebrated their 100-day Anniversary in August.
Mercy Hospital and Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns teamed up to offer free stroke prevention screenings at auto bureaus across Erie County in October. Pictured above are Mercy Hospital COO Eddie Bratko, center, with Clerk Kearns and Philip Haberstro of the Wellness Institute, kicking off the screenings at the downtown auto bureau.
A record-breaking 326 runners participated in the 6th Annual Scrub Run held in September at South Buffalo’s Cazenovia Park. The event raised nearly $57,000 to benefit the Catholic Health Heart Center at Mercy Hospital. This year’s “Running with Heart” honoree was Jennifer Bardrof, a mother of two, teacher and avid runner, who had contracted a viral infection in her heart that was causing organ failure in May of 2016. Mercy Hospital cardiologists Dr. Aravind Herle and Dr. Henry Meltser, helped save her life.
Mission Corner As is tradition, volunteers helped hand out complimentary cake, coffee and tea to staff on September 24 to celebrate Mercy Day and to honor our hospital’s founders, the Sisters of Mercy. Several associates also participated in a Veterans Day Mass on November 12, followed by a reception to recognize our veterans and active military at the hospital.
Teri Van Remmen of Medical Affairs wanted to thank all the supporters of her mission trip to Jamaica, especially the Sisters of Mercy. She is pictured above visiting an orphanage.
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Having fun at the Scrub Run were the Ambulatory Surgery Unit “Pavement Princesses”, (l.-r.) Nicole Jakubik, Katie MacLeod, Kathy Gryzwna, Ann Ingersoll, and Sue Coppola.
Currently, the Adopt-A-Family at Christmas program is underway to make the holidays brighter for families in need. This year’s program will benefit ten families. If you are interested in donating, contact Melissa Zielinski at x12014.
Enjoying free coffee, tea and treats on Mercy Day are, from left, perfusionist Anil Verma, Colleen Marrelli of EVS and Katie Fik of Staff Education.The Sisters of Mercy, who founded Mercy Hospital in 1904, celebrate Mercy Day on September 24, which marks the anniversary of the opening of the first “House of Mercy” in 1827 in Dublin, Ireland.