Mercy Hospital of Buffalo
Connections
News and announcements for associates, patients, and their families. Summer 2018
It’s That Special Mercy Touch!
Stroke survivor Dr. Thomas Witakowski, center, reunites with ICU staff Dr. Julius LaTorre, Andrea Perry, NP, and Maria Masci, NP, during a news conference.
Mercy Hospital President & CEO C.J. Urlaub, at left, accepts a $500,000 donation to the Mercy Hospital Foundation from esteemed restaurateur and philanthropist Russell J. Salvatore—the largest single donation made in the hospital’s 114-year history.
During National Stroke Awareness Month in May, Mercy Hospital was pleased to announce reaccreditation as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center from the Joint Commission, the nation’s leading healthcare accrediting body.
Russell Salvatore Makes Record-Setting Gift
As part of a news conference to recognize this achievement, the hospital welcomed stroke survivor Dr. Thomas Witakowski, a music professor at Buffalo State College and conductor of the Amherst Chamber Orchestra, who wanted to thank and reunite with staff. He shared his story of how Mercy caregivers turned his passion for music into a plan of care and an incredible recovery. Dr. Witakowski had suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke in December of 2016 – the kind many people do not survive. Following surgical procedures to save his life, he laid in a coma in the ICU. In early January, Sarah Rice, who knew Dr. Witakowski from college and daughter of Mercy Pharmacist Stephen Rice, played the violin for him and his care team discovered he was responding to music. A couple days later, a Potsdam College men’s choir came to the hospital Continued on Page 4
Russell Salvatore, local philanthropist and one of the area’s most renowned and admired restaurateurs, continued to spread his kindness and generosity throughout the local community as he recently gave a $500,000 donation to the Mercy Hospital Foundation — the largest single donation made by an individual in the hospital’s 114-year history. This record-setting gift, presented at a special ceremony at the hospital on June 21, will be used to support facility and equipment upgrades at the hospital. Home to the Catholic Health Heart Center and the Mercy Comprehensive Stroke Center, Mercy Hospital is one of the largest and busiest hospitals in Western New York. This generous donation will benefit the more than 24,000 patients cared for at the hospital each year. “I believe in giving back to the community I love and making a difference in people’s lives,” said Salvatore. “Just as my dad always told me as a young boy, ‘Give and you will receive,’ and it is so true. It makes me feel good when I can help others.” Expressing his gratitude for this significant pledge of support, Mercy Hospital President & CEO C.J. Urlaub said a plaque will be prominently displayed in the hospital’s lobby to recognize Mr. Salvatore’s generosity, which continues to enhance healthcare throughout the region. “Russell Salvatore has truly left his mark on Mercy Hospital and our entire Western New York community,” Urlaub said. “As the largest individual donation ever to Mercy Hospital, we can’t thank him enough for this unparalleled support. His charitable giving has become as legendary as his restaurant career, and will certainly benefit our patients, visitors and staff for years to come.”
Sweet Mercy! People In The News
Dr. Saleha Butt of the Mercy Comprehensive Care Center was presented the 2017 Patient Satisfaction Award from Wellcare Health Plan of NY. Pictured above are MCCC staff, (l.-r.), Dr. Charles Amelemah, Kathy Bragagnola, Jeanne O’Hara, Taccara Clark and Jessica Surles (MCCC LPN).
Jeffrey Steinig, MD, FACS, has recently been named Medical Director of Palliative Care Services at Mercy Hospital. A General and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Mercy Jeffrey Steinig, MD since 1995, he most recently served as the President of the Medical Staff. A graduate of Canisius College, he received his medical degree from the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Mark Jajkowski, MD, FACS, was recently named Director of Thoracic Surgery at Catholic Health. He is a member of Mercy Hospital Cardiothoracic Surgical Associates. He previously served as Chief, Mark Jajkowski, MD Division of Thoracic Surgery at Mercy Hospital. A graduate of Canisius College, he received his medical degree from the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and completed his fellowship at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. Dr. Francis Augustine, MD, a member of the Mercy Hospital medical staff specializing in Pulmonary Disease and Sleep Medicine, has received recertification Francis Augustine, MD in Sleep Medicine from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). Dr. Augustine serves as the Medical Director of the Mercy Sleep Lab, an American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)-accredited facility providing diagnostic and treatment services for all types of sleep disorders.
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Congratulations to our DAISY Award Winners Mercy Hospital presented its 1st Quarter DAISY Awards to Johnna Breier, RN, (5 W Unit), Wendy Latalladi, RN, (MIU; formerly CCU), and Lynn Illg, RN, (6 E Unit). Ondrea Bennefield, Johnna Breier, center, is recognized with Daisy Award. RN, BSN, Nurse Manager of 6 W Unit, was nizes extraordinary nurses, was recognized with the 2018 Nurse established by the National DAISY Leader Award. The 2017 DAISY Foundation in memory of J. PatTeam Award was presented to rick Barnes who died at 33 of ITP, the 5 North/Center Unit. Darlene an auto-immune disease. Esdinsky, RN, (Patient Experience) To nominate a nurse for an award, was also a DAISY Award winner forms can be found in the main for 4th Quarter 2017. lobby, surgical waiting room, nurses stations, and cafeteria. The DAISY Award, which recog-
Mercy Nursing Facility Earns Top Accolades For the fourth year in a row, the Mercy Nursing Facility (MNF) at OLV has been named a “Top Performing Nursing Home” by the NYS Department of Health. This designation places the long term care facility among the top 5% of nursing homes in the state. The MNF also received the “Embracing Quality” Award presented by Providigm and the “Excellence in Action” Award, presented by the National Research Corporation, both recognizing excellence in patient and resident satisfaction.
Lifelong South Buffalo resident Ann DuBois, center, celebrated her 104th birthday with nieces, nephews, friends, and staff at the Mercy Nursing Facility.
Mercy Thanks its “Star-Studded” Nursing Staff
”The Stars of Mercy”— our dedicated, compassionate nurses!” was the theme for National Nursing Week in May. Pictured above are staff recognized at the Annual Nursing Awards Ceremony, (l.-r.) Julie Ponce- Catherine McAuley Award for Excellence in Nursing; Frank Rodriguez- Father Nelson Baker Award; Daisy Rosa- Outstanding Unit Secretary Award; Gina Battista- Outstanding Nurse Aide/ ITA Award; Shari McDonald- Nurse of Distinction Award; Barb Khreis- Outstanding Surgical Tech Award; and Charlie Shriver- Father Nelson Baker Award. Jennifer Driscoll was named Outstanding Staff Nurse of the Year (missing from photo).
Mercy Among “Best Hospitals” for Heart Surgery Mercy Hospital was recognized among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals for 2017-18 as a High Performing Hospital for Heart Bypass Surgery. The annual rankings, now in their 28th year, recognize hospitals for their excepHeart Center staff celebrate the high quality rating. tional performance, nity that we are delivering among based on outstanding the highest rated cardiac care in quality, expertise, technology and the nation,” said Mercy Hospital experience. Only 10 - 21% of the President & CEO C.J. Urlaub. “This nearly 4,500 hospitals analyzed rating is also a reflection of the earned a high performance rating. quality care our surgeons and each member of our Heart Center team “This distinguished national provide on a daily basis.” recognition signals to our commu-
Hospital Earns Prestigious Quality Accreditations After undergoing three separate onsite surveys, Mercy Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hospital Accreditation, Laboratory Services Accreditation, and Comprehensive Stroke Center Accreditation. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a nationally-recognized symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. During the rigorous review process, a team of Joint Commission
expert surveyors evaluate compliance with established national standards. Surveyors also conduct onsite observations and interviews. “The success of these surveys is yet another indication of our patient-focused culture with staff who work as a team to deliver exceptional care to every patient every time in everything we do,” said President & CEO C.J. Urlaub.
“Laughing Gas” Is Added Choice for Childbirth The Mercy Hospital Family BirthPlace recently introduced nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas”, as another option to ease the discomfort of childbirth. “We are proud to be the first in the area to offer nitrous oxide as a pain relief option for laboring mothers,” said Susan Littler, MD, PhD, Chair of the Mercy OB/GYN Department. “It has become an effective and safe choice for expectant mothers who are looking for a less invasive way to manage pain during natural childbirth.” During labor, women self-administer the nitrous oxide as needed.
Staff Educator Linda Pollinger discusses the use of nitrous oxide in childbirth.
“We believe in providing a birth experience which gives women a full array of choices to support nonmedicated births, as well as 24/7 anesthesia coverage for epidurals,” said Maternity Services Director Mary Ann Murphy.
Sweet Mercy! People In The News
In celebration of National EMS Week, the Mercy Comprehensive Care Center hosted an “EMS Day” in collaboration with Erie County. Pictured above are Emily Rowles, EMS Liaison; Paramedic Mason Meyers; Dan Neaverth, EC Director of Emergency Services, and Security Guard James Cassell.
Jessica Mondoux, RN, BSN, was named Nurse Manager of Perioperative Education. Prior to joining the leadership team at Mercy Hospital, she served as a Circulating Nurse at Sisters of Charity Hospital Jessica Mondoux for 7 years, and worked at Western New York Immediate Care for 10 years. She holds a BSN from Daemen College and is pursuing her MBA at St. Bonaventure University. Jesse Tronolone, BS, RRT, was named Respiratory Therapy Manager. Previously, Jesse served as Clinical Coordinator in the Respiratory Therapy Department. He also served as a respiratory therapist Jesse Tronolone at Kenmore Mercy Hospital from 2010 to 2016. He holds a B.S. degree from SUNY at Buffalo State and earned his associate’s degree in Respiratory Care from Erie Community College North. Susan Banas serves as the Office Coordinator for Imaging Services at Mercy Hospital, and oversees Imaging Services at the hospital’s offsite locations at the MACC, MCCC, and Diagnostic Centers at East Susan Banas Aurora and West Seneca. She is an active member of the Mercy Mission Committee and the CHS Imaging/Radiology management team. She also serves as a volunteer Eucharistic Minister. She holds a Medical Office Assistant certification from Bryant & Stratton College and a Medical Office Manager certification from the Practice Management Institute.
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Mercy at Work
The Environmental Services (EVS) team began wearing new teal-colored uniforms earlier this year. Committed to enhancing the patient experience and armed with new tools and technology, the EVS team has significantly increased their patient survey scores for room cleanliness in recent months.
It’s That Special Mercy Touch, continued from page 1 when their local concert had been cancelled due to the weather. One of Dr. Witakowski’s nurses brought him down to the lobby to listen to the concert and his response to the music was astonishing. From that day forward, all staff incorporated music into his care plan as he moved to the Stroke Unit and later to the Medical Rehabilitation Unit. Dr. Witakowski noted the time when Dr. William Coplin, a neuro critical care intensivist, played Beethoven’s 5th Symphony on his cell phone for him.
“In his case, Dr. Witakowski was extremely fortunate,” said Dr. Lee Guterman, MD, PhD, Medical Director of the Neuroscience Service Line. “The fact that he was able to return to his music career is really outstanding and a testament to the treatment he received here at Catholic Health.” Dr. Witakowski said, “My caregivers were like a second family to me and very supportive...to be here now, back to conducting, is for me a second life—it is a miracle for me to be here.”
Sisters of Mercy Celebrate 160th Anniversary
Nearly fifty volunteers made up of hospital staff, AllPro parking staff, and block club members teamed up for the 10th Annual Mercy Neighborhood Clean Sweep. The crew worked to “spring clean” the hospital’s surrounding neighborhood. Pictured above are Clean Sweep Committee members Melissa Welch, Chair; Kathy Gray; and Kristin Fisher.
Marge Leszczynski, RN, of the Mercy Ambulatory Procedure Unit was presented a Catholic Health “Great Catch” Patient Quality & Safety Award for discovering and reporting supplies that were not properly labeled. She is pictured above with Patient Quality & Safety leaders Lisa LaCongo and Denise Bartosz and MAPU Nurse Manager Darby Hardy.
Several associates gathered to wish Chaplain Rev. Jack Printzenhoff a happy retirement, pictured above with Michelle Wild, Christina Tobin, Meg Reilly and Dr. Timothy Gabryel.
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The Sisters of Mercy held an interfaith Prayer Service to celebrate their 160th Anniversary on April 26 at the Mercy Comprehensive Care Center (MCCC). The MCCC is located on the holy ground where the Sisters opened St. Participating in the 160th Anniversary Prayer Service Brigid School and a Soup Kitchen in 1858, were: (l.-r.) Sisters Peggy Gorman, Joan Sherry, Sheila Marie Walsh, Mariella Enright, and Diane Swanson. the congregation’s first foundation in Buffalo. lege. Founded in Dublin, Ireland by Mother Catherine McAuley in The Sisters of Mercy founded 1831, the Sisters of Mercy became Mercy Hospital of Buffalo in the first order of women religious 1904. They established several to serve people publicly rather than ministries in the area, including being cloistered. They were nickMount Mercy Academy, Kenmore named the “walking sisters.” Mercy Hospital and Trocaire Col-
Mission Corner In honor of Catholic Health’s 20th Anniversary, several Mercy associates attended a special Mass in the hospital chapel followed by cake and refreshments in the rotunda and Mercy Café. Held on February 23, the celebration was an opportunity for staff to make a “recommitment” to our Catholic Health mission to reveal the healing love of Jesus to those in need. The Mercy Mission Committee held a Basket Raffle in June. Thanks to the generosity of Mercy associates and community members, they raised $1,860 that benefited Kate’s Closet, Gerard Place,
At the 20th Anniversary celebration were, from left, Karen Viterna, Mercy President & CEO C.J. Urlaub and Catholic Health Associate Chair of Medicine Dr. Thomas Raab.
and St. Vincent DePaul Society. A big thank you to the Mission Committee members, volunteers, and all the departments/units that donated baskets.