M V H S ACQ U I R E S N E W
S TO M P O U T C A N C E R T E L E T H O N
M V H S O F F E R S I N N O VAT I V E
DA V I N C I X I ™ S U R G I C A L S Y S T E M
M A K E S D O U B L E T H E I M PAC T
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T R A N S F O R M I N G H E A L T H C A R E F R O M E X C E L L E N T T O E X C E P T I O N A L | T H I R D Q U A R T E R 2 0 19
MVHS LAUNCHES NEW SYSTEM-WIDE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD: EPIC By MILLIE CONDON | Page 9
Table of Contents
MVHS held the 113th graduation ceremony for St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in May, with 81 new nurses graduated.
3 | News In Brief 4 | MVHS Acquires New da® Vinci Xi™ Surgical System 6 | MVHS Volunteers Gift More Than $2 Million to MVHS since Turn of Century 7 | New Regional Medical Center Model Reveal 8 | MVHS Launches New System-Wide Electronic Health Record: Epic
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11 | MyCare – Transforming MVHS from the Inside Out
16 | MVHS Offers Innovative WATCHMAN Heart Procedure
12 | Orthopedic Surgeon Introduces Non-Operative Option for Knee Pain
17 | The 23rd Annual Miracle Drawing Kicks Off
13 | MVHS Among First in New York State to Offer Innovative TCAR Procedure 14 | Stomp Out Cancer Telethon Achieves Goal, Makes Double the Impact
18 | MVHS Hosts Open House for Breastfeeding Moms 19 | I-CARE Stories
{ NEWS IN BRIEF
NEWS IN BRIEF Edward S. Barton Trust Awards $100,000 to MVHS Waterville Medical Office The Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) Foundation was awarded a $100,000, two-year grant from Edward S. Barton, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee to assist in renovations of the MVHS Waterville Medical Office located at the Madison Street Business Park, 358 Madison Street, Waterville, New York. This grant is for renovations needed after consolidating the two Waterville Medical Offices.
Prohibition Party On Friday, April 26, 2019, MVHS Foundation and F.X. Matt Brewery held the 11th annual Prohibition Party at the historic F.X. Matt Brewing Co. The event was presented by Theresa Flemma, CFP®, director at Baird, Flemma Gornick Group.
MVHS Introduces Medication Takeback Program In March, MVHS installed pharmaceutical drop-off receptacles at each of its three main campuses: Faxton Campus – Urgent Care, 1676 Sunset Avenue, Utica; St. Elizabeth Campus – Emergency Department, 2209 Genesee Street, Utica and St. Luke’s – Campus Emergency Department, 1656 Champlin Avenue, Utica. These receptacles are monitored by security and cameras at all times. The drop-offs are free, safe and completely confidential. Consumers and caregivers are encouraged to remove expired, unwanted or unused medicines from their homes as quickly as possible to help reduce the chance that others accidentally take or intentionally misuse the unneeded medicine, and to help reduce the amount of drugs from entering the environment.1 1
U.S. Food & Drug Administration, 2019, Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know.
MVHS Graduates New Nurses, Family Medicine and Dental Residency Students In May 2019, the St. Elizabeth College of Nursing (SECON) graduated 81 new nurses. Additionally in June 2019, ten doctors graduated from St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program. Five of the graduating residents will stay in the area to work, and four will be working for MVHS. Our Dental Residency Program also graduated five dental residents. Congratulations to all our graduates!
Above: Partygoers enjoy the 2019 MVHS Foundation Prohibition Party. Right: (left to right) Allysa Prashad, MD, Captain William I. Lin, MD, Gregory Marra, MD, Sukhi Sandhu, MD, Yagnasri Eagala, MD, Heraa Chaudhry, MD, George Wickramanayake, MD, Kyung Auh, MD, Phillips S. Cao, MD and Sophie Alesna-Sabang, MD graduted from the Family Medicine Residency Program at MVHS.
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NE W DA V IN C I X I SURG IC A L S Y S T EM AT M V HS }
MVHS ACQUIRES NEW DA VINCI XI™ SURGICAL SYSTEM ®
BY GR ACE FERNANDEZ
Jonathan Blancaflor, MD, director of Robotic Surgery at MVHS.
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{NE W DA V IN C I X I SURG IC A L S Y S T EM AT M V HS
“This system is a great example of how the advancement of technology will allow us to do amazing things for our patients.” - Jonathan Blancaflor, MD, director of Robotic Surgery at MVHS
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VHS has acquired a second surgical robot. The da Vinci® Xi™ Robotic Surgical System is an addition to the da Vinci® Si™ robot acquired in 2017. Surgeons at MVHS use the da Vinci Si to remove lung tumors, urological, gynecologic, thoracic, cardiac and general surgery procedures. A new and secondary robot will allow for MVHS Robotics Department to expand and allow more patients to receive state-of-the-art care. On Monday, April 22, 2019, Jonathan Blancaflor, MD, director of Robotic Surgery at MVHS, successfully completed the first surgery at MVHS with the da Vinci Xi, which Dr. Blancaflor says would not have been possible without this specialized robotic device. “The surgery went smoothly and the team handled it flawlessly,” said Dr. Blancaflor. “This system is a great example of how the advancement of technology will allow us to do amazing things for our patients.” The da Vinci Xi Surgical System has a motion-integrated table that communicates with the robot and allows the surgeon to position the patient dynamically during the procedure. The da Vinci Xi provides a new overhead instrument arm architecture designed to facilitate anatomical access from virtually any position. It also has a new endoscope that creates a simpler, more compact design with improved vision definition and
clarity. The robot provides the ability to attach the endoscope to any arm, providing flexibility for visualizing the surgical site and has smaller, thinner arms with newly designed joints that offer a greater range of motion than ever before. “The acquisition of this new robot is a perfect example of the many ways MVHS is bringing advanced medicine and innovation to our region,” said Darlene Stromstad, FACHE, president/CEO. “The da Vinci Xi,
allows our surgeons to perform even more complex procedures and show our community that their medical needs can be met right here at home.” Patients that benefit from robotic surgery include, but are not limited to, patients with hernias, colon cancer and urological issues. For more information on the da Vinci Xi System at MVHS, visit mvhealthsystem.org/ robotics. v
The da Vinci Xi incorporates a new overhead instrument arm architecture designed that allows anatomical access from virtually any position. Inset: smaller, thinner arms and newly designed joints offer a greater range of motion.
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MVHS VOLUNTEERS RE ACH MILESTONE}
MVHS Volunteers Gift More Than $2 Million to MVHS since Turn of Century
(Front row, left to right) Linda Kurtyka, Paula Fontaine and Michele Adams. (Back row, left to right) Jane Gwise, Susan Warwick, Patricia Lupia, Cheryl Collins, Nancy Randall, Carole Nunziata, Grace Garro, Craig Heuss and John Forbes. Absent from photo are board members, Elise Hereth, Pam Joswick, Margaret Lalonde and Sheila Marlenga.
BY ANGEL A LINCE
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n Tuesday, February 19, 2019, MVHS Volunteers Mirror Board Members were acknowledged during their monthly board meeting for donating more than $2 million to MVHS since the year 2000. These donations were a combined effort of the Faxton St. Luke’s Volunteer Association and The Guild of St. Elizabeth Medical Center. “We are very grateful to celebrate the incredible gifts made by the MVHS Volunteers over the past 19 years as they are one of our system’s largest annual and lifetime donors,” said John Forbes, vice president of Philanthropy at MVHS. “Our volunteers provide critical services to the
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MVHS Foundation – whether they are partnering with us by making a generous gift toward a critical need, volunteering at an event or providing their unending comfort and support to our community in their daily roles, they are making a difference. We have always been thankful for all they do and we are so happy to be able to recognize such a wonderful milestone in their giving.” Both volunteer groups raise funds through gift shops and vendor sales. In addition to their monetary gifts, the volunteers contribute more than 24,000 hours of services to MVHS each year. For those interested in volunteering at
MVHS, there are openings in several departments with flexible assignments and hours. Some common tasks in which volunteers provide assistance are customer and sales service in the gift shops, giving directions at the lobby information desks, keeping families in the waiting rooms updated on their loved ones, delivering mail to departments and assisting patients in medical units such as Outpatient Infusion and the Emergency Department. To become a volunteer at MVHS, please call the Volunteer Services office at 315624-6142 or visit mvhealthsystem.org/ volunteer. v
{NEW REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER MODEL
The model brings the #MVHSDowntown vision to life, showcasing the hospital footprint and surrounding areas in Downtown Utica.
New Regional Medical Center Model Reveal
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. and Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Meghan Fraser McGrogan check out the model of the new regional medical center.
BY C AITLIN McC ANN
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n April 2019, MVHS introduced a new addition to the Regional Medical Center endeavors that physically brings the #MVHSDowntown vision to life - on a miniature scale. Since the exterior Regional Medical Center renderings were publicly released on October 26, 2018, discussion of creating a model lingered among MVHS and its project partners. The importance of demonstrating to the public how the MVHS Regional Medical Center will contribute to the revitalization of Downtown Utica continues to be a focal point in the beginnings of the project. To kick-off the revealing of the model, the portable 3D sky view of Utica was first shown at the 11th annual Prohibition Party on Friday, April 26, 2019, located at the historic F.X. Matt Brewing Co., 830 Varick Street, Utica, New York. Over 300 guests had an exclusive first look at the model. The model shows Genesee, Oriskany, Court and State streets and the area in between, complete with all the existing buildings. New parking lots, dotted with trees, a new ground-level heliport, a skywalk over Columbia Street and a parking garage are also featured. Designs for the Medical Center’s parking garage are still in the process of being drawn. A generic building is in place for the time being. The second round of revealing occurred
during National Hospital Week, Monday, May 13, through Thursday, May 16, 2019. In celebration of all MVHS employees, volunteers and medical staff members, select MVHS locations were open for model viewing. Lastly, a formal unveiling and press conference to all MVHS partners, elected officials and the media was scheduled on
Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Utica, 102 Lafayette Street in Utica. More than 100 people attended the event. As MVHS continues to progress on the new Medical Center, the model is being shared with community members throughout the region. v
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{MVHS L AUNCHES NEW EHR: EPIC
MVHS LAUNCHES NEW SYSTEM-WIDE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD: EPIC B Y M I L L I E CO N D O N
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n Saturday, June 29, 2019, MVHS successfully launched a new, system-wide electronic health record (EHR) called Epic, which for the first time puts the two hospitals and physician practices on the same platform. Previously, MVHS used five different systems in its facilities. This is a momentous step in improving and supporting patient quality and safety and outcomes at MVHS. “This is truly an ‘Epic’ moment for our health system,” said Darlene Stromstad, FACHE, MVHS president/CEO. “There are many benefits of Epic, most notably improved patient safety and quality and improved efficiency of care. We are now able, in real-time, to monitor patient activity by unit and by patient, decreasing the opportunity for delays in patient care. It gives us the ability to share real-time patient information throughout the health system and with our peers to better coordinate our patients’ care. That results in less testing because we can share up-to-date results. And, for those patients who wish to sign up with our patient portal, it provides them direct access to their own health record. Moving to Epic is a significant step toward transforming healthcare in our region.” Epic is the most widely-used, comprehensive health record system. It’s used by the
majority of U.S. News and World Report’s top-ranked hospitals and medical schools who are working collaboratively every day to improve patient care, innovate healthcare delivery and achieve financial health. More than 60 percent of New Yorkers currently have a record in Epic. MVHS peers, including St. Joseph’s Hospital and Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, Bassett Healthcare Network in Cooperstown and Rochester Regional Health and University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester are also part of the Epic community. All organizations using Epic can interoperate which means they can easily exchange patient data for improved patient care. “I’ll state the obvious: St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare have been operating on different medical record platforms,” said Stromstad. “We couldn’t share real-time patient records even though patients may be seen on both campuses. The advantages are immediate.” John Lynch, MVHS vice president/ chief information officer, and Paul Davidson, MD, MVHS chief medical information officer, lead the efforts for the Epic implementation. “MVHS providers now have the ability
Left: The Epic and MVHS teams work together in the command center after Epic Go-Live. Right: The MyChart app mobile login makes managing appointments and other health information quick and easy.
to coordinate care more efficiently with clinicians outside of the health system, which will help close care gaps and reduce duplication,” said Lynch. “Providers and clinicians are now able to see ‘real-time’ data and have a comprehensive view of their patients’ medical records.” In addition to improving care coordination for providers, patients will also have increased visibility and access for managing their health information using Epic’s online portal, MyChart. Patients are able to easily and securely communicate with their providers, view their health history and past visit information, schedule appointments, request prescription refills, pay their bills and more. “MyChart is an important tool for patients, giving them control over their health information and becoming an engaged member of their care team,” said Lynch.
MVHS L AUNCHES NEW EHR: EPIC}
Patients can also access the portal via the MyChart mobile application, available in the app stores. The Epic implementation process has included approximately 126,540 training hours over the past year for a number of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, support and financial teams. This is a significant investment for MVHS and one that will play an important role in the coordination of patient care – in both the inpatient and the outpatient settings. Stromstad said the many teams of staff that have been working tirelessly together for the past year have built professional re-
together to deliver great patient care.” “Changing the way we work every day can be a challenge to providers, particularly physicians who are not used to this technology,” said. Dr. Paul Davidson. “However, we’ve been very pleased with how they’ve approached the training and came in with the attitude that this is the future, and they’ll make it work. It will take a few months, but it will become second-hand for everyone.” “We implemented this major change in a little over a year,” said Stromstad. “More than 90 million records were successfully transferred to Epic from the legacy medical
weekend. This is truly a remarkable feat – it takes most organizations more than two years. “This is a massive undertaking and I’m very proud and grateful to the MVHS team for this accomplishment.” For CIO John Lynch, this is his third Epic go-live. “Experience teaches us many things, including the need to have as much support as needed the first few weeks. We have augmented our staff with internal “Superusers” who are deployed across all of our locations to provide assistance. We also brought in teams of people from Epic to help train and support.”
lationships that strengthen MVHS. “Knowing your coworkers results in better trust, and that strengthens our ability to work
record systems. Staff also manually rescheduled 120,000 appointments from the old systems to Epic over the Father’s Day
To learn more about Epic and the MVHS MyChart tool, visit mvhealthsystem.org/ Epic. v
The Epic and MVHS teams work together in the command center after Epic Go-Live.
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{M YC A R E W EL L NE SS PRO GR A M AT M V HS
MyCare – Transforming MVHS from the Inside Out
The MVHS Healthcast hosts learn easy workouts from Mohawk Valley Wellness trainers.
B Y V I C T O R I A B R A CCO
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n March 2019, MVHS Human Resources (HR) Department announced a new approach to help MVHS employees with their personal well-being. All benefits-eligible employees are now able to participate in a meaningful set of activities intended to encourage healthy actions and habits. This program was produced by a senior group of health and administrative professionals from across the system and is completely volun-
tary. The program is appropriately named “MyCare” because MVHS believes that employees should attend to their own health needs in order to live the MVHS values and provide service excellence for patients. The MyCare program has important features that include incentives, a WellSteps tool containing all program information, education, wellness coaching and tracking to earn incentives, Wellness coordinators and
ambassadors who provide guidance on activities and answer questions and events which include a list of activities to keep employees on the right track throughout the year. MVHS is looking forward to this new program, which will help guide employees toward a healthier lifestyle and assist in transforming healthcare from excellent to exceptional. v
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I OV ER A T R E AT MEN T F OR K NEE PA IN}
Orthopedic Surgeon Introduces Non-Operative Option for Knee Pain
Andrew Wickline, MD, orthopedic surgeon and Total Joint medical director, at the St. Elizabeth campus of MVHS.
BY GR ACE FERNANDEZ
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VHS is now offering a non-operative option for knee arthritis pain and a pre-operative treatment prior to knee replacement to help with post-operative pain and will reduce the need for narcotics. Andrew Wickline, MD, orthopedic surgeon and Total Joint medical director at the St. Elizabeth Campus at MVHS began implementing this program with his patients in April 2019. The purpose of the iovera°® treatment is to use the body’s natural response to cold to immediately block a sensory nerve from sending pain signals. Using a small probe (or Smart Tip), a precise cold zone is formed
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under the skin - cold enough to temporarily stop the nerve from signaling, providing pain relief until the nerve regenerates. The iovera treatment is FDA cleared to block pain. “It has been my goal to dramatically reduce the pain associated with knee replacement and ideally eliminate the need for narcotics after surgery,” said Dr. Wickline. “I identified that by using the iovera technique many non-surgical patients now have another treatment option. We now use the technology pre-operatively and believe that this technique will lead to 85 percent of patients being able to be narcotic free after knee replacement.”
The iovera treatment is precise, immediate and predictable. Nothing is injected into the body, so there are no systemic side effects. Full results are typically felt before the appointment is over. The treatment is minimally invasive, done on an outpatient basis and only requires local anesthetic – there is no sedation, general anesthetic or hospital stay. “This is yet another way we are bringing innovation to our region while also addressing the growing opioid epidemic through alternative approaches to managing pain,” said Darlene Stromstad, FACHE, president/ CEO of MVHS. v
{M V HS OF F ER S INN OVAT I V E TC A R PRO C ED UR E
“Because of its low stroke risk and faster patient recover, I believe TCAR represents the future of carotid repair.” - Kenneth Murphy, MD, director of Interventional Radiology at MVHS
MVHS Among First in New York State to Offer
Innovative TCAR Procedure BY ANGEL A LINCE
MVHS Interventional Radiology team now offers the TCAR procedure to its patients. Pictured left to right: TCAR Representative, Jason Fox, TCAR Representative, Karen Hoole, Florence Wheelock, Michaela Ward, Dr. Christoper Max, Dr. Kenneth Murphy, Dr. David O’Connor, Lacey Matrassi, Joelene Wesolowski, TCAR Representative, TCAR Representative.
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VHS is among the first health systems in New York State to treat carotid artery disease and prevent future strokes using a new procedure called TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR). TCAR is a clinically proven, minimally invasive and safe approach for high surgical risk patients who need carotid artery treatment. Carotid artery disease is a form of atherosclerosis, or a buildup of plaque, in the two main arteries in the neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. If left untreated, carotid artery disease can often lead to stroke. It is estimated to be the source of stroke in up to a third of cases, with 400,000 new diagnoses of the disease made every year in the United States alone. “TCAR is an important new option in the fight against stroke, and is particularly suited for the large portion of patients we see who are at higher risk of complications from carotid surgery due to age, anatomy or other medical conditions,” said Kenneth Murphy, MD, director of Interventional Radiology at MVHS. “Because of its low stroke risk and faster patient recovery, I believe TCAR represents the future of carotid repair.” TCAR is unique in that blood flow is temporarily reversed during the procedure so that any small bits of plaque that may break off are diverted away from the
brain, preventing a stroke from happening. A stent is then placed inside the artery to stabilize the plaque, minimizing the risk of a future stroke. Prior to TCAR, the main treatment option for severe carotid artery disease was an open surgical procedure called carotid endarterectomy (CEA). CEA removes plaque from inside the carotid artery to restore normal blood flow to the brain, but the large incision leaves a visible scar the length of the neck and carries risks of surgical complications, including bleeding, infection, heart attack and cranial nerve injuries that can cause issues with swal-
lowing, speaking and sensation in the face. The TCAR procedure was developed by Sunnyvale, California-based Silk Road Medical, Inc. and includes the ENROUTE® Transcarotid Neuroprotection (NPS) and Stent System – the first devices designed and FDA-approved specifically for TCAR. Over 5,000 TCAR procedures have been performed worldwide through clinical trial and commercial use. TCAR has been studied extensively, and the clinical data has been excellent. Additional information about TCAR is available at silkroadmed. com/disease-and-treatment-options. v
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STOMP OUT C ANCER TELE THON ACHIE VES GOAL}
STOMP OUT CANCER TELETHON GOAL ACHIEVED, MAKES DOUBLE THE IMPACT B Y M I L L I E CO N D O N
Left to right: Bob Scholefield, COO of MVHS, Kristen Copeland, WKTV, Nancy Butcher, director of the MVHS Cancer Center, Cheryl Bowen, cancer survivor, Karna Sura, MD and Symeon Tsoupelis Jr., Stomp Out Cancer Chairperson 14 · INSIDER | Q3
{STOMP OUT CANCER TELETHON ACHIEVES GOAL
“What is being done at the MVHS Cancer Center is touching the lives of thousands and will continue to do so for generations to come.” - Nancy Butcher, director of the MVHS Cancer Center
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he MVHS Foundation and the MVHS Cancer Center are pleased to announce that the 21st annual Stomp Out Cancer Telethon raised $250,000. This year, gifts had double the impact as all donations, up to $125,000, were matched. This generous donation
is greatly needed for the F. E. Romano Family Radiation Oncology Department at the MVHS Cancer Center. One patient who chose to receive her radiation treatments at the Cancer Center is Cheryl Bowen of Whitesboro, New York, who was diagnosed with breast cancer
was made anonymously and is gifted in memory of a remarkable man. The Telethon was broadcast live Wednesday, March 27, 2019 from The MVHS Cancer Center on WKTV NewsChannel 2. “The support of this community is amazing,” said Nancy Butcher, director of the MVHS Cancer Center. “What is being done at the MVHS Cancer Center is touching the lives of thousands and will continue to do so for generations to come.” MVHS Board of Directors member and Stomp Out Cancer Chairperson Symeon Tsoupelis, Jr., agrees that this is an exciting achievement. “We are very grateful to our anonymous matching gift donor, our media partners WKTV NewsChannel 2 and CBS Utica, our many sponsors and the more than 700 generous individuals and businesses who helped us meet our match,” he said. “Everyone is going to be touched by cancer in some way during their lifetime and our Stomp Out Cancer effort helps to ensure our technology and cancer services at MVHS are state-of-theart. We want our community to know that they can receive their cancer care close to home and close to their loved ones.” Dollars raised through this year’s telethon will support the purchase of a new, state-of-the-art Linear Accelerator that
in 2018. Bowen credits her healing and recovery to staff in the Radiation Oncology Department and hopes that others will help support a department that plays such a critical role in patients’ recovery. “Dr. Sura, my radiation oncologist, was just wonderful to me during my time at the MVHS Cancer Center,” Bowen said. “I just can’t say enough about him and the entire team – they were just the best.” ABOUT THE LINEAR ACCELERATOR A new linear accelerator will allow the MVHS Cancer Center team to target tumors more accurately in a shorter treatment time while also minimizing the dose of radiation to surrounding healthy tissue and organs. The new technology will ensure fast, precise delivery of treatments as well as accuracy in patient positioning. Our medical and nursing staff sees firsthand the role modern technology plays in the lives of the patients and families cared for at the MVHS Cancer Center. The advanced technology that will be made available thanks to the funds raised by the Telethon will enable the Radiation Oncology Department to provide exceptional care using less intensive methods. These continually improving changes in technology are monumental and it’s
important to MVHS to keep the technology current in order to provide our patients with the best treatment possible. Thank you to the sponsors of the Stomp Out Cancer Telethon including: Symeon’s Restaurant, Utica Coffee Roasting Co., MVHS Volunteers, The Zonta Club of Utica, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 43, The National Electrical Contractors Association, Oneida Electric, Lawrence Rieben & Sons, Fust Charles Chambers, LLP, First Source Federal Credit Union, Upstate Cancer Radiation Oncology, Bank of Utica and Danforth. If you would still like to make a donation to the MVHS Cancer Center, please visit mvhealthsystem.org/foundation. v
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WATC HM A N HE A R T PRO C ED UR E }
MVHS Offers Innovative WATCHMAN Heart Procedure
Michael Sassower, MD, FACC, prepares for the WATCHMAN procedure.
B Y V I C T O R I A B R A CCO
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VHS in partnership with Central New York (CNY) Cardiology, officially began offering the WATCHMAN procedure to the community in February. Executed by Michael Sassower, MD of CNY Cardiology, WATCHMAN is an innovative, one-time procedure that reduces the risk of strokes that originate in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Not only does it reduce the risk of stroke, but it removes the risk of bleeding that can come with the long-term use of blood thinners like Warfarin (also known as Coumadin®). The WATCHMAN is a device inserted into the LAA of the heart via a small incision in the groin. The implant proce-
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dure does not require open-heart surgery and is typically performed under general anesthesia or conscious sedation. “The WATCHMAN device is an important step forward in stroke management for patients with atrial fibrillation,” said Dr. Sassower. “A significant number of patients who should be on oral anticoagulation cannot take it for numerous reasons. WATCHMAN is a breakthrough treatment providing those patients who are suitable for blood thinners with an alternative to long-term blood thinner therapy, while still reducing the risk of stroke.” The procedure usually lasts up to an hour with a fast and generally painless recovery, allowing the patient to be dis-
charged the next day. By closing off the LAA, the risk of stroke can be reduced in patients with an irregular heart beat (atrial fibrillation) who are not suitable for blood thinners. Over time, heart tissue grows over the WATCHMAN device and the LAA is permanently sealed. Adding the WATCHMAN procedure to the list of services offered to patients is just another step in the development of a comprehensive structural heart program here at MVHS. By providing such an advanced option of care and technology with minimal down time for patients, MVHS is able to provide the community with the excellence in heart care and healthcare that they deserve.v
{ 2 0 19 M I R A C L E D R A W I N G
The 23rd Annual Miracle Drawing Underway B Y M I L L I E CO N D O N
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he MVHS Foundation, in partnership with WKTV NewsChannel 2, The Observer-Dispatch and PJ Green, announced the start of the 23rd annual $100,000 Miracle Drawing to benefit our local Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals at MVHS. One lucky person will win $100,000 in cash.
women’s and children’s services at MVHS. The winner of the Miracle Drawing receives a $100,000 cash prize. Bonus prizes will also be given away. Tickets may be purchased for $100 by cash or check at one of our participating ticket locations. Participating ticket locations include; AmeriCU Credit Union locations, the
Union locations, Jay-K Independent Lumber Corp., Remington Federal Credit Union and Special Metals Federal Credit Union. Per guidelines from the New York State Gaming Commission prohibiting online sales of charitable raffles, tickets are not available online at this time. The drawing will be held on
For the past two decades, the $100,000 Miracle Drawing has helped create miracles for the children of our community and raised more than $5.2 million to benefit
MVHS Boonville Medical Office, Chanatry’s Hometown Market, Countryside Stove & Chimney, MVHS’ St. Luke’s, St. Elizabeth and Faxton Campuses, GPO Federal Credit
Wednesday, October 16, 2019, at 6 p.m. at the St. Luke’s Campus in New Hartford, New York. v
MEET OUR 2019 MIRACLE CHILDREN
BLAKE, 5 New Hartford, NY Blake spent time recovering on our Pediatric floor at the St. Luke’s campus after having surgery. During his time here, Blake received care from our incredible staff, including our child life specialist, whose position is funded through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Child life professionals help infants, children, youth and families cope with the stress and uncertainty of illness and injury and treatment. They help reduce fear, anxiety and pain through therapeutic play, preparation and education.
GRAYSON, 4 New Hartford, NY Grayson was in need of speech therapy. Due to insurance restrictions, he was unable to get the care that he needed to thrive. CMN Hospitals was able to help by providing the necessary funding to supplement where insurance fell short. Thanks to CMN Hospitals, Grayson is making excellent progress. Q3 | INSIDER · 17
BREASTFEEDING CAFE OPEN HOUSE}
MVHS Hosts Open House for Breastfeeding Moms B Y J O H N L AT I N I
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VHS, in cooperation with Mohawk Valley Breastfeeding Network, hosted an open house for mothers and mothers-to-be. The open house featured local maternity service vendors, educational materials, fun activities, giveaways and much more. Parents were encouraged to come learn about breastfeeding support offered at MVHS and experience the cozy new
CenteringPregnancy® Room, where the Breastfeeding Cafe meets. The Mohawk Valley Breastfeeding Network is a non-for profit volunteer organization committed to providing breastfeeding education and support to all mothers. Locally run Breastfeeding cafes have been around since 2010, and are now offered in six different locations. MVHS understands the importance of
working with community partners to provide the continuity of care and resources to mothers after they have been discharged from the hospital. Currently, MVHS offers a CenteringPregnancy® program where mothers receive their prenatal care in a group setting, where they can connect and learn from one another. The new Breastfeeding Cafe will be a natural continuation of this type of support after birth. v
Participants join in on the first MVHS Breastfeeding Cafe.
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{I-CARE STORIES
I-CARE Stories Sharing Stories of Inspiration I-CARE Stories are about caregivers, protectors, companions and champions. They acknowledge special, and sometimes life-changing, moments that make a difference for our patients, residents, their families and our coworkers. The following stories are about those individuals and teams who inspire us to always do our best and uphold the values of I-CARE (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence).
Corrine Adams and Yennie Nguyen prepare an anniversary celebration for a patient and his wife.
Special Care Staff, St. Elizabeth Campus On Thursday, June 27, the Special Care staff at the St. Elizabeth Campus hosted a 52nd anniversary party for one of their patients and his wife. His nurse listened when he shared that he had been hospitalized so much recently that he had been unable to celebrate several holidays with his wife. She decided to make their day special and brought in decorations and cake for he and his wife. Corrine Adams and his nurse for the day, Yennie Nguyen, decorated with a banner and flowers, even spreading rose petals for the couple! They enjoyed the cake and were so thrilled by the recognition that both were in tears! v Intensive Care Unit Our ICU had the privilege of caring for D and his wife, Jeanne. D was an active and young 60-year-old man who suffered a massive stroke. D and Jeanne spent 13 days in our ICU until his passing. During that time, the ICU staff had the pleasure of getting to know Jeanne and D through the stories Jeanne would tell them. It was obvious that he had many paople who loved him – his sister Barb spent a great deal of time supporting Jeanne. After D's passing, Jeanne called the ICU and shared that they held a wonderful celebration of D's life in their community, attended by over 400 people. At this celebration, money was raised to donate to MVHS toward the purchase of a recliner
for the ICU so it could be used by other family members in need. Jeanne told us that she was grateful for the quiet room and recliner she used during her time with us. She said she wanted to give something back in D's memory and also express her gratitude for how we cared for her as well. "If it were not for this space and that recliner, I don't know what I would have done because I wanted to be by my husband's side," she said. "I just want to thank you all for making a difference." v Ernest Williams, Grateful Patient This is an easy letter; I write to say simply that you have superb staff at St. E’s.
I had hip replacement surgery in March with Dr. Andrew Wickline, and all the nurses and others – from pre-op to recovery to therapy – took care of me wonderfully. St. E’s is a cramped, old hospital, which of course makes it central to the current discussion about a new hospital for the Utica area, but whatever happens with facilities, the people you currently employ are superb. I want to mention in particular Michelle and Mary, who were nurses in the Recovery Room, and Fran, who wheeled me through the hallways multiple times, for their care and deep, personal concern for my well being. This is theway hospitals should work. I am recovering nicely!
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Upcoming Events Please visit the intranet or mvhealthsystem.org for a complete list of upcoming events.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Utica Kidney Walk SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Community Health Fair
PO Box 479 | Utica, NY 13503-0479
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16 Miracle Drawing FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 Campaign for Quality
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
Staff Announcements January 2019 to June 2019
MANAGERS AND DIRECTORS Trisha Cashman Outreach Manager Laboratory Services Jessica Culver, RN, BSN Nurse Manager, 6th Floor Oncology Unit St. Luke’s Campus Marie Elliot, RN Nurse Manager, Psyhciatric Unit St. Luke’s Campus Deanna Eychner, LPN, CHT Program Manager Advanced Wound Care
MEDICAL STAFF Ransford Commey, MD Bariatric Surgeon
Roza Karabanov, FNP-BC Family Nurse Practioner
Lisa Dorsey-Bornfreedom, MD Primary Care Physician
Giora Katz, MD Urologist
Caroline Going, PA-C Physican Assistant Urgent Care
Eric Porritt, DO Orthopedic Surgeon
Stephen Hudyncia, MD Psychiatrist
NURSE NAVIGATORS AND SPECIALISTS
William Ryan, MD Primary Care Medical Director
Peter Manno, RN Provider Relations Specialist
Carolyn Woodruff Housekeeping Supervisor
Donald Washburn Health and Wellness Coordinator
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Camille Richards, MD General and Trauma Surgeon