Cayuga Health Annual Report 2023

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2023 ANNUAL REPORT Cayuga Park We’re Growing to Serve Our Communities ONLINE VERSION SCAN ME NURSING Innovative Patient-Centered Initiatives DIVERSITY Fostering Belonging and Awareness PHILANTHROPY A Legacy of Love Advances Care cayugahealthmagazine.org

An Exceptional Year for Cayuga Health and the Communities We Serve

In 2023, the Cayuga Health team produced unprecedented expansion opportunities to provide more comprehensive, locally focused, patient-oriented care to our communities. Read about these endeavors and more in the pages that follow.

This past year, we welcomed more than 60 new physicians and advance practice providers caring for our communities under the Cayuga Health banner. The medical group expansion included practice acquisitions: Family Medicine Associates; Dryden Family Medicine; and Ithaca Plastic Surgery. We are also pleased to have extended Cayuga Health System expertise in several specialties including anesthesiology, cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, oncology, neurology and urology.

Outpatient practice space grew by 20,000 square feet of new space in Cortland in February 2023 and an additional 65,000 square feet in a brand-new five-story medical office building, “Cayuga Park,” which opened in downtown Ithaca in the fall. Both were built with patient and employee communication, well-being and experience at the forefront of design.

Cayuga Health launched an innovative approach to emergency medical services in partnership with the Schuyler County Legislature. Schuyler EMS has already created a measurable improvement in response times for those needing care in Schuyler County.

Our focus has reached beyond who and where to how care is delivered. The Nursing and Patient Services teams developed a care model—or framework—that places the heart of their daily work around six values that support person-centered care regardless of setting or functional role. Another example: Cayuga Health Partners was recognized by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for accomplishments in building partnerships to address health-related social needs and improve health equity—a major emphasis of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program.

We are so grateful to the community for giving Cayuga Health votes of confidence with a record-breaking year for fundraising. We publicly announced our Transforming Care Campaign in the fall with more than $4 million pledged toward cancer care, workforce development and Seneca View renovations.

Simultaneous to these tremendous efforts, we have made significant investments and progress on our journey to become a more sophisticated Integrated Delivery Network. In 2024, expect to see new innovative relationships with diverse partner organizations. By 2025, we will launch a new electronic medical record that connects all of Cayuga Health’s caretakers on one system and creates a seamless experience for patients at any Cayuga Health location.

We offer a hearty thanks and congratulations to the Cayuga Health team for a year of astounding accomplishments. We have no doubt that you will continue to set ambitious goals and achieve them with our shared determination to serve our patients and create value for our community.

Sincerely,

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n n n n n MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP

CONTENTS

1 Message From Leadership

2023 was an exceptional year for Cayuga Health and the communities we serve.

2 Growing to Better Serve Our Communities

Cayuga Health is constantly evolving to provide patients with the best possible care.

4 Expert Cancer Care Close to Home

Comprehensive, local treatment leads to a successful outcome for a Cayuga Cancer Center patient.

5 Our Impact in Numbers

Statistics show the breadth and depth of Cayuga Health’s caring.

7 A Year of Recognition

We put our patients first, and it shows.

8 Supporting Diversity

How we’re building inclusivity for our patients and staff.

10 Philanthropy

Tom Seaman’s gift: A legacy of love | Brenda WarrenFitch, steadfast volunteer for the Schuyler Health Foundation, Cayuga Health staff member and Schuyler County resident. | Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Cayuga Cancer Center will raise the level of care our patients receive. | CMC Gala and November Splendor

14 Nursing Initiatives Improve Patient Care

The commitment and dedication of our nursing staff and our attention to patient comfort set us apart.

17 Welcome New Practitioners

MISSION STATEMENT

Cayuga Health

System will remain the region’s leading healthcare system, and most trusted driver of integrated health services, together with valued partners. We empower our people and employ our capabilities to equitably improve the well-being of the communities we serve.

On the Cover:

Carol Berlin, MD, Timothy Kujawski, PA, Hannah Potts, NP, and Heather Sabo, PA, are among the providers and staff excited to be seeing patients in the new state-of-the-art Cayuga Park facility near the Ithaca waterfront.

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2023 ANNUAL REPORT Cayuga Park Our state-of-the-art medical office building at 401 Cayuga Park Lane is now open! VERSION CALL-OUT ARTICLE Sub-Head here CALL-OUT ARTICLE Sub-Head here 2 10 14

GROWING TO BETTER SERVE OUR COMMUNITIES

FROM NEW MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDINGS TO NEW SPECIALTY SERVICES, CAYUGA HEALTH IS CONSTANTLY EVOLVING TO PROVIDE PATIENTS WITH THE BEST POSSIBLE CARE.

In keeping with our mission to equitably improve the well-being of the communities we serve, Cayuga Health added exciting new facilities and services in 2023. We’re proud to highlight them on these two pages.

NEW FACILITIES

Cayuga Park

After just over two years of construction, Cayuga Park opened in the fall along State Route 13 in Ithaca. With plentiful parking and bus access, the state-of-the-art facility is adjacent to the inlet and near the downtown. This brand-new medical office building features:

l Natural light and a warm ambiance

l Onstage, offstage care for calmer patient experience

l Consolidated services, allowing for more efficient care The facility consolidates into one location a number of services, including:

l Cayuga Women’s Health

l Cayuga Immediate Care (with increased hours)

l Cayuga Primary Care Family Medicine

l Coming soon: Cayuga Cancer Center

Cortland Tompkins Street

In March, Cayuga Health opened a new physician office building at 260 Tompkins Street in Cortland. The new location

consolidates several of Cayuga Health’s Cortland and Homer locations, providing a new level of convenience and efficiency for patients.

The new state-of-the-art facility hosts Cayuga Health’s primary care with integrated behavioral health services, cardiology, neurology, surgery, pulmonology, ENT (ears, nose and throat), occupational medicine and sleep practices. The facility will also include lab services.

Several practices—Cayuga Orthopedics Cortland office, Cayuga Orthopedics Walk-in Care, Cayuga Sports Medicine and Cayuga Pain Management—remain at their current location at 1122 Commons Ave.

NEW SERVICES

Schuyler EMS

In January, Schuyler County and Cayuga Health launched full operations of Schuyler Emergency Medical Service (EMS), operated by Cayuga Health Transport.

The contract between the county and health system provides increased access to ambulance and other emergency medical services for local residents. The goals for the service staffed by emergency medical technicians and paramedics include quick response times, quality care, operational efficiency, sustainability and innovation. Schuyler EMS has been met with favorable public response and successfully met

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NEW FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Cayuga Park Cortland Tompkins Street

benchmarks in its first year.

Schuyler EMS ambulances are dispatched through the county 911 system from stations in Watkins Glen, Odessa and Tyrone.

Addiction Recovery

In March, Cayuga Health formally affiliated with Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services (CARS).

After working in partnership with CARS for many years, this new affiliation enhances access and continuity of care for those with substance use disorders.

CARS offers outpatient and residential substance use disorder services, an opioid treatment program and a comprehensive, longerterm residential treatment program for men at the 60-bed Residential Addiction Recovery Center in Trumansburg.

Dryden Family Medicine

In June, Dryden Family Medicine became part of Cayuga Medical Associates (CMA), bringing together two well-respected organizations and expanding quality care to the community.

Led by Howard Silcoff, MD, and Mason Sopchak, DO, the practice has earned an excellent reputation for delivering outstanding medical care. The new practice continues to provide comprehensive care to patients while maintaining personalized attention and compassion.

Epilepsy Monitoring

diagnosis. Rebecca Hamilton, RN, Director of 4 North Medical and 4 South Telemetry at Cayuga Medical Center, oversees the EMU’s operation. She and her team watch patients closely, ensuring that they are not finding the monitoring too stressful. The team encourages patients to bring a friend or family member so that someone is always with them.

“One of the goals of the program is to capture seizures on the EEG and through imaging,” Hamilton says. “For example, using those tools, Dr. Correll was able to correct a decade-old misdiagnosis of a patient with intellectual disability and severe cerebral palsy. She found that this patient didn’t have epilepsy after all. Her movements were the result of her cerebral palsy, a finding that was a relief to her family.”

Plastic Surgery

Ithaca Plastic Surgery with Dr. David Monacelli joined Cayuga Health in August, bringing plastic surgery to the health system.

Located on Brentwood Drive, Cayuga Plastic Surgery provides both medically necessary and aesthetic surgical procedures.

Urology

In September, Cayuga Health welcomed urologist Dr. Jason Cohen, filling an unmet need for urology services in the community.

Based at Cayuga Medical Center, Dr. Cohen offers advanced urologic care, including medical and surgical options. Dr. Cohen’s safe, effective treatments use the most advanced technology, with robotic-assisted procedures, holmium laser treatments and incisionless techniques. His goals are to minimize pain, shorten recovery times and improve quality of life for his patients.

Cayuga Medical Center’s Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) opened in July and has already made a difference in the lives of numerous patients. Under the direction of Cynthia Correll, MD, a neurologist with expertise in epilepsy, the unit serves patients who need round-the-clock monitoring for a few days to adjust medications, identify the location of seizures or confirm a

Dr. Cohen’s focus areas include: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia treatments, elevated Prostate-Specific Antigens, hematuria, incontinence, kidney stones, erectile dysfunction, prostate and kidney cancers, vasectomy, bladder cancer and robotic prostatectomy. Dr. Melanie McNally joined Cayuga Urology in February 2024.

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Dryden Family Medicine Dr. Cynthia Correll Epilepsy Monitoring Dr. Melanie McNally and Dr. Jason Cohen Urology Services

EXPERT CANCER CARE CLOSE TO HOME

COMPREHENSIVE, LOCAL TREATMENT LEADS TO A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME FOR A CAYUGA CANCER CENTER PATIENT.

In the winter of 2020, Michael Bartone was feeling under the weather and decided to go see a doctor. At the time, he was in Sarasota, Florida, where he spends the winter, away from the cold in his hometown of Watkins Glen, New York.

He thought he had a sinus infection, but his problem turned out to be much more serious.

“The doctor in Sarasota found a polyp and referred me to a physician in Syracuse, who made the cancer diagnosis,” Bartone recalls. “I went to Cayuga Cancer Center in Ithaca, near my home. I was familiar with the Center and knew I would receive top-notch care.”

The news from the oncology team at the Cayuga Cancer Center was sobering. They diagnosed Bartone with stage 4 nonHodgkin’s lymphoma, which had started in his nose and spread to his colon—a rare occurrence. The doctors recommended that Bartone start chemotherapy as soon as possible.

Bartone, now 73, knew that he had a long road of treatment ahead, so before he embarked on that journey, he decided to get a second opinion. He went to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. “The doctors there confirmed the diagnosis. They told me that the documentation provided by Cayuga Cancer Center was among the best they had ever seen. I went home reassured and ready to go.”

As he suspected, chemotherapy was a long, intense process. His regimen lasted six months, and he went for an infusion every three weeks. Thankfully, he didn’t have to travel far for his followup appointments. “I was able to go to Schuyler Hospital, which is only five minutes from my house,” says Bartone. “That made my life easier, especially since I was often tired from the chemo.”

A SERIOUS SETBACK

Just when Bartone thought his treatment was nearing the end, he experienced a serious setback. The doctors noticed something on a brain scan that they thought looked like a tumor. The team wanted him to have chemo injections directly into his spine, which Bartone found frightening.

“I didn’t want to do it, but a physician assistant, Avery Marzulla, persuaded me to go forward with the treatment. She was with me every step of the way. I was very grateful for her support,” Bartone says.

Fortunately, Bartone is in remission. He goes back to Cayuga Cancer Center every six months for blood tests and scans. Marzulla and oncologist Timothy Bael, MD, Medical Director at the Center, monitor his posttreatment surveillance.

“Skilled providers at the local hospital meant that I could stay home during treatment,” says Bartone. “That meant the world to me.”

MEETING THE NEEDS OF PATIENTS

Along with many other patients, Bartone is on a new phase of his cancer journey—survivorship. Hannah Potts, PhD, Nurse Practitioner and Coordinator of the Survivorship Program, has been building this program, with an emphasis on meeting patients’ needs. “That could include physical therapy, nutrition support, or group therapy,” she says. “We also develop treatment plans that identify post-treatment care. We are locally focused and are proud that we can offer so many services in our community.”

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A PATIENT’S STORY

TODAY, CAYUGA HEALTH CONSISTS OF :

7 7 7 TWO HOSPITALS

THREE

483

URGENT and IMMEDIATE CARE CENTERS PROVIDERS in network throughout Cayuga Health’s service areas

Cayuga Addiction and Recovery Network

CARE VISITING NURSE SERVICES

How We Impact the Communities We Serve:

l $675 million economic impact in 2023.

l 8% increase over 2022 impact.

l Our hospitals generate more than 3,500 local jobs. Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls is the largest employer in Schuyler County, and Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca is the second largest employer in Tompkins County.

l Cayuga Health invested more than $117 million in community benefit (based on a report released by the Healthcare Association of New York State).

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OUR IMPACT IN NUMBERS

IN 2023, STAFF THROUGHOUT OUR SYSTEM MANAGED :

1.4 MILLION+

886,665 PATIENT VISITS

VISITS across the network

OUTPATIENT Visits:

565,104

INPATIENT Days:

33,053

8,094 had

URGENT CARE Visits:

21,359

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS:

39,363

SURGICAL Visits: (inpatient and outpatient)

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OUR IMPACT IN NUMBERS

A YEAR OF RECOGNITION WE

AtCayuga Health, we strive to continuously improve the quality of the care we provide and to make sure that healthcare is readily available to everyone in our communities. It’s gratifying to be recognized by national organizations for our efforts. Read on to learn more about the awards we received in 2023.

JUNE 2023

Cayuga Medical Center (CMC) was recognized as a four-star hospital by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In addition, CMC received four stars for patient experience. CMC is the only healthcare facility in the region to receive four stars or better for both the overall and patient experience scores.

The overall rating summarizes a variety of measures on common conditions that hospitals treat, like heart attacks or pneumonia. CMS considers whether or not a healthcare provider gives recommended treatment based on

standards of care and evaluates the outcomes of all treatments provided.

JULY 2023

CMC has received the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Gold Plus Award for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and lifesaving care. This quality achievement attests to CMC’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

CMC earned the American Stroke Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a two-year period.

CMC also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most upto-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

AUGUST 2023

Both CMC and Schuyler Hospital (SH) were recognized for fair share spending by the Lown Institute

Based on 2020 tax records, the Lown Institute determined that both CMC and SH had a “fair share” surplus in 2020, which means we spent more on financial assistance and community investment than the estimated value of our tax exemption.

OCTOBER 2023

CMC was recognized with the Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™ by Healthgrades. The award acknowledges hospitals throughout the United States that deliver superior patient outcomes in coronary intervention procedures. Procedures include angioplasty with stent. CMC was among just 170 hospitals in the country recognized.

DECEMBER 2023

U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, designated CMC as one of just eight 2024 High Performing Hospitals for Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) in New York State. This is the highest award a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.

CMC earned a High Performing designation in recognition of maternity care as measured by objective measures of quality. These include C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, early elective delivery rates, birthing-friendly practices and transparency on racial/ethnic disparities, among other measures.

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PUT OUR PATIENTS FIRST, AND IT SHOWS.

SUPPORTING DIVERSITY

HOW WE’RE BUILDING INCLUSIVITY FOR OUR PATIENTS AND STAFF.

At Cayuga Health, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are strategic priorities, and when they are incorporated into everything we do, all of us thrive. We are committed to building a house of diversity, equity and inclusion, where we provide the highest quality care for all patients, create a sense of belonging for all employees and support the healthiest communities.

Multiethnic Skin and Hair Products

An astute nurse recognized that skin and hair products at our hospitals did not reflect the needs of Black and Brown populations, a significant gap.

“For Black and Brown people, hair is an important symbol of cultural identification and is used to reflect moods, taste and spiritual affiliation,” says Chief Nursing Officer Naph’tali (Tali) Edge. “Once we recognized the problem, we contacted Herb Alexander, Chief Diversity Officer, and the DEI committee to bring these products to our community.

“These additions proved to be very important to our patients,” says Edge. “They further support people in our care, improve their confidence and enhance the patient experience.”

A Diverse Nursing Team

With the number of available nurses decreasing, we are starting to work with international nurses, who bring many benefits to our health system.

“There is evidence that suggests that the quality of care for patients from underrepresented groups improves when the providers look like they do,” says Edge. “The bottom line is that we want to execute our mission to provide equitable care. This effort is moving us in that direction.”

Employee Resource Groups

To encourage dialogue and offer support among diverse staff members, we have launched two Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).

The LGBTQ+ ERG launched in 2023, and the ERG for Black and Brown Healthcare Workers rolled out in the beginning of 2024, with additional ERGs in the works.

Policies and Processes

At Cayuga Health, person-centered care is a guiding principle for change. To achieve “person-centeredness,” our team began by looking at policies and processes through a health equity lens.

“From an organizational standpoint, we ask ourselves if any of our policies and processes inadvertently create barriers to care,” explains Reyna Florentino, Assistant Vice President of Quality, Accreditation, and Performance Improvement. “We recognize that culture change is hard and takes time,” says Florentino. “But we are committed to staying on this path to create an environment where patients know that our team is there for them and will heal with them.”

Learn more at www.cayugahealth.org/about/ diversity-equity-and-inclusion

Our diversity, equity and inclusion team has developed many programs that bring important benefits to patients, staff and the communities we serve.

Training for Providers

In partnership with Respectful, Equitable Access to Compassionate Healthcare (REACH) Medical, Cayuga Health is training resident physicians and nursing students from Tompkins Cortland Community College on topics like health equity, social determinants of health, and addiction medicine as part of the Rural Health Equity Training Collaborative.

Jennifer Gil-Rai, MD, Health Equity Curriculum Specialist, explains, “One of our goals is to build trust with community partners. From the feedback we’ve received from students, we’re making progress in training more knowledgeable and empathetic clinicians.”

Cayuga Health also partners with the Ithaca College Physician Assistants (PAs) Program. This program helps students understand that there is no “one size fits all” in medicine.

Training includes social determinants of health, gender diversity and strategies to address implicit bias.

“The program is in its infancy, but we have the full support of the leadership team,” says PA student Jordan Beckley. “We are working alongside Cayuga Health to build a more equitable community.”

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DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

We Ask Because We Care

We are committed to improving the health of our community by addressing health disparities. This begins with accurate demographic information, including race, ethnicity, gender identity and other factors.

We launched the “We Ask Because We Care” campaign to help explain to patients why we were asking these questions and to train staff on the best practices for gathering and using this information.

Not only will this information help us provide culturally competent care, but it can also help us improve population health (see below).

Health Equity Dashboard

Cayuga Health has been able to use demographic data to create a comprehensive health equity dashboard that can show gaps in care and track our progress to close them.

For example, we can see how many patients have received mammograms and if there are any differences across factors like race, language, sexual orientation, etc.

“What’s exciting about this work is that we can track in real time how we’re doing on a range of quality measures,” says Amy Carver, Assistant Vice President, Clinical Integration & Population Health. “With this information, we can address disparities through targeted interventions.”

Addressing Health-Related Social Needs

Since 2021, Cayuga Health has partnered with the Human Services Coalition to identify patients with unmet social needs, such as food insecurity, housing instability or childcare concerns, and then connect them with community resources. By the end of 2023, more than 26,000 screenings have been conducted across seven primary care practices.

Lara Parrilla, Manager of Community and Academic Partnerships at Cayuga Health Partners (CHP), says, “By the end of the year, we expect all 18 primary care practices that are part of CHP to participate in the program, raising the number of patients screened to 60,000. This could result in as many as 13,000 referrals.”

A transformation grant from New York State is helping to enhance our technology and increase the number of organizations in the referral network.

Community Outreach at Schuyler Hospital

Schuyler Hospital has also started screening for the social needs of patients in the Emergency Department.

“We’re still working on developing our referral network, but those who identified an unmet social need will receive a call from a navigator to discuss where they can go for help,” explains Jackie Collins, Clinical Informatics and Quality Incentive Specialist. “We’re also partnering with NY Connects, a group that can refer people to appropriate social service agencies. Representatives from NY Connects are sitting in our clinic one day a week to be available to our patients.”

Meeting the Need for Additional Navigators

Working with Cornell University and the local Cooperative Extension, prehealth and premed students from marginalized communities, those who are first-generation, and students of color are working as social navigators.

An unexpected outcome of the program is that the Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University has turned the training component into a course about social care navigation. “The benefit for us is that we’re able to scale up the program relatively quickly,” says Parrilla. “We’ve found that navigators are so important. They bridge the gap between physicians, who often don’t have time to talk, and patients, who have big problems they don’t know how to solve. Patients end up feeling understood and valued. We’re pleased that we’re able to meet the needs of patients in multiple ways.”

HEALTH EQUITY AWARD

As part of our health equity work, we were pleased that Cayuga Health Partners (CHP) was presented with the inaugural Circle of Excellence Health Equity Award from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. CHP was recognized for its creation of a closed-loop referral process that, in partnership with Human Services Coalition community health advocates, integrates social needs screening, connects patients directly to local resources in the community, and provides direct feedback back to providers. By addressing unmet social needs, CHP is taking steps to address major barriers to health and well-being for vulnerable populations in the community.

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LEGACY OF LOVE

Tom Seaman’s gift ensures cancer patients will continue to have access to world-class care

close to home.

Thomas Seaman made a multi-year commitment of $1 million to the Cayuga Medical Center Foundation to support the Cayuga Cancer Center. This generous gift, one of the largest ever made to Cayuga Health, was made in loving memory of Seaman’s wife, Jean Seaman, who received care from the Cayuga team.

Seaman and his family are longtime residents of Tompkins County. Seaman spends time in Vero Beach, Florida, but still considers Trumansburg home. The Seamans were initially recruited to Ithaca in 1959 by BorgWarner. They then had stops in Detroit and the United Kingdom before returning in 1969.

After serving as General Manager and overseeing the construction of the new plant in Lansing, Seaman left BorgWarner and has been involved with many business ventures, including real estate development.

Together the Seamans raised four children: Pat, Jay, Kate and Tom. With this much history, the family developed a tight bond with this community.

“Enhancing the capabilities of Cayuga Health, particularly its cancer care, to better serve the community is a worthwhile goal and one that the Seaman family is pleased to contribute toward,” said Seaman. “This is a way to honor Jean’s memory in a manner that supports the health system’s efforts to care for a community and region that is so important to us.”

“The support Mr. Seaman and the entire Seaman family are providing will have a meaningful and

COMMITTED TO CAYUGA HEALTH

Brenda Warren-FItch, a Schuyler County resident, is a steadfast volunteer for the Schuyler Health Foundation and a member of the Cayuga Health staff.

long-term positive impact on our patients and the cancer care we can provide,” shared Dr. Timothy Bael, Medical Director for Oncology Services at Cayuga Health. “This investment will help to ensure that we continue to have the equipment and facilities to support the needs of our patients.”

The funds from this generous commitment will secure equipment that improves the patient experience during diagnosis or treatment. These include vascular access, imaging and surgical treatment.

For a number of the past 10 years, Brenda Warren-Fitch has served as Chair of the Board for the Schuyler Health Foundation, providing firm leadership to ensure a steady stream of funding for Schuyler Hospital and Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility. Her leadership coincides with the affiliation of Schuyler Hospital with Cayuga Medical Center, a collaboration that continues to grow and thrive. Warren-Fitch is no stranger to the local community or Cayuga Health. “I grew up in Watkins Glen and have been a radiology technologist with Cayuga Medical Center since 1997,” she says. “Because I worked on the employee campaign for Cayuga Medical Center and was familiar with Schuyler Hospital, I was recruited for the Board. My mentor, Ken Wilson, was the founder of the original Health Foundation in 1987, and he has rejoined the Board in recent years.”

Board members are volunteers, but they take their role seriously, working hard to govern foundation operations and provide strategic direction. Over the years, there has been a steady increase in donations, something that can be credited, in part, to Foundation Board members like Warren-Fitch, who care for the hospital and the crucial role it plays in their home community.

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The Seaman family, from left to right: Tom Jr., Kate, Thomas Sr., Patrick and Jay.
PHILANTHROPY

ADVANCING CANCER CARE

Housed in the new Cayuga Park building, the Cayuga Cancer Center will raise the level of care our patients receive.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Transforming Care Campaign has raised more than $4 million for a variety of projects (see sidebar), including $2.52 million for the new 11,000-square-foot state-of-the-art Cayuga Cancer Center, on the third floor of the newly constructed Cayuga Park. Located on the waterfront, the building has met the highest architectural standards, including excellent air quality and light and design features with patients’ comfort and well-being in mind.

Numerous gifts from donors have enabled us to provide the following:

n The new Cayuga Cancer Center will offer a unique experience for patients, starting with an expanded waiting room that is more accessible and easier to maneuver in.

n The large exam rooms feature the newest equipment to improve comfort and offer better access for those with decreased mobility. The increase in the number of exam rooms provides smoother transitions between patients to

decrease patient wait times while offering space for extended education and counseling visits when needed.

n A chemotherapy suite boasts an expanded footprint and 16 chemo stations with improved privacy and flow for nurses to safely and efficiently care for patients during treatment. Best-in-class chemotherapy chairs offer the most comfort possible with heat and massage included.

“The generosity and support of our community are allowing us to further develop and create access to advanced cancer care for Ithaca and the southern tier in a comfortable and patientcentered clinical space,” says Timothy Bael, MD, Medical Director for Oncology Services, Cayuga Health System. “Our state-of-the-art facilities at Cayuga Park allow us to continue to expand the exceptional care we provide along every step of the cancer journey. This more and more includes advanced diagnostics, targeted and immune cancer therapy, genetic tumor profiling, genetic counseling and access to clinical trials.”

TARGETING IMPROVEMENTS FOR SCHUYLER AND TOMPKINS COUNTIES

The Transforming Care Campaign for Cayuga Health launched in 2022 and has targeted several initiatives for patients across the region. The most ambitious part of the campaign has been the construction of a new building that houses our state-of-theart Cancer Center in Ithaca (at left).

Other projects underway include:

n Improving the activities spaces at Seneca View and adding services such as aromatherapy, crafts and music therapy.

n Modernizing the elevator at Seneca View.

n Renovating a hair salon in Seneca View.

n Increasing opportunities for professional development and education throughout the system.

n Supporting initiatives to attract and retain top-tier talent.

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Chemotherapy suite
Expanded waiting area

FUN FOR A CAUSE

TWO FESTIVE EVENTS RAISED FUNDS TO SUPPORT CAYUGA HEALTH’S MISSION.

Cayuga Health organized two highly successful fundraising events in the fall of 2023, the CMC Gala and November Splendor, to support its ongoing healthcare initiatives. Guests were treated to a live auction, raffles, exquisite cuisine, entertainment and inspiring speeches highlighting the impact of their contributions.

Both events garnered tremendous community support, raising significant funds to enhance local healthcare. Proceeds from the events will support the Transforming Care Campaign. Cayuga Health expresses gratitude for the overwhelming support received during these events for both the Schuyler Health and Cayuga Medical Center Foundation.

CMC Gala

The Cayuga Medical Center Foundation Gala was held at the Inn at Taughannock Falls on October 13. The Cayuga Medical Center Medical Staff, Triad Foundation, Tompkins Community Bank, Harris Beach PLLC & HOLT Architects graciously sponsored the event. Our Gala committee was led by the fantastic co-chairs Bonita Lindberg and Lisa LiVigne!

Planning support was provided by CRN E vents. Francis Audio provided sound, lighting and video production. Music was provided by Splash Band. Flowers were by Willow Floral Studios. Glassware was donated by Cooley Group, and bespoke glass star ornaments were handmade by Lisa Burns Studio. Photos by Gary Hodges.

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PHILANTHROPY

November Splendor

November Splendor was a fun night benefiting the Schuyler Health Foundation on November 4. The band Shine—new to the event this year— was loved by all who attended. We were excited to bring back the live auction this year, in addition to a silent action. Also new this year: a ring raffle and a Red, White and Bubbly wine pull. In addition, we auctioned off the sustainable centerpieces.

Attendees enjoyed winning something to take home to grace their fall tables. The Harbor Hotel presented a wonderful festivity and meal. Thank you to MarCom’s Caitlin Murphy for serving as our photographer for the evening.

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NURSING INITIATIVES IMPROVE PATIENT CARE

THE COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION OF OUR NURSING STAFF AND OUR ATTENTION TO PATIENT COMFORT SET US APART.

AtCayuga Health, our nurses are at the heart of the care we provide. They have unique insight into patient needs and are an integral part of our efforts to continuously improve. Our nurses make the difference by embodying the spirit of compassion and leading the way in delivering evidence-based, quality care. In 2023, our nursing teams implemented many impactful initiatives to improve our community’s health and well-being. Key programs are outlined in this section.

New Screening and Safety Plan Protocols Implemented to Help Reduce Suicide Risk

In a significant step toward our ongoing Zero Suicide commitment in 2023, Cayuga Health implemented essential screening and safety protocols demonstrating our dedication to proactive mental health support and suicide prevention within our health system.

•Suicide Risk Screening: The Columbia Suicide Screening Risk tool is now standard practice for all patients.

•Safety Plans: Patients at moderate to high risk for suicide receive personalized Suicide Protection Safety Plans, including aftercare recommendations.

•Depression Screening: Screenings identify patients with moderate- to highrisk mental health status, with tailored follow-up plans.

Prioritizing Safe Opioid Use Through Patient Screening and Supportive Care

As part of our commitment to effective opioid risk management in acute care, Nursing Patient Care Services implemented the standard of care for opioid risk/ misuse screening by utilizing the validated Brief Risk Questionnaire.

• Proactive Screening: The Brief Risk Questionnaire assesses opioid risk factors for patients aged 18 and older across multiple units.

• Compassionate Communication: Nurses are trained to support patients and help them minimize negative feelings during screenings.

This ongoing initiative aligns with our patient safety focus, ensuring responsible opioid use and preventing potential harm, while also maintaining compliance with Joint Commission standards.

Improving Care Through Clinical Pathways

Cayuga Health rolled out a clinical pathway for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Under the leadership of Lavanya Kodali, MD, physician lead for COPD, and Elizabeth Clarke, System Nursing Administration Coordinator, the program has gotten off to a strong start, resulting in state-of-the-art care for a growing number of COPD patients.

“Think of a clinical pathway as a roadmap to providing interdisciplinary care to patients following evidence-based treatment guidelines, which merge the latest research with clinical care,” explains Clarke. “The pathway monitors all aspects of care, including time spent in the hospital, the role of members of the multidisciplinary care team, and how to communicate effectively with patients.”

The pathway also incorporates education strategies that improve patient outcomes and experience. “Patients are on the right path when they understand their condition and treatment, know how to monitor it and have a common language for communication with their care team,” says Clarke.

Falls Reduction Success: A 2023 Nursing Quality Highlight

Our hospitals saw a significant reduction in patient falls by aligning falls prevention policies, standard work and protocols. Compared to 2022, total falls decreased by 28 percent. Even more impressive, falls with injury declined by 37 percent.

This achievement is attributed to the Falls Prevention Committee’s detailed analysis of incident reports and identifying risk factors and trends. Key tactics include:

• Red Rounds: Consistent use of “red rounds”—with a focus on fall prevention—ensures that proper safety precautions are in place for patients considered at high risk.

• Post-Fall Huddles: In-depth debriefs uncover improvement opportunities.

• Comprehensive Documentation facilitates trend analysis and intervention evaluation.

• Staff Education: Ongoing training reinforces best practices.

New Care Model Developed to Represent Nursing Work

Cayuga Health’s nursing teams developed a care model based on values focused on person-centered care: communicate, engage, excel, care and empower. Clinical staff use the Professional Practice Model or Care Model as a framework that supports them in their everyday practice throughout our organization, regardless of setting or functional role. It ultimately describes what we do, why we do it and how we do it—a reflection of LOVE = living our values every day. We have continued to see and hear examples of how these values are upheld and lived each day in interactions with our patients, care partners, community and each other.

14 Annual Report 2023 / Cayuga Health NURSING
Sarah Heineman, LPN

PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST

OUR INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS IMPROVE PATIENT EXPERIENCE.

2023 saw several initiatives that elevate the patient experience at Cayuga Health, including those outlined below.

Discharge Hospitality Lounge

As part of our commitment to improving patient experience, Cayuga Medical Center launched a Discharge Hospitality Lounge in April. This concept is an evidence-based practice that allows discharged patients to be moved from inpatient rooms to a designated area with amenities while they await transportation home. Since the successful pilot, the Discharge Lounge has been activated on multiple occasions to support patient surges.

The Discharge Hospitality Lounge aligns with our journey to achieving the Planetree designation and person-centered care by providing:

• A comfortable area with TV, phone and refreshments

• Easy access for pick up by family and friends, as well as to restrooms and our Garden Café

• An opportunity to engage our patients in their self-care with the availability of written materials and brochures regarding resources available through Cayuga Health System as well as the community

Patients who meet set criteria are identified during daily case management rounds with the interdisciplinary team.

Person-Centered Care

A hospital stay is stressful and disruptive for patients and their families, but two programs at Cayuga Health—Care Partner and Patient-Directed Visitation—are helping to make time in the hospital more comfortable.

Extra support in the hospital

The Care Partner program allows patients to select a friend or family member to provide support in the hospital. Care partners receive training and are empowered to help their loved ones by providing items such as snacks, beverages and warm blankets and keeping them company during difficult moments.

Care partners also play an active role in discharge readiness, which supports success post-discharge. “Partners feel empowered knowing that they can take care of their loved one at home, and patients are getting the care and support they need,” Christine Payton, RN, MSN, Director of the Surgical Stay Unit and the Physical Medical Rehabilitation Unit. The program has been in place since 2021, and Payton says it has been a win-win for staff, partners and patients.

A natural next step

As the Care Partner program evolved, it became clear that there were other areas where patients could be more engaged in their care. Patient-Directed Visitation was implemented in July at Cayuga Health’s hospitals. At the patient’s direction, visitors may be with them outside traditional “visiting hours.” This control may reduce a patient’s anxiety, provide comfort and foster trust and collaboration between hospital and family caregivers. “We have found that the program helps patients balance their wish for support with their need for privacy,” says Naph’tali (Tali) Edge, Chief Nursing Officer. “This is a core component of patient-centered care and one of the ways we are advancing health and promoting healing at Cayuga Health.”

Annual Report 2023 / Cayuga Health 15
Laura Voigt, RN

ACHIEVING NURSING EXCELLENCE

WE’RE WORKING TO ENSURE CAYUGA HEALTH NURSES ARE ENGAGED AND HAVE EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES TO CONTINUE LEARNING.

Attracting and retaining well-qualified nurses who are continuously improving their skills is an important way we make sure our patients receive the best nursing care possible. Four key nursing initiatives are outlined below.

Clinical Ladders

The Nursing and Patient Services (NPS) team started a Clinical Ladder program in 2023 as a professional development tool to build clinical skills and competency, improve patient safety and quality of care, increase engagement and satisfaction, and strengthen retention. The program centers around Patricia Benner’s Novice to Expert theory and offers NPS staff an opportunity to grow their clinical and leadership skills via utilization of evidence-based practice and research, completion of continuing education, exposure to project management and quality improvement, and the like.

“A unique feature of the program is that it’s based on the interests and goals of each participant,” says Chief Nursing Officer Naph’tali (Tali) Edge. “The program is an investment in our people that raises the bar of professional excellence while providing recognition and advancement opportunities.”

Certifications and Recognitions

In June, the NPS division implemented a professional certification program. Certification is a demonstration of expertise and skill in a respective field of practice and has been proven to build knowledge and increase staff confidence in their decision-making for improved patient outcomes. In addition, evidence reported in the Journal of Nursing Administration suggests that certified nurses claim higher job satisfaction and their patients experience improved safety and satisfaction.

CHS nurses are supported by their leaders throughout the process. There are several pre-approved certifications plus an opportunity to formally request to enroll with others not yet on the list. Resources are available for staff reference, and team members are encouraged to sit for certification. Successful certification expenses are eligible for reimbursement.

Nurse Residency

This year, 28 nurses graduated from Cayuga Health’s Nurse Residency transition-to-practice program that provides newly graduated nurses with tools, skills, and knowledge to help them excel in their careers. The yearlong program includes classroom instruction, clinical skill practice and a final evidence-based practice project. Nurses who complete the nurse residency program are more equipped to handle complex medical situations, effectively communicate with patients and families, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

Shared Governance

Empowering our NPS staff is critical in our journey to nursing excellence. An imperative step is to ensure robust shared governance, a process in which decisions are made by people interacting directly with patients. An integral part of shared governance at Cayuga Health is our department-based or Unit Practice Councils. These councils engage in regular meetings to work on initiatives to improve quality of care, patient safety, patient and employee experience, and financial stewardship.

In 2023, a few of the initiatives included, but were not limited to: noise level audits to support our Quiet Campaign; guidelines to ensure a process for floating staff to areas that need help; monthly employee spotlight to introduce and recognize our staff; acuity tools to help determine staffing support based on the patient’s condition and needs; collaborative and shared work roles between disciplines; and streamlining work through protocols and bundles. Person-centered care is the common purpose of every Unit Practice Council and committee. Shared governance makes sure we keep the patient at the heart of everything we do.

16 Annual Report 2023 / Cayuga Health
Dani Callahan, RN Megan Austen, RN Rebecca Hamilton, RN Jennifer Greatsinger, RN, and Jeffrey Greatsinger, RN Nurse Residency graduates
NURSING

Welcome New Practitioners

Please join the Cayuga Health family in welcoming these talented providers to our medical staff. More than 60 providers in 20 specialties joined the CH team in 2023.

PHYSICIANS

Sameer Acharya, MD Internal Medicine

Tandy Agostini, MD Gastroenterology

Anurag Aryal, MD Internal Medicine

Caleb Baxter, DO Anesthesiology

Mashhood Bodla, MD Internal Medicine

Ashley Choe, MD Critical Care Medicine

Jason Cohen, MD Urology

Cynthia Correll, MD Clinical Neurophysiology/Neurology

Lloyd Darlow, MD Family Medicine

Zoe Demarest, MD Family Medicine

Hilary Dietz, MD Oncology/Hematology

Nicholas Downs, DO Family Medicine

Eli Finkelzstein, MD Infectious Diseases

Caitlin Foor-Pessin, MD Gastroenterology

Samuel Francis, MD Pulmonary Disease

Daniela Granzo, MD Emergency Medicine

Jodi Grossfeld, MD Dermatology

Asha Gupta, MD Allergy & Immunology

Nauman Hamid, MD Critical Care Medicine

Nima Hazrati Pour Fard, MD Internal Medicine

Jaspreet Johal, MD Neurology

Brittany Jones, MD Psychiatry

Samantha Kamp, MD Psychiatry

Sergy Lemeshko, MD Diagnostic Radiology

Jeffrey Lewis, MD Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Omotoke Missih, MD Anesthesiology

Jason Mitchell, MD Diagnostic RadiologyTelemedicine

David Monacelli, MD Plastic Surgery

Munu Napit, MD Internal Medicine

Gurinder Rana, MD Critical Care Medicine

Joshua Regal, MD Surgery

Amna Riaz, MD Internal Medicine

Joshua Regal, MD Surgery

Fahed Saada, MD Neurology

Elizabeth Seymour, MD Family Medicine

Mohammad Shahab, MD Neurology

Howard Silcoff, MD Family Medicine

Kathryn Simms, MD Anesthesiology

Mason Sopchak, DO Family Medicine

Kathryn Simms, MD Anesthesiology

Abraham Taub, MD Emergency Medicine

Sharon Ziegler, MD Family Medicine

Heather Zimba, MD Family Medicine

ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS

Hannah Armstrong, NP Hospital Medicine

Sarah Batschelet, FNP Family Medicine

Kristen Canzler, NP Hospital Medicine

Brian Clark, CRNA Anesthesiology

Laura Connor, PA Emergency Medicine

Hannah Cramer, NP Women’s Health

Bradley DeWitt, PA Pulmonary

Marlee Drumheller, PA Neurosurgery

Jonathan Edelman, FNP Orthopedics

William Frutiger, PA Urology

Lisa Grove, CNM OB-GYN

Bridgette Heath-Isigan, FNP Pulmonary

Kelli Hektor, PA Family Medicine

Selina Lenetsky, NP Psychiatry

Carly Linick, PA Family Medicine

Emilee Mackey, FNP Neurology

Christine Monacelli, FNP Family Medicine

Ruthanne Parsons, FNP Family Medicine

Rebecca Reimer, PA Primary Care

Sarah Roach, FNP Family Medicine

Sarah Singlar, FNP Family Medicine

Sharinne Sukhnanand, FNP Family Medicine

Linda Wieselquist, FNP Palliative Care

Lisa Williams, PA Emergency Medicine

Lee Witherow, CRNA Anesthesiology

Katharine Bills Woods, PA Pain Medicine

Annual Report 2023 / Cayuga Health 17
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT VISIT
WWW.CAYUGAHEALTH.ORG

Practice Locations List

ITHACA

CAYUGA CANCER CENTER

401 Cayuga Park Lane, Suite 300

10 Arrowwood Drive

607-272-5414

CAYUGA CENTER FOR HEALTHY LIVING 310 Taughannock Boulevard

607-252-3590

CAYUGA CENTER FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES

1301 Trumansburg Road, Suite R 607-241-1118

CAYUGA CENTER FOR METABOLIC AND BARIATRIC SURGERY

310 Taughannock Boulevard

607-252-3555

CAYUGA CENTER FOR SPORTS MEDICINE AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

310 Taughannock Boulevard

607-252-3580

CAYUGA DIABETES AND ENDOCRINOLOGY

1020 Craft Road, Suite A 607-339-0670

CAYUGA GASTROENTEROLOGY

1020 Craft Road, Suite C 607-339-0788

CAYUGA HEALTH AT ITHACA COLLEGE

Hammond Health Center

607-274-3177

CAYUGA HEART AND VASCULAR

201 Dates Drive, Suite 101

40 Catherwood Road

607-272-0460

CAYUGA IMMEDIATE CARE WALK-IN

401 Cayuga Park Lane, Suite 101

CAYUGA VIRTUAL CARE

cayugahealth.org/telehealth

607-319-5900

CAYUGA NEPHROLOGY

201 Dates Drive, Suite 310

607-273-9111

CAYUGA NEUROLOGY

905 Hanshaw Road, Suite A

607-273-6757

CAYUGA ORTHOPEDICS

16 Brentwood Drive, Suite A 607-272-7000

CAYUGA PAIN MANAGEMENT

101 Dates Drive

10 Arrowwood Drive

607-274-4287

CAYUGA PHYSICAL THERAPY

10 Brentwood Drive, Suite A

310 Taughannock Boulevard

607-274-4159

CAYUGA PLASTIC SURGERY

22 Arrowwood Drive, Suite B 607-266-0483

CAYUGA PRIMARY CARE|CAYUGA PARK

401 Cayuga Park Lane, Suite 201 607-277-4341

CAYUGA PRIMARY CARE|DRYDEN

5 Evergreen Street 607-844-8181

CAYUGA PRIMARY CARE|COMMUNITY CORNERS

905 Hanshaw Road, Suite C 607-277-2170

CAYUGA PRIMARY CARE|ITHACA MALL

40 Catherwood Road 607-339-0494

CAYUGA PRIMARY CARE|WOMEN’S HEALTH

401 Cayuga Park Lane, Suite 501 607-339-0625

• Gynecology

• Primary Care

607-339-0400 (Huynh)

• Comprehensive Breast Care

CAYUGA RHEUMATOLOGY

1301 Trumansburg Road, Suite R

40 Catherwood Road

607-257-2920

CAYUGA SURGICAL SPECIALISTS

310 Taughannock Boulevard

607-273-3161

CAYUGA UROLOGY

101 Dates Drive, 3rd Floor

607-319-5747

CAYUGA WELLNESS CENTER

310 Taughannock Boulevard, Suite 1C 607-252-3500

CMA OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE

16 Brentwood Drive, Suite A 607-339-0680

HOSPITALIST/CRITICAL CARE SPECIALISTS OF CMA

101 Dates Drive

607-274-4296

NEUROSURGERY SERVICES OF CMA

905 Hanshaw Road, Suite A 607-269-0033

PULMONOLOGY & SLEEP SERVICES

201 Dates Drive, Suite 301 607-882-2277

CORTLAND

260 Tompkins Street

CAYUGA PRIMARY CARE|TOMPKINS STREET

607-756-9941

• Adult and Pediatrics

• Women’s Health

CAYUGA HEART AND VASCULAR

607-272-0460

CAYUGA NEUROLOGY

607-428-8004

CAYUGA DIABETES AND ENDOCRINOLOGY

607-339-0670

CAYUGA SURGICAL SPECIALISTS 607-273-3161

CENTER FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES 607-753-0683

ENT SERVICES OF CMA 607-428-8004

NEUROSURGERY SERVICES

607-269-0033

CAYUGA PAIN MANAGEMENT 607-274-4287

CAYUGA WOMEN’S HEALTH

COMPREHENSIVE BREAST CARE

607-339-0400

PULMONOLOGY & SLEEP SERVICES 607-882-2277

Commons Avenue

CAYUGA CANCER CENTER

1081 Commons Avenue 607-272-5414

CAYUGA ORTHOPEDICS

Immediate Care Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic

1122 Commons Avenue 607-428-8004

CAYUGA SPORTS MEDICINE

1122 Commons Avenue 607-252-3580

CORTLAND URGENT CARE

1129 Commons Avenue 607-756-7200

Main Street

CAYUGA WOMEN’S HEALTH

103 N. Main Street 607-758-9977

CAYUGA PHYSICAL THERAPY

10 N. Main Street 607-428-8020

SCHUYLER

CAYUGA CANCER CENTER

220 Steuben Street, Montour Falls 607-272-5414

REHABILITATION SERVICES

220 Steuben Street, Montour Falls 607-535-8616

MONTOUR FALLS PRIMARY CARE

220 Steuben Street, Montour Falls 607-535-7154

OVID PRIMARY CARE CENTER

2138 West Seneca Street, Ovid 607-869-2541

SCHUYLER SPECIALTY SERVICES

220 Steuben Street, Montour Falls 607-210-1968

• Cardiology

• ENT

• Gastroenterology

• Orthopedics

• Pulmonology/Sleep Services

• Surgical Specialists

• Women’s Health

SENECA VIEW SKILLED NURSING

220 Steuben Street, Montour Falls 607-535-8611

Effective: 5/2024

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