Hot Off The Stretcher

Advancing Patient Care for Our CommunityA newsletter for Catskill Regional Medical Center employees, physicians and volunteers.

www.crmcny.org September2012

Message From Our CEOSummer in the Catskills brings an annual influx of visitors. Couple this with the historic launch of using electronic health records (EHRs) here at Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC), and the training, planning and preparation that took place before our go-live date of June 30, and the word “busy” seems like an understatement. I want to personally thank the entire staff for your hard work, dedication and perseverance through this hectic and monumental time. It is truly appreciated.

In the past year, we have made many large-scale improvements to CRMC. We completed our new Emergency Department, added EHR capabilities, installed new CT scanners in both Harris and Callicoon, and received a HEAL NY grant to reduce debt. Now that we are through this busy time and have improved many of the hospital’s high-profile areas, we must focus on what truly drives business at CRMC – quality care and exceptional patient experiences.

We can all help if we treat each and every patient like they are our own family – smile and greet people in the hallways, and when we see

Fred Kuriger,CEO

Physician Services, more commonly known as Physician Billing, is led by Director Connie Tiljevang Nair. She and her staff point out that they do much more than just handle the billing for CRMC’s employed and contracted physicians; they also handle the complicated coding and insurance credentialing for a number of professional practices that are affiliated with the hospital: Livingston Manor Family Health Center; Callicoon Family Health Center; Women’s Health Center; Surgeons Office; Wound Care Office; Endocrinology Office; Hematology/Oncology Office; Catskill Heart Center and Outpatient Cardiology Testing; Diabetes Education and the Ortho Clinic. Additionally, Physician Services is responsible for handling these duties for many departments, such as the Callicoon Emergency Department; Psychiatric Department; BioChemical Dependency Clinic; EKG and EEG Services, and the Geriatric Assessment Service. Physician Services also works with Medicaid, Self-Pay and select patient financial OR cases.

The physician billing, coding and credentialing function involves an abundance of paperwork. This includes coding to billing rates, providing documentation and claims forms to insurance carriers and documenting physician credentialing information for the insurance carriers.

Furthermore, the department assists patients with billing and statement questions, which often requires delicate diplomacy to educate the patients and manage claim denials. To assure that the hospital receives appropriate payment for services, the department may need to work with customer service agencies, collection agencies, regulatory agencies and auditing firms. It frequently

acts as a liaison between the professional practices on behalf of CRMC and outside vendors. The team works closely with other CRMC departments such as Finance, Patient Financial, Patient Access and the Medical Board.

It is a lot of work, but Connie, who has served as Physician Services Director since 2004, and the staff emphasize that the department is well-informed, knowledgeable and able to work on different tasks at any time, making them fast and efficient. She said that the team works closely together, communicates well and has been cross-trained in most areas. They have continuously improved procedures and streamlined work flows, creating strong time management skills that have enabled them to be successful with a large workload and small staff. A recent example is their restructuring of denial management processes to provide quicker turn-around times.

Top row left to right: Christina Ferguson, Kristine Lewis, Nancy Ponds and Cathleen Jorge. Bottom row left to right: Betty Titko-Fried, Connie Tiljevang Nair and Darla Arcidiacono

SPOTLIGHT ON Physician Services

Continued on page 2Continued on page 2

Hot Off The Stretcher www.crmcny.org September2012

Other key challenges include technical innovations and regulatory changes, which the staff must always stay on top of. On the technical side, the staff currently has two different computer systems running, which often creates double entry and double the work. The staff is hoping to eventually have the electronic health record system remove that second challenge.

Physician Services is “the little department that could.” They take complex situations and turn them into better workflows and procedures to make more efficient use of their time.

For more information on Physician Services, contact Connie Tiljevang Nair at ext. 2710.

SPOTLIGHT ON Physician Services Continued from page 1

CRMC Launches Electronic Health RecordsOn June 30, CRMC launched electronic health records (EHRs) at its main Harris campus and Callicoon campus (Grover M. Hermann Hospital). An EHR system develops an electronic chart for each patient. These patient records are accessible to health care providers throughout the hospital. Access to patient data is on an “as needed basis” and is governed and protected by HIPAA regulations.

EHRs will greatly assist CRMC in continuing to provide efficient and high-quality health care to patients. Some of the system’s benefits include enhanced patient safety, reduced operational costs, improved health care quality/outcomes, prevention of medication errors, and increased efficiencies and access to/coordination of care.

One of the great conveniences of the EHR system is that it enables health care providers to submit prescriptions to pharmacies electronically. Patients no longer have to bring the prescription to the pharmacy and wait for it to be filled. CRMC and GHVHS selected EPIC Systems Corporation to implement the EHR system. EPIC is the leader in EHR technology, with clients that include the Cleveland Clinic, Kaiser Permanente, NYU Langone Medical Center and Geisinger Health System.

For assistance with EPIC, contact the IT Help Desk at ext. 2202 and press option 1.

New Equipment PurchasedCRMC is dedicated to investing in the hospital and purchasing equipment to advance patient care. In the second quarter of 2012, CRMC spent more than $478,000 on new equipment and enhancements, including the following departments:

visitors wandering, ask them if they need help. These are the things that will make us not just a good hospital, but a great hospital. I am positive we can achieve this. We will continue to dedicate our efforts to provide high quality health care and the best possible patient experiences.

Yours truly,

Frederick H. Kuriger, FACHE Chief Executive Officer

Continued from page 1Message From Our CEO

Department

Imaging

ED Project

EPIC Project

Description

Computer Equipment

Computer Equipment

Cabling Computer Hardware Computer Software LED TVs

Page - 2 -

Hot Off The Stretcher www.crmcny.org September2012 Hot Off The Stretcher www.crmcny.org September2012

Community Update Mailed to All Sullivan County Households In early July, a Community Update newsletter was mailed out to all Sullivan County households (44,000). This Community Update provides local residents with a snapshot of what CRMC has been up to for the past two years and what lies ahead in our future. Copies have also been delivered to all staff and will be available in waiting rooms, offices and at health fairs. If you would like additional copies, contact J.P. McGuirk at ext. 2070.

CRMC Awarded $12.6 Million HEAL NY GrantCRMC has received a Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law of New York State (HEAL NY) Phase 21 grant in the amount of $12.6 million. As stipulated in the award conditions, the funds will be used to reduce CRMC’s long-term debt, which will help generate positive income and cash flow on an annualized basis. Funds available under the HEAL NY grant program support projects that assist hospitals and nursing homes to implement necessary actions to restructure, in favor of a reconfigured health care system delivering more efficient, higher quality health care appropriate to the health care needs of the community. This is the last major grant award under New York State’s existing Medicaid 1115 Waiver, which expires on March 31, 2014.

NewsGHVHS Names John Lynch Chief Information Officer GHVHS recently announced that John Lynch has joined as Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Information Technology. Lynch comes to the System from Provena Health, a 2,000-bed, six-hospital health system based in Mokena, Ill., which includes 16 long-term care facilities, five home health agencies and 28 clinics. Lynch earned his bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, where he was also a licensed Officer in the United States Merchant Marines and a commissioned Officer in the United States Army Reserve. He co-authored the book “Managing Your IT Department as a Business.” Lynch can be reached at 845-333-2500.

GHVHS Hospitals Selected to Participate in a Nationwide Patient Care InitiativeCRMC and Orange Regional Medical Center have been selected to participate in the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Center for Care Innovation and Transformation (CIT) Initiative. This nationwide Initiative provides opportunities for nursing leadership by driving innovation and culture change. It further supports health care reform implementation. The Medical/Surgical Unit at CRMC, along with only 24 other Nursing Care Units in the country, has been designated as an AONE CIT unit. The Initiative is a grass roots approach to process improvement designed to enhance quality, patient care and services. The program aims to build more effective care teams and expand staff satisfaction and retention. For more information on the AONE initiative, contact GHVHS Vice President, Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer Joanne Ritter-Teitel at 845-333-2304.

John Lynch

Message from Our CEO

As the new Chief Executive Officer of Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC), I would like to thank the staff and the community for the warm welcome that I have received since taking

the position in late December of 2011. I am impressed with the staff ’s dedication and commitment, as well as the community’s closeness and devotion to making Sullivan County a better place.

Fred Kuriger, CEO

Continued on page 2

Designed to make patients more comfortable, the Department now brings many emergency services right to the bedside – registration, X-rays and wireless monitoring can all be done on site without moving the patient. Private treatment rooms with flat-screen LCD TVs and on-site security make the environment more pleasant and reassuring. A consultation room provides privacy for families dealing with grief or crises.

Community members and elected officials attended the ribbon cutting in late 2011 when the newly expanded Emergency Department opened.

Continued on page 2

Newly Expanded and Updated Emergency Department Opens

Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) recently completed construction and renovations to its Emergency Department. Under its new name, the Senator John Bonacic Emergency Department, the facility will provide you and your family with many benefits.

The latest informat ion on your community hospita l . 2012

Community Update

The new Nurses’ Station in CRMC’s Emergency Department

Page - 3 -

Hot Off The Stretcher www.crmcny.org September2012

CRMC Celebrates Hospital WeekCRMC celebrated Hospital Week from May 7 through May 11. It was a great week full of fun and exciting events. Throughout the week, complimentary massages were offered to staff. On Monday, employee gifts were handed out. Tuesday featured a breakfast, and Wednesday highlighted the annual barbecue. On Thursday, there was an ice cream social, and Friday culminated the week with a huge staff raffle drawing that featured many prizes, including gift certificates, cameras, an iPad, a laptop, flat screen TV and much more. Each year, Hospital Week is celebrated in appreciation of CRMC’s staff. The entire week was a huge success.

Special thanks to the following:

Human Resources for planning this great week!

Food Services Department for all their hard work and for making hospital week a success!

CRMC Medical Staff for their generous donation for the Hospital Week Raffle Gifts!

All of the staff volunteers for working the events!

The entire staff for their hard work and dedication to CRMC!

Congratulations to our raffle winners! 42” Sanyo LCD HDTV - Jolene Noriega, Respiratory32” Vizio HD + 3D Smart TV - George Osmun, Radiology15.6” Hewlett Packard Laptop - Rita Vazquez, RespiratoryiPad 2 - Jasmine James, NursingNintendo Wii - Michael Bassett, MHUNook Color - Felicia Young, Patient Financial ServicesSony Cybershot Camera 16.1 mega pixels - Leslie Gabriel, LabSony Cybershot Camera 16.1 mega pixels - Lisa Stutz, Nursing(2) Brad Paisley & The Band Perry Lawn Tickets - Linda Franqui, Housekeeping(2) Brad Paisley & The Band Perry Lawn Tickets - Tamin McKoy, Nursing(2) Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker Lawn Tickets - Marsha Young, Dietary(2) Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan Lawn Tickets - Melodie Denner, Community Services(1) Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Lawn Ticket - Heather Romaglio, Dietary$50 Visa Gift Card - Jeanetta Hutchins, Nursing$50 Visa Gift Card - Sara Diehl, Callicoon$50 Visa Gift Card - Chris Webb, Radiology$50 Visa Gift Card - Lisa Emerich, Patient Financial Services$50 Best Buy Gift Card - Luis Amarillo, Plant Operations/Maintenance$50 Best Buy Gift Card - Nadine Gallagher, Respiratory$50 Red Lobster/Olive Garden Gift Card - Mary O’shea Siegel, Oncology$50 Red Lobster/Olive Garden Gift Card - Veronica Guerrero, Lab$50 Home Depot Gift Card - Terry Delaney, Maintenance$50 Home Depot Gift Card - Megan Plante, Nursing$50 Sears Gift Card - Mustapha Ourim, Housekeeping$50 Sears Gift Card - Jodie Vandemark, Communications$50 Sears Gift Card - Tom Candela, Radiology$50 Macy’s Gift Card - Nicole Perry, Radiology$50 Macy’s Gift Card - Geri Kerby, Medical Board$50 JC Penney Gift Card - Francisco Gomez, Housekeeping$50 JC Penney Gift Card - Alma Cordona, Respiratory$25 Bath & Body Works Gift Card - Ben Celis, SNU$25 Bath & Body Works Gift Card - Lucia Pierre, Nursing$25 AMC Theatres Gift Card - Christie Godfrey, Nursing$25 AMC Theatres Gift Card - Mary Friedel, CCU

Scenes from Hospital Week:

Page - 4 -

Hot Off The Stretcher www.crmcny.org September2012

34th Annual CRMC Golf ClassicCRMC held its 34th Annual Golf Classic on August 8, raising more than $61,000 for the hospital. More than 130 golfers and a total of 150 dinner guests enjoyed a beautiful day of golf and dinner/awards at Villa Roma Resort and Golf Club in Callicoon. The generosity of everyone involved ensured the great success of the event. We thank all of our sponsors, players, gift donors and volunteers.

Proceeds from this year’s event will help CRMC stay on the cutting edge of patient monitoring with the purchase of new telemetry units for the fifth floor. The telemetry system provides wireless bedside monitoring between a central nursing station and patient, which allows for round-the-clock observation.

Scenes from CRMC’s 34th Annual Golf Classic:

Golf Classic Department Gift Basket ContestCRMC held its 3rd Annual Departmental Golf Classic Gift Basket Contest, with participating departments competing to make the best gift basket. The baskets were simply amazing – the creativity and generosity were second to none. In total, six departments participated. Their support of the 34th Annual CRMC Golf Classic added both entertainment and excitement to the golf outing.

Prize Winners:1st Place – Facilities/Housekeeping/Food Services team for their “Beach N’ Barbecue” grill package – they won $75 cash to be divided among those in the department that participated

2nd Place – Administration for their “Wine and Chocolate” basket – they received $50 cash to be divided among those in the department that participated

The raffles alone brought in almost $2,000 in donations. The great success of the raffles is a tribute to the strong support, enthusiasm and effort of the CRMC departments that participated. Thank you! 1st Place Winner 2nd Place Winner

Page - 5 -

Hot Off The Stretcher www.crmcny.org September2012

Employee

News

Congratulations to…

CRMC Women’s Softball Team Wraps Up Second SeasonThe CRMC Women’s softball team wrapped up its second season in the Sullivan County Women’s Softball League. Games were held in various locations throughout the county. The team had a great time playing and bonding together. Stay tuned for details on next year’s team.

We Care Committee Helps Raise $6,000 for CRMC Staff Members Affected by the Grandview Palace FireThe CRMC We Care Committee orchestrated a fundraising drive for CRMC staff members impacted by the Grandview Palace fire in April. These efforts raised $6,000, and the funds were evenly distributed to eight staff members who were Grandview Palace residents. The donations included $2,500 from the Medical Staff and $1,500 from the CRMC Home Tour. The remaining $2,000 was raised through We Care’s efforts.

Established in 1987, the CRMC We Care Committee is comprised of individuals from many departments throughout the hospital who volunteer their time to raise funds and provide support to co-workers.

Thank You from Megan RoserMegan Roser writes: I just wanted to thank everyone who participated in the fundraiser for my daughter Emma. Whether it was purchasing tickets, making baskets, donating time and resources or even coordinating the raffle, Emma and I truly appreciate it. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

CRMC Hosts Employee Recognition DinnerCRMC hosted its Annual Employee Recognition Dinner on Thursday, May 15, at Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant in Rock Hill. A large crowd of CRMC staff members, loved ones and friends gathered to celebrate the exceptional service of the dedicated CRMC employees and enjoy a wonderful dinner and post-meal entertainment. Staff members were honored with plaques of gratitude for their years of devotion and work ethic. The awards ranged from five to 40 years of service, and those who have retired in the past year.

AccomplishmentsJan Calhoun, RN, BSN, Paramedic, was recently named CRMC’s Clinical Director of MHU/BCD. Prior to acting as Interim Director of MHU/BCD, Jan was a Clinical Educator in Staff Development and a Nursing Supervisor.  Jan also has strong experience in Emergency Services as an RN and Paramedic.

Rolland “Boomer” Bojo, Grover M. Hermann Administrator and Administrator of Patient Care Services, participated on a Public Health Forum panel on prescription drug abuse. The forum was held at Thunder 102 radio station’s studio on June 5.

In May, the New York State Office of Inspector General (OMIG) released their “Compliance Guidance for Hospitals” document, which describes required and best practices for Compliance Programs. In June, the GHVHS Compliance Team co-presented to the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA) with the OMIG as they rolled out their Guidance to the hospital community. Congratulations to GHVHS for their best practice example!

Designations and CertificationsJan Calhoun, Clinical Director of MHU/BCD, recently graduated from SUNY Delhi with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Jan graduated magna cum laude.

Ed Dean, Assistant Director Facilities, recently received his Certified Healthcare Facility Manager certification (CHFM) from American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), which is a sub-group of the American Hospital Association (AHA).

Wendy Vogler, HR Manager, recently received her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification issued by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). The HRCI is a global leader in developing rigorous exams to demonstrate mastery and real-world application of forward-thinking HR practices, policies and principles.

We Care Committee members drawing the winner of the 50/50

Vince Livingston and Fred Kuriger honor Rosemary Laguio’s 40 years of service at the CRMC Staff Recognition Dinner

Page - 6 -

Hot Off The Stretcher www.crmcny.org September2012

Employee

News

Congratulations to…

Please Welcome Our New CRMC Employees

May 2012Nadine P. Gardner, Certified Nurse Aide—Adult Daycare Soc. Mod.

Heather Gallagher, Nursing Assistant—Nursing FloatKindra S. Larry, RN—Skilled Nursing Unit

Adrianna Lovric, RN—ER, NursingEdwin L. Mangual, Security Guard—Security

Christopher J. Mehedin, Security Guard—SecurityNancy E. Ostergren, RN—Ambulatory Surgery

Helene E. Arroyo, Housekeeping Aide—HousekeepingFrances C. Cassidy-Gavin, Cancer Registrar—Cancer Screening

Nina A. Espada, Housekeeping Aide—HousekeepingDiana C. Yearwood, LPN—Skilled Nursing Unit

Melissa A. Hadden, Certified Nurse Aid—Skilled Nursing AideKevin T. Murphy, Security Guard—Security

Griselda Olsen, Housekeeping Aide—HousekeepingMarian S. Kline, RN—Skilled Nursing Unit

June 2012Grace A. Rivera, Receptionist—Radiology

Samuel Dindayal, Nuclear Medicine Tech—Nuclear MedicineKathy A. Gutierrez, Nursing Assistant—ER, Nursing

Rene Halligan, RN—ER, NursingAshley L. King, RN—Nursing Float

Amanda R. Krause, PCT—ER, NursingCarl L. Vazquez, PCT—ER, Nursing

Frances P. Connolly, RN—ER, NursingMargaret A. Ebeling, RN—Nursing Float

Gordon D. O’Dell, RN—ER, NursingDavid B. McAllister, RN—ER, Nursing

George D. Schmidt, Relief Cook—DietaryPhilip E. Tiernan, RN—ER, Nursing

Sandra Schwinzer, Trainer—EPIC CIP Implementation Lydia Akite-Ogwal, LPN—Skilled Nursing Unit

Kimberly R. Bingay, RN—Nursing FloatKelly A. Cole, Occupational Therapist—Occupational Therapy

June 2012 (continued)Alexandra K. Hrynda, Nursing Assistant—Nursing Float

Joan M. Khouzam, RN—ObstetricsRoxanne Kovler, RN—ER, Nursing

Lorna E. Melhado, RN—Skilled Nursing UnitCharles L. Miller, PCT—ER, Nursing

Faith Mitchell, Certified Nurse Aide—Skilled Nursing UnitSusan E. Kohlhaas, RN—Obstetrics

Linda L. Segel, Nursing Assistant—ER, NursingJulio C. Suazo Cordova, Housekeeping Aide—Housekeeping

Glenn C. Dingey, Housekeeping Aide—HousekeepingRobert P. Sherlock, Relief Cook—Dietary

July 2012Brooke M. Williams, Certified OT Assistant—Occupational Therapy

Maria A. Blaso, Food Service Aide—Dietary Jeshua Weinstock, Special Liaison—ER

Katherine Lederman, PTA—Physical TherapySharon Malloy, RN—SNU

Stacey Bailey, RN—ObstetricsLeanne Norwood, NA—Float

Patricia San Diego, CNA—SNUJamesha George, Dietary Aide—Dietary

Hannah Laux, NA—FloatCarlos Cruz, CNA—SNU

Melissa McCann, RN—ObstetricsHillary Peake, CNA—SNU

Richard Clausell, Clinical Educator Coordinator—RespiratoryRishi Vohra, Nuclear Medicine Tech—Nuclear Medicine

Megan Pappaianni, Dietary Aide—DietaryKristen Michaud, Dietary Aide—DietaryAdam Tidd, Radiology Tech—Radiology

Emily Vanhouten, CNA—SNULauren Hamilton, CNA—SNU

Robert Rzeszotarski, Respiratory Therapist—Respiratory

BirthsOn July 12 at 8:13 a.m., Jeffrey and Tricia Elder gave birth to a baby girl weighing 8 pounds 10 ounces here at CRMC. Skyla Rain Elder joins two brothers, one sister and a one very happy cousin. Jeffrey is the son of Irene Elder, HIM Birth Registrar.

Robert William Orr was born on June 19 weighing in at 8 pounds 2 ounces also here at CRMC. This is the sixth grandchild for Billy and Geri Orr, AVP Professional Services.

Wedding BellsPasquale DeStio married Janine Gagliardo (now DeStio), HIM Coder, at a destination wedding in Jamaica on May 5. Congratulations Janine!

Gerri Orr’s daughter Kate married Chris Franke at the groom’s family household on Kenoza Lake on July 7.

Robert William Orr

Chris and Kate FrankeJanine and Pasquale DeStio

Page - 7 -

Hot Off The Stretcher www.crmcny.org September2012

Department News

Captain Integrity with Zig Nowicki and Wendy Vogler in Human Resources

LifeNet staffers and guests enjoy the five-year anniversary festivities

Corporate Compliance WeekThe week of May 7 through May 11 was Corporate Compliance and Ethics week. Captain Integrity, the Corporate Compliance superhero, paid a visit to CRMC and delivered bobble head dolls and other goodies for staff members. As part of a contest to raise awareness and celebrate Corporate Compliance and Ethics week, staff members were asked to take an online quiz that asked compliance and ethics questions. Four lucky CRMC winners received $100 gas cards. The winners were: Sherri Reynolds, Food Services; Carmen Santos, LPN, Women’s Health Center; Antonio Valenzuela, Housekeeping Department, and Ruth Swendsen, Food Services at Callicoon. For more information on Corporate Compliance, contact Karen Sieverding at ext. 2105.

SNU Celebrates Nursing Home WeekThe CRMC Skilled Nursing Unit (SNU) celebrated National Nursing Home Week during the week of May 14. On May 14, a scavenger hunt began, and other events throughout the week included a breakfast, an ice cream social and a make-a-wish game, ending with a celebration of scavenger hunt winners. All of the residents and staff had a great time throughout the week.

Water Testing at CRMC Lab Available to the Public Our Environmental Testing Laboratory is licensed by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to test water for E coli and total coliform bacteria that can make water unfit to drink. Members of the community are invited to bring water from their taps or pools to be tested for these bacteria. Containers and directions for doing the collection are available in the Laboratory. The charge for water testing is $25. For more information, contact ext. 2198.

LifeNet Celebrates Five Years at CRMCOn Thursday, May 24, LifeNet of New York, our 24-hour critical care helicopter transport service, celebrated its five-year anniversary of operating a base at CRMC. LifeNet staff, CRMC staff, local emergency responders and dignitaries celebrated under a tent behind CRMC and enjoyed a barbecue lunch and cake.

CRMC Recognized as Leader in LGBT HealthcareCRMC has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” in the Healthcare Equality Index 2012 report, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) organization. CRMC earned top marks for its commitment to equitable and inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families, who can face challenges in accessing adequate health care. CRMC was one of only seven New York hospitals that met all of the rating criteria.

CRMC Library Receives GrantThe CRMC Library has received an Outreach to Consumers Award of $9,800 from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Middle Atlantic Region at the University of Pittsburgh. The grant will fund a local health literacy campaign throughout Sullivan County. The program will offer classes on “Preparing for Your Appointment with Your Doctor.” The classes will be offered to seniors, caregivers and underserved community members, such as those living on low incomes or those who speak English as a second language. For more information or assistance, contact the Library Manager at 845-794-3300 ext. 2187.

Page - 8 -

Hot Off The Stretcher www.crmcny.org September2012

Department News

SNU Antique Car Show Bob Theadore assists participants in a decontamination drill

SNU Holds Antique Car Show and BBQOn July 11, the Skilled Nursing Unit (SNU) held an antique car show and barbecue in the garden behind the hospital at the Harris campus. Residents, their friends and families, SNU staff and CRMC employees had a great time at this fun and exciting event.

CRMC Holds Free Cancer ScreeningCRMC, in conjunction with the Sullivan County Cancer Services Program, held a day devoted to cancer screening for eligible women. On June 15, free breast, cervical and colon cancer screenings were offered to eligible uninsured and underinsured women over the age of 40 at Hudson River Health Care in Monticello. For more information on cancer screening services, contact ext. 2115.

Hazmat Drill Held at Main Harris Campus On May 3, Bob Theadore, Assistant Disaster Coordinator, led a decontamination drill at the main Harris campus. The decontamination drill/lesson was held outside of the new decontamination shower room and storage area of the new ED. Local Boy Scouts were present to act as subjects who came in contact with a contaminating substance. Decontamination procedures included being showered and washed off.

The purpose of the drill was to familiarize everyone with the new decontamination facilities, to remind everyone of how to initiate proper decontamination procedures and to illustrate how the decontamination tent is set up. For more information on disaster preparedness, contact Bob at ext. 2886.

Page - 9 -

Hot Off The Stretcher www.crmcny.org September2012

CRMC Presents First Aid Kits to Sullivan West SeniorsOn June 20, J.P. McGuirk, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, went to Sullivan West High School and presented CRMC first aid kits to 22 high school seniors who completed a first aid course taught by Mike Ellmauer and Gail Cicchetti. These seniors showed their interest in health care and their dedication to learning about it by their efforts throughout the course.

Oncology Department Holds 18th Annual Celebrate Life PicnicCRMC celebrated National Cancer Survivors Day® with its 18th annual Oncology/Hematology Department Celebration of Life Picnic on Thursday, June 14. On a bright and sunny day, more than 200 attended this joyous event, including survivors and their families, doctors, nurses and administrators from CRMC. The festivities included a speaking program, barbecue picnic, pony rides, petting zoo, bounce houses sponsored by Ray Reid Soccer School, Macaroni the Clown, raffle and door prizes and much more. For more information about the Hematology/Oncology Department, contact ext. 2831.

CRMC Holds Summer Kick-Off Event for HatzalahOn July 6, more than 40 members of the Orthodox Jewish community and Hatzalah came to CRMC for an informational team-building session. CRMC provided a presentation about its services and held an open discussion as to how everyone could work together to provide exceptional services to the entire community. CRMC presented a plaque to Moshe Fried, CRMC’s summer liaison for the Orthodox Jewish community. Fried has proven to be invaluable to CRMC, as he not only strengthens relationships with the Orthodox Jewish community, but also provides outstanding patient experiences to everyone who comes through CRMC’s Emergency Department. Fried has decided to further his medical education in Israel, and CRMC wishes him the best of luck.

Local Business Owner to Donate Portion of Proceeds to CRMC’s RISE ProgramJudy Delaine Knight, owner of By Delaine in Narrowsburg N.Y., has pledged to donate a portion of her store’s profits annually to CRMC’s Rape Intervention Services and Education (RISE) program of Sullivan County. By Delaine features a variety of handmade specialty home goods. All of the merchandise in the store is made by artisans across America, many of whom are local. The shop will proudly display RISE information and brochures. For more information about RISE, contact Sarah Dittmar at ext. 2442.

CRMC Connects with the Community During the SummerCRMC staff members connected with the Sullivan County community during the summer through giving free health screenings, handing out CRMC informational pieces and speaking at local events. These events included ThunderBash; Callicoon Tractor Parade; the Livingston Manor Trout Parade; the Rhulen Run and Ramble; Monticello Raceway and Casino Health Fair; Fallsburg Wellness Day; Riverfest in Narrowsburg; the Callicoon Street Fair; Hatzalah Ribbon Cutting and the newly created Monticello Day. These were all excellent opportunities to educate the community about CRMC and bring the public up to date on new projects at the hospital.

10th Annual CRMC Home TourHeld in July, the 10th Annual Catskill Home Tour, chaired by Jodi Goodman, was once again a large success. The sold-out tour showcased four incredible homes located throughout Sullivan County, followed by a luncheon. If you would like to volunteer for next year’s Home Tour, contact Jodi Goodman at ext. 2185.

Community Events

Sullivan West High School Seniors pictured with their first aid kits

Attendees at the Oncology Picnic look on during a presentation

(From left to right) Fred Kuriger, CEO of CRMC; Moshe Fried, CRMC Summer Liaison; Mr. and Mr. Greenberg of Chesed 24/7

By Delaine Ribbon Cutting

Callicoon Tractor Parade

Page - 10 -

Ten Questions WithJ.P. McGuirk, Director of Marketing and Public Relations

Each quarter we will profile one CRMC staff member so that you can get to know your colleagues better.

Hot Off The Stretcher www.crmcny.org September2012

What was your first job out of school? I was a Store Manager at Foot Locker; I always felt this gave me a great customer service foundation for the rest of my career. My first marketing job was in 1995 at American Felt and Filter in Newburgh.

Why did you join Catskill Regional Medical Center? I saw a tremendous upside at CRMC, and an organization moving in the right direction. I wanted to be a part of that.

What do you find most rewarding about your role? Compared to other marketing positions I have held, this one holds the most personal gratification. Both staff and the community have always thanked me for my efforts. That feedback drives me to succeed.

What accomplishment at Catskill Regional Medical Center are you most proud of? Creating this newsletter! In all of my years of creating newsletters I have never seen one embraced so quickly, which meant to me that the staff wanted and needed it. It also recently received a Gold National Healthcare Marketing Award, which means that my peers liked it as well. I am also extremely proud of the Community Update we just sent out.

What is the first thing you do when you start work in the morning? I go through all of my e-mails and phone calls, look at my daily planner and hit the day running.

What are your interests outside of work? I like to play golf, play baseball with my sons, love to read, and will always play volleyball or pool if I have people to play with.

What type of music do you listen to? I listen to everything. People never believe this, but I primarily like punk and metal music.

Describe your perfect vacation.Aruba or really anywhere on the beach where I can read and relax with my family. Plus, if I can sneak in a round of golf, all is perfect.

What is the sport you most like to watch and why? Definitely baseball. I played baseball until I was 27, and I now love that my eldest son begs me to go to games all the time. We go to about 15 Hudson Valley Renegades games each year.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Coastal Ireland, Coastal North Carolina or New Orleans along the water – okay, so I like being near water!

Page - 11 -

Staff AccoladesSatisfied patients and family members recently sent in accolades that specifically praised the following staff members/departments and the excellent service they provided:

Emergency Department (2 times)Physical Therapy Department (2 times)Grover M. Hermann Food Services DepartmentGrover M. Hermann Physical Therapy DepartmentBryan Casta, RN, EDCorina Larry, Sitter, Nursing AdministrationSergio Dealmeida, Patient Representative, Rehab ServicesDr. Sheldon LeidnerNadine Gallagher, Director, Cardio-PulmonaryDr. Ernst PaulDr. Rajan DeyDr. Yvonne Newland-Pagan

Nursing Staff Featured in Sullivan County Democrat ArticleTo coincide with National Nursing Week (May 6 through12), the Sullivan County Democrat featured the CRMC nursing staff in an article. Congratulations to the nursing staff for all of their hard work!

Blood Bank Receives American Red Cross AwardThe CRMC Blood Donor Center recently received the Life Share Platinum Level Achievement Award from the American Red Cross for outstanding employee participation in 2011 blood drive donations. In 2011, the CRMC blood drives registered 306 individuals, collected 257 units of blood (translating to 770 lives saved) and reported a 12 percent increase in first-time donors, with 36 additional civic-minded citizens signing up to donate. For more information about CRMC’s Blood Donor Center, contact ext. 2269.

Lab Earns Prominent AccreditationThe CRMC Laboratory has been awarded accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), an internationally recognized standard of excellence. Based on the results of a recent on-site survey and a rigorous set of requirements, the Laboratory earned this prestigious accreditation for the 47th consecutive year. For more information on the CRMC Laboratory, contact ext. 2198.

Hot Off The Stretcher www.crmcny.org September2012

Advancing Patient Care for Our Community

P.O. Box 800 · 68 Harris Bushville RoadHarris, NY 12742

8881 NYS Route 97Callicoon, NY 12723

w w w. c r m c n y . o r gA member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System

ContaCt Us

If you have any comments or suggestions for the newsletter, contact J.P. McGuirk, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at mcguirkj@crmcny.org.

Accolades and Awards

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012 SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT NATIONAL NURSES WEEK 5Awww.sc-democrat.com

They have the critical skillsto deal with critical patients

To listen to a group ofdedicated nurses in theCritical Care Unit (CCU)

at the Catskills Regional Med-ical Center in Harris talk abouttheir jobs is to listen to peoplewho are doing what they love.

Clinical Director VincentLivingston said, “I think I havea great group of nurses. Wetake care of the most criticalpatients in the hospital, and Icouldn’t do it without the com-passion they have.” About 20nurses work under him, andsometimes he does the nurs-ing himself.

Livingston continued,“There are times when the jobseems overwhelming, but it’srewarding. I’ve been doing thisfor 30 years. The rewards arefar greater and surpass thedownside.”

Among the rewards thatmake his job worthwhile is thefact that many patients getbetter against the odds. Liv-ingston said, “We’ve had manycritical patients that peoplethought might not make it andthey did. It’s always rewardingto bump into somebody inPeck’s or Home Depot whoyou thought couldn’t survive.”

The CCU has a 10-bed unit,and averages about seven pa-tients per day. They stay any-where from one night toseveral weeks, depending ontheir condition.

MATTHEW WALTER is aRN, interviewing for a job inthe CCU with Livingston.

Nursing is still a female dom-inated field, but Walter notedthat an increasing number ofmen are entering the field.The reason why he went tonursing is, “My mom is anurse, and my dad is an X-raytechnician, and that kind ofdrove me into the medical

field, and I thought nursing isa good start.”

Walter has been in nursingfor two years, and is studyingto become a nursing anes-thetist.

“The job is rewarding be-cause you’re helping patientswho can’t help themselves,”

said Walter. “You meet peoplefrom all types of back-grounds. It’s a very compas-sionate field, the patients arevery sick but you get to seethe outcome.”

DEBRA GODFREY, RN, hasbeen doing her job for 32years, 25 of them in the CCU.She explained, “We report onthe patients, take their vitalsigns, and constantly watch-ing the monitor. We go to

each room every hour, morefrequently if necessary, andthere are all kinds of alarms.”She was sitting at the nurse’sstation keeping an eye on allthe monitors as she spoke.She continued, “We also workwith the patients fears, andtry to alleviate them.”

The CCU encourages fami-lies to visit, and sometimes, ifthe patient stays a long time,you get to know them as well.Godfrey added that a special

highlight was when some-times the patients come backsix months later to visit, andsay, “I’m well now.”

Godfrey finds the job veryrewarding, and althoughthere are ups and downs as inevery job, she likes to meetpeople, and every patient isdifferent.

“I saw family memberswho were very sick and how

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANYA TIKKA

National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Nurses Day, through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Matthew Walter wants to be a nursing anesthetist and is studying toward a degree.

Debra Godfrey has been a CCU nurse for 25 years. She’s pictured atthe nurse's station where the monitors are. Please see CRITICAL SKILLS, 6A

more!REHAB AND NURSING FACILITY

www.AchieveRehabNY.comFacebook: ACHIEVE Rehab

We wish to express our admiration to our nursing staff for the hard work,

dedication, care, and compassion that youshow our residents every day.We appreciate all that you do.

ACHI-115272

We’d like to express ouradmiration and thanks to ourSullivan County Nurses for

the dedication and compassionthat they show their patients

every day.

• Most Insurance & HMOs Accepted• Old Fashioned Doctor Patient

Relationship in a warm comfortableatmosphere.

(845) 292-345510 Hanofee Drive, Liberty, N.Y.

Dr. Jorge R. Delgado

Board CertifiedChiropracticNeurologist

DELG

-121292

Advancing Patient Care for Our Community

The talented nurses and staff at CRMC ark is central to CRMC’teamwor

The talented nurses and staff at CRMC ars mission of imprk is central to CRMC’

experienced nurses and staff pr

e helping advThe talented nurses and staff at CRMC arving our communityos mission of impr

vide proexperienced nurses and staff pr

e for our communityance patient care helping advs health b’ving our community

vice with integrity and compassion.ofessional servide pr

Their tir. r our communityy.viding exoy prs health b

vice with integrity and compassion.

eless dedication and Their tire. Oceptional health carviding ex

vice with integrity and compassion.

eless dedication and ur e. O

vice with integrity and compassion.

vice with integrity and compassion.

A ruOroffoeraCCatneitaPPagnicnavddvA yttyinummoCr

F-CR-121282

To all the nurses of Catskill Regional Medical Center,Seelig Division and Grover M. Hermann Division, RoscoeNursing Home, Sullivan County Adult Care Center,Sullivan County Schools, Recovery Center, Veritas, andespecially Kim. Your hard work and compassion for mypatients are greatly appreciated.

Paul D. Salzberg, M.D.Office Hours by Appointment

Accepting Medicare & Most Major Insurances

Brick house, second from Holy Cross ChurchRt. 97, Callicoon

(845) 887-6112

SALZ-121281

CRMC featured in Sullivan County Democrat’s National Nursing Week section

Patti Andersen, CRMC Quality Assurance; Mona Makofsky, CRMC Lab Manager; Roe Steuber, CRMC Blood Bank Supervisor; Claudia Schroeder, Red Cross Regional Manager; Charisse, Red Cross RN