Posts by Keara Connors
Save the Date: 2022 Drive Flu Clinic
Thinking about protecting your health with a flu shot this season but don’t want to schedule an appointment? We’re pleased to offer our annual FREE Community Drive “Flu” Clinic!
Join us Friday, September 23, at the Community Memorial Campus at any of the following times: 7 AM – 9 AM; 11 AM – 1 PM; 4 PM – 6 PM!
click to download: Drive Flu Registration Form
General Surgery Services at CMH, Grows!
The Community Memorial (CMH) healthcare system is excited to welcome Gregory Ripich, MD, who joins the organization’s surgery team as a General Surgeon.
Dr. Ripich joins Dr. Martin Ernits in the General Surgery Program at CMH; this addition provides the community with a greater scope of care and allows CMH to care for a greater volume of patients. Ripich will perform elective procedures and surgeries, specializing in various surgeries such as colon/rectal, breast, thyroid, skin and wound. Dr. Martin will continue to perform emergent surgeries and collaborate with onsite hospitalists.
Ripich has started seeing patients in the CMH Family Health Centers of Hamilton and Cazenovia. “The Community Memorial team is excited to bring Dr. Ripich on board. He brings a broad range of skills and experience to our patients,” commented Dr. Michael Walsh, Chief Medical Officer. “With his focus on a specialty covering various medical issues, we’re confident that patients will be pleased with the care offered here in Hamilton.”
Ripich performed his postgraduate training at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Michigan after receiving his Doctorate in Medicine from SUNY-Health Science Center at Syracuse. Prior to this, he studied at the University of Buffalo, receiving his Master of Science degree. Ripich attended Cornell University for his undergraduate degree, obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology. His extensive career has defined his surgical interest and experience in advanced minimally invasive surgery and endoscopic procedures. He most recently served as the Medical Director for Surgical Associates of CMA in Ithaca, NY.
“Dr. Ripich brings experience and a wealth of knowledge from larger health systems that will allow patients to receive care right here in Hamilton,” noted Jeff Coakley, President and CEO. “CMH is excited for the future of General Surgery in Hamilton. We encourage patients to utilize the expanded services offered here.”
“I’m looking forward to joining Community Memorial and establishing patient care,” stated Dr. Ripich. “I enjoy working with new hospitals and communities, helping them to grow their general surgery programs with new techniques and ideas.” To learn more about the services, medical staff and more offered at CMH, or to make an appointment, please call (315)648-6408 or visit www.communitymemorial.org/
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for Children
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for Children 6 months – Age 5
Madison County Health Department and Community Memorial Hospital’s Family Health Centers have collaborated to hold a COVID-19 pop-up vaccine clinic on August 2nd in the Town of Hamilton to increase vaccine access for infants and young children. This free COVID-19 clinic is open to children six months through 5 years of age. The child does not need to be a Madison County resident and does not need to be a patient of Community Memorial to participate. Only the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will be available at this clinic.
COVID-19 Moderna Vaccine Clinic for Children 6 months through 5 years of age:
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
4:30pm-7:00pm (by appointment, second Moderna dose on Tuesday, August 30th)
Community Memorial Family Health Center of Hamilton,
164 Broad Street, Hamilton, NY
To make an appointment online call the Health Department at 315-366-2361.
“At this pop-up clinic, a Community Memorial pediatrician will be onsite to answer any questions before and after vaccination,” said Director of Community Health Rebecca LaPorte. Parents are encouraged to reach out to their child’s pediatrician or provider in advance to ask about getting vaccinated and for any questions. Parents may also view common questions and answers about COVID-19 vaccination for children at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq-children.html. To find additional vaccination clinics for those six months and older,
Community Wellness Center Hosts Partnership Program
Heritage Farm Inc. and Colgate University may differ in the type of organization, but both have been longtime community pillars, supporting, educating and promoting individuals to become contributors to society in their own unique ways. A recent collaboration between the two, in conjunction with the Community Wellness Center (CWC) of Community Memorial, has now provided a partnership that supports clients of Heritage Farm and furthers educational opportunities for students at Colgate University.
“Pairing Psychology students at Colgate with Heritage Farm participants allows for the growth of our students, and fosters health and wellness for the Heritage Farm members,” notes Dr. Regina Conti, Associate Professor of Psychology at Colgate University. “Our course ‘Bonding Across Boundaries’ aims to educate students surrounding ways to break down barriers that those with neurodevelopment disorders may face.”
After an orientation for the Colgate students with the certified trainer at the Community Wellness Center, Heritage Farm clients interested in an exercise program were evaluated for ability and program development opportunities. Once paired together, bi-weekly workout sessions began. “The Community Wellness Center has always served as a safe, friendly environment for community members to enjoy exercise,” remarks Sam Cooper, Managing Governor of the Board of Governors for the Wellness Center. “We’re excited to promote the extensive benefits that exercise can bring and be the host site for the partnering program between Colgate and Heritage Farm.”
Direct Support Professional with Heritage Farm, Inc., Steven Bassett, shares his thought on the success of the program: “Watching this program blossom has been a pleasure and privilege. The Colgate students and the CWC staff not only accommodated the participants but went above and beyond to personalize their experiences and ensure that they felt like they belonged. They pushed, motivated, and connected with the participants in ways that will leave a lasting impression.”
CWC trainer Mitch Cavanagh was able to structure exercise routines for the participants and watch the important interactions between everyone. “I appreciate that a large part of their success came from the engagement they got with the Colgate students. In between exercise sets, there was positive feedback and conversations about everyday life. Everyone involved including myself, the Heritage clients, and the students gained something from this experience. I look forward to having the opportunity to do it again.”
For years, the Community Wellness Center has provided a professionally supervised health and fitness program to hundreds of people in our region. Community Memorial Hospital has a continued interest in optimizing healthy lifestyle practices as a means of maintaining good health for people of all ages and abilities. To learn more about the Community Wellness Center of Community Memorial, including becoming a member or supporting their mission, please visit: communitymemorial.org/services/wellness-center/
COMMUNITY MEMORIAL WELCOMES TWO NEW HOSPITALISTS
The Community Memorial (CMH) healthcare system is excited to welcome Kareem Hamad, MD, and Matthew McKay, MD, who will both join the organization’s Hospitalist Team.
Expanding the current team of CMH hospitalists compiled of Nathan Keever, DO; April Lamunion FNP; and Lynette Champagne, NP; Dr. Hamad and Dr. McKay will round out the group of inpatient physicians and nurse practitioners who work exclusively inside the hospital. These providers care for patients admitted to the organization, collaborating with other departments during patient admissions, post-surgical care and swing bed patients.
“I knew joining CMH would be a great fit for me when I saw that the team is just as committed to providing patients with quality, patient-centered care as I am,” noted Dr. Hamad. “I look forward to collaborating with nurses and other medical staff to ensure patients receive the best care possible.”
Hamad studied medicine at the Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine in Alexandria, Egypt, where he received his Bachelors of Internal Medicine and General Surgery. After that, Hamad studied General Surgery and Etymology at Trafford Hospital in Manchester, United Kingdom. He received his Boards in Family Medicine in 2013 and Fellowship of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine in 2016.
Dr. Hamad has been providing care to patients in Central New York since 2010. He brings experience in inpatient management, integrative medicine, wound care, minor surgeries and rapid response/code management. His experience adds to the high quality of care patients expect from CMH’s healthcare system.
“We are excited to have Dr. Hamad join our team. His focus on providing high quality, patient-centered, evidence-based care to our community and surrounding areas furthers Community Memorial’s commitment to excellence,” commented Dr. Michael Walsh, Chief Medical Officer.
McKay comes to Community Memorial after an extensive career as a local physician. Graduating from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completing his family medicine residency at Mountainside Hospital, McKay was a private practice primary care provider with a local group and has served as a hospitalist in a neighboring facility since 2018 as well. As an Oneida native, McKay has served as the President and Vice President of a medical staff group as well as the Chairperson of the Department of Internal Medicine. “Community Memorial has an outstanding reputation for providing superior care to patients, and I’m excited to begin collaborative care between my fellow colleagues and hospital departments,” remarked McKay.
“Dr. McKay and Dr. Hamad bring experience a wealth of knowledge from larger health systems that will benefit patients in Hamilton without having to travel to other hospitals in the region,” noted Jeff Coakley, President and CEO. “We’re excited for the expansion of skill that these providers bring to our Hospitalist Team.”
105th Birthday Celebration for CMH Patient
Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) was honored to celebrate Maxine Barber’s 105th birthday with her and her family while she was at CMH.
Living through two World Wars and now two pandemics, Maxine has seen a lot of change in her lifetime. “When I got married in 1937, gas was five gallons for $1. Now it’s one gallon for $5,” remarked Maxine.
With her son, other family and friends attending to mark this milestone, Maxine opened gifts and cut her own birthday cake, feeling excited to have such a fun party while in the hospital. Making sure her hair was curled and she dressed for the event, Maxine noted, “I love the staff here, I wish I could take them home with me!”
Community Memorial Welcomes the Vice President of Nursing and Clinical Services
Community Memorial (CMH) is proud to welcome Heather Bernard, DNP, RN, CIC, FAPIC, as the new Vice President of Nursing and Clinical Services. Bernard joins the administrative team following the retirement of Diane Chase, RN.
As the Vice President of Nursing and Clinical Services, Bernard provides mentorship and guidance to nursing leaders and assigned patient care departments. She is responsible for enhancing clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction and improving quality and patient safety.
Bernard brings a strong background in managing and preventing infectious diseases, previously serving as a Regional Infection Control Specialist in New York State with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation. Leading the regional Epidemiology Program response to COVID-19 across the state, she was recognized for her mitigation work with a significant COVID outbreak in a hospital.
Prior to her time with the CDC, Bernard worked in the Mohawk Valley Health Systems Network as the Director of Infection Prevention. Bernard worked with evidence-based programs to address infection prevention and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to improve quality measures including falls, pressure ulcers, bedside rounding, and healthcare-associated infections.
A long-time Hamilton resident and no stranger to Community Memorial, Bernard returns to where she started her career in nursing 25 years ago. “I am proud to be back at CMH, where my journey began and continue its outstanding reputation for patient care,” Bernard commented. “My career journey and experiences have shaped my transformational leadership style. I look forward to supporting the provision of high-quality, evidence-based healthcare to our community.”
“Heather’s experience in leading a team across a large healthcare system and managing response for COVID outbreaks in Article 28 organizations across the state reflect her ability to lead effectively even during the most trying times in healthcare,” stated Jeff Coakley, President & CEO. “We are so fortunate to have Heather back at Community Memorial. I look forward to watching her lead her team in continued success.”
Nurse Practitioners Deliver Exceptional Care at Community Memorial
With healthcare at the forefront, patients are engaging more than ever with their primary care providers, and the Family Health Centers of Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) are seeing an influx of outpatient visits.
To both accommodate the volume of patients needing routine well-checks and physicals and also sick visits, nurse practitioners (NPs) have become increasingly common as primary care providers in many settings. Several factors have attributed to this, as many registered nurses further their education and careers by advancing to the next level as a nurse practitioner. “Working under the supervision of a physician, there are many benefits of seeing an NP for primary care needs,” states Dr. Robert Delorme, Chief of Family Medicine at CMH. “There is a common misconception that an NP could provide a lower level of care, however, in my experience, NPs are really the backbone of the primary care system and have a heightened sense of compassion and skill.”
Working as an NP in the primary care field for ten years, Cindy Marshall knows the career development aspect personally and the reason behind her work. “I started as an LPN and went back to school to complete the Nurse Practitioner program. Now, working in family medicine as a provider, I love the opportunity to help patients in multiple areas of their health,” states Marshall. “Emotionally, mentally and physically – all important ways we care for patients, especially in our rural setting. The personal relationship with my patients is what drives the improved care provided.”
Physicians overseeing NPS provide a collaborative environment for patient care and additional attention to detail for more complex cases. There is a seamless methodology that enhances the care patients receive. “Nurse practitioners are as capable as physicians, especially for the more common diagnoses, and because they’ve been in the medical field for so long as registered nurses they bring such a vast strength in more than just clinical care,” adds Dr. Delorme. “I’ve been a family medicine doctor for more than 40 years, I’ve personally worked with and supervised outstanding NPs. I feel the patient care and satisfaction provided by them is incredible.”
Gwen Manley adds why becoming a Nurse Practitioner was about more for her than just a career move. “I wanted to care for patients in an impactful way, improving their health but also their lives,” states Manley. “NPs provide individualized, all-encompassing care to all ages and populations.”
To learn more about the expansive primary care services offered at Community Memorial or to inquire about an appointment with a provider, call 315.824.4600 or visit https://communitymemorial.org/family-health-centers/.
COMMUNITY MEMORIAL RATED 5 STARS IN PATIENT SATISFACTION
[Hamilton, NY] Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) was rated five stars in patient satisfaction by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) for 2020.
The Becker’s Hospital Review released their annual list of the hospitals across the country that were rated four or five stars in patient satisfaction for 2020. Community Memorial is the only hospital in New York State to receive a rating above four stars; rated five stars. Becker’s Hospital Review uses the data collected by the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers (HCAHPS) and CMS System scores to compile this list.
The HCAHPS survey measures patients’ perception of their hospital experience. The CMS methodlogy identifies the average rating in the HCAHPS results. Community Memorial first received this rating in 2018.
“When a patient comes in our health system, we treat them the way we would treat any of our family members, with compassion, respect and concern for the patients’ overall well-being,” commented Diane Chase, Chief Nursing Officer at Community Memorial. “Achieving a five-star rating during a pandemic is truly an honor.”
“Community Memorial has not been exempt of pandemic challenges, COVID surges, staffing crises, Emergency Department and inpatient volume record highs, ambulance diversions, a pause on elective surgeries, and exhaustion and stress of our staff, have all effected our healthcare system and staff. Being able to face these challenges and maintain our five-star rating in patient satisfaction is a true testament to our team’s commitment to providing quality care to our patients,” commented Jeffery Coakley, President and CEO of Community Memorial. “Our team of providers, nurses and staff continues to inspire me.”
The Becker’s Hospital Review produces this list annually, equipping healthcare leaders with information they need to learn, exchange ideas and continue conversations about the most critical issues in healthcare.
COMMUNITY MEMORIAL ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF CHIEF NURSING OFFICER
Diane Chase, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Clinical Services at Community Memorial (CMH), announced her retirement after 40 years of nursing; 33 years of those years were served at Community Memorial.
In 1982, Chase began her career as a Respiratory SCU nurse at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY and came to Hamilton in 1989 as a Team Leader in the Medical/Surgical Unit. Over her career, she gained valuable experience in clinical departments such as Emergency Services, Ambulatory Surgery, Special Care Unit, and Outpatient Care. In the fall of 2009, Chase was named Community Memorial’s Director of Nursing. She served in this role until 2017 when she became the Senior Director of Clinical Services and served in her most recent role as the healthcare system’s Chief Nursing Officer since 2021.
The positive impact Chase has made can be felt inside the hospital and in the community. Chase served on the boards of multiple organizations such as the NYSDOH Opioid Task Force, the NYS Partnership for Patients, and Morrisville State College’s Nursing Advisory Board. She also served on Community Memorial’s Foundation Board as the foundation’s clinical liaison between the hospital.
“Diane has served Community Memorial and the Hamilton community with the utmost skill, dedication, and commitment. She has created a lasting legacy that will be hard to match,” said Jeffrey Coakley, President and CEO of Community Memorial. “On behalf of our Hospital Board of Directors and our entire team, I thank her for her service and wish her all the best in her retirement.”
In the past 33 years, Chase has been at the bedside of countless patients providing the highest quality of care. “It doesn’t matter whether you are doing the most technically complicated thing to save a life or holding a patient’s hand in their time of need; perfect strangers are putting their lives in your hands, it is up to us to ease their worries and be strong,” said Chase when asked about her nursing career. She mentored dozens of nurses throughout her career, and whether you reported to her or not, her door was always open to all.
In 2018, Community Memorial was awarded five stars in patient satisfaction, the only hospital in New York State to receive the accreditation. Chase notes this as the peak of her career, “I was so proud of CMH and our employees, but seeing the pride across their faces was what made it mean so much more.”
Framed on the wall in her office is a letter from CMH’s former Director of Foundation, John Hubbard, which reads: ‘You are a nurse evermore, whatever else you do, no matter the accomplishments yet to come. Undoubtedly that is the finest tribute of all.” It is clear that Chase pays tribute to every nurse on her team in her words and deeds as she leaders them toward their own success.
Chase has been responsible for the oversight and supervision of nursing and other ancillary services in her career. While her passion has always been nursing, she understands the critical role all departments play in the overall success of a healthcare system and a patients’ experience. Pharmacy, Respiratory Therapy, Radiology, Physical Therapy, Lab, Infection Control, Clinical IT, Dietary and Environmental Services have all benefitted from the guidance of Chase.
If she could leave everyone with one quote or piece of advice that has gotten her through her extensive career, it would be: “No matter who we are, no matter how successful, no matter what our situation is, compassion is something we all need to receive and give” by Catherine Pulsifer. Chase noted that providing compassionate, quality care to her patients, operating with character and integrity, and earning the respect of those she supervised has always been the most important thing.