Community Memorial (CMH) employees across the organization’s main campus and  eight primary and specialty offices participated in National Denim on April 30^th, donning jeans and donating funds to support the Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center of Oneida. In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, community members, elected officials, employees, and students are asked to make a social statement by wearing jeans on this day to protest against the misconceptions surrounding sexual violence.

CMH has been a New York State Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE)-Designated Hospital since 2023. As a SAFE Hospital, CMH has Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) available who are specially trained to provide timely, compassionate, patient-centered care that meets the unique needs of victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. The SANE Program was launched at CMH in the fall of 2017 through a partnership with Colgate University and Madison County’s Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center. The SANE program provides specialty-trained nurses who offer all residents of Southern Madison County comprehensive medical and psychological services specifically related to sexual assault. Additionally, victims of domestic violence who may need forensic evidence collection or psychological care are assisted. Prior to 2017, survivors of sexual assault were required to travel at least 30 miles from Hamilton to access SANE services.

“It’s very moving each year to see the support our employees offer this vital program,” noted Sarah Bohnert, MSN, RN, SANE-A, NY-SAFE, of Community Memorial. “All funds raised are directly donated to Liberty Resources, who is our collaborating partner in providing this essential service for patients in times of crisis.”

SANE services include care for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, non-fatal strangulation, human trafficking, abuse and neglect. The service offers advocate support, counseling, follow-up care and forensic medical examinations that collect and secure evidence and walk a survivor through the process to be able to choose to prosecute the perpetrator in the future. Treatment and recovery from such a traumatic event, along with SANE advocates offering longtime care, is extremely vital for any patient who needs it. In 2022, the SANE program expanded its services to include response to assist with medical/psychosocial/ and forensic care of victims of domestic violence. “This continued work with our office and Community Memorial is vital to every patient that needs our services,” noted Theresa Davis, Divisional Director at Liberty Resources. “We’re proud that our local healthcare facilities share in our mission with the SANE Program.”

Since 1998, Peace Over Violence has organized the Denim Day Campaign after a 1998 Italian Supreme Court decision overturned a rape conviction because the victim wore tight jeans. This led to a movement of women wearing denim in solidarity with the victim. Since then, wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual harassment, abuse, assault, and rape.

New this year, there was also a ‘drive’ within CMH as the organization has also committed to giving each domestic violence patient a ‘comfort kit’. “When a patient comes to our Emergency Room needing a forensic exam, they will be given a Comfort Kit containing items such as a new toothbrush, deodorant, nice shampoo, and a clean pair of socks to use after the exam,” added Bohnert.

Community Memorial offers primary care in six locations (Hamilton, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Munnsville, Sherrill and Waterville) and warmly welcomes patients for all services, including specialty care. Regularly check the ‘News and Events’ section of the website for the latest updates as services continue to expand.

To learn more about any of the Community Memorial services, visit www.communitymemorial.org.  To learn more about this awareness month and the SANE program, please visit www.liberty-resources.org/hrhc/ .

Community Memorial Updates

Below are a few key updates for what is happening at Community Memorial:

Growth:

Expanded General Surgery

•  Now with 3 locations: Hamilton, Utica, Cazenovia
•  New procedures: Vein Disease Care and Breast Biopsies

Center for Orthopedics

• Now in 3 locations: Hamilton, New Hartford, Cazenovia
• New pain relief treatments: Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) and Ultrasound-guided injections
• Comprehensive Hip-Fracture Program

New Providers: since 2024

• Dr. Andrew Call, Primary Care
• Dr. Nils-Tomas McBride, General Surgery
• Amanda Stewart, NP, Cardiology
• Frank Barber, PA, Orthopedics
• Alyssa Sonneborn, NP, Primary Care/ Cardiology
• Brandy Maciag, NP, Primary Care/ Cardiology
• Abby Hornyak, PA, Hospitalist

Hospital Renovation Project:

Phase I [completed]: Renovated former Skilled Nursing Wing into all private patient rooms. Also expanded and modernized the Emergency Department.

Phase II [in-progress]:

• Radiology: All new equipment, including CT scanner, MRI, and Women’s Imaging Suite. Area expected to be finished by June/July 2025
• Laboratory:  the new space will meet ADA compliance standards including larger draw spaces and a new waiting room.  Area expected to be completed in Summer 2025
• Rehabilitation: Relocated to a temporary space to complete construction of the new space that will include: a larger footprint, new equipment and modernized treatment space.  New space expected to be complete in Winter 2026.
• Main Entrance: The new entrance will be shifted towards the northern wing to allow for a larger reception and patient check-in space.  Expected to open in the Spring of 2026.

2024 Economic & Community Benefits

• Economic Activity: $103,000,000
• Jobs Generated: 600
• Tax Dollars Generated: $14,000,000
• Community Benefits & Investments: $6,700,000
  Hospitals cover the cost of care provided to people in need; subsidize care and services to low-income, elderly and under-served communities; and continuously invest in many community health initiatives.

Patients Served:

• Outpatients: 115,000
• ER Patients: 12,000
• Admitted Patients: 800

*2025 Report; data provided by HANYS (Healthcare Association of NYS)

The Community Memorial (CMH) Center for Orthopedics and the Utica Blue Sox, of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL), are thrilled to announce a new partnership that will bring expert athletic training and comprehensive orthopedic care to the Blue Sox program.

This collaboration underscores Community Memorial’s commitment to supporting local athletes with sports medicine care. “A partnership with Community Memorial is an integral component to our operations, not only with the Utica Blue Sox teams but also with our Academy members,” stated George Deak, Utica Blue Sox team owner. “This agreement ensures that all Utica Blue Sox members and players will receive the highest level of care in the event of injury.”

As the official orthopedic and athletic training provider for the Utica Blue Sox, Community Memorial will offer a range of services, including on-field injury assessment, game-day medical coverage through an athletic trainer, and access to their team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians.

“Our Certified Athletic Trainer, Cody Herbert, onsite at games will provide Blue Sox athletes with exceptional care,” stated Dr. Richelle Takemoto, of the CMH Center for Orthopedics. “With over 12 years of Division I sports performance experience and collaborative work with sports medicine team members, Cody will work as a direct connection between players, coaches, and parents to our team of orthopedic specialists, ensuring prompt care with excellent results.”

“This partnership provides the Blue Sox’s talented athletes with the highest level of orthopedic care,” noted Cody Herbert, Certified Athletic Trainer and Physician Liaison of CMH. “The care offered through this partnership will help these skilled players perform at their best and ensure their long-term health.”

Reinforcing Community Memorial’s role as a trusted provider of orthopedic care for individuals of all activity levels in our communities, the new collaboration with the Blue Sox will add one more layer of services offered within the Center for Orthopedics.

With a focused initiative to improve access to quality specialty care in the region, CMH has focused efforts to grow its provider team and support staff. The Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics is open within the Center for Specialties building at 160 Broad Street in Hamilton, streamlining services for patient efficiency. Offering a walk-in clinic daily, the practice grants patients ease and convenience, with same or next-day appointments following an Emergency Department visit. The Orthopedics team provides specialty care for knee, hip, and shoulder joints, along with spine and sports medicine treatment for injured athletes.

Recently, the Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics has expanded care into New Hartford each Wednesday within the CNY Brain and Spine Neurosurgery building at 83 Genesee Street.  As this expansion has grown in volume, orthopedic care is now also provided in the Cazenovia with Dr. Kamal Banga, specializing in sports medicine and upper extremities. These expansions aim to improve access to specialized orthopedic care for residents throughout the region.

Community Memorial offers primary care in six locations (Hamilton, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Munnsville, Sherrill and Waterville) and warmly welcomes patients for all services, including specialty care. Regularly check the ‘News and Events’ section of the website for the latest updates as services continue to expand.

To learn more about any of the Community Memorial services, visit www.communitymemorial.org. For the most up-to-date Utica Blue Sox schedule, visit www.uticabluesox.net/ubs-schedule/ .

The Community Memorial (CMH) Center for Orthopedics is excited to announce a renewed focus on hip fracture care, launching a new specialty program.

Dr. Richelle Takemoto, CMH board-certified orthopedic trauma surgeon, leads the initiative alongside Dr. Kamal Banga. This program offers patients a comprehensive approach to care for hip fractures. The full-service program navigates patients from fracture to function following a fall. Whether patients seek care through the Emergency Department or CMH’s Center for Orthopedics, they can expect to be seen expeditiously by one of our orthopedic surgeons. CMH’s Center for Orthopedics offers comprehensive orthopedic care, ensuring that both patients and referring providers that patients receive the best possible care.

Patients who suspect a hip fracture following a fall are encouraged to visit the Emergency Department in Hamilton, which offers low wait times and 24/7 orthopedic care from our team. Or, patients can visit the Center for Orthopedics during walk-in hours to be seen in the office.  Once a surgeon determines there is a fracture, the patient will be scheduled for surgery.  Following surgery, patients can choose to rehabilitate through the Swing Bed Program at Community Memorial, which serves as a bridge between the hospital and home for patients following a surgery or illness.

“Having a standardized geriatric hip fracture program reduces time to surgery and improves the functional outcomes of these patients,” noted Dr. Richelle Takemoto. “The orthopedic team at CMH designed this program to improve hip fracture care in our region.”

Hip fractures are common in elderly patients, underscoring the importance of optimal care. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports more than 300,000 hip fractures in the U.S. each year in individuals over age 65, with most injuries from common falls. “Reducing the injury to surgery time is standard of care for geriatric hip fractures,” added Dr. Banga. “This program will have a positive impact on good patient outcomes.”

Dr. Takemoto, Chief of Robotic Surgery, completed her fellowship training in orthopedic trauma. She specializes in comprehensive fracture care and total joint arthroplasty of the shoulder, knee and hip.

Dr. Banga is certified by the medical boards in the United States, Canada, and India, and holds board certification in sports medicine and orthopedics from the respective medical associations of these nations. Dr. Banga completed his fellowship in Orthopedic Surgery, Upper-Extremity, and Sports Medicine at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. Additionally, he holds a fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Surgery from the University of Western Ontario, in Ontario, Canada.

With a focused initiative to improve access to quality primary and specialty care in the region, CMH has focused efforts to grow its provider team. The Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics is open within the Center for Specialties building at 160 Broad Street in Hamilton, on the hospital campus. Offering a walk-in clinic daily the practice grants patients ease and convenience, with same or next-day appointments following an Emergency Department visit. The Orthopedics team provides specialty care for knee, hip, and shoulder joints, along with spine and sports medicine treatment for injured athletes.

The Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics has expanded care into New Hartford each Wednesday, at 83 Genesee Street within the CNY Brain and Spine building, and to Cazenovia with Dr. Banga on Thursdays. The Hamilton office sees patients Monday through Friday, with walk-ins available each day. These expansions aim to improve access to specialized orthopedic care for residents throughout the region.

Community Memorial offers primary care in six locations (Hamilton, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Munnsville, Sherrill and Waterville) and warmly welcomes patients for all services, including specialty care. Regularly check the ‘News and Events’ section of the website for the latest updates as services continue to expand.

To learn more about any of the Community Memorial services, visit www.communitymemorial.org.

With recent cases of measles reported in Texas, New Mexico, and New York City, we encourage our patients and community members to know the facts, especially if you have recently or plan to travel to an area of outbreak.

Your first line of defense is to be sure you are vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Measles is a severe illness that can cause serious health complications, particularly in young children. Potential complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, miscarriage, preterm birth, hospitalization, and even death.

For more information please read the newest release from New York State’s Department of Health

To schedule a vaccine for your child, please call 315-824-6400.

Community Memorial (CMH) healthcare network is expanding the primary care team with the addition of a new physician as the organization continues to focus on patient needs.

Dr. Andrew Call, board-certified in Family Medicine, will join Community Memorial’s Family Health Center team, seeing patients in Cazenovia. Dr. Call completed his post-doctoral training at the University of Rochester and then later held the position of Chief Resident of the program, placed at the forefront of patient care. Call graduated from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City after obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Alfred University before advancing to the University of Rochester. With extensive experience in Family Medicine, Call has worked in hospital-based practices along with the private sector of patient care for decades in western New York.

“Dr. Call is a fantastic addition to our Cazenovia practice,” said Jeff Coakley, President and CEO of Community Memorial. “His commitment to high-quality care, exceptional patient satisfaction, and convenient services has made him a highly sought-after physician.”

Affiliated with the New York State Family Physicians group, Dr. Call has made significant contributions to the education of medical students as they work through their academic requirements. “Both my commitment to patient care and the enhancement of fellow peer providers has offered me the opportunity to gain insight to perspectives from all angles and allows personal connection and care for those I treat,” said Dr. Call.

Joining the Cazenovia office, Dr. Call will offer patients another access point into the Community Memorial network. Patients have direct access to ancillary services, including laboratory, radiology, and rehabilitation services. “My heart is in medical practice with a small-town feel, and Community Memorial offers that,” added Dr. Call. “My philosophy of care centers around being kind, creative and compassionate, and I look forward to engaging with my patients and building those relationships.”

Community Memorial offers primary care in five other locations as well (Hamilton, Morrisville, Munnsville, Sherrill and Waterville) and welcomes patients for all services, including specialty care. Regularly check the ‘News and Events’ section of the website for the latest updates as services continue to expand.

For more information about the Community Memorial providers and services, please visit www.communitymemorial.org.

The Community Memorial (CMH) healthcare network launches a new procedure option for patients with joint pain or injury.

Platelet-rich plasma injections, or PRP, is a treatment now offered at Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics. The outpatient procedure involves drawing blood from a patient and processing it with a machine called a centrifuge to separate the platelets out and then reinject the platelets into the patient at their site of pain or injury.

Offered by Dr. Kamal Banga, the PRP procedure can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including joint pain such as osteoarthritis, tennis and golfer elbow, and other sports injuries. “The PRP process allows the concentrated plasma to be reintroduced into the area of discomfort or injury, stimulating the healing process,” noted Dr. Banga. “At the Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics, I welcome patients to come in for a consult and see if they’re a candidate.”

Rich in growth factors, the injected platelets work to accelerate healing, as studies have shown that increased concentration may shorten healing time for injuries and decrease pain for patients. “This innovative treatment may provide help in muscle, tendon and ligament pain,” added Banga. “There is also some research that there may be relief in osteoarthritis with PRP injections by reducing inflammation.”

The platelets injected back into the patient’s site of issue attract the body’s stem cells to the area. This aids the body in recognizing the injury as a priority, decreasing the length of time to heal than the body could do on its own. The success rate depends on individual factors and the entire procedure process is usually done in under an hour. Patients can discuss details with Dr. Banga at the Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics,

“The ability to offer this modern treatment locally is an exciting feat for our team,” added Dr. Michael Walsh, Chief Medical Officer. “Dr. Banga continues to work to expand the care that patients receive in the CMH network, and we’re excited to lead the way in new services and treatment options. We encourage and welcome patients to call to learn more about PRP.”

With a focused initiative to improve access to quality primary care in the region, CMH has dedicated considerable efforts to bolster its provider team and support staff. This activity around orthopedic care has supported the network in several areas of growth.

The Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics is open within the Center for Specialties building at 160 Broad Street in Hamilton, on the main campus, and can be reached at 315.824.7040. With the Hospital directly next door, services are streamlined for patient efficiency and offers a walk-in clinic open each weekday from 8am to 3pm. The practice also grants patients ease and convenience, with quick appointments following an Emergency Department visit. The Orthopedics team provides specialty care for knee, hip, and shoulder joints, along with fracture trauma care and sports medicine treatment for injured athletes.

Recently, the Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics has expanded care into New Hartford each Wednesday, with a new office located at 83 Genesee Street within the CNY Brain and Spine building. This expansion aims to improve access to specialized orthopedic care for residents throughout the region.

Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) has received a renewal of its accreditation from The Joint Commission by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

Community Memorial underwent a rigorous, onsite review on Monday, September 9, 2024. Throughout the three-day survey, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with clinical and safety standards that include emergency management, the environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management of the health system, and primary care offices in Cazenovia and Munnsville.

The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with healthcare providers, measurement experts, and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help healthcare organizations measure, assess and improve performance. The surveyors all conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“As a healthcare accreditor, The Joint Commission works with healthcare organizations across care settings to inspire safer and higher quality care that is more equitable and compassionate,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “Through collaborating on innovative solutions and evidence-based resources and tools, The Joint Commission helps drive improvement while maintaining accountability through our leading survey methods and standards. We commend Community Memorial Hospital for its commitment to advancing safety, quality, equity and compassion for all patients.”

“To be awarded The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval is a proud achievement and a testament to our continued commitment to patient safety and quality standards,” remarked Jeff Coakley, President and CEO. “Our healthcare team ensures survey readiness every day by integrating the high standards and metrics set forth by The Joint Commission.”

“From the clinical staff to the administrative team, our employee teamwork and dedication have made this success possible,” noted Heather Bernard, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Clinical Services. “This achievement is not just a reflection of our adherence to standards but also a celebration of the compassionate care and excellence we provide to every patient.”

With the Hospital in Hamilton and now six offices throughout the region offering primary and specialty care, the healthcare network understands the impact of this accreditation.  Patients who choose CMH for their care can have confidence in the quality and safety of the care provided.  The standards set forth by the Joint Commission represent the highest patient-centered quality and safety metrics.

For more information on the survey process and award, please visit The Joint Commission website.

Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics is excited to announce its expansion into New Hartford with a new office located at 83 Genesee Street within the CNY Brain and Spine building.  This expansion aims to improve access to specialized orthopedic care for residents throughout the region.

Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics provides a comprehensive range of services, including pediatric orthopedics, joint replacement, and sports medicine.  The practice employs innovative procedures and the latest robotic technology to ensure high-quality care for every patient.

The expansion is made possible through a collaboration with CNY Brain and Spine, led by Dr. Nicholas Qandah, a respected neurosurgeon known for his expertise in complex brain and spine surgery.  This partnership will allow patients in the region to access advanced orthopedic care close to home.

“I am honored to collaborate with Dr. Richelle Takemoto and Dr. Kamaljeet Banga to extend their skills and expertise to patients in the region,” shared Dr. Nicholas Qandah. “We have a shared commitment to providing patient-centered care and contributing to the genuine healing of our patients.”

Meet the Physicians:

 Dr. Richelle Takemoto, a leading orthopedic surgeon in the region, will see patients in Hamilton and New Hartford.  Takemoto is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in trauma care, including post-traumatic reconstruction, sprain and fracture treatment, and total joint replacements of the hip, knee, and shoulder.  She is a pioneer in the use of cutting-edge robotic technology and was the first woman in the world to perform knee replacements using the Velys robotic system.  Dr. Takemoto has completed hundreds of successful robotic-assisted knee replacements at Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton.

Dr. Nicholas Qandah, a board-certified and fellowship-trained Neurosurgeon, offers a comprehensive approach to caring for various neurosurgical needs, including cervical and lumbar spine care, spinal injuries, scoliosis treatment, and brain trauma.  In 2018, Dr. Qandah’s significant contributions led to the establishment of CNY Brain and Spine Neurosurgery in New Hartford, a practice that has flourished under his guidance.  Through the partnership with Community Memorial’s Center for Orthopedics, Dr. Qandah sees patients in Hamilton on Wednesdays, offering advanced care to patients in the Hamilton region.

Dr. Kamaljeet Banga, certified by the medical boards in the United States, Canada and India, is fellowship-trained in Orthopedic Surgery, Upper Extremity and Sports Medicine.  Dr. Banga joined the Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics in the fall of 2023, providing exceptional care to patients in the region.

The new office in New Hartford is open on Wednesdays, with walk-in hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Patients can also schedule appointments by calling 315-824-7040.  This location complements the existing practice located at 160 Broad Street in Hamilton, at Community Memorial’s Center for Specialties, which is open five days a week.

With the hospital adjacent to the Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics, patients benefit from streamlined access to services, including laboratory, radiology, and rehabilitation.

For more information about the Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics and its services, please visit www.communitymemorial.org/orthopedics.

The Community Memorial (CMH) Center for Orthopedics is excited to add a physician assistant to the team of medical staff within the Center for Specialties.

Frank Barber, PA, joins Dr. Richelle Takemoto and Dr. Kamaljeet Banga, with a distinguished career in orthopedic patient care. After completing his Physician Assistant Studies at the Inter-service Physician Assistant Program with a Bachelor of Science degree, Barber earned his Master’s, both from the University of Nebraska. His clinical rotation was completed at the WINN Army Community Hospital in Fort Stewart, GA, and Barber holds a certification as an aeromedical physician assistant and, most honorably, an Iraqi war medal and bronze star from the United States Army.

“Frank Barber brings an extensive history of valuable experience to the Community Memorial network,” noted Dr. Michael Walsh, Chief Medical Officer. “We’re thrilled to expand our care team with the addition of Frank, who will further enhance the superior orthopedic care patients have come to expect from our organization.”

A member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and trained in Tactical Combat medical care, Barber has 20 years of patient care experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. As the first assistant in orthopedic surgeries, Barber has also worked with patients with spine and neurological conditions.

“Joining the CMH Center for Orthopedics is an exciting step for me, personally and professionally,” added Barber. “I look forward to engaging with my patients, offering as an extension of this fantastic team of providers, and building important relationships with my patients on trust and communication.”

The CMH network has dedicated considerable efforts to bolster its provider team and support staff with the increased need for specialty care locally. In addition to working alongside Dr. Takemoto and Dr. Banga, Barber joins Physician Assistants Frank Walzcak and Jackie Ireland in the Center for Orthopedics. Dr. Nicholas Qandah, Neurosurgeon of CNY Brain and Spine, also sees patients in Hamilton. The brand new Center for Specialties was opened in early 2024 and is located at 160 Broad Street in Hamilton, on the Hospital campus. With the Hospital directly adjacent, services are streamlined for patient efficiency across all offices, including ancillary services such as laboratory, radiology, rehabilitation and more. Patients looking to make an appointment with the Center for Orthopedics are encouraged to call 315.824.7040.

Community Memorial also offers primary care in six locations (Hamilton, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Munnsville, Sherrill and Waterville) and warmly welcomes patients for all services, including specialty care. Regularly check the ‘News and Events’ section of the website for the latest updates as services continue to expand.