Healthy Living Newsletter May 2021
Volume 14 of the Healthy Living Newsletter is here!
In This Issue:
- Leading In Primary Care
- CEO Update – Recovering Strong
- Department Spotlights: Rehab
- Stay in Swing at CMH
- Community COVID Vaccine Distribution
- Top Urologist Dr. Beasley
Read the full issue by clicking here!
Leading in Primary Care
Reengage in Your Healthcare!
Offering 15 healthcare providers in five office locations, Community Memorial is the area’s leader in preventative primary care. With Family Health Centers in Cazenovia, Hamilton, Morrisville, Munnsville and Waterville as well as direct access to ancillary services at the hospital, Community Memorial is providing access to new providers like never before.
Opening appointments to patients on a same-day basis and skipping the overwhelming ‘new patient’ paperwork, the Family Health Centers team is making primary care more convenient for families. All locations are accepting new patients of all ages, and are committed to keeping it simple for patients. And, with the streamlined services across the organization, patients needing follow-up or additional care get prompt, convenient scheduling for lab work, medical imaging or physical therapy.
CEO Update – Recovering Strong
Since my last update, Community Memorial has continued to make changes to meet your needs. Most notably, construction activity has moved to the front of the building as we renovate and expand the Emergency Department. All of this is occurring while continuing to provide 24/7 care for patients in our modern but temporary ER. Throughout the renewal of our facility, our 5-star designation for service continues to be supported by patient’s recognition of providers and staff.
Locally, the COVID-19 cases continue to be stable even though we are seeing isolated pockets of the virus. Community Memorial continues to collaborate with the Madison County Department of Health and Colgate University to successfully vaccinate residents. We are now welcoming new and existing patients back to all Family Health Center locations, using specific triage and clinic procedures that assure the safety of all patients in our diligent fight against COVID.
As everyone works to maintain what may be our ‘new normal’, I’d like to again remind our community members that we are here for you and your family. Like other hospitals across the country, we are now seeing patients arrive with serious diagnoses because patients have delayed care during the pandemic. We encourage patients to reengage in their healthcare by rescheduling missed appointments or routine check-ups and visit our Urgent Care or Emergency Department if you have a serious concern about your health.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you goes out to the professionals at Community Memorial as well as all other essential workers that have so willingly served patients from throughout our region during the pandemic.
Continuously expanding the network of providers offering primary care, Community Memorial works to put the process of healthy lifestyles at the forefront. With specialty services offered including women’s healthcare services and Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals, CMH is leading the way in simple, convenient care all in a clean and safe setting.
Dr. Jocelyn Morin in the Cazenovia Family Health Center is proud to specialize in women’s healthcare, ranging from women’s well-exams, annual pap tests, birth control to menopause care. And, through the easy access within the CMH network, routine and preventative testing is quickly accessible at the hospital. Nurse Practitioner Gwen Manley also offers dermatology care in the Hamilton office.
Patients needing additional specialty care have a direct connection to services offered right within the CMH organization, and get a quick referral for care. Featuring urology, pulmonology, cardiology and more, patients do not need to travel for their care. Keeping vital services local for community members is part of the CMH mission, offering 5-star care in every location. Patients enjoy the ease from start finish, having their care streamlined and all medical issues addressed promptly. And, those needing additional serv including gastroenterology, orthopedic or general surgery can rest assured with these procedures offered right in Hamilton, through the expanded network of collaborative medical professionals including Syracuse Gastroenterology and Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics.
Looking for a new primary care provider, close to home? Call today, and see why Community Memorial is leading the way through the new era of patient care. To learn more or to establish with a new provider, visit https://communitymemorial.org/family-health-centers/ or call 315.824.4600.
Department Spotlights: Rehab
The Rehabilitation Department of Community Memorial has been working to adapt during the COVID crisis while still bringing vital physical and occupational therapy services to patients. Now offering telehealth visits, the entire Rehab team worked together to develop and deploy a video-based service that follows patient-care guidelines, all while keeping both staff and patients safe. Therapists are able to meet with patients electronically, providing remote, safe and easy care for patients, right in their own home. Offering instruction, exercise tips and information, the CMH team can ensure patients are making their vital appointments.
As the COVID cases continue to decline locally, the Rehab Julie Dunckel, Director of Rehabilitation team is welcoming outpatients back into the office clinic for their care, continuing to provide a clean and safe environment. Temperature screenings, mask requirements and consistent cleaning protocols are followed, ensuring a space that patients can receive their therapy in that puts their mind at ease, allowing them to concentrate on their care and recovery.
For more information about the therapy services provided at Community Memorial, or to learn more about the telehealth visits, visit https://communitymemorial.org/services/rehabilitation-services/ or call the office at 315.824.6556.
Stay in Swing at CMH
When Joyce Davey needed hip surgery a couple years ago, she knew her recovery would require some assistance. Living alone in Troy, NY at 85 years young, Joyce wanted to be sure she’d be able to return home and function at her normal independence level. Daughter Diane, VP of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Community Memorial in Hamilton, offered some insight: why not have Joyce come to Hamilton for her surgery, and utilize the innovative Swing Bed Program?
As a post-acute short-term rehabilitation stay, Swing Bed Programs offer a stable environment for patients to concentrate on their recovery so they may return home at their optimal level of function. “I had heard about the Ortho group in Hamilton, and in conjunction with the Swing Bed Program at Community Memorial, I knew this was a great fit,” states Joyce. “I’m thrilled that this was an option for my post-surgery recovery.” Knowing there are times that patients no longer need the acute care received while in a hospital, but also that some patients cannot return home right away, the Community Memorial Swing Bed Program is a comforting alternative. Patients that live alone, or those that live with someone unable to care for them may qualify for a Swing Bed stay. “My recovery was started in the Swing Bed Program, that provided me a comfortable and relaxing setting,” adds Joyce. “I was able to have both physical and occupational therapy, helping me get used to independent tasks I do at home after my surgery. The teamwork at Community Memorial is outstanding, and it translates into the patient care.”
Since being home and reunited with her older sister, Lois, 92, Joyce developed a plan; work with Lois’ seamstress skills to provide lap quilts for Swing Bed Patients at Community Memorial. Lois had been making tiny versions for the pediatric patients at Albany Med, and Joyce wanted to extend that to Hamilton. Now in its second year and almost 100 quilts donated, Joyce funds the project and Lois spends up to 6 hours per day, creating detailed lap quilts, full of attention and healing thoughts. “We offer a quilt to every Swing Bed patient at Community Memorial when they’re available,” adds Diane Chase. “Our patients love the thoughtful, personal quilt, which provide just a small, comforting touch during their stay here.” Individualized, in-hospital care and rehabilitation are the core of this program, and there are a variety of patient types that may benefit from it. Therapy after an orthopedic surgery, stroke recovery for patients that may not qualify for inpatient rehab, and more. “Our Swing Bed Coordinator works to make sure patients qualify for an admission,” states Chase. Providing a smooth transition into the program, welcoming patients and their family, and working directly with the referring facilities and provider is only part of what Stacy Cacciotti, Social Worker and Swing Bed Coordinator does at Community Memorial. “I work to ensure patients that details surrounding their stay at CMH are handled,” states Cacciotti. “Insurance coverage is confirmed before patients enter the program, allowing patients and their family to concentrate on their recovery.”
Rated the only hospital in the state as a 5-star facility for patient experience by CMS (Medicare), Community Memorial works every day to bring top level care to every patient. “Community Memorial shows what 5-star patient care is and how to make it happen,” add Joyce.“The Swing Bed Program removed all the hassle of a recovery. Thank you, Community Memorial.”
And thank you, Joyce and Lois, for the incredible lap quilts for our Swing Bed patients!
To learn more about the Swing Bed Program at Community Memorial for you or a loved one, visit: https://communitymemorial.org/services/swing-bed-program/.
Community COVID Vaccine Distribution
After weeks of preparation, Community Memorial was able to secure 500 doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for community distribution.
At the Masonic Lodge in Hamilton, Community Memorial, in conjunction with the Madison County Department of Health and Colgate University, executed the areas first community PODs (point- of-distribution) on March 9th and 10th for qualifying recipients. At this time, Phases 1a and 1b of New York State’s Vaccine Distribution Plan consist of healthcare
workers, front-line responders and public workers, individuals over the age of 65, and more. All eligible community members were encouraged to review criteria and sign-up via a link provided by the state, and appointment slots quickly filled. “Community Memorial is proud to collaborate with Madison County and Colgate University bring the Hamilton area a POD, allowing hundreds of residents to receive their COVID-19 vaccine,” stated Jeff Coakley, President & CEO. “We remain committed to providing essential services, like mass-vaccine distribution, as part of our mission to provide quality patient care.”
As pharmaceutical companies work to continuously manufacture vaccines, the need remains strong. There are currently three manufacturers that produce the COVID-19 vaccine, but only one has developed a one-dose method: Johnson & Johnson. “We are excited to offer this vaccine to our community for those eligible and interested in inoculation against the COVID-19 virus,” stated Dr. Michael Walsh, Chief Medical Officer. “These vaccines are the strongest tools in combating this pandemic, and we’re proud of this community for doing their part in becoming vaccinated, to protect us all.”
Working closely with the Madison County Department of Health (DOH) and Colgate University allowed for a smooth POD setup and process. Recipients were in the door, checked in and vaccinated in a short time. Madison County DOH provided additional personnel to administer vaccines, allowing a quick and efficient process. “Working closely with these organizations ensured a successful POD,” added Coakley. “We will continue to keep our area residents informed around additional future vaccine distribution. In the meantime, please do not delay your healthcare and make an appointment with your primary care provider or visit our urgent care service or emergency department to manage chronic or acute medical concerns.” Community Memorial will also work to secure additional vaccines and schedule future PODs – as of print, 4 vaccine PODs were setup and held for community vaccination. For updated information, please check the organization’s website at https://communitymemorial.org/news-events/.
For additional information on eligibility requirements for the COVID-19 vaccine and any vaccine related questions, please visit the NYS Department of Health site https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.
Urology at CMH
Get an appointment within 1 week with a top urologist!
Kenneth Beasley, MD Board-certified Urologist Kenneth Beasley, MD, is seeing patients at the Hamilton Family Health Center and is welcoming new patients! Specializing and focusing on diseases of the urinary tract and the female reproductive tract, urologists typically see patients if their primary care provider suspects they may need treatment for conditions related to bladder, urethra, ureter, kidneys and adrenal glands. Dr. Beasley offers basic in- office procedures as well as surgery when necessary.
Now, patients that had been traveling for this specialty service can see a provider closer to home. “Urology is great because it’s so broad – we cover such a variety of issues. We treat cancers of the bladder, kidney and prostate; bladder conditions, issues of urine leakage such as stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder; kidney stones, and so much more,” states Dr. Beasley.
To learn more about services offered with Dr. Beasley at Community Memorial or to make an appointment, visit our website or call 315-824-4600.
Offering 15 healthcare providers in five office locations, Community Memorial is the area’s leader in preventative primary care.
Continuously expanding the network of providers offering primary care, Community Memorial works to put the process of healthy lifestyles at the forefront. With specialty services offered including women’s healthcare services and Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals, CMH is leading the way in simple, convenient care all in a clean and safe setting.
Dr. Jocelyn Morin in the Cazenovia Family Health Center is proud to specialize in women’s healthcare, ranging from women’s well-exams, annual pap tests, birth control to menopause care. And, through the easy access within the CMH network, routine and preventative testing is quickly accessible at the hospital. Nurse Practitioner Gwen Manley also offers dermatology care in the Hamilton office.
Patients needing additional specialty care have a direct connection to services offered right within the CMH organization, and get a quick referral for care. Featuring urology, pulmonology, cardiology and more, patients do not need to travel for their care. Keeping vital services local for community members is part of the CMH mission, offering 5-star care in every location. Patients enjoy the ease from start to finish, having their care streamlined and all medical issues addressed promptly. And, those needing additional services including gastroenterology, orthopedic or general surgery can rest assured with these procedures offered right in Hamilton, through the expanded network of collaborative medical professionals including Syracuse Gastroenterology and Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics.
Looking for a new primary care provider, close to home? Call today, and see why Community Memorial is leading the way through the new era of patient care. To learn more or to establish with a new provider, visit https://communitymemorial.org/family-health-centers/ or call 315.824.4600.