Healthy Living Vol. 26
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Welcoming Dr. Thomas Toole
- CEO Update
- Board of Directors
- A Note from the Chair
- Community Memorial Unveils State-of-the-Art Radiology Department
- From Vision to Reality: How Far We’ve Come
- Community Memorial Foundation Holds Annual Golf Tournament
- Community Memorial Receives Support from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
- New Innovative Treatment
Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Thomas Toole, Orthopedic Surgeon, to its growing team.
This expansion underscores CMH’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional orthopedic care across Central New York. Dr. Toole brings advanced expertise in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sports-related injuries, helping athletes of all levels return safely to the activities they love.
Dr. Toole earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from St. John Fisher College, followed by his Doctor of Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at SUNY Upstate and further specialized with a Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University at Buffalo. Dr. Toole has previous experience working with team members of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres, gaining extensive experience in high-level sports medicine. Dr. Toole has specialized training in arthroscopic surgery, ligament reconstruction, cartilage restoration, and minimally invasive procedures that support faster recovery times.
I’m excited to join the exceptional orthopedic team at Community Memorial,” said Dr. Toole. “I look forward to building relationships with my patients, helping to care for the community and working alongside this talented group of providers
Launched in 2023, the Community Memorial Center for Orthopedics is located at 160 Broad Street in Hamilton within the Center for Specialties building. Community Memorial has expanded orthopedic services to the CNY Brain and Spine Neurosurgery building in New Hartford (83 Genesee Street) every Wednesday with Dr. Richelle Takemoto, as well as to the Cazenovia Family Health Center, where Dr. Kamal Banga also sees orthopedic patients. These expansions aim to increase access to specialty care throughout the region.
“The addition of Dr. Toole reflects community memorial’s dedication to meeting the growing demand for orthopedic services,” said jeff coakley, president and ceo of community memorial. “we’re thrilled to welcome him and are confident in the impact he will have on patient care in our community.”
The center for orthopedics offers daily walk-in hours and next-day appointments following emergency department visits—streamlining care for patients needing prompt orthopedic attention. the team provides specialized care for knees, hips, shoulders, spine, and sports-related injuries. developing a well-rounded practice to include cold-trauma care and joint replacements, dr. toole also specializes in hip care within his sports medicine expertise. dr. toole will also be seeing patients at the cazenovia office, at 3045 john trush jr. boulevard, with a particular focus on sports medicine. through cmh’s partnership with the utica blue sox, dr. toole also becomes a key resource for local athletes, offering rapid access to expert care. his training with professional sports teams has equipped him to treat athletes of all ages and disciplines.
“Each new patient presents an opportunity to build a foundation of trust—whether an athlete or anyone aiming to get back to doing what they enjoy,” said dr. toole. “i’m proud to offer personalized, high-quality orthopedic care here in our community.”
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Toole, visit communitymemorial.org/ortho or call (315) 824-7040.
CEO Update
Dear Community Members,
With fall officially here, our Community Memorial team is focused on a strong finish to 2025. I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made together—expanding services, welcoming new providers, investing in advanced technology, and improving patient spaces—all with one goal in mind: ensuring you receive the very best care close to home.
Like hospitals across the nation, CMH faces challenges such as rising operational costs and reduced funding. Yet through it all, our team has remained resilient, innovative, and committed to our mission.
Thanks to that dedication — and the ongoing support of our patients, providers, staff and board of directors — we are not only sustaining operations but thriving. Our strong financial position allows us to reinvest in our people, technology, and facility.
As I prepare to step down from my role as Chief Executive Officer, I do so with immense gratitude and pride. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve this hospital and this community. CMH is well-positioned for the future, with a talented leadership team and staff who care deeply about the people we serve. I have every confidence that the organization will continue to move forward with strength, compassion, and purpose.
I look forward to supporting this exceptional team until the next leader is at the helm. Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to be part of this extraordinary journey. Together, we’ve built a foundation that will keep CMH strong for generations to come.
Warm regards,
Jeff Coakley
President & CEO, Community Memorial
Board of Directors
Leigh Baldwin
Jeff Coakley
Seth Kronenberg, MD
Avneet Singh, MD
Joanne Borfitz
Richard Cohen, MD
Ellen Larson, MD
Jeff Rubenstein
Robert Tyburski
Mary Brundage
L. Hazel Jack
Michael Latreille
Jennifer Meyers, MD
Bradford Wheler
Ellen P. Kraly
RuthAnne Loveless
Rick Russell
Mandy Pulliam, MD
The Rev. Brooks Cato
Eve Ann Shwartz
A Note from the Chair
Autumn reminds us that change is the only constant. Community Memorial (CMH) continues to change – through strategic growth in both primary care and specialties services, and always embedded within compassionate care.
Jeff Coakley, our President and Chief Executive Officer, has served and led CMH with vision and integrity during the past five years. Now, Jeff has found himself ready to enter the next journey of his life, and focus on more time with his extended family. Always a generous soul, Jeff will continue to be fully at the helm of the organization until the appointment of the next CEO. The Board of Directors of CMH will draw on the expertise of the CMH and the experience of the community in selecting the next chief executive of the Community Memorial. The next CEO, just as the Board and our current leadership, will be committed to the vision of CMH to be the healthcare provider and employer of choice in the region: Excellent care, close to home.
Ellen Kraly,
Board of Directors Chair
Community Memorial Unveils State-of-the-Art Radiology Department
Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) proudly announced the opening of its brand-new Radiology Department, a major milestone in the hospital’s ongoing Capital Transformation Project.
The newly expanded and centrally located department sits next to CMH’s Emergency Room, ensuring rapid access to advanced imaging for critically ill patients. The renovation introduces cutting-edge technology that significantly improves patient care, comfort, and outcomes.
Featuring technology that transforms care, the department is equipped with a new CT scanner, producing high-resolution images with faster scan times, advanced cardiac study capabilities, and improved safety features. A new MRI machine, replacing a 20-year-old model, delivers faster scans, greater comfort, and expanded capabilities, including specialized breast and prostate imaging.
The Bone Density scanner has been upgraded with the latest technology, offering sharper images that support earlier detection and treatment planning. Patients will also benefit from a dedicated Women’s Imaging Suite, complete with a private waiting area and changing room. The suite’s new mammography machine is designed with accessibility and comfort in mind, with wheelchair access, a rounded detector for reduced discomfort, and improved resolution for more accurate results.
“Exceptional medical imaging with quality results offered in a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere will enhance the overall patient experience,” said Darrel Bernard, Co-Director of Radiology. “We are excited to now feature an expanded scope of services within this new space, keeping patients close to home for their imaging needs.”
CMH recently hosted an open house for medical staff to showcase the new facility and highlight the advanced services now available.
“Whether patients are here for routine testing or emergent scans, the new Radiology Department means better access, better results, and better care,” said Jeff Coakley, President & CEO. “Bringing this project to life reflects the dedication of our incredible team and the support of our community.”
Building the future of care, the Radiology Department is the latest achievement in CMH’s $31.5 million Capital Transformation Project, which began in 2020. Previous milestones include the Medical-Surgical Inpatient Wing (2021) with all private rooms and the expansion of the Emergency Department into a state-of-the-art facility. Renovations to the Rehabilitation and Laboratory Departments are underway, along with plans for a new Main Entrance. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2026, marking CMH’s largest renovation since its founding in 1952.
From Vision to Reality
As we look forward to 2026, we have an opportunity to continue our momentum and complete our $5,000,000 capital campaign – but we need your help!
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- BEFORE
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- AFTER
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- BEFORE
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- BEFORE
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- AFTER
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- BEFORE
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- AFTER
2024
- Emergency Department: Trauma Room, EMS Room, Nurses’ Support Station
- Additional Medical/Surgical inpatient rooms
- Central Sterile
August
- Main Entrance temporarily relocates
- Radiology Department construction begins
Sept.
- MRI build-out begins
OCTOBER
- ER construction complete
- Trauma Room
- EMS Room
- Nurses’ Support Station
- Staff lounge construction begins
NOV.
- Lab remodeling begins
2025 Project Continues
- North Wing renovations begin
- Main Entry Addition
- Rehabilitation Department
- Radiology Department Completed
- CT Scanner
- Nuclear Medicine
- MRI Addition
2026
- Rehab/Main entrance to be completed
- Capital Campaign Completion
Community Memorial Foundation Holds Annual Golf Tournament
The 9th annual Mike Martin Memorial Golf Tournament hosted by the Foundation of Community Memorial (CMH) in support of the Hospital was held Monday, July 28th, with proceeds from the competition and supporting sponsors dedicated towards the capital project currently underway at Community Memorial Hospital, transforming more than half the facility once complete.
Almost 130 golfers attended the event, held at the beautiful and challenging Seven Oaks Golf Course of Colgate University in Hamilton. With the sun high and the weather nearing 90 degrees, players teed off after a brief welcome at noon. After the golfers completed their game, a delicious awards dinner was hosted at the Hamilton Inn on East Lake Road near the course. Four teams were awarded: 1st place went to Team Mark McCormick; 2nd went to Team Ron Joyce; 3rd was awarded to Team Cody Herbert, and 13th, in honor of CMH neighbor Colgate University, went to Team Craig Brundage.
This event was named to remember a long-time and dedicated volunteer, Mike Martin, who was sadly lost to the community in October 2016. Deeply committed to the Hamilton area, Martin served on the board of the Community Memorial Foundation and chaired the tournament in its very successful inaugural year.
The event raised more than $123,000 in its 9th year and was supported by lead sponsors The Hayner Hoyt Corporation, SCP Health, The Martin Family, and The Bonadio Group and BPAS. For a complete list of the event sponsors, along with event photos, please visit CommunityMemorial.org/foundation/golf-tournament.
From the Foundation of CMH
As 2025 comes to a close, your generosity helps us care for neighbors, families, and friends right here at home. Every gift brings healing, and there’s still time to make a difference! Your year-end donation ensures patients have access to life-saving care when they need it most. #GiveHope #SupportHealthcare
Ways to support Community Memorial by phone, mail or online: (315) 824-7037
150 Broad Street, Hamilton NY 13346 CommunityMemorial.org/foundation
Community Memorial Receives Support from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
The Community Memorial (CMH) Center for Surgical Services has received a 2025 Health and Wellness Award from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield in support of its newly launched Breast Biopsy Program.
Regional President of the Utica Market, Tony Vitagliano, presented this award as part of a program supporting initiatives that improve health outcomes tied to social determinants of health. CMH has expanded its General Surgery team, care locations, and services to ensure patients have quicker access to advanced care.
“The support from our partners at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is crucial for patient care, locally,” noted Coakley. “Their investment into our organization helps Community Memorial focus on continued advancements in vital services, like our breast biopsy program, keeping services in our community and addressing access problems for patients.”
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Community Investments and Partnerships Funding Program focuses on improving health outcomes, access to care, maternal health, and chronic health issues. “Our mission as a nonprofit health plan is rooted in advancing the health of our community,” said Vitagliano. “We are proud to partner with Community Memorial to help ensure that women can receive proper testing and biopsies close to home.”
Dr. Nils-Tomas McBride leads the CMH service, specializing in breast biopsies. “This new option is a huge advantage for patients in our region,” added Dr. McBride. “Our commitment to care with this vital procedure means faster procedure times, which lead to faster results and peace of mind sooner.”
Launched in 2025, the breast biopsy service includes mammogram-guided, ultrasound-guided, and surgical biopsies. This expansion offers patients greater access, shorter waits, and faster healing. “Preventative care is vital, and at CMH, we understand that needing follow-up care following a mammogram can be an emotionally challenging time,” says Dr. McBride. “Our team is here to catch issues early and treat them quickly.”
Dr. McBride sees patients in Hamilton and Utica. Referring providers and patients are encouraged to call for fast, convenient appointments at several office locations.
NEW Innovative Treatment
Cartiheal is a single stage implant used to treat knee cartilage and bone defects in patients with or without mild to moderate osteoarthritis. It is derived from naturally occurring calcium carbonate known as aragonite.
The optimal patient ranges from those with a single focal cartilage defect to those with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. In a recent study, patients who were treated with Cartiheal reported twice the improvement in their knee pain as patients treated with other methods (debridement and microfracture).
Other cartilage procedures can often require multiple procedures or a donor graft and take significant time whereas Cartiheal requires one procedure and is ready to go out of the box.
To learn more or to inquire about being a qualified candidate, patients are encouraged to call for a consultation with Dr. Banga at (315) 824-7040.