Healthy Living Vol. 27
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Expert Hip Athroscopy
- CEO Update
- A Note from the Chair
- Community Memorial Awarded Scholarship
- Fall Prevention Education
- Convenient Walk-In Care
- Funding Awarded for EMR
- Hospital Auxiliary
Expert Hip Athroscopy
CMH is excited to announce that Dr. Tom Toole is now performing hip arthroscopy procedures locally, bringing advanced orthopedic care closer to home.
Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions such as labral tears, hip impingement, cartilage damage, and other joint issues. With Dr. Toole performing these procedures at CMH, patients can receive expert care without traveling to distant hospitals or surgical centers.
Providing hip arthroscopy locally means patients benefit from state- of-the-art techniques, quicker recovery times, and personalized care in a familiar, community-based setting. Dr. Toole brings extensive experience caring for professional athletes, ensuring the highest level of expertise and precision for every patient. CMH also offers very short wait times from appointment to surgery, ensuring patients receive timely care when they need it most. Dr. Toole’s expertise, combined with CMH’s modern facilities, ensures access to the latest treatments and a supportive care team throughout the process.
Dr. Toole is welcoming patients for immediate care in both Cazenovia and Hamilton, with walk-in care offered at each location. Patients interested in learning more about hip arthroscopy or scheduling a consultation with Dr. Toole can contact CMH’s Center for Orthopedics today at (315) 824-7040 or CommunityMemorial.org/Ortho.
What is a Hip Labral Tear?
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the hip joint, acting like a seal. A tear disrupts this cushion, causing pain (groin, hip), catching, clicking, or locking sensations. Causes include sports injuries, repetitive motions, trauma, or underlying hip dysplasia.
Common Symptoms
PAIN LOCATION: Deep pain in the hip, groin, or buttocks, sometimes shooting down the thigh or towards the knee.
PAIN TRIGGERS: Pain often worsens with prolonged standing, sitting, walking, bending
forward, squatting, or athletic movements.
MECHANICAL SENSATIONS: A clicking, popping, catching, or grinding feeling in the hip joint during movement.
STIFFNESS & MOTION LOSS: Stiffness and limited range of motion in the hip joint, with difficulty fully flexing the hip.
INSTABILITY: A feeling of instability, unsteadiness, or the hip giving way.
LIMPING: Difficulty walking or a noticeable limp.
What is Hip Arthroscopy (The “Scope”)?
A minimally invasive surgery using tiny incisions. A surgeon inserts an arthroscope (a thin tube with a camera) to view the joint on a monitor. Other small instruments are inserted to perform the repair.
Treatment Options
DEBRIDEMENT: Trimming or smoothing frayed edges of the labrum.
REPAIR: Sewing the torn labrum back to the socket rim.
ADDRESSING IMPINGEMENT: Reshaping bone spurs (osteophytes) causing impingement.
CEO Update
Dear Community Members,
As I share this update, I do so with deep gratitude, as it will be my final message to you as CEO of Community Memorial.
Serving this organization has been the honor of my career. Together, we have navigated change, strengthened our financial foundation, expanded service lines, and continued to grow CMH as a trusted provider of high-quality care close to home. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished—not just in milestones achieved, but in the commitment our teams show every day to our patients and one another.
CMH’s ability to offer such a broad range of services locally is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and compassion of our providers and staff. The trust our patients place in us is the reason our organization continues to thrive and meet the needs of our community.
As I prepare for retirement, I do so with confidence in CMH’s future. The organization is well positioned, guided by strong leadership, a clear mission, and an unwavering commitment to those we serve. I will always be an advocate and supporter of CMH and the incredible work happening here.
Thank you for the trust, collaboration, and shared purpose over the years. It has truly been a privilege to serve this community alongside an outstanding team of CMH employees.
With gratitude,
Jeff Coakley
President & CEO, Community Memorial
A Note from the Chair
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend our sincere gratitude to Jeff Coakley for his dedicated service and exceptional leadership. Throughout his tenure, he guided our organization with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our patients, staff, and community.
Under his leadership, the organization achieved strong financial performance while thoughtfully expanding key service lines to better meet the needs of those we serve. Today, CMH is proud to offer a broad and growing range of services locally—allowing patients to receive high-quality care close to home. His focus on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and strategic investment strengthened our foundation and positioned us well for the future.
Beyond the measurable successes, Jeff led with authenticity and purpose, fostering a culture rooted in collaboration, compassion, and accountability. His impact will be felt for years to come.
We are grateful for Jeff’s leadership and service, and we wish him continued success in the next chapter ahead.
Ellen Kraly,
Board of Directors Chair
Community Memorial Awarded Scholarship to Support Workforce Development
CMH is proud to announce it has received a grant from the Community Benevolent Foundation (CBF) to establish a scholarship program supporting employees who are pursuing a degree in nursing. The scholarship is designed to strengthen the local healthcare workforce by investing in the education, advancement, and retention of current staff.
As healthcare organizations nationwide face ongoing nursing shortages and increasing demands for care, access to nursing education has become more critical than ever. Nurses play a vital role in patient safety, quality outcomes, and compassionate, day-to-day care. Supporting employees who are pursuing nursing degrees helps ensure patients continue to receive skilled, consistent care from professionals who understand the unique needs of the community they serve.
“We are deeply grateful for CBF’s partnership and shared commitment to strengthening healthcare through investment in people.”
–HEATHER BERNARD, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Clinical Services
Through this grant, eligible employees will receive financial assistance to reduce barriers to nursing education, allowing them to advance their careers while remaining part of the local healthcare system.
“Our employees are the heart of everything we do,” said Heather Bernard, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Clinical Services. “This generous support from the Community Benevolent Foundation empowers our team members to grow their careers in nursing while continuing to care for patients right here in our community. Investing in our staff is an investment in the quality, compassion, and continuity of care our patients deserve.”
The scholarship program reinforces a shared commitment between CMH and the Community Benevolent Foundation to build a sustainable healthcare workforce, improve access to skilled nursing care, and support those who choose to serve their community through healthcare.”
Fall Prevention Education
On February 20th, Dr. Richelle Takemoto of the CMH Center for Orthopedics visited the Community Wellness Center (CWC) on Utica Street in Hamilton to present an informative seminar on fall prevention and healthy aging. As the risk of falls increases with age, Dr. Takemoto shared practical, evidence-based strategies to help individuals maintain independence and reduce injury risk.
Her presentation focused on simple yet effective ways to “fall-proof” the home environment, along with the critical role that strength, balance, and proper nutrition play in preventing falls. She emphasized that regular exercise can significantly improve stability and muscle strength, both of which are essential for reducing fall risk.
Joining Dr. Takemoto was Cody Herbert, Athletic Trainer and member of the CMH Center for
Orthopedics, who demonstrated several exercises commonly prescribed to rehabilitate injured bones and muscles. Attendees were able to observe proper technique and learn movements designed to strengthen the core, improve balance, and enhance overall mobility.
Participants shared positive feedback following the seminar, noting the value of the practical tips shared, particularly the surprising recommendation that spending time barefoot at home may help improve balance and reduce fall risk. Attendees expressed gratitude for the nutritional guidance provided, particularly the reminder of the importance of adequate protein intake and limiting sugar and processed foods to support bone health.
CONVENIENT WALK-IN CARE Now Available in Hamilton and Waterville
CMH is making it easier for patients to get the care they need when they need it—with walk-ins now available at our Hamilton and Waterville offices for acute visits.
Walk-in care is designed for non-emergency concerns that require timely attention but don’t necessarily need an emergency room visit. Patients can be seen for common acute issues such as minor illnesses, infections, injuries, and sudden health concerns—without the need to schedule an appointment in advance.
By offering walk-in care in both Hamilton and Waterville, CMH is helping patients receive care close to home, reducing wait times and providing a convenient option for busy schedules. This approach also helps keep emergency departments available for true emergencies while ensuring patients still receive prompt, high-quality care from providers they trust.
Patients are encouraged to visit the Hamilton or Waterville office during walk-in hours for acute concerns.
For more information on these locations, please visit CommunityMemorial.org/FHC.
WHAT IS AN ACUTE VISIT?
An acute visit is for sudden or short-term health concerns that need timely attention but are not
life-threatening emergencies. These visits are ideal for patients experiencing conditions that come on quickly or worsen suddenly, such as:
- Minor illnesses like colds, flu, or sore throat
- Fever or infections
- Minor injuries, such as sprains, cuts, or minor burns
- Sudden onset of pain or discomfort
- Allergic reactions that aren’t severe
AWARDED FUNDING – Upgrade to our Electronic Medical Record System
Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) has been awarded funding through New York State’s Vital Access Provider (VAP) program to support a comprehensive upgrade of its Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. This investment strengthens CMH’s ability to provide safe, efficient, and coordinated care to patients across Central New York.
The VAP program, designed to stabilize and transform essential community healthcare providers that are uniquely situated, is providing $14.6m in critical funding to ensure CMH has the tools and technology needed to meet the growing demands of modern healthcare delivery.
“Upgrading our EMR system is not just a technology improvement—it is a vital step in enhancing patient care,” said Jeff Coakley, CMH President and CEO. “This VAP award allows us to move forward with innovations that improve how providers access information, coordinate treatment, and engage patients in their own care – and, it elevates Community Memorial as a leading healthcare system with enhanced technology.”
The grant funding will allow CMH to transition its EMR system to a more modern, fully integrated platform. This upgrade will provide clinicians and staff with real-time access to patient information for clinical decisions, expand secure interoperability with statewide and national health information exchanges, and enhance data security.
“Healthcare today depends on accurate, accessible, and secure patient information, and this VAP award is a recognition of the essential role Community Memorial plays in ensuring access to care in rural New York,” added Dr. Michael Walsh, Chief Medical Officer of CMH. “With the support of New York State, we are making critical investments to support safer care and improved outcomes.”
Hospital Auxiliary
The Community Memorial (CMH) Auxiliary closed 2025 marking another year of generosity and community spirit after raising more than $7,000 at its Annual Holiday Sale. The event, held at the Cornerstone Baptist Church in town, brought together staff, volunteers, patients, and community members to support programs that benefit patient care.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from our community,” said Jeff Coakley, CMH President and CEO. “Every dollar raised goes back into improving the patient experience, and this year’s success reflects the generosity and kindness of everyone who participated. We extend our deepest appreciation to the ongoing hard work and dedication of our Auxiliary volunteers.”
Funds from the sale will support the hospital’s key initiatives, including equipment purchases and technology upgrades.
With many exciting ventures on the horizon, the Auxiliary is always actively welcoming new members. Interested in volunteering?
Contact Co-President Kelly Coates at auxiliary@cmhhamilton.com.