MVHS ACQUIRES NEW STOMP OUT CANCER TELETHON MVHS OFFERS INNOVATIVE DA VINCI® XI™ SURGICAL SYSTEM MAKES DOUBLE THE IMPACT WATCHMAN HEART PROCEDURE

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TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE FROM EXCELLENT TO EXCEPTIONAL | THIRD QUARTER 2019

MVHS LAUNCHES NEW SYSTEM-WIDE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD: EPIC By MILLIE CONDON | Page 9 Table of Contents

MVHS held the 113th graduation ceremony for St. Elizabeth College of Nursing in May, with 81 new nurses graduated.

3 | News In Brief 11 | MyCare – Transforming MVHS 16 | MVHS Offers Innovative from the Inside Out WATCHMAN Heart Procedure 4 | MVHS Acquires New da® Vinci Xi™ Surgical System 12 | Orthopedic Surgeon 17 | The 23rd Annual Miracle Introduces Non-Operative Drawing Kicks Off 6 | MVHS Volunteers Gift More Option for Knee Pain Than $2 Million to MVHS since 18 | MVHS Hosts Open House for Turn of Century 13 | MVHS Among First in Breastfeeding Moms New York State to Offer 7 | New Regional Medical Center Innovative TCAR Procedure 19 | I-CARE Stories Model Reveal 14 | Stomp Out Cancer Telethon 8 | MVHS Launches New Achieves Goal, Makes Double System-Wide Electronic the Impact Health Record: Epic

2 · INSIDER | Q3 { NEWS IN BRIEF

MVHS Introduces Medication NEWS Takeback Program

In March, MVHS installed pharmaceutical drop-off receptacles at IN BRIEF each of its three main campuses: Faxton Campus – Urgent Care, 1676 Sunset Avenue, Utica; St. Elizabeth Campus – Emergency Department, 2209 Genesee Street, Utica and St. Luke’s – Campus Emergency Department, 1656 Champlin Avenue, Utica. Edward S. Barton Trust These receptacles are monitored by security and cameras at all Awards $100,000 to MVHS times. The drop-offs are free, safe and completely confidential. Waterville Medical Office Consumers and caregivers are encouraged to remove expired, unwanted or unused medicines from their homes as quickly as The Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) Foundation was awarded possible to help reduce the chance that others accidentally take or a $100,000, two-year grant from Edward S. Barton, Bank of America, intentionally misuse the unneeded medicine, and to help reduce the N.A., Co-Trustee to assist in renovations of the MVHS Waterville amount of drugs from entering the environment.1 1 Medical Office located at the Madison Street Business Park, 358 U.S. Food & Drug Administration, 2019, Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know. Madison Street, Waterville, New York. This grant is for renovations needed after consolidating the two Waterville Medical Offices. MVHS Graduates New

Prohibition Party Nurses, Family Medicine and

On Friday, April 26, 2019, MVHS Foundation and F.X. Matt Brewery Dental Residency Students held the 11th annual Prohibition Party at the historic F.X. Matt Brew- ing Co. The event was presented by Theresa Flemma, CFP®, director In May 2019, the St. Elizabeth College of Nursing (SECON) graduated at Baird, Flemma Gornick Group. 81 new nurses. Additionally in June 2019, ten doctors graduated from St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program. Five of the graduating residents will stay in the area to work, and four will be working for MVHS.

Our Dental Residency Program also graduated five dental residents.

Congratulations to all our graduates!

Above: Partygoers enjoy the 2019 MVHS Foundation Prohibition Party.

Right: (left to right) Allysa Prashad, MD, Captain William I. Lin, MD, Gregory Marra, MD, Sukhi Sandhu, MD, Yagnasri Eagala, MD, Heraa Chaudhry, MD, George Wickramanayake, MD, Kyung Auh, MD, Phillips S. Cao, MD and Sophie Alesna-Sabang, MD graduted from the Family Medicine Residency Program at MVHS.

Q3 | INSIDER · 3 NEW DA VINCI XI SURGICAL SYSTEM AT MVHS}

MVHS ACQUIRES NEW DA VINCI® XI ™ SURGICAL SYSTEM

BY GRACE FERNANDEZ

Jonathan Blancaflor, MD, director of Robotic Surgery at MVHS.

4 · INSIDER | Q3 {NEW DA VINCI XI SURGICAL SYSTEM AT MVHS

“This system is a great example of how the advancement of technology will allow us to do amazing things for our patients.”

- Jonathan Blancaflor, MD, director of Robotic Surgery at MVHS

VHS has acquired a second clarity. The robot provides the ability to allows our surgeons to perform even surgical robot. The da Vinci® Xi™ attach the endoscope to any arm, provid- more complex procedures and show our Robotic Surgical System is an ad- ing flexibility for visualizing the surgical site community that their medical needs can M ® dition to the da Vinci Si™ robot acquired in and has smaller, thinner arms with newly be met right here at home.” 2017. Surgeons at MVHS use the da Vinci Si designed joints that offer a greater range Patients that benefit from robotic to remove lung tumors, urological, gyneco- of motion than ever before. surgery include, but are not limited to, logic, thoracic, cardiac and general surgery “The acquisition of this new robot is a patients with hernias, colon cancer and procedures. A new and secondary robot perfect example of the many ways MVHS is urological issues. will allow for MVHS Robotics Department bringing advanced medicine and innova- For more information on the da Vinci Xi to expand and allow more patients tion to our region,” said Darlene Stromstad, System at MVHS, visit mvhealthsystem.org/ to receive state-of-the-art care. FACHE, president/CEO. “The da Vinci Xi, robotics. v On Monday, April 22, 2019, Jonathan Blancaflor, MD, director of Robotic Surgery at MVHS, successfully completed the first surgery at MVHS with the da Vinci Xi,

which Dr. Blancaflor says would not have The da Vinci Xi incorporates a new been possible without this specialized overhead instrument arm architecture designed that allows anatomical access robotic device. from virtually any position. Inset: smaller, “The surgery went smoothly and the thinner arms and newly designed joints team handled it flawlessly,” said Dr. Blanca- offer a greater range of motion. flor. “This system is a great example of how the advancement of technology will allow us to do amazing things for our patients.” The da Vinci Xi Surgical System has a motion-integrated table that commu- nicates with the robot and allows the surgeon to position the patient dynamically during the procedure. The da Vinci Xi provides a new overhead instrument arm architecture designed to facilitate anatomical access from virtually any position. It also has a new endoscope that creates a simpler, more compact design with improved vision definition and

Q3 | INSIDER · 5 MVHS VOLUNTEERS REACH MILESTONE}

MVHS Volunteers Gift (Front row, left to right) Linda Kurtyka, Paula Fontaine and Michele Adams. (Back row, left to right) Jane Gwise, Susan Warwick, Patricia Lupia, Cheryl Collins, Nancy Randall, Carole More Than $2 Million Nunziata, Grace Garro, Craig Heuss and John Forbes. Absent from photo are board members, Elise Hereth, Pam Joswick, to MVHS since Turn of Century Margaret Lalonde and Sheila Marlenga.

BY ANGELA LINCE

n Tuesday, February 19, 2019, MVHS Foundation – whether they are MVHS, there are openings in several de- MVHS Volunteers Mirror Board partnering with us by making a generous partments with flexible assignments and O Members were acknowledged gift toward a critical need, volunteering hours. Some common tasks in which vol- during their monthly board meeting for at an event or providing their unending unteers provide assistance are customer donating more than $2 million to MVHS comfort and support to our community in and sales service in the gift shops, giving since the year 2000. These donations their daily roles, they are making a differ- directions at the lobby information desks, were a combined effort of the Faxton ence. We have always been thankful for keeping families in the waiting rooms up- St. Luke’s Volunteer Association and The all they do and we are so happy to be able dated on their loved ones, delivering mail Guild of St. Elizabeth Medical Center. to recognize such a wonderful milestone to departments and assisting patients in “We are very grateful to celebrate the in their giving.” medical units such as Outpatient Infusion incredible gifts made by the MVHS Volun- Both volunteer groups raise funds and the Emergency Department. teers over the past 19 years as they are through gift shops and vendor sales. To become a volunteer at MVHS, please one of our system’s largest annual and In addition to their monetary gifts, the call the Volunteer Services office at 315- lifetime donors,” said John Forbes, vice volunteers contribute more than 24,000 624-6142 or visit mvhealthsystem.org/ president of Philanthropy at MVHS. “Our hours of services to MVHS each year. volunteer. v volunteers provide critical services to the For those interested in volunteering at

6 · INSIDER | Q3 {NEW REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER MODEL

The model brings the #MVHSDowntown vision to life, showcasing the hospital footprint and surrounding areas in Downtown Utica.

New Regional Medical Center Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. and Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce Executive Model Reveal Director Meghan Fraser McGrogan check out the model of the new regional medical center. BY CAITLIN McCANN

n April 2019, MVHS introduced a new addition to the Regional Medical Cen- I ter endeavors that physically brings the #MVHSDowntown vision to life - on a miniature scale. Since the exterior Regional Medical Center renderings were publicly released on October 26, 2018, discussion of creating a model lingered among MVHS and its project partners. The importance of demonstrating to the public how the MVHS Regional Medical Center will con- tribute to the revitalization of Downtown Utica continues to be a focal point in the beginnings of the project. To kick-off the revealing of the model, the portable 3D sky view of Utica was first shown at the 11th annual Prohibition Par- ty on Friday, April 26, 2019, located at the historic F.X. Matt Brewing Co., 830 Varick Street, Utica, New York. Over 300 guests had an exclusive first look at the model. The model shows Genesee, Oriskany, Court and State streets and the area in between, complete with all the existing during National Hospital Week, Monday, Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at the Doubletree buildings. New parking lots, dotted with May 13, through Thursday, May 16, 2019. by Hilton Hotel Utica, 102 Lafayette Street trees, a new ground-level heliport, a sky- In celebration of all MVHS employees, in Utica. More than 100 people attended walk over Columbia Street and a parking volunteers and medical staff members, the event. garage are also featured. Designs for the select MVHS locations were open for As MVHS continues to progress on Medical Center’s parking garage are still model viewing. the new Medical Center, the model is in the process of being drawn. A generic Lastly, a formal unveiling and press being shared with community members building is in place for the time being. conference to all MVHS partners, elected throughout the region. v The second round of revealing occurred officials and the media was scheduled on

Q3 | INSIDER · 7 8 · INSIDER | Q3 {MVHS LAUNCHES NEW EHR: EPIC

MVHS LAUNCHES NEW SYSTEM-WIDE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD: EPIC

BY MILLIE CONDON

n Saturday, June 29, 2019, MVHS majority of U.S. News and World Report’s to coordinate care more efficiently with successfully launched a new, top-ranked hospitals and medical schools clinicians outside of the health system, O system-wide electronic health who are working collaboratively every day which will help close care gaps and reduce record (EHR) called Epic, which for the first to improve patient care, innovate health- duplication,” said Lynch. “Providers and cli- time puts the two hospitals and physician care delivery and achieve financial health. nicians are now able to see ‘real-time’ data practices on the same platform. Previously, More than 60 percent of New Yorkers and have a comprehensive view of their MVHS used five different systems in its facil- currently have a record in Epic. MVHS patients’ medical records.” ities. This is a momentous step in improving peers, including St. Joseph’s Hospital and In addition to improving care coordina- and supporting patient quality and safety Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, Bassett tion for providers, patients will also have and outcomes at MVHS. Healthcare Network in Cooperstown and increased visibility and access for manag- “This is truly an ‘Epic’ moment for our Rochester Regional Health and University of ing their health information using Epic’s health system,” said Darlene Stromstad, Rochester Medical Center in Rochester are online portal, MyChart. Patients are able to FACHE, MVHS president/CEO. “There also part of the Epic community. easily and securely communicate with their are many benefits of Epic, most notably All organizations using Epic can in- providers, view their health history and past improved patient safety and quality and im- teroperate which means they can easily visit information, schedule appointments, proved efficiency of care. We are now able, exchange patient data for improved patient request prescription refills, pay their bills in real-time, to monitor patient activity by care. and more. unit and by patient, decreasing the opportu- “I’ll state the obvious: St. Elizabeth Medi- “MyChart is an important tool for pa- nity for delays in patient care. It gives us the cal Center and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare tients, giving them control over their health ability to share real-time patient informa- have been operating on different medical information and becoming an engaged tion throughout the health system and with record platforms,” said Stromstad. “We member of their care team,” said Lynch. our peers to better coordinate our patients’ couldn’t share real-time patient records care. That results in less testing because we even though patients may be seen on can share up-to-date results. And, for those both campuses. The advantages are patients who wish to sign up with our pa- immediate.” tient portal, it provides them direct access John Lynch, MVHS vice president/ to their own health record. Moving to Epic chief information officer, and Paul is a significant step toward transforming Davidson, MD, MVHS chief medical healthcare in our region.” information officer, lead the efforts for Epic is the most widely-used, comprehen- the Epic implementation. sive health record system. It’s used by the “MVHS providers now have the ability

Left: The Epic and MVHS teams work together in the command center after Epic Go-Live.

Right: The MyChart app mobile login makes managing appointments and other health information quick and easy. MVHS LAUNCHES NEW EHR: EPIC}

Patients can also access the portal via the together to deliver great patient care.” weekend. This is truly a remarkable feat – MyChart mobile application, available in the “Changing the way we work every day it takes most organizations more than app stores. can be a challenge to providers, particu- two years. The Epic implementation process has larly physicians who are not used to this “This is a massive undertaking and I’m included approximately 126,540 training technology,” said. Dr. Paul Davidson. “How- very proud and grateful to the MVHS team hours over the past year for a number of ever, we’ve been very pleased with how for this accomplishment.” physicians, nurses, pharmacists, support they’ve approached the training and came For CIO John Lynch, this is his third and financial teams. This is a significant in with the attitude that this is the future, Epic go-live. “Experience teaches us many investment for MVHS and one that will play and they’ll make it work. It will take a few things, including the need to have as much an important role in the coordination of months, but it will become second-hand support as needed the first few weeks. We patient care – in both the inpatient and the for everyone.” have augmented our staff with internal outpatient settings. “We implemented this major change in “Superusers” who are deployed across all Stromstad said the many teams of staff a little over a year,” said Stromstad. “More of our locations to provide assistance. We that have been working tirelessly together than 90 million records were successfully also brought in teams of people from Epic for the past year have built professional re- transferred to Epic from the legacy medical to help train and support.” lationships that strengthen MVHS. “Know- record systems. Staff also manually re- To learn more about Epic and the MVHS ing your coworkers results in better trust, scheduled 120,000 appointments from the MyChart tool, visit mvhealthsystem.org/ and that strengthens our ability to work old systems to Epic over the Father’s Day Epic. v

The Epic and MVHS teams work together in the command center after Epic Go-Live.

10 · INSIDER | Q3 {MYCARE WELLNESS PROGRAM AT MVHS

MyCare – Transforming MVHS The MVHS Healthcast hosts learn easy workouts from Mohawk Valley Wellness trainers. from the Inside Out

BY VICTORIA BRACCO

n March 2019, MVHS Human Resourc- tary. The program is appropriately named ambassadors who provide guidance on activ- es (HR) Department announced a new “MyCare” because MVHS believes that ities and answer questions and events which I approach to help MVHS employees with employees should attend to their own health include a list of activities to keep employees their personal well-being. All benefits-eligi- needs in order to live the MVHS values and on the right track throughout the year. ble employees are now able to participate provide service excellence for patients. MVHS is looking forward to this new in a meaningful set of activities intended to The MyCare program has important program, which will help guide employees encourage healthy actions and habits. This features that include incentives, a WellSteps toward a healthier lifestyle and assist in program was produced by a senior group of tool containing all program information, transforming healthcare from excellent health and administrative professionals from education, wellness coaching and tracking to to exceptional. v across the system and is completely volun- earn incentives, Wellness coordinators and

Q3 | INSIDER · 11 IOVERA TREATMENT FOR KNEE PAIN}

Andrew Wickline, MD, orthopedic surgeon Orthopedic Surgeon Introduces and Total Joint medical director, at the Non-Operative Option for Knee Pain St. Elizabeth campus of MVHS.

BY GRACE FERNANDEZ

VHS is now offering a non-opera- under the skin - cold enough to temporarily The iovera treatment is precise, imme- tive option for knee arthritis pain stop the nerve from signaling, providing pain diate and predictable. Nothing is injected M and a pre-operative treatment relief until the nerve regenerates. The iovera into the body, so there are no systemic side prior to knee replacement to help with treatment is FDA cleared to block pain. effects. Full results are typically felt before post-operative pain and will reduce the need “It has been my goal to dramatically re- the appointment is over. The treatment is for narcotics. Andrew Wickline, MD, orthope- duce the pain associated with knee minimally invasive, done on an outpatient dic surgeon and Total Joint medical director replacement and ideally eliminate the basis and only requires local anesthetic – at the St. Elizabeth Campus at MVHS began need for narcotics after surgery,” said Dr. there is no sedation, general anesthetic or implementing this program with his patients Wickline. “I identified that by using the hospital stay. in April 2019. iovera technique many non-surgical patients “This is yet another way we are bringing The purpose of the iovera°® treatment is now have another treatment option. We innovation to our region while also address- to use the body’s natural response to cold now use the technology pre-operatively and ing the growing opioid epidemic through to immediately block a sensory nerve from believe that this technique will lead to 85 alternative approaches to managing pain,” sending pain signals. Using a small probe percent of patients being able to be narcotic said Darlene Stromstad, FACHE, president/ (or Smart Tip), a precise cold zone is formed free after knee replacement.” CEO of MVHS. v

12 · INSIDER | Q3 {MVHS OFFERS INNOVATIVE TCAR PROCEDURE

“Because of its low stroke risk and faster patient recover, I believe TCAR represents the future of carotid repair.”

- Kenneth Murphy, MD, director of Interventional Radiology at MVHS

MVHS Among First in New York State to Offer MVHS Interventional Radiology team now offers the TCAR procedure to its patients. Pictured left to right: TCAR Represen- tative, Jason Fox, TCAR Representative, Karen Hoole, Florence Innovative TCAR Procedure Wheelock, Michaela Ward, Dr. Christoper Max, Dr. Kenneth Murphy, Dr. David O’Connor, Lacey Matrassi, Joelene Wesolowski, TCAR Representative, TCAR Representative. BY ANGELA LINCE

VHS is among the first health systems in New York State to M treat carotid artery disease and prevent future strokes using a new procedure called TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR). TCAR is a clini- cally proven, minimally invasive and safe approach for high surgical risk patients who need carotid artery treatment. Carotid artery disease is a form of atherosclerosis, or a buildup of plaque, in the two main arteries in the neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. If left untreated, carotid artery disease can often lead to stroke. It is estimated to be the source of stroke in up to a third of cases, with 400,000 new diagnoses of the disease made every year in the United States alone. “TCAR is an important new option in the fight against stroke, and is particularly brain, preventing a stroke from happen- lowing, speaking and sensation in suited for the large portion of patients ing. A stent is then placed inside the artery the face. we see who are at higher risk of compli- to stabilize the plaque, minimizing the risk The TCAR procedure was developed cations from carotid surgery due to age, of a future stroke. by Sunnyvale, California-based Silk Road ® anatomy or other medical conditions,” Prior to TCAR, the main treatment op- Medical, Inc. and includes the ENROUTE said Kenneth Murphy, MD, director of In- tion for severe carotid artery disease was Transcarotid Neuroprotection (NPS) and terventional Radiology at MVHS. “Because an open surgical procedure called carotid Stent System – the first devices designed of its low stroke risk and faster patient endarterectomy (CEA). CEA removes and FDA-approved specifically for TCAR. recovery, I believe TCAR represents the plaque from inside the carotid artery to Over 5,000 TCAR procedures have been future of carotid repair.” restore normal blood flow to the brain, performed worldwide through clinical TCAR is unique in that blood flow is but the large incision leaves a visible scar trial and commercial use. TCAR has been temporarily reversed during the proce- the length of the neck and carries risks of studied extensively, and the clinical data dure so that any small bits of plaque that surgical complications, including bleeding, has been excellent. Additional information may break off are diverted away from the infection, heart attack and cranial nerve about TCAR is available at silkroadmed. injuries that can cause issues with swal- com/disease-and-treatment-options. v

Q3 | INSIDER · 13 STOMP OUT CANCER TELETHON ACHIEVES GOAL}

STOMP OUT CANCER TELETHON GOAL ACHIEVED, MAKES DOUBLE THE IMPACT

BY MILLIE CONDON

Left to right: Bob Scholefield, COO of MVHS, Kristen Copeland, WKTV, Nancy Butcher, director of the MVHS Cancer Center, Cheryl Bowen, cancer survivor, Karna Sura, MD and Symeon Tsoupelis Jr., Stomp Out Cancer Chairperson 14 · INSIDER | Q3 {STOMP OUT CANCER TELETHON ACHIEVES GOAL

“What is being done at the MVHS Cancer Center is touching the lives of thousands and will continue to do so for generations to come.”

- Nancy Butcher, director of the MVHS Cancer Center

he MVHS Foundation and the is greatly needed for the F. E. Romano MVHS Cancer Center are pleased Family Radiation Oncology Department at T to announce that the 21st annual the MVHS Cancer Center. Stomp Out Cancer Telethon raised One patient who chose to receive her $250,000. This year, gifts had double the radiation treatments at the Cancer Center impact as all donations, up to $125,000, is Cheryl Bowen of Whitesboro, New York, were matched. This generous donation who was diagnosed with breast cancer was made anonymously and is gifted in 2018. Bowen credits her healing and in memory of a remarkable man. The recovery to staff in the Radiation Oncol- Telethon was broadcast live Wednesday, ogy Department and hopes that others March 27, 2019 from The MVHS Cancer will help support a department that plays Center on WKTV NewsChannel 2. such a critical role in patients’ recovery. “The support of this community is “Dr. Sura, my radiation oncologist, was amazing,” said Nancy Butcher, director of just wonderful to me during my time at the MVHS Cancer Center. “What is being the MVHS Cancer Center,” Bowen said. “I done at the MVHS Cancer Center is touch- just can’t say enough about him and the ing the lives of thousands and will contin- entire team – they were just the best.” ue to do so for generations to come.” MVHS Board of Directors member and ABOUT THE LINEAR ACCELERATOR Stomp Out Cancer Chairperson Symeon Tsoupelis, Jr., agrees that this is an excit- A new linear accelerator will allow important to MVHS to keep the tech- ing achievement. the MVHS Cancer Center team to target nology current in order to provide our “We are very grateful to our anony- tumors more accurately in a shorter treat- patients with the best treatment possible. mous matching gift donor, our media ment time while also minimizing the dose Thank you to the sponsors of the partners WKTV NewsChannel 2 and of radiation to surrounding healthy tissue Stomp Out Cancer Telethon including: CBS Utica, our many sponsors and the and organs. The new technology will Symeon’s Restaurant, Utica Coffee Roast- more than 700 generous individuals ensure fast, precise delivery of treatments ing Co., MVHS Volunteers, The Zonta Club and businesses who helped us meet our as well as accuracy in patient positioning. of Utica, International Brotherhood of match,” he said. “Everyone is going to be Our medical and nursing staff sees Electrical Workers Local 43, The National touched by cancer in some way during firsthand the role modern technology Electrical Contractors Association, Oneida their lifetime and our Stomp Out Cancer plays in the lives of the patients and fami- Electric, Lawrence Rieben & Sons, Fust effort helps to ensure our technology and lies cared for at the MVHS Cancer Center. Charles Chambers, LLP, First Source cancer services at MVHS are state-of-the- The advanced technology that will be Federal Credit Union, Upstate Cancer art. We want our community to know that made available thanks to the funds raised Radiation Oncology, Bank of Utica and they can receive their cancer care close to by the Telethon will enable the Radiation Danforth. home and close to their loved ones.” Oncology Department to provide excep- If you would still like to make a Dollars raised through this year’s tele- tional care using less intensive methods. donation to the MVHS Cancer Center, thon will support the purchase of a new, These continually improving changes in please visit mvhealthsystem.org/founda- state-of-the-art Linear Accelerator that technology are monumental and it’s tion. v

Q3 | INSIDER · 15 WATCHMAN HEART PROCEDURE}

MVHS Offers Innovative Michael Sassower, MD, FACC, prepares for the WATCHMAN procedure. WATCHMAN Heart Procedure

BY VICTORIA BRACCO

VHS in partnership with Central dure does not require open-heart surgery charged the next day. New York (CNY) Cardiology, and is typically performed under general By closing off the LAA, the risk of stroke M officially began offering the anesthesia or conscious sedation. can be reduced in patients with an irreg- WATCHMAN procedure to the community “The WATCHMAN device is an import- ular heart beat (atrial fibrillation) who are in February. Executed by Michael Sassow- ant step forward in stroke management not suitable for blood thinners. Over time, er, MD of CNY Cardiology, WATCHMAN is for patients with atrial fibrillation,” said heart tissue grows over the WATCHMAN an innovative, one-time procedure that Dr. Sassower. “A significant number of pa- device and the LAA is permanently sealed. reduces the risk of strokes that originate tients who should be on oral anticoagula- Adding the WATCHMAN procedure to in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Not tion cannot take it for numerous reasons. the list of services offered to patients is only does it reduce the risk of stroke, but WATCHMAN is a breakthrough treatment just another step in the development of a it removes the risk of bleeding that can providing those patients who are suitable comprehensive structural heart program come with the long-term use of blood for blood thinners with an alternative to here at MVHS. By providing such an thinners like Warfarin (also known as long-term blood thinner therapy, while advanced option of care and technology Coumadin®). still reducing the risk of stroke.” with minimal down time for patients, The WATCHMAN is a device inserted The procedure usually lasts up to an MVHS is able to provide the community into the LAA of the heart via a small hour with a fast and generally painless with the excellence in heart care and incision in the groin. The implant proce- recovery, allowing the patient to be dis- healthcare that they deserve.v

16 · INSIDER | Q3 {2019 MIRACLE DRAWING

The 23rd Annual Miracle Drawing Underway

BY MILLIE CONDON

he MVHS Foundation, in partner- women’s and children’s services at MVHS. Union locations, Jay-K Independent Lum- ship with WKTV NewsChannel The winner of the Miracle Drawing ber Corp., Remington Federal Credit Union T 2, The Observer-Dispatch and receives a $100,000 cash prize. Bonus and Special Metals Federal Credit Union. PJ Green, announced the start of the prizes will also be given away. Tickets may Per guidelines from the New York 23rd annual $100,000 Miracle Drawing be purchased for $100 by cash or check at State Gaming Commission prohibiting to benefit our local Children’s Miracle one of our participating ticket locations. online sales of charitable raffles, tickets Network (CMN) Hospitals at MVHS. One Participating ticket locations include; are not available online at this time. lucky person will win $100,000 in cash. AmeriCU Credit Union locations, the The drawing will be held on For the past two decades, the $100,000 MVHS Boonville Medical Office, Chanatry’s Wednesday, October 16, 2019, at Miracle Drawing has helped create mira- Hometown Market, Countryside Stove & 6 p.m. at the St. Luke’s Campus in cles for the children of our community and Chimney, MVHS’ St. Luke’s, St. Elizabeth New Hartford, New York. v raised more than $5.2 million to benefit and Faxton Campuses, GPO Federal Credit

BLAKE, 5 New Hartford, NY Blake spent time recovering on our Pediatric floor at the St. Luke’s campus after having surgery. During his time here, Blake received care from our incredible staff, including our child life specialist, MEET OUR whose position is funded through Chil- dren’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Child life professionals help infants, children, 2019 MIRACLE youth and families cope with the stress and uncertainty of illness and injury CHILDREN and treatment. They help reduce fear, anxiety and pain through therapeutic play, preparation and education.

GRAYSON, 4 New Hartford, NY Grayson was in need of speech therapy. Due to insurance restrictions, he was unable to get the care that he needed to thrive. CMN Hospitals was able to help by providing the necessary fund- ing to supplement where insurance fell short. Thanks to CMN Hospitals, Grayson is making excellent progress. Q3 | INSIDER · 17 BREASTFEEDING CAFE OPEN HOUSE}

MVHS Hosts Open House for Breastfeeding Moms

BY JOHN LATINI

VHS, in cooperation with Mo- CenteringPregnancy® Room, where the working with community partners to pro- hawk Valley Breastfeeding Breastfeeding Cafe meets. vide the continuity of care and resources to M Network, hosted an open house The Mohawk Valley Breastfeeding Net- mothers after they have been discharged for mothers and mothers-to-be. The open work is a non-for profit volunteer organiza- from the hospital. Currently, MVHS offers house featured local maternity service ven- tion committed to providing breastfeeding a CenteringPregnancy® program where dors, educational materials, fun activities, education and support to all mothers. mothers receive their prenatal care in a giveaways and much more. Locally run Breastfeeding cafes have been group setting, where they can connect and Parents were encouraged to come around since 2010, and are now offered in learn from one another. The new Breast- learn about breastfeeding support offered six different locations. feeding Cafe will be a natural continuation at MVHS and experience the cozy new MVHS understands the importance of of this type of support after birth. v

Participants join in on the first MVHS Breastfeeding Cafe.

18 · INSIDER | Q3 {I-CARE STORIES

I-CARE Stories Sharing Stories of Inspiration

I-CARE Stories are about caregivers, protectors, companions and champions. They acknowledge special, and sometimes life-changing, moments that make a difference for our patients, residents, their families and our coworkers. The following stories are about those individuals and teams who inspire us Corrine Adams and Yennie Nguyen to always do our best and uphold the values of I-CARE (Integrity, Compassion, prepare an anniversary celebration Accountability, Respect and Excellence). for a patient and his wife.

Special Care Staff, St. Elizabeth Campus On Thursday, June 27, the Special Care staff at the St. Elizabeth Campus hosted a 52nd anniversary party for one of their patients and his wife. His nurse listened when he shared that he had been hospi- talized so much recently that he had been unable to celebrate several holidays with his wife. She decided to make their day special and brought in decorations and cake for he and his wife. Corrine Adams and his nurse for the day, Yennie Nguyen, decorated with a banner and flowers, even spreading rose petals for the cou- ple! They enjoyed the cake and were so thrilled by the recognition that both were in tears! v

Intensive Care Unit Our ICU had the privilege of caring for D and his wife, Jeanne. D was an active for the ICU so it could be used by other I had hip replacement surgery in March and young 60-year-old man who suffered family members in need. Jeanne told us with Dr. Andrew Wickline, and all the nurs- a massive stroke. D and Jeanne spent 13 that she was grateful for the quiet room es and others – from pre-op to recovery days in our ICU until his passing. During and recliner she used during her time with to therapy – took care of me wonderfully. that time, the ICU staff had the pleasure us. She said she wanted to give something St. E’s is a cramped, old hospital, which of of getting to know Jeanne and D through back in D's memory and also express her course makes it central to the current dis- the stories Jeanne would tell them. It was gratitude for how we cared for her as well. cussion about a new hospital for the Utica obvious that he had many paople who "If it were not for this space and that area, but whatever happens with facili- loved him – his sister Barb spent a great recliner, I don't know what I would have ties, the people you currently employ are deal of time supporting Jeanne. done because I wanted to be by my superb. I want to mention in particular Mi- After D's passing, Jeanne called the ICU husband's side," she said. "I just want to chelle and Mary, who were nurses in the and shared that they held a wonderful thank you all for making a difference." v Recovery Room, and Fran, who wheeled celebration of D's life in their communi- me through the hallways multiple times, ty, attended by over 400 people. At this Ernest Williams, Grateful Patient for their care and deep, personal concern celebration, money was raised to donate This is an easy letter; I write to say sim- for my well being. This is theway hospitals to MVHS toward the purchase of a recliner ply that you have superb staff at St. E’s. should work. I am recovering nicely!

Q3 | INSIDER · 19 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Upcoming Utica Kidney Walk Events SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Community Health Fair Please visit the intranet or PO Box 479 | Utica, NY 13503-0479 mvhealthsystem.org for a complete list of upcoming events. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16 Miracle Drawing

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 Campaign for Quality

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

Staff January 2019 to June 2019 Announcements

MANAGERS AND DIRECTORS MEDICAL STAFF Trisha Cashman Ransford Commey, MD Roza Karabanov, FNP-BC Outreach Manager Bariatric Surgeon Family Nurse Practioner Laboratory Services Lisa Dorsey-Bornfreedom, MD Giora Katz, MD Jessica Culver, RN, BSN Primary Care Physician Urologist Nurse Manager, 6th Floor Oncology Unit Caroline Going, PA-C Eric Porritt, DO St. Luke’s Campus Physican Assistant Orthopedic Surgeon Urgent Care Marie Elliot, RN Camille Richards, MD Nurse Manager, Psyhciatric Unit Stephen Hudyncia, MD General and Trauma Surgeon St. Luke’s Campus Psychiatrist

Deanna Eychner, LPN, CHT Program Manager Advanced Wound Care NURSE NAVIGATORS AND SPECIALISTS William Ryan, MD Peter Manno, RN Primary Care Medical Director Provider Relations Specialist

Carolyn Woodruff Donald Washburn Housekeeping Supervisor Health and Wellness Coordinator

20 · INSIDER | Q3