Greentown man survives ‘life-threatening’ COVID-19 battle and more

What's new for healthcare in the Upper Delaware region January 6 to 12

Posted 1/5/22

What's new for healthcare in the Upper Delaware region January 6 to 12

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Greentown man survives ‘life-threatening’ COVID-19 battle and more

What's new for healthcare in the Upper Delaware region January 6 to 12

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Garnet Health approved for cardiac surgery program

MIDDLETOWN, NY — Garnet Health Medical Center has recently been granted New York State Department of Health conditional approval to expand cardiology services and develop Orange County’s first cardiac surgery program.

The cardiac surgery program at Garnet Health’s Peter Frommer Heart Center at 707 E. Main St. in Middletown is estimated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2022 and will be affiliated with Columbia HeartSource. Garnet Health will also have a training arrangement with NewYork-Presbyterian to train nurses and surgical techs.

Surgical leadership will be provided by Site Director Michael Argenziano, MD, chief of adult cardiac surgery at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia, under the guidance of Columbia HeartSource leaders Craig Smith, MD, chair of Columbia’s surgical department and surgeon-in-chief at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia, and Allan Schwartz, MD, chief of New York-Presbyterian/Columbia’s cardiology division.

Garnet Health was the first in the county to offer a diagnostic cardiac catheterization lab and was the first to offer diagnostic, emergency and elective angioplasty to the community and surrounding area.

Even so, “in 2019 alone, 625 people had to travel out of Orange, Sullivan and southern Ulster counties for their cardiac surgery,” said Garnet Health president/CEO Scott Batulis. “Garnet Health’s cardiac surgery program will enable our community to receive top-notch cardiac care and still remain close to home, family and friends.”

To learn more about cardiology services at Garnet Health or find a Garnet Health Doctor cardiologist visit https://www.garnethealth.org/services/heart-care.

 

Wayne County's Maternail and Family Health Services received a Villaume Foundation grant. Maria Montoro Edwards, left, from Maternal and Family Health Services and Paul Edwards, Villaume Foundation board member.
Wayne County's Maternail and Family Health Services received a Villaume Foundation grant. Maria Montoro Edwards, left, from Maternal and Family …

 

Maternal and Family Health Services receives grant

HONESDALE, PA — The Board of the John and Helen Villaume Foundation announced that the Maternal and Family Health Services will receive a community grant from the foundation.

Maria Montoro Edwards, on behalf of the Maternal and Family Health Services, was given a check for $7,500 from Villaume Foundation board member, Paul Edwards.

The Villaume grant will be used to support the Nurse-Family Partnership Program in Wayne County. The program is projected to assist 26 at-risk mothers in achieving better pregnancy outcomes, improving child health and development and helping families become self-sufficient.

Maternal and Family Health Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of families in northeastern Pennsylvania by preventing disease, promoting wellness and empowering individuals to realize

the promise of better health, according to a press release from Wayne Bank, which manages the foundation’s account.

To learn more about the Villaume Foundation, call 570/253-1571 or email Trust@WayneBank.com.

To learn more about Maternal and Family Health Services, visit https://www.mfhs.org.

Red Cross: Donate blood or platelets now to prevent delays in care

NATIONWIDE — Concern is rising for the nation’s blood supply, which has now dipped to very low levels , potentially forcing hospitals to hold off on essential blood and platelet transfusions for patients.  

Historically low blood supply levels, not seen in more than a decade, persist for the American  Red Cross, which supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood. The ongoing decline comes at a  time of year when donations typically fall. Holiday get-togethers, school breaks and winter weather often lead to lower donor turnout.

Potential donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross blood donor app, by visiting https://www.RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 800/733- 2767.

The Wright Center to add psychiatry residents  

SCRANTON, PA — The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has approved an application by the Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education to add an additional three resident physicians to the psychiatry residency.

To meet the growing national demand for psychiatric care, the current workforce of about 45,580 psychiatrists must increase by 2,800 behavioral specialists by 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Today’s estimated 6.4 percent shortage of psychiatrists is expected to nearly double to 12 percent by 2025.

“As demand grows, workforce shortages during the pandemic have exacerbated our nation’s health crisis,” said Dr. Sanjay Chandragiri, program director of the Psychiatry Residency. “The ability to expand our psychiatry team will help us provide patients with the care and treatment they deserve and expect from The Wright Center.”

The additional residents will join The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s psychiatry residency in July.

For more information about behavioral health services or to make an appointment at The Wright Center for Community Health, please go to https://www.thewrightcenter.org or call 570/941-0630.

Delaware Valley High School Scholastic Bowl team donated to GAIT. Back row: J.D. Flick, left, Adam Kanterman, Lucas Helms, Janice Healey. Seated: Isaak Courtright, left, Clint Murray, Ralph Courtright, Sara Flick.
Delaware Valley High School Scholastic Bowl team donated to GAIT. Back row: J.D. Flick, left, Adam Kanterman, Lucas Helms, Janice Healey. Seated: …

DV High School Scholastic Bowl team donates to GAIT

MILFORD, PA — The Delaware Valley High School Scholastic Bowl team has donated $2,000 to GAIT in Milford.

The GAIT Therapeutic Riding Center houses and cares for 10 specially selected horses that improve the quality of life of children and adults.

This happens through a variety of programs directed by professionals in horsemanship, mental health, education, and speech pathology.

Sessions are held for veterans and first responders at no charge and the cost for all other participants is kept affordable.

This is done through the generosity of others.

That, said a GAIT spokesperson, is why the donation made by the Delaware Valley High School Scholastic Bowl team is appreciated.

To learn more about GAIT, visit http://gaittrc.org/.

Garnet Health Medical Center receives five stars from Healthgrades

MIDDLETOWN, NY — Garnet Health Medical Center has received high ratings from Healthgrades, a consumer-focused healthcare information site.

The hospital received five stars for pneumonia treatment, for sepsis treatment, for respiratory failure treatment and for pulmonary embolism outcomes.

Healthgrades provides information on hospitals, doctors and other care to patients. Every year, the website evaluates hospital performance at nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 31 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions.

Hospitals receiving a five-star rating have a lower risk of mortality, a Garnet Health spokesman said, and a lower risk of experiencing complications during a hospital stay, compared to hospitals receiving one-star ratings.

Healthgrades’ analysis is based on Medicare medical claims records and other data.

New York data was sourced “from raw data purchased from or provided by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH),” according to Healthgrades. The conclusions, the site adds, are solely those of the author(s).

To learn more about Garnet Health Medical Center, visit https://www.garnethealth.org.

Greentown man survives ‘life-threatening’ COVID-19 battle

HONESDALE, PA — Just two days before Christmas, Christopher Blynn, 54, was discharged from Wayne Memorial Hospital. He’d just survived a battle with COVID-19.

His caregivers called the ordeal “truly life-threatening.” The Greentown, Pike County, man was admitted to the hospital on December 5 and was intubated on December 7.

Ten days later, he was extubated and the climb back began, said a hospital spokeswoman.

Blynn’s nurse, Linda Cherico, said, “I have treated many COVID patients, and surviving intubation is a difficult road. Christopher has done very well—it’s wonderful to see.”

He was wheeled out of the hospital but got up on his own at the curb and walked into his friend’s car.

“The care here was excellent,” he said. “I even gained a little weight.”  

Staff at the Delaware Valley Hospital collected gifts for soldiers.  Rear: Sherry Decker, left, and Ann Ostrander. Front: LPNs Kathy Boyd, left, and Korinna Matthews.
Staff at the Delaware Valley Hospital collected gifts for soldiers. Rear: Sherry Decker, left, and Ann Ostrander. Front: LPNs Kathy Boyd, left, and …
Delaware Valley Hospital collected toys for children in need. Brittany Bates, left, Randy Taylor, Melissa Griffin, Seth Wildenstein.
Delaware Valley Hospital collected toys for children in need. Brittany Bates, left, Randy Taylor, Melissa Griffin, Seth Wildenstein.

Delaware Valley Hospital staff give back to community

WALTON, NY — When they aren’t saving lives, they’re giving back to the community.

United Health Services—Delaware Valley Hospital’s administrative staff are well aware of the wonderful, caring and generous people who are part of the hospital family. During the holidays, their care and concern for others really stands out, a hospital spokeswoman said, “and makes us all even more proud of them and all they do for our patients, each other and for our community.”

Each year Delaware Valley Hospital (DVH) staff members generously contribute to the Walton Toy Bank and 2021 was no exception. Gifts were purchased for 48 children this year. The drive is coordinated through the DVH human resources department by Lisa Kinch, in conjunction with the Community Bank in Walton.

The Primary Care Center staff did not want to forget American soldiers, so they collected five boxes of gifts to help make the holidays a little brighter for the men and women serving away from home, who are “sacrificing so much to keep us safe and free,” the spokeswoman said.

Plains Township, PA, police present check to the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. Officer William Poulos, left, Lt. Richard Lussi, Amanda E. Marchegiani from the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, police Chief Dale Binker, Officer Kevin Brennan, and Officer Brandyn Cole.
Plains Township, PA, police present check to the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. Officer William Poulos, left, Lt. Richard Lussi, Amanda E. …

Police raise money for Northeast Regional Cancer Institute

SCRANTON, PA — The Plains Township Police Department collaborated with Futuristic Innovative Graphics to specially design t-shirts as a breast cancer awareness fundraiser in October 2021.

They raised $1,462.66 to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, a local organization focused on easing the burden of cancer in northeastern Pennsylvania. This is the second year of the fundraiser, and they plan to hold the event again in 2022.

To learn more about the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, visit https://cancernepa.org/.

Delgado calls on administration to lower Medicare costs for seniors

RHINEBECK, NY — US Rep. Antonio Delgado (NY-19) called on the Department of Health and Human Services to take action to lower Medicare premiums for seniors. Medicare Part B premiums are set to rise by nearly 15 percent in 2022.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for older Americans, and rising prices have been especially difficult for seniors on a fixed income,” said Delgado. “Now is not the time to raise health care costs for seniors. Families and seniors deserve access to the lowest cost prescription drug prices, lower health care costs, and access to quality, dependable care.”

 

Kim Wall, RN, has been presented with DAISY Award for providing outstanding care.
Kim Wall, RN, has been presented with DAISY Award for providing outstanding care.

 

Garnet Health—Catskills honors exceptional nurse

HARRIS, NY — Kim Wall, an Emergency Department registered nurse at Garnet Health—Catskills, has been presented with the DAISY award for extraordinary nurses, according to a hospital spokesman.

Wall was recognized “for the amazing care and compassion she provided to the family of a patient,” said Rob Lee, executive director for marketing and corporate communications at Garnet Health. “Her nomination illustrated the above-and-beyond qualities she possesses, including kindness, respect and compassion.”

The award comes from the DAISY Foundation, which recognizes nurses who make a profound difference in the lives of the patients for whom they care, according to the foundation’s website.

Wall isn’t alone, according to hospital staff. “Our nurses are heroes every day,” said chief nursing officer Suzanne Lange Ahmed, “and their work is highly valued by patients and fellow staff.”

Learn more about Garnet Health at https://www.garnethealth.org.

Learn more about the Daisy Foundation at https://www.daisyfoundation.org/.

'Holiday Cards for Heroes’ to health care workers

CANAJOHARIE, NY — Rep. Antonio Delgado (NY-19) visited the Canajoharie Family Health Center to deliver holiday cards to health care workers. The cards were made by community members throughout New York’s 19th District and collected as part of Delgado’s annual Holiday Cards for Heroes program.

This is the third year that Delgado has collected holiday cards for upstate active-duty service members. During COVID-19, he expanded the program to include cards for frontline health care workers.   

“Our local healthcare workers are on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19,” said Delgado. “My Holiday Cards for Heroes program is a way for our community to thank these local heroes for everything they do. I am so glad I was able to deliver a festive token of our appreciation and I am committed to supporting healthcare workers and community health centers as they tirelessly work to keep us all safe and healthy.”

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