Department Spotlight: Primary Care Center

The word “primary” means “of chief importance.” It’s no surprise that primary care is at the center of the healthcare system. The preventive care provided by this service is key to achieving and maintaining good health.

Rural communities do not always have access to family practice and internal medicine. Bertrand Chaffee Hospital established its Primary Care Center in 2010 to respond to community need for primary care services. Four physicians, three physician assistants, two nurse practitioners, nurses and staff are part of a team that welcome patients of all ages.

“Primary care is the first line of care for most patients’ health needs,” said Dr. Wnuk. “We work with individuals and their families to manage health conditions and improve quality of life.” Dr. William Wnuk joined the practice in 2015. BCH has recruited medical professionals to expand access to essential medical services. That includes primary care, but also related specialty services like general surgery and cardiology.

“I would describe our Primary Care Center as interactive and patient-oriented,” said Kim Bockhahn, LPN. “We do our best to serve patients and their needs, from scheduling appointments and managing prescriptions to referring to specialists as necessary.”

Twenty-seven employees work in the Primary Care Center. Even more individuals provide support behind the scenes in medical records and coding, and billing. From the front desk to the back office, the PCC team focuses on high quality care in a comfortable setting with compassionate staff.

The BCH Primary Care Center accepts new patients and all major insurances. Call for an appointment at (716) 592-8140.

BCH Foundation’s May 2017 Meeting

The Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation met on May 1 for its quarterly meeting. The foundation board re-elected its officers: President William King of West Valley; Vice President Mary Kwiatek of Springville; Secretary David Batterson of Springville; and Treasurer Claudia Miller of Arcade. The group re-appointed four members to three-year terms: Batterson, Kwiatek, Grover Riefler and Stanley Handzlik. And, Brandon Frank and Kathleen Paszkiewicz were re-appointed as employee representatives from BCH and the Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home, respectively.

The board reviewed activity from donors and supporters for the first four months of 2017. The group agreed to put funding towards equipment purchases for the Surgical Center and acute care (second) floor. In addition to an anesthesia machine for surgical cases, the foundation will fund a new inpatient bed, upgraded vital signs equipment and technology equipment for nursing staff. The new inpatient bed is made possible from a gift to the BCH Foundation from the Springville-Griffith Community Education Foundation.

The board looked ahead to its Garden Party, on May 25, where it will celebrate the career of Darlene Schrantz, RN and honor the memory of Dr. William McMahon. Funds raised on May 25 will benefit the BCH Heart Center. More information is available by calling Kara Kane at (716) 592-2871 ext. 1485.

Letter to Community from BCH Women’s Association

On behalf of the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital (BCH) Women’s Association, I would like to thank all the residents of Springville and the surrounding communities that supported the Theme Basket Auction on Saturday, April 22 at the Concord Town Hall. There were over 200 baskets/gift cards at the auction. All the money raised will be donated to the hospital for specific needs of the facility.  A BIG thank you to the following businesses and individuals for their generous donation and their commitment in supporting the Theme Basket Auction event:

Amy E. Schmitt-Kingston, Anything Printed, Apple Dumplin, Auto Zone, Buckwheats, Buffalo Bisons, Buffalo Sabres, Burger King, Carolsel, Carpet World, Cascade Hair, Cascade Lanes, Cascade Massage, Cattaraugus County Bank, Cheap Chollies, Cindy Lou’s Frozen Yogurt , Community Bank, Concord Amish Village, Concord Crest, Concord Veterinary Center, Dave Miller Compost & Mulch, Dave Wendel & Sons, Delocon Wholesale Inc., Don Chelle Salon & Spa, Dr. Scott Nachbar, Dye Insurance Agency, Emerling Ford Mercury, Formula 1 Automotive, Gernatt Asphalt Products Inc., Hope Louth, Jake’s Greenhouse, John Sixt & Sons, Joylan Theater, Julie’s Pizzeria, Ken’s Taxidermy, Kiril’s Restaurant, Kissing Bridge, Lulu Belle’s, Main Street Pizzeria & Café, Mark’s Country Store, Mary’s Fireside, maurices, Mc Donald’s, Michele Sundeen, Nature’s Remedy, Root 39, Sears of Springville, Shamel Milling, S & N Eileen’s, S & S Taxidermy, Shear Brilliance, Software Inventors, Southern Tire Auto Center, Spring Creek Athletic Club, Spring Valley Landscaping, Springville Animal Hospital, Springville Dental Arts, Springville Door &Window, Springville Eye Care LLC, Springville Health & Fitness, Springville Homewear, Springville Lanes, Subway, Tim & Bonnie’s Pizza, Tops- Springville, Tractor Supply Co., Village Antique & Optical, Waterman’s Greenhouse, Wendel’s, Wendel’s Maple & More, White’s Appliance, Wireless Zone, and Witter Davis Furniture.

Karen Ritenour, President of the BCH Women’s Association