Thanks to Garden Party Supporters

Announcement, ,

A warm and welcome thank you to everyone who participated in the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation’s fifth annual Garden Party on May 25.

Our celebration of the career of Darlene Schrantz, RN and the life of William McMahon, MD was made possible by a friendly and loving crowd, some of whom were able to share remarks about their work with these two tremendous healthcare professionals.

Peony sponsors included Stansberry and Knight Physician Assistants and the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Medical Staff. Iris sponsors were Arcade-Springville Dental Arts Group, Nils and Erika Gunnersen, Mercy Flight/Mercy EMS, Craig and Tanya Helms, ACM Global Laboratories and Voya Financial. Rose sponsors: 2121 Main Street Pharmacy, Eaton Office Supply, Fiddler’s Green Manor, Freed Maxick CPAs, Julie’s Pizzeria, Fred and Darlene Schrantz, Roger and Margo Soricelli, Springville Door and Window and STC Construction. Ivy sponsors: AllPro Parking, Kelly O’Neal Adams, Patrick Hurley, MD and Susan Fischbeck, MD, Grover and Elizabeth Riefler, and WNY Imaging.

We are grateful for the entertainment provided by the Springville Jazz Orchestra and its conductor, William Cocca, and for the wine tasting station donated by Empire Merchants North.

Proceeds from this event will go toward the purchase of a transesophageal echocardiogram for the BCH Heart Center. Cardiologist Dr. Thomas Smith was kind enough to describe the benefits and need for this equipment to assembled guests.

Thank you for the support for our foundation and our “Gem on the Hill” from the hospital and nursing home employees, medical staff, board of directors and most importantly our community.

Mary Kwiatek
Vice President, BCH Foundation Board of Directors

BCH Foundation’s May 2017 Meeting

Announcement, ,

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

Announcement, Community,

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

BCH Expands Specialist Offerings with Urologist Dr. Hanzly

Announcement, ,

Dr. Michael HanzlyBertrand Chaffee Hospital has made another move to improve access to healthcare services in the greater Springville area.

The facility has recently granted provider privileges to urologist Michael I. Hanzly, Jr., D.O. Dr. Hanzly is part of the Buffalo Medical Group, where he treats general urological conditions and specializes in prostate, kidney and bladder cancers.

The Western New York native is a graduate of Canisius College and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Hanzly completed a urology residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, and a two-year Society of Urologic Oncology Fellowship at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, where he specialized in robotic surgery.

“Our facility continues to recruit new physician partners to enhance local medical services for our patients,” said CEO Nils Gunnersen. “Reliable access to specialty medical care is important for our community’s health and for our facility’s future.”

Dr. Hanzly is affiliated with Catholic Health, Kaleida Health and Roswell Park Cancer Institute. He will continue to see patients at his offices in Orchard Park, Williamsville and Buffalo. For an appointment or more information, please call 716-630-1050. He will be scheduling procedures at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital effective immediately.

BCH Completes Purchase of 210 East Main Property

Announcement

210 East Main Street signBertrand Chaffee Hospital (BCH) has announced that it has completed the purchase of the Concord Medical Group building (210 East Main Street) and associated property. This purchase is a crucial first step toward transforming our campus and increasing access to primary and specialty services.

BCH is eagerly waiting for a decision from the New York State Department of Health on a funding request through its Statewide Healthcare Facility Transformation Program application. Our $11.3 million proposed project includes funding to develop the property, create a modern and efficient medical office building, and improve access to vital healthcare services in our community.

BCH will share news about our grant application and plans to develop this property as that information becomes available.

Department Spotlight: Heart Center

Announcement, People,

Visits to the Bertrand Chaffee Heart Center can begin with a simple statement: “I think something could be wrong with my heart.” That phrase is answered by our providers, nurses and staff with another simple phrase: “We can help you.”

Since opening in 2012, the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Heart Center has been able to expand to meet the demands of our community. Services and capabilities include outpatient and inpatient consults, echocardiograms, all types of stress testing, pacemaker interrogation, and nuclear medicine. In 2016, the Heart Center enhanced its services by adding the Leg Pain and Vascular Center to complement its cardiac care. Leg vein ablation, an outpatient procedure for varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, was added late last year.

Providers in our Heart Center see patients with cardiac and vascular conditions, and provide diagnosis, treatment options, and referrals for more intensive interventions, like surgery, if indicated.

“Our providers work with patients to manage their cardiac and vascular conditions and reduce the risks for serious cardiac events, like heart attacks and strokes,” said CEO Nils Gunnersen. “Access to cardiovascular care is essential for people in rural communities, particularly as they age.”

The Heart Center’s providers take care to answer patient and family questions with diligence and compassion. Cardiologists Thomas P. Smith, Jr., MD and Cyril Gunawardane, MD see patients in the Heart Center’s first floor location. Lauralee Sprague, NP, works closely with our cardiologists and specializes in heart health. They are supported by a team of nurses and patient service representatives who handle scheduling, appointments, diagnostic screenings, treatment plans and follow up care.

“Heart disease and stroke can have devastating effects, both for quality of life and length of life,” said Dr. Smith. “Our team works together with patients, their families, and their primary care providers to develop treatment plans that have the best possible outcome.” The Heart Center phone number is (716) 592-9644.

Heart Center team 2017
Photo from left: From left: Stacey Hatch, Lynn Miller, Kristine Miller, Judy Ott, Lauralee Sprague, NP, Tammi Kirsch, Thomas P. Smith, MD, Rachel Lis, Ashley Flanagan

BCH Introduces Leg Vein Ablation Procedure

Announcement

Cardiology Team and Imaging Services collaborate to bring clinical care option to community 

Thomas P. Smith, Jr., MD, FACCBertrand Chaffee Hospital has introduced leg vein ablation for patients seeking treatment for symptoms related to varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Though fewer than 10 percent of people with vein disease – including varicose veins – seek treatment, left untreated this condition can lead to CVI. This disease affects about 190 million people worldwide and more than 30 million Americans. CVI is a progressive disease that can cause leg pain, swelling, restlessness, discoloration, skin damage and ulcers.

The addition of this procedure is a collaborative effort between the hospital’s Imaging Department and cardiology team in the Heart Center and Leg Pain and Vascular Center. BCH offers this treatment as an outpatient procedure, and began scheduling screening visits in December.

“We are treating symptomatic vein disease and CVI as part of a patient’s overall health. It deserves an accurate medical diagnosis and appropriate treatment and plan,” said cardiologist Dr. Thomas Smith. “It is not just as a cosmetic issue, but one that can have important health implications for the future.”

Leg Vein Ablation Venous DiseaseIn describing the procedure, Dr. Smith continued, “A physician inserts a single-use catheter into a patient’s leg vein, and uniform heat is applied to seal off the problem vein and allow blood to reroute to healthy veins.”

“This is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure where patients can have a comfortable recovery and generally return to normal activities after just a few days,” said Darlene Schrantz, RN, director of patient care services. “Our providers were great advocates for bringing this procedure to our facility, so our patients don’t have to travel outside the area to access this treatment.”

Varicose veins and CVI occur when valves in leg veins that direct blood from the legs back toward the heart no longer function properly. This causes blood to pool in the legs. Although this can occur at any time, there are factors that increase the risks of developing this condition. These include increased age, women who have been pregnant, a family history of CVI, and people who stand at their job for a great deal of time. Leg vein ablation may be an option for individuals who have leg pain, a heavy feeling in their legs, or a family history of chronic vein insufficiency or venous reflux.

“We encourage our primary care and cardiology patients to make this part of their conversation with their providers,” said Primary Care Center Practice Manager Reid Gunnersen. “Minimally invasive intervention like leg vein ablation now may prevent larger health complications in the future.”

For a screening and consultation, call the BCH Heart Center at (716) 592-9644.

 

BCH Enhances X-Ray Technology

Announcement

Digital radiography equipment installed in Imaging Department

Digital X-ray at BCHBertrand Chaffee Hospital made a significant investment in its Imaging Department at the end of 2016. The facility remodeled one of the radiographic (“x-ray”) rooms and installed a new digital radiography (DR) machine.

This equipment represents the leading technology in an effort to lower patient dose while capturing high image quality and detail. DR images show finer detail that will help in the diagnosing of injuries and medical conditions.  This new technology will assist in the treatment that patients receive from emergency medicine providers, orthopedists, surgeons, physical therapists and other specialists.

“The images we take with this machine show incredible detail,” said Lisa Smith, imaging department manager. “We can use lower doses of radiation to produce images, and they’re available immediately with no waiting.”

“Our shift to digital radiography also factored in the room design,” Smith continued. “The table helps us comply with the Safe Patient Handling Act, with the height adjusting from one-and-a-half to three feet,” Smith continued. “That makes the process of getting an x-ray much more comfortable and safer for patients.”

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital continues to make investments in its clinical technologies. “To have this available for emergency, inpatient and outpatient use means that patients do not have to travel out of the area to receive standard of care for imaging services,” said CEO Nils Gunnersen. “That’s a strong consideration, especially when a patient is dealing with pain or discomfort.”

For more information about the Imaging Department at BCH, call (716) 592-8169. The hospital also offers digital mammography, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, MRI, CT and bone density testing.

News from December 2016

Announcement

Springville Elementary Students’ Coins Add up for BCH 

Over the course of a week in November, students at Springville Elementary School (SES) collected pennies on Monday, nickels on Tuesday, dimes on Wednesday and quarters on Thursday to raise more than $275 for more than 30 new books that will be donated to Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and its Little Free Library. Mr. Noeson’s fifth grade class collected the most change at $57.08, and helped the SES Parent Teacher Association (PTA) select the books.

Students in Mr. Noeson’s class chose a terrific set of book titles that will be enjoyed by patients and visitors for years to come. We appreciate having students and organizations give back to our hospital in such meaningful ways!

Both BCH and SES have Little Free Libraries at their entrances, providing space for a constantly revolving selection of books and magazines. Books from this project will be placed in the Little Free Library and in patient waiting areas. Thank you to the SES students and the SES PTA for coordinating this amazing community giving effort!

BCH Diabetes Support Group Calendar for 2017

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital will coordinate monthly diabetic support group meetings for Type I and Type II diabetics and their loved ones in 2017.

Interested individuals are invited to participate in this group to share recipes, coupons and information about topics related to diabetes and health in a supportive and welcoming environment. The group will meet at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital on the first Monday of each month from 6-7 p.m.

A Certified Diabetes Educator will facilitate the group, and meetings are free of charge. This group is part of the BCH diabetic education program, which is accredited by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

For more information, call (716) 592-9643. Meetings will be canceled when Springville-Griffith Institute schools are closed for a snow day.

The topic for the first meeting of the year on January 2 is Sugar Substitutes. Suggested monthly topics going forward include: February 6, The Diabetic Eye; March 6, Label Reading; April 3, Long-term Risks (film); May 1, Diabetic Sharps; June 5, Herbs and Vitamins; July 3, Alcohol; August 7, The Diabetic Foot; September (closed for holiday); October 2, Being Active (film); November 6, Holiday Eating; December 4, New Year’s Resolutions.

News from November 2016

Announcement

BCH Women’s Association: A Sweet Sale and Weekend Bazaar

The BCH Women’s Association had a busy long weekend, with activities on November 18 and 20 that netted over $1,000 in support of the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation.

On November 18, the ladies filled the administrative hallway with specialty cupcakes, pies, homemade cookies and breads, jams, pickles, and even a batch of chili. Though the sale started at 9 a.m., BCH and JBR employees and visitors started to purchase the items before they could be put out on display. Take note for next year: the treats were completely gone by noon.

The group followed this event by setting up a pop-up shop at the first annual Root 39 Event Center Christmas Bazaar on Sunday. Items from the BCH Gift Shop were available at this festive event, which featured local vendors, live music, and a visit from Santa. A special thanks to Ang Shaver and the team at Root 39 for inviting the women’s association and waiving the participation fee for this event.

The gift shop is open weekdays from 10 a.m-2 p.m. on the first floor of BCH – the perfect presents for people in your life are waiting there for you!

Thank you to the ladies of the BCH Women’s Association for their tireless efforts on behalf of local healthcare.

WRECKIT Exercise Prepares Bertrand Chaffee Hospital for Regional Emergencies

Imagine the situation: several inches of ice and wind gusts of up to 45 miles an hour have pummeled western New York. Downed power lines have overwhelmed repair crews and taken out heat sources for thousands of people. Roads in some areas are impassable. Schools, businesses and stores are closed. How will hospitals and emergency responders react?

This scenario played out in early November as part of WRECKIT2016, the Western Region Emergency Communications Knowledge and Information Test. This was a multi-county, multi-agency exercise to prepare organizations and personnel for emergency events. A weather-related event formed the basis for this simulation, and locally, Bertrand Chaffee Hospital took part.

“Emergency preparedness is something we work on as part of our regular operations,” said Brandon Frank, emergency preparedness coordinator. “Walking through a realistic scenario with other organizations in the region helps us to refine our plans and raise questions when we’re not in the middle of an emergency.”

Starting with mock weather reports early in the week, the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital team assessed how its departments would prepare in terms of supplies, staffing and other arrangements to insure the safety and care of patients and “worried well.”

“A great part of the exercise is that we were able to ask the question, ‘what if?,’” continued Frank. “Having those answers and reinforcing how decisions are made in an emergency is valuable for all types of events, especially as we approach the winter weather season.”