Mercy Flight Adds Bell 429 Helicopters to Its Fleet

Announcement

Dozens of guests and wellwishers joined Mercy Flight WNY and Mercy EMS on Thursday, September 20 to welcome the arrival of a new Bell 429 helicopter. This aircraft will be stationed in Springville at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital as part of a USDA Rural Development program.

Mercy Flight has been a partner in local emergency medical care with Bertrand Chaffee Hospital since its inception 37 years ago. Former BCH Director of Patient Care Services Darlene Schrantz, RN, Mercy Flight’s “first flight nurse” and mother of its first transport patient, was on hand to congratulate the Mercy Flight team.

BCH Board and BCH Foundation board member Stan Handzlik was on hand to deliver a dedication and blessing. He also shared this video of the event.

 

MercyFlight WNY brings a new Bell 429 to Bertrand Chaffee Hospital from Stan Handzlik on Vimeo

 

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BCH Adds Two Providers to Primary Care Center

Announcement, People

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital has added two new providers to its Primary Care Center in Springville. Daniel Karstedt, PA and Kenneth Dabolt, PA will start seeing patients this summer.

Daniel Karstedt, PA specializes in family medicine and earned his master’s degree from Mercyhurst University in Erie, Penn. Prior to attending school for his physician assistant training, he spent four years at Mercyhurst where he earned a bachelor’s of science in biology. Karstedt is originally from Eden and is a graduate of Eden Jr./Sr. High School. Throughout his clinical year, he gained experience in primary care and has a particular interest in dermatology and sports medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

“I hope to establish healthy long-term relationships with my patients. I am excited to provide accessible health care to those in our rural community as I grew up and reside in a small town and understand the importance of keeping health care close to home,” said Karstedt.  “I believe the close-knit community at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital will provide a very rewarding experience as a health care provider.”

Kenneth Dabolt is a resident of Sardinia and earned his physician assistant degree from Daemen College. His clinical rotations included ob/gyn, emergency medicine, dermatology, plastic surgery, general surgery and pediatrics. He is a member of the Western New York Physician Assistant Association and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

“I grew up in this area and I’m proud to be able to practice medicine in my hometown,” said Dabolt. “Primary care visits are an essential way for patients to maintain their good health, and I’m looking forward to contributing to better health outcomes in our region.”

CEO Nils Gunnersen noted that while many rural healthcare facilities are challenged in finding primary care providers, Bertrand Chaffee Hospital has been fortunate in that regard since opening its practice in 2010. “The talented physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners that we have recruited to Springville believe, as we do, in the value of rural healthcare.” The BCH Primary Care Center is accepting new patients and all major insurances. Call (716) 592-8140 for an appointment.

 

BCH Foundation News from July Meeting

Announcement

The BCH Foundation held its quarterly meeting on Monday, July 9, with a full slate of business items.

The board welcomed Judi White of Springville as its newest member. White has lived in Springville for more than 25 years, and has been an active member of the BCH Women’s Association and part of their activities.

News about the grant projects that will be supported through Foundation funds will be announced throughout the rest of the summer. The major requests that were funded included renovation of the second floor acute care nurses’ station based on proceeds from the Garden Party in May. Other projects involve renovation of the kitchenettes on the west and east wings of the Jennie B., and the purchase of specialized equipment for the Emergency Department.

Women’s Association Installation Dinner

Announcement

On June 6, members of the BCH Women’s Association gathered at the Apple Dumplin’ restaurant to hold their annual installation dinner, and to present donations to Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and the Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home.

Proceeds from their constant fundraising projects – including a fashion show, basket raffle, bake sale, and operation of the BCH gift shop – will benefit equipment in the Emergency Department and a set of new, accessible picnic tables for residents and families at the Jennie B.

We thank the entire BCH Women’s Association for their unwavering support for our patients and residents! Expect more updates over the summer as we acquire our clinical equipment and install our picnic tables.

Judware Joins BCH Physical Therapy Team

Announcement

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital’s Physical Therapy Department has added another physical therapist as of May 2018. Jessica Judware comes to Bertrand Chaffee following clinical experiences in rehabilitation and nursing facilities, pre-school and school settings and inpatient care.

As an active, multi-sport athlete in high school at Franklinville Central School District and through college, Judware observed injuries in teammates and opposing players, and how they worked through the rehabilitative process. This sparked her interest in sports medicine and physical therapy, and led her to complete her doctor of physical therapy degree from Daemen College. Judware is licensed in New York State, and will be providing comprehensive physical therapy services for acute care patients and outpatients at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital.

The hours for the Physical Therapy Department have recently changed to 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays (Monday through Friday). The department can be reached at (716) 592-2871 ext. 1262.

 

Drug Disposal Box at BCH 

Announcement, Community
Bertrand Chaffee Hospital has installed a drug disposal drop off box in its Emergency Department Waiting Room. Members of the public can use this service to dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications in a safe and secure manner.

The box is accessible 24/7, and is monitored by security cameras. “This is one more way to keep drugs out of our water supply and out of the hands of children,” said Heather Hodson, PharmD, pharmacy department director. “We encourage our patients and area residents to clear out unused and expired pills, tablets, liquids, ointments and eye drops regularly from their cabinets and drawers.”

Although medications are accepted, needles and medical supplies should not be disposed of through ths location. This box was made possible by a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation through its Pilot Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program.

Additional drop off boxes are available in Erie County at many local substations, including the ones in Springville and Boston.

National Skilled Nursing Week and Village of Springville Proclamation

Announcement, Community

From May 13-18, National Skilled Nursing Care Week is recognized. This week, which starts with Mothers’ Day, is a way to focus on the important work done within nursing homes and care facilities to provide for the needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home, established in 1974, provides skilled nursing care and short-term rehab in the heart of the village of Springville. In recognition of this, village Mayor William Krebs issued a proclamation to acknowledge this week and extend appreciation to the JBR staff for providing a vital service for our community.

BCH Foundation Announces 2018-19 Officers

Announcement,

At its annual meeting in May, the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation elected its slate of officers for the 2018-19 year.

William King was chosen as president, with Michael Benson taking on a new role as vice president, and Claudia Miller and David Batterson, Sr. remaining as treasurer and secretary, respectively.

After 48 years of roles in nursing, administration, and a foundation board member, Mary Kwiatek retired from her board position. Her resignation was accepted with extreme regret and best wishes to her.

Following its annual meeting, the foundation board moved to approve two grant requests: one for the hospital lab department to purchase a cytocentrifuge, and another for a nurse at the Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home to receive a scholarship from the Elizabeth Dedrick Memorial Scholarship Fund as she pursues a bachelor of science in nursing from a local college.

Other discussions at the board meeting focused on the upcoming Garden Party on May 31, where Bill King and the Cordelian Club will be recognized for their contributions to our facility.