2014 News

DECEMBER 2014

Primary Care Center Expands with a New Provider

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Primary Care Center is very excited to welcome its newest provider, Lauralee Sprague, NP, in January 2015. She comes to us from TLC Health Network in Gowanda where she has worked for the last 18 years, 12 of those as a nurse practitioner.  A Pioneer Central Schools graduate, Sprague grew up in Sardinia and Machias, and currently resides in Springville with her son. She graduated from SUNY Brockport with a bachelor of science in nursing, and from D’Youville College with a master’s and certification as a family nurse practitioner (FNP).

Sprague is board certified in family practice, and is certified in ACLS, PALS and BLS with an additional certification as a sexual assault examiner. She has experience teaching clinicals and classes in the nurse practitioner program at D’Youville.

“I’m very excited to be returning to practice in the hospital where I was born and the community I grew up in,” said Sprague. “I have special interests in women’s health and pediatrics, and I’m looking forward to providing family-focused and preventative care and wellness at BCH.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Lauralee to the Bertrand Chaffee family, she will be a wonderful addition to our center, especially for our patients,” added Darlene Schrantz, RN, Director of Patient Care Services.

Any patient wishing to schedule an appointment with Ms. Sprague or any of our other providers at the Primary Care Center can call 592-8140.

Sons of Amvets Post 219 Presents Gift to Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation

On December 4, Daniel Gallaway of the Sons of Amvets Post 219 in Boston presented a $500 gift to the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation in support of hospital and nursing home improvements. This contribution continues the group’s tradition of giving back to community organizations.

Pictured from left: Dr. Jon Baker, surgeon at Surgical Associates of SGI and a foundation board member; Daniel Gallaway, Sons of Amvets post chaplain; Nils Gunnersen, CEO of Bertrand Chaffee Hospital; and Joel Maul, foundation board member.

NOVEMBER 2014

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Names Leadership Positions in Emergency Department

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital has announced new leadership positions in its emergency department. Lori Hudzinski, M.D. has been named director of the emergency department at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital. As a board-certified physician with more than 25 years of service to patients in Springville and surrounding communities, Dr. Hudzinski earned her medical degree from the State University of New York’s Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, N.Y., and her undergraduate degree from St. Bonaventure University. Her experience includes years of practice in family medicine, sports medicine, and a fellowship in the Society of Orthopaedic Medicine in London, England. She is board certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine.

A Springville native and lifelong resident, Dr. Hudzinski previously cared for patients in private practice. She has received the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s “Bridges to Excellence Recognition” in three areas: Medical Home, Diabetes Physician, and Physician Practice Connections. She has lectured at the SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and is a past chief of medicine at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital.

Dr. Hudzinski leads a team of medical professionals in the prompt diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and injuries in the emergency department. Depending on a patient’s condition, an ER provider at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital may order blood work, x-rays, EKGs, breathing treatments, IVs, oxygen or medications, and admit or refer patients for more intensive treatment.

Jennifer Siragusa joined Bertrand Chaffee Hospital as nurse manager in the emergency department. Siragusa had worked previously for physicians’ offices and hospitals in the southern tier, including Gowanda, North Collins, Fredonia and at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital. She received her LPN and RN licenses through programs at BOCES and Excelsior College. As nurse manager, she handles scheduling for the BCH Emergency Department, regulatory compliance and supervision of nursing staff. As a local resident, Siragusa said that she “appreciates that Bertrand Chaffee Hospital is close to her home.”

OCTOBER 2014

A Pizza Fundraiser Night with the BCH Women’s Association 

The Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Women’s Association is planning a “Fun”draiser Night on October 28 at the Pizza Hut location in Springville from 4 – 8 p.m.

Pizza Hut will donate 20% of purchases on the fundraiser night to Bertrand Chaffee Hospital — please bring a flyer, which includes the ticket needed, to the restaurant when you pay.

The Jennie B. Turns 40!

Join us as we celebrate 40 years of care to residents at the Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home on Wednesday, October 29 at 3:30 p.m. With its start in 1974, the Jennie B. has cared for more than 2,000 residents over four decades.

The public is welcome to our event; light refreshments will be available.

Responses appreciated to Kara at kkane@bch-jbr.org or (716) 592-2871 ext. 1485.

SEPTEMBER 2014

Public Service Announcement for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October

WSPQ 1330AM radio in Springville produced a PSA for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It will air on the radio throughout the month of October, and serves as a reminder to all women to talk to their physician about when to schedule a mammogram. The Imaging Services Department at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital offers digital mammography and can be reached at (716) 592-8169.

National Drug Take Back Day on September 27

National Drug Take Back Day is set for Saturday, September 27, 2014 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and Bertrand Chaffee Hospital in Springville has been designated as a site for the collection of unwanted pharmaceuticals.

Pharmaceutical drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor’s supervision. The availability of unused or expired prescription medications has turned into a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose and abuse. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives by keeping them out of the hands of children and teenagers, and protects the environment by keeping them out of the water supply.

Mark your calendars and check your medicine cabinets for expired or unused pharmaceuticals. This nationwide initiative has taken more than 2,100 tons of prescription medication out of circulation since 2010. Other area take-back locations for Sept. 27 include the North Collins Police Department, the Gowanda Village Municipal Building, and the Village of Arcade Police Station.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Women’s Association Announces 2014 Fashion Show

The Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Women’s Association is planning its annual fashion show for Sunday, September 28, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the Springville Fire Hall. This event continues the decades-old history of support for Bertrand Chaffee Hospital programs, services and facility improvement by the group’s members.

Though this event is officially in its thirteenth year, BCH Community Relations Coordinator Kara Kane recently found an advertisement for the Association’s fashion show in 1961. “I contacted the Concord Historical Society with a question about the hospital’s annual reports, and they came back with a set of really interesting documents from the hospital’s past,” she said. “One of these was a call to action from Eleanor Folts, Mabel Underberg and Bonnie Wilson to promote ‘Fashions in Review’ for the 1962 season.

“They described their event as a ‘giant style spectacular…with originals sewn by the fine seamstresses of Springville…fashions of yesteryear will recall the grand days of 1860, the gay ‘90’s and the roaring ‘20’s,” she continued. “Reading that was a wonderful reminder of the traditions that the people of Springville created and how they endure.”

Women’s Association President Karen Ritenour, who took over from Bonnie Tober in June, notes that the Fashion Show draws in support from many local businesses. “Maurice’s of Springville and Dress Barn in Hamburg are providing our volunteer models with outfits this year, and we’ll have accessories from Sheret Jewelers and Springville Eye Care as well,” she said.

Presale tickets are $8 and are available at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital’s switchboard and at the gift shop. Tickets are $9 at the door. Refreshments will be served. Sponsorships are accepted until September 22. Contact Annette Kaleta at (716) 592-2871 ext. 1221 for more information. Proceeds benefit Bertrand Chaffee Hospital.

AUGUST 2014

O.R. Staff Takes the Ice Bucket Challenge – Update: The Radiology Department Responds

As part of the global phenomenon of the Ice Bucket Challenge to support ALS research, the OR staff at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital was nominated for the Ice Bucket Challenge by Lori Baker, an anesthetist at BCH. With assistance from Dr. Matt Baker, the med/surg staff was doused with gallons of icy water poured from the Baker’s tractor on the front lawn of the hospital on August 20.

Dozens of hospital and nursing home associates gathered in front of BCH with their cameras to watch as the Ice Bucket Challenge arrived at BCH and Springville. The OR staff announced their support of ALS research and Bertrand Chaffee Hospital before nominating the hospital’s radiology department to participate next.

A video taken by We Are Living in Springville is posted below.
The Radiology Department responded to the challenge on August 22, and issued a challenge to the senior leadership team and their staff.

JULY 2014

A Cookout, Car Seats and a ‘Copter

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital will be the site of WSPQ 1330 AM radio’s “Cookout for a Cause” on Wednesday, July 30 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. This event is part of a series of cookouts that the station does in support of local non-profit organizations. For $2, the classic hits station in Springville is offering a hot dog and a pop, with proceeds going to benefit Bertrand Chaffee Hospital.

Parents and grandparents who transport children in their vehicles are invited to have their car seats inspected by the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, also from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Technicians will be available to make sure seats are installed properly.

Mercy Flight, which has a helipad at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital, will have representatives on hand, and a landing of one of their helicopters is scheduled depending on weather and availability.

Find all these activities in the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital parking lot at 224 East Main Street in Springville. For more information, contact Kara at (716) 592-2871 ext. 1485 or kkane@bch-jbr.org.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Board of Directors Elects 2014-15 Officers

Board Welcomes Johanna Healy as a New Member

The Bertrand Chaffee Hospital board of directors elected its slate of officers for 2014-15 at its June meeting. Continuing as officers are President Timothy Horner of Springville, Vice President Dr. Robbin Hansen of Springville, Secretary Gary Eppolito of Springville and Treasurer Michael Boza of Arcade.

Johanna Healy of Springville joined the board for a three-year term as a director. Originally from Yorkshire, she is a graduate of Syracuse University with degrees in political science and policy studies, and also with a law degree from Syracuse University’s College of Law. Healy was previously an attorney and partner with Rupp, Baase, Pfalzgraf, Cunningham & Coppola in Buffalo, and currently serves as the attorney for the Village of Springville. She has served on the Donate Life Foundation Board, and is a graduate of the United Way’s Board Governance for Women Initiative. Healy lectures frequently on risk management, insurance, and legal issues for non-profit organizations. She lives in Springville with her husband and two children.

The board of directors meets monthly at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital.

JUNE 2014

SGI Students Volunteer at BCH and JBR

I would like to express a sincere “thank you” to the SGI high school seniors who participated in the Griffins Day of Giving on May 30, and the National Junior Honor Society students from Springville Middle School who volunteered at our hospital and nursing home on June 13. These groups did fantastic work to weed and mulch our garden spaces, which are very visible to patients, residents, visitors and staff. The middle school students also cleaned out overgrown garden areas in our nursing home’s courtyard, planted annual flowers and repainted picnic tables.

We are fortunate to have such community-minded students who are willing to contribute their time and energy toward service projects. On behalf of Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home, thank you for bringing your enthusiasm and volunteer spirit to our facility.

Sincerely, Nils Gunnersen
CEO, Bertrand Chaffee Hospital

BCH Women’s Association Holds Annual Installation Dinner

The Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Women’s Association held its annual installation dinner at the Apple Dumplin restaurant on June 11. Officers include: treasurer Beth Bolt, first vice president Lisa Yaeger, secretary Judith White (back row); outgoing president Bonnie Tober and second vice president Lori Beeman (front row). (Missing: incoming president Karen Ritenour)

At its meeting, the group also presented a check for $5,000 to Darlene Schrantz, director of patient care services at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital, for the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation to apply towards the purchase of IV infusion pumps.

In addition to running the hospital’s gift shop, Women’s Association volunteers coordinate fundraisers throughout the year with a goal of supporting hospital improvements and equipment purchases. These events include the recent hot dog and bake sale, a basket raffle in the spring and its annual fashion show in the fall.

BCH Foundation to Complete Memorial Garden with Engravable Bricks

In 2013, the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation created a Memorial Garden at the hospital’s front entrance in memory of volunteers who have shaped and supported our facility.

This summer, the Foundation is completing this garden with a wall of Memorial Bricks, which will be available to individuals and businesses who wish to have an engraved brick as a permanent part of our garden.

Over the years, hundreds of people have chosen to honor the memory of a loved one with gifts to the hospital and foundation. These bricks expand the options for memorial acknowledgements, and the Foundation will direct the funds raised through this program towards projects at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home.

These bricks come in two sizes: a one-line (20 spaces) brick for $100, and a three-line (20 spaces per line) brick for $250. A limited number of bricks are available, and the Foundation expects to have these bricks engraved and the wall built by the end of the summer. The order form is available on the BCH web site. Other opportunities to support the garden through planters, benches and other garden accessories are possible; please contact Kara Kane at (716) 592-2871 ext. 1485 or kkane@bch-jbr.org for more information.

MAY 2014

Your Health Matters: Stop into the Dairy/Ag Festival Health Expo on Saturday, June 7

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital is coordinating the Dairy/Ag Festival Health Expo to highlight hospital services and local resources for health and wellness. Visit the downstairs of Concord Town Hall on Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. to meet hospital staff and discover ways to make your health, and your family’s health, a priority.

“Our area is fortunate to have a hospital facility with laboratory, imaging, physical therapy and emergency departments conveniently located for Springville residents and those in the surrounding towns,” said Kara Kane, community relations coordinator. “With services like our Primary Care Center and Heart Center, we want patients to see Bertrand Chaffee Hospital as the place to go get healthy and stay healthy. Our health expo activities and displays are going to reflect that.”

Medical associates from Catholic Health will be providing cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) screenings for adults. Interactive activities for kids and adults are also planned, including a “What Makes Me Healthy” photo booth. The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany and Cattaraugus County will be on site, and information related to healthy living and safety will be available throughout the day.

Since 1946, Bertrand Chaffee Hospital in Springville has served the healthcare needs of residents in southern Erie, northern Cattaraugus and Wyoming counties. As a not-for-profit organization, the hospital and the Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home provide 24-hour emergency care, acute inpatient care, long-term care and lab, imaging, cardiac rehabilitation, surgical and physical therapy services. With more than 300 employees, our facilities are a significant economic driver for the region. Learn more at bertrandchaffee.com or call (716) 592-2871.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation Elects New Officers at Annual Meeting

Organization welcomes Joel Maul as a new board member

The Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation held its annual meeting on May 5, where it welcomed a new member and re-elected its board officers to one-year terms.

President William King of West Valley, Vice President Mary Kwiatek of Springville, Secretary David Batterson of Springville and Treasurer Claudia Miller of Arcade were each re-elected to their positions.

The nomination of Joel Maul to an open seat was unanimously accepted, and he will serve as part of the class of 2015. Since his retirement as the Springville postmaster, Maul has been an active community volunteer, particularly with the Concord Historical Society and Mercantile, the Fiddler’s Green Country and Bluegrass Festival, and the 2013 committee to erect the Seth Thomas clock in the village of Springville. He was recognized as Scouter of the Year by the Boy Scouts of America Greater Niagara Frontier Council in 2014 for more than 50 years of service to the scouting community.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation to Host Second Annual Garden Party

Event will honor the memories of Dr. and Mrs. Clinton and Mary Strong

The Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation will hold its second annual Garden Party fundraiser on May 29 at the Springville Country Club. The event will run from 5 until 8 p.m., and entertainment will be provided in part by the Springville Jazz Orchestra.

The Garden Party began in 2013 as a way to honor the memories of Dr. Craig Wiede and Dr. Richard Nowak, two individuals who served as hospital board volunteers for many years. Funds raised last year went toward the installation of the Memorial Garden – a courtyard space near the hospital’s entrance –for enjoyment by patients, residents, visitors and employees.

The Foundation is continuing this tradition by paying tribute on May 29 to Dr. and Mrs. Clinton and Mary Strong, who passed away in early 2014 and late 2013. They had an extensive history of service to civic and medical organizations in southern Erie, Cattaraugus and Wyoming counties, including Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home, Holland Central School District, the Cattaraugus County Home and Infirmary in Machias, and First United Methodist Church in Springville.

Proceeds from the Garden Party will go towards projects and equipment that support patient and resident care and comfort, and facility maintenance, at the hospital and nursing home. Tickets are $50 each or $80 per couple. For tickets, information and sponsorship opportunities, call the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation at (716) 592-2871 ext. 1485 or email kkane@bch-jbr.org.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Heart Center Introduces Vascular Health Clinic

Dedicated service will offer specialized care and treatment

The Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Heart Center is offering a new service to current and new patients related to vascular medicine. The Vascular Health Clinic will offer specialized care and treatment for conditions like peripheral arterial disease – a relatively common condition that may affect up to one in 20 adults over 50 years of age in the United States.

Directed by the Heart Center’s board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Thomas P. Smith, Jr., FACC, the Vascular Health Clinic will offer a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients including a Peripheral Arterial Disease rehabilitation program for the treatment of patients with chronic claudication – or lack of blood flow during exercise.

“The leg and foot pain associated with vascular conditions can be debilitating, and patients sometimes dismiss those symptoms as arthritis or an ‘old injury,’” said Dr. Smith. “Once we can establish vascular disease as the source of discomfort, our clinic will be able to support patients in reducing their ambulatory pain, significantly improve their symptoms of pain on walking and greatly improve their quality of life.

“To do that, we work with patients on a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan that incorporates regular exercise, ongoing lab work and ultrasounds as needed, and referral for invasive vascular procedures when indicated,” he continued. “For some, that could mean a smoking cessation plan, while for others it might mean medication and an emphasis on healthy eating.”

“People who smoke, former smokers, people with diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and adults with a history of vascular disease, stroke or heart attack have an increased chance of developing vascular conditions,” said Nils Gunnersen, CEO of Bertrand Chaffee Hospital. “As a hospital, we are recognizing that risk in our community and establishing a new service that will offer prevention and treatment options.”

Dedicated vascular health clinic days will be scheduled at the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Heart Center each month. For an appointment, please contact the Heart Center at (716) 592-9644 and mention that you are interested in the vascular health clinic.

The Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Heart Center, conveniently located on the hospital’s first floor, provides a comprehensive array of clinical and diagnostic cardiac and vascular services, including outpatient and inpatient consults, echo, regular and stress echo testing and pacemaker interrogation. For appointments, call (716) 592-9644.

May 12 is National Women’s Checkup Day

Call Bertrand Chaffee Hospital’s Primary Care Center for an appointment

Mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, wives and friends, take note: National Women’s Checkup Day is May 12, which is part of National Women’s Health Week (May 11-17, 2014). Led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Women’s Health, this annual event has a goal of encouraging women of all ages to schedule an annual well-woman visit with their healthcare provider.

“Recent changes to health insurance regulations have made annual physical checkups available under most insurance plans at no cost to the patient,” said Dr. Lisette D’Eon, a physician at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Primary Care Center. “So many times, women are taking care of their families’ needs that they overlook their own health. This day is a reminder to schedule your appointment to receive screenings for common conditions, refill your prescriptions and have a discussion with your medical provider about your health concerns and questions.”

According to Imaging Department Director Lisa Smith, “It is recommended that women receive mammograms every other year starting at age 40.” She continued, “Women who are at risk for common conditions like osteoporosis can also benefit from a yearly bone density screening along with their annual checkup.”

“Patients diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis may benefit from a physical therapy exercise program to strengthen muscles, improve posture and reduce the risk of falls and fractures,” said Mary Lou Wright, Bertrand Chaffee Hospital’s physical therapy department director. Coronary heart disease, the number one cause of death for men and women in the United States, is another factor in maintaining an annual checkup schedule.

“Regular physical exams can help women and their doctors identify symptoms of heart disease in the early stages,” said Dr. Thomas P. Smith, FACC, a cardiologist at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital’s Heart Center. “By treating those symptoms and helping a patient make lifestyle changes in eating, exercise, or smoking cessation, the risk of life-threatening strokes or heart attacks can be reduced.”

The Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Primary Care Center opened in 2010 in response to community need, and accepts new patients and most insurance coverage. Learn more at bertrandchaffee.com or call (716) 592-8140 for an appointment.

BCH Appoints Dr. D’Eon as Primary Care Center Medical Director

Primary Care Center Announces New, Expanded Office Hours to Accommodate Patient Schedules

Dr. Lisette D’Eon has been appointed medical director for the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Primary Care Center. She will serve as the physician leader responsible for quality assurance at the center. Dr. D’Eon will work in collaboration with Vice President of Medical Affairs Dr. Edwin Heidelberger, CEO Nils Gunnersen, Director of Patient Care Services Darlene Schrantz, as well as the respective hospital medical staff to include the Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine in the management of the primary care practice and the many interactions with the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital services.

Dr. Lisette D’Eon is board certified in internal medicine and pediatrics, and was the first physician employed at the Primary Care Center when it opened 2010. She has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Cornell University, and a master’s degree in natural sciences and doctorate of medicine from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a member of Catholic Medical Partners.

“I really love working with patients in this warm and close knit community,” said Dr. D’Eon. “I am pleased to have been chosen for such an important role of assuring high quality and patient satisfaction in the Primary Care Center.”

“Dr. D’Eon is very thorough and conscientious with her patients and as a result is an excellent caregiver,” said Gunnersen. The Primary Care Center is conveniently located on the third floor of Bertrand Chaffee Hospital. It is staffed with three physicians including Dr. D’Eon, Dr. Timothy Siepel and Dr. Edwin Heidelberger as well as three nurse practitioners, Laurie Brown-Croyts, Tina Vandermeer-Gatti and James Urgo, all of whom are currently accepting new patients.

The Center is very excited to announce new, longer hours to accommodate our patients better. Starting in May, the appointment hours will be extended with a new earlier start time of 7:30 a.m. (M-F) and open until 6:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until 5:30 p.m. These new hours will make it even easier to keep healthcare local! For appointments and questions, contact the Primary Care Center directly at (716) 592-8140.

MAY 2014

BCH Joins HEALTHeLINK

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital is the latest hospital to join HEALTHeLINK, Western New York’s clinical information exchange. By connecting to HEALTHeLINK, Bertrand Chaffee providers are now able to securely access and share patient health information electronically with other treating health care providers throughout the region to help improve the quality of care and enhance patient safety.

“The addition of Bertrand Chaffee Hospital as a HEALTHeLINK participant provides value to the hospital, its providers, and the patients they serve by allowing the patients’ health data to follow them wherever they go in Western New York for treatment,” said Daniel Porreca, executive director, HEALTHeLINK. “By providing consent for your treating physicians to access your medical information via HEALTHeLINK, they can see important clinical information where and when it’s needed – at the point of care.”

HEALTHeLINK is a collaborative effort among Western New York’s major health care organizations with the goal of providing physicians and medical staff with immediate secure access to clinical information on patients in their care including admission, discharge and transfer messages, lab and radiology reports, radiology images, and other transcribed reports – regardless of where that information may have been recorded. This information is available to licensed health care providers such as physicians and nurses only when a patient provides authorization by signing a consent form.

“HEALTHeLINK and its connection to our primary care practice’s electronic medical record enables the secure online patient portal for our patients to become more active participants in their healthcare,” said Dr. Edwin Heidelberger, vice president of medical affairs for Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and a physician with the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Primary Care Center. “Our patients will use the portal as a tool to view their lab and imaging results, request referrals and medication refills, and manage appointments.

“We want patients to be involved in their healthcare decisions and outcomes,” Heidelberger continued. “This system will cut back on the time spent playing ‘telephone tag’ with our office, and put patients’ personal health information at their fingertips.” Patient consent forms are available at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital as well as at the HEALTHeLINK website at www.wnyhealthelink.com.

Nearly 600,000 individuals throughout Western New York have signed consent forms to share their health information through HEALTHeLINK. To learn more about HEALTHeLINK and the patient consent process please visit wnyhealthelink.com or talk with your physician.

JANUARY 2014

Welcome Kara Kane!

We are pleased to welcome Kara Kane as our new Foundation Development and Community Relations Coordinator.  Kara has extensive non-profit, marketing and communication experience and has worked at a local college and IT corporation.  She resides in Glenwood with her husband and three young children.  She looks forward to introducing herself to community members as well as hospital and nursing home staff.  Kara’s goal is to promote community awareness of hospital and nursing home services and coordinate increased fundraising, sponsorships, and events for the Foundation.

Kara can be reached in the hospital at extension 1485 or by email at
kkane@bch-jbr.org.   We look forward to working with Kara on all her endeavors.