Women’s Association Installation Dinner

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.

Prediabetes Program at BCH

Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death & disability in the United States. Type 2 diabetes is an avoidable condition.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital is coordinating a Prevent Type 2 Diabetes (PT2) program, facilitated by a certified diabetes educator and a registered nurse, both whom are certified prediabetes lifestyle coaches.

Studies indicate that graduates who successfully complete the one-year education and support program can prevent or delay the risk for developing type 2 diabetes by up to 58%.

Who should consider this program? The CDC estimates that over 33% of adults have prediabetes. Persons with a diagnosis of prediabetes, impaired fasting blood glucose, have a history of gestational diabetes, have are overweight (have a BMI greater than 24) are at risk for type 2 diabetes, or score of 9 or more on the prediabetes screening test [https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/pdf/prediabetestest.pdf].
How can I register? Call (716) 592-9643. We are currently taking registration for a Thursday class to start July 5th at 1 p.m. The first six months, participants meet weekly and after that, monthly meetings will help keep you on track. Additional classes will be scheduled to meet patient demand. If you cannot attend on Thursday afternoon, call and we will inquire of the best day and time for future classes.

Details and Cost: The PT2 program is covered by many insurances without a co-pay and always by Medicare. When calling to register, additional information on insurance coverage will be available. Classes will be offered on different days and times when at least five persons are able to start a new class. Peer-support is an important part of the success of this program, so patients are unable to jump into classes that already exist.

Judware Joins BCH Physical Therapy Team

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 

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.

Honoring William King

This appeared in the 2018 Garden Party program.

William King’s service to his community extends back to his service to our country as a U.S. Army soldier in Korea. Raised in West Valley, he returned from military service and began a long career as an IBEW electrician—now a 58-year member. He started with Dobkin and Gold Co. in 1960 and after four years as an apprentice, went on to spend 29 years on construction and renovation projects throughout Western New York. From there, he was an electrical inspector for the New York Board of Fire Underwriters for Erie and Cattaraugus Counties for 10 years.

His involvement with Bertrand Chaffee Hospital can only be described as extensive and fundamental.  He joined the hospital’s board of directors in 1972, the same year he was elected as president of the West Valley Volunteer Hose Company. Between then and 1992, he was an integral part of expansion and construction projects for the facility.  His call to service did not end there, as he became the town supervisor for Ashford in 1992, continuing for several terms, and he has been the town’s budget officer for 28 years and counting.

In 1997, he came back into the Bertrand Chaffee fold as a member of the then-new BCH Foundation, where he has remained a strong presence for the past 21 years, now as president. During his tenure on the board and foundation board, he served as president for the majority of his terms.

He and his wife, Carol, divide their time between West Valley and a home in Florida.

We thank Bill for his unwavering support of our hospital, his belief in our mission and his commitment to making our community a better place.

 

Celebrating the Cordelian Club

This appeared in the 2018 Garden Party program.

The name “Cordelian” has a meaning of social, educational, charitable and creative; looking deeper into its language roots, the “cor” has a meaning of “heart” in Latin. That’s where we get words like “cordial” and “encourage,” and the word “Cordelian” is completely appropriate to describe our local ladies’ organization that has supported our hospital and nursing home with such warmth and generosity since our very beginnings.

The Cordelian Club formed in 1937 by a group of local women in business, who had to be under 30 years old. That early requirement has changed, and today the club is proud to have members ranging from their 30s into their 70s.

This group meets monthly to gather and learn, and also to plan their major, annual event, the Dance.

This fundraising event has a long history as a popular tradition in Springville. With contributions to Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and the Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home that range in the tens of thousands of dollars, this group has been a part of the facility’s major renovations and significant equipment purchases over the years.

Once a year, current Cordelian members have the opportunity to present names to be considered for membership, and are accepted with the expectation that they will continue the strong foundation of friendship, fun and community on which the group is built.

The Cordelian Club also gives a $100 savings bond each year to an outstanding SGI high school student, and an annual gift to the Girl Scouts of America in Springville.  Their actions represent a true community spirit and love for their neighbors.

2017-2018 season officers:

President: Kelly Baker

VP and Dance Chair: Kathy Goodrow

Treasurer: Kelly Sanders

Corresponding  Secretary: Joell Runge

Parliamentarian: Amy Wnuk

 

Shepherd Joins BCH Primary Care as Physician Assistant

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital has welcomed a new physician assistant to its Primary Care Practice as of June 2018.

Rebecca Shepherd, PA-C has been a physician assistant since 2006. She has worked in urgent care and emergency medicine departments in the Buffalo area, also having practiced alternative and complementary medicine in Buffalo and Fredonia.

She grew up in a family of physicians in Silver Creek, New York, and graduated with her physician assistant degree from D’Youville College. Prior to that, she earned a master of education degree from SUNY Fredonia, and spent many years teaching pre-K through high school, and working with persons with developmental disabilities.

“Shepherd is another great addition to our primary care practice,” said Nils Gunnersen, CEO. “We continue to recruit providers who believe in the value of local healthcare and who see the great things ahead for our facility, including the construction of a new medical arts building for primary care and specialty services.”

Shepherd also has a degree in naturopathy, and continues to be very interested in natural medicine, alternative therapies, nutrition, lifestyle changes and preventive medicine. “I moved to Ellicottville four years ago to enjoy more time outdoors and a more active lifestyle,” said Shepherd. “I am very pleased to be working so close to home in the wonderful community of Springville.”

The practice is accepting new patients and also accepts all major insurances. For an appointment, call (716) 592-8140.