Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Orthopaedic Surgery Center Completes First Total Joint Replacement

June 2022 marked an important month in Bertrand Chaffee Hospital history – the first orthopaedic joint procedures were completed at the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Surgical suite. This came about one month after the official opening of the BCH Orthopaedic Surgical Center. The team of Dr. Paul Mason, MD and Jim O’May, PA has been thrilled to meet with and provide care to their first orthopaedic patients at BCH.

Dennis Elbow (pictured), a Wyoming County resident, received the first total joint replacement at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital when he had his right knee replaced in June.

“The introduction of orthopaedic care at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital is a direct response to community need and part of our strategic growth plan,” stated Nils Gunnersen, Bertrand Chaffee Hospital CEO. “We are pleased to have Dr. Mason and Jim O’May sharing their skill, knowledge and expertise and providing excellent care to our new ortho patients. This is a significant milestone in BCH history – having our very own orthopaedic clinic in the Springville community.”

Sue Williams was the second total joint replacement patient, receiving a total hip replacement. She commented “My care from start to finish has been professional, thorough, and complete by a medical team that was caring, fully engaged in my personal well-being, as well as being dedicated to my recovery success. I could not be happier with my choice to put my trust in Dr Paul Mason and Jim O’May and their care professionals at the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital.”

“The response has been tremendous,” commented Dr. Mason. “We are grateful to be providing care to familiar faces and new patients from the Springville community.”

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital’s new Orthopaedic Surgery Center is accepting new patients. For more information, please call (716) 794-3299.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Welcomes Dr. Nadeem Haq

Dr. Nadeem Haq

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital is pleased to announce cardiologist Dr. Nadeem Haq has joined the BCH Heart Center.

Dr. Nadeem Haq, MD, FACC completed Medical School at University of Punjab, Pakistan. He completed Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine and Cardiology Fellowship in Adult Cardiovascular Disease at Marshall University School of Medicine in Huntington, West Virginia. Dr. Haq is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and is a member of the American Society of Echocardiology, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound.

Dr. Haq has published or presented his research in a number of venues including the West Virginia Journal of Medicine, the American College of Physicians (ACP) Annual Associates Meeting, the Southern Medical Association Annual Assembly, and the American Gastroenterological Association.

He previously served at Trinity Medical Cardiology as Co-Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Director of Echocardiography at Buffalo Mercy Hospital and President of the Cardiology Group of WNY. In addition to his duties at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital, Dr. Haq practices at Great Lakes Cardiovascular and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University at Buffalo.

Dr. Haq practices non-invasive and invasive cardiology, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

“We are pleased to have Dr. Haq join our team at BCH,” said BCH CEO Nils Gunnersen. “His wealth of experience and excellent reputation in the WNY community will be a great asset to our patients and our Heart Center practice.”

Dr. Haq joins Dr. Gomez, Dr. Smith, and Lauralee Sprague, NP in the clinical care of cardiac patients.

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

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home CEO Announces Retirement

BCH & JBR CEO Nils Gunnersen

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home CEO Nils Gunnersen announced he will be stepping down from his leadership role by the end of 2022.

“Nils has served as CEO of Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home since December 2008 and has provided visionary leadership to our campus throughout his tenure,” said Gary Eppolito, President of the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Board of Directors. “His guidance has not only preserved but has grown services and certainly fulfilled our organizational mission of Keeping Healthcare Local.”

Under Gunnersen’s leadership, BCH has made great strides at advancing local healthcare. Some of these many accomplishments include the creation of BCH Primary Care, BCH Heart Center, and the BCH Surgical Centers, modernization of the imaging department, and strengthening the partnerships with Keystone Healthcare and Mercy EMS / Mercy Flight.

“We will miss Nils’ experience as a health leader, we will miss his thoughtful leadership, but we will especially miss the great sense of humor he shared with us, even during unprecedented and stressful times for the healthcare industry,” said Johanna Healy,  Chair of the Board’s Strategic Planning Committee. 

Recently, Gunnersen was instrumental in the completion of the construction of the Bertrand Chaffee Health Center, recruitment of new providers for the Primary Care Center, and establishment of the Bertrand Chaffee Orthopaedic Surgery Center. Notably, Gunnersen has been responsible for making strategic investments to our campus while recruiting and retaining a multitude of new providers and staff to BCH and JBR, as well as strengthening BCH’s position of independence as organization. 

“It has been my pleasure to serve Springville and the surrounding communities over the last 14 years,” shared Gunnersen. “I am proud of what we, as a team, have accomplished together to strengthen local healthcare services. My utmost gratitude and appreciation goes out to the BCH and Foundation Boards, volunteers, physicians, and staff. We could not have accomplished our many achievements without the commitment and tireless work of these great people.  It has been my privilege to be a part of this dedicated team. A special thank you for the tremendous support Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home receives from our community. We are so honored to serve and take care of you.” “The Board has formed a Committee to begin the important work of identifying Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home’s next leader,” stated Eppolito. “We are committed to a transition by the end of the calendar year.”

JBR becomes a Regional Test Center for the Certification Exam for Nursing Assistants

Photo included: Pictured are graduates from our June 2022 Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program. Pictured L-R JBR Nursing Home Administrator Carole Francis, Elizabeth Dimpfl, Leah Seltzer, Laura Esposito, JBR Assistant Director of Nursing Samantha Vecchio, and JBR Director of Nursing Renna Thaine.

Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home is proud to announce a collaborative agreement with Prometric to become a regional test site for the New York State Nurse Aide Certification Exam. Prometric is a leading provider of technology-enabled testing and assessment solutions to many of the world’s most recognized licensing and certification organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies. They support more than seven million test takers annually at their testing locations in more than 180 countries around the world.

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has contracted with Prometric to develop and administer the New York State (NYS) Nursing Home Nurse Aide Competency Examination and manage the NYS Nursing Home Nurse Aide Registry (NAR). All individuals performing nurse aide duties in a nursing home on a full-time, part-time or contractual basis must meet minimum training and competency requirements in accordance with state and federal regulations and be listed in good standing on the NAR.  The majority of nurse aides on the registry become certified by successfully completing a NYS-approved nursing home nurse aide training program and passing the Competency Examination. The exam consists of two parts: 1) a Clinical Skills exam (practical portion); and 2) a Written (oral) exam.

In early December of 2021, Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home received notification that it was approved for a New York State Nurse Aide Training Program and began to offer training classes in January 2022. Since then, they have had two graduating classes. A challenge the nurse aide candidates was the distance traveling to and from area regional testing sites – some candidates were asked to test 4 hours away. The administration team at Jennie B. felt this limited the chances of candidates passing the exam and as a result, entered into discussions with Prometric to develop a testing area here on the Bertrand Chaffee campus. A computer lab area was created for the written part of the exam and a laboratory area to test clinical skills. “This was no small undertaking as we needed funds to create the computer and simulation laboratories,” reports Carole Francis, Nursing Home Administrator for Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home. “We saw an opportunity to develop and train new and current staff caring for our residents,” commented Renna S. Thaine, Director of Nursing for Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home. “This will allow us to develop candidates’ skill sets so that our residents receive the highest quality of care possible. This is our commitment to them and the communities we deliver care in.”

Training coursework is held regularly throughout the year and paid for by the organization. The next CNA training course will begin on August 1; applications are due by July 25. To learn more about the CNA training program or to apply, please email aszarzanowicz@bch-jbr.org.

Bertrand Chaffee Primary Care Welcomes Erin Vogl, PA

Erin Vogl, PA

Bertrand Chaffee Primary Care is pleased to announce the addition of Erin Vogl, PA to its practice, effective May 23, 2022.

Erin Vogl, PA, earned both her Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science from Daemen University.

Vogl brings over four years of internal medicine experience. She has a wealth of experience with in-home health assessments, as well as working in group homes and with developmentally disabled patients. A Colden resident, Vogl “understands the importance of keeping health care close to home and looks forward to providing accessible health care to those in our rural community.”

“We are thrilled to have Erin join our Bertrand Chaffee Primary Care,” said BCH CEO Nils Gunnersen. “She is a great complement to our team of providers and the entire BCH family.”

Vogl and other providers at Bertrand Chaffee Primary Care are accepting new patients at the Bertrand Chaffee Health Center, located at 210 East Main Street in Springville. Please call (716) 592-8140 to schedule an appointment.

Bertrand Chaffee Orthopaedic Surgery Center Opens

Pictured L to R: Jim O’May, PA; patient Nancy Bodekor; Dr. Paul Mason

On Monday, May 2, Bertrand Chaffee Hospital welcomed its news providers Dr. Paul Mason and Jim O’May, PA to the BCH family with the opening of the Bertrand Chaffee Orthopaedic Surgery Center.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital is thrilled to offer orthopaedic services to Springville and the surrounding communities and for these two providers to be a part of the BCH team.

To schedule an appointment at the Bertrand Chaffee Orthopaedic Surgery Center, please call (716) 794-3299.

BCH is Hiring

BCH is hiring for its expanding Surgical Suite.

We are seeking applicants for the following positions: Surgical Registered Nurse (RN), Surgical Technician/OR Technician, and Sterilization Technician.

Please contact Recruiter Kelly Tracy today at 716-592-8140 x 4715 or email your resume to bchjobs@bch-jbr.org.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Announces Orthopaedic Program, New Providers

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital is pleased to announce the introduction of the Orthopaedic Surgery Center at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital starting on May 2, 2022.

Dr. Paul Mason, MD, will be providing orthopaedic services to Springville and the surrounding communities. Dr. Mason completed medical school at the State University of New York at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Orthopaedic Training and Fellowship in hip and knee reconstruction at the world-renowned Henry Ford Health Systems. He is board-certified by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Dr. Mason is a founding partner of Buffalo Orthopaedic Group and Buffalo Bone and Joint Surgery. He is Past President of the Medical Staff at Sisters of Charity Hospital and served as Medical Director of the Millard Fillmore Ambulatory Surgical Center.

Dr. Mason is a native Western New Yorker, where he has practiced for nearly 20 years, and where he and his wife raised their four children.

Joining Dr. Mason is Physician Assistant Jim O’ May. Mr. O’ May graduated from Daemen University’s Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. He has practiced with Dr. Mason for 16 years. A Rochester native, Mr. O’ May is the proud father of two girls and currently resides in Lancaster.

Dr. Mason specializes in hip and knee reconstruction, arthroscopic treatment of shoulder disorders, and Carpal tunnel syndrome. He has achieved Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JCAHO) accreditation for Advanced Hip and Knee Joint Reconstruction Certification and is one of only a handful of joint programs in New York State to have achieved this prestigious certification. His consistent HCAHPS scores rank him in the top 1% of orthopaedic surgeons nationally.

“Dr. Mason brings a vast wealth of experience to Bertrand Chaffee Hospital,” said BCH CEO Nils Gunnersen. “Dr. Mason, Mr. O’ May, and their orthopaedic practice are a perfect complement to our campus and our organization’s strategic intent to grow and add new services for our community. We are enthusiastic to have them join the BCH family and share their expertise in order to best serve our patients.”

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital’s new Orthopaedic Surgery Center will be accepting new patients. For more information, please call (716) 794-3299.

Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home Helping the Community Thrive with Health Care Training Program


Pictured L-R: Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home Administrator Carole Francis; CNA Training Graduates Danielle Spencer, Kelsey Wood, Molly Shanahan, Brianna Stutzman, Charla Walsh; Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home Director of Nursing Renna Thaine. Missing from photo is Harley Lafferty.

Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home invests in the future of our employees. We know that caring for our staff extends to our exceptional patient and resident care. “Every positive resident experience is made better by our associates. That’s why we invest in our team by supporting and fostering their career growth.  At BCH and JBR, we want you to reach your full potential, which is why we deliver the training and programs to do just that” reports Carole Francis, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator.

Are you looking to find a job and also help out your community? You may think you need a college degree to work in a field like health care. Although many employers look for prior experience or certificates to fill health care jobs, some health care positions require none at all. In fact, they can be learned through on-the-job training. The health sector is one of the best places to get your foot in the door before moving up a very diverse career ladder that offers the promise of long-term job security. Individuals in these entry-level positions support physicians and nurses in many ways. For example, Personal Care Aides assist with non-physical resident care, escort residents to appointments, keep residents’ rooms neat, set up equipment, store and move supplies, as well as assist elderly residents with making beds, doing laundry, passing trays at mealtimes and engaging the elderly in social conversations. Oftentimes, individuals in this position train to move up to the position of a Certified Nurse Assistant.

Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home’s Certified Nursing Assistant training program is a great way to gain valuable hands-on clinical experience in the field of nursing care. Jennie B.’s program is free and requires minimal qualifications. Certified Nursing Assistants provide direct resident care and perform routine tasks under the supervision of nursing and medical staff. They may assist with some procedures, as well as report on any changes to a patient’s physical, mental and emotional condition. Trainees must complete a state-approved education program and pass their state’s competency exam to become certified.

Recently, Jennie B. Richmond Chaffee Nursing Home in Springville graduated five new Certified Nursing Assistants from their training program held in March. “This is our second class of trainees and we are happy to see them strive and succeed,” states Renna Thaine, Director of Nursing for Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home.

As health care continues to grow as an industry, so will the need for workers in a variety of roles—many of which won’t even require you to have a college degree. Are you trying to get your foot in the door, but aren’t sure where to start? Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home is actively recruiting for a variety of positions such as registered nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), personal care aides (PCAs) and screeners. Our next CNA Training course is starting soon. Training coursework is held regularly throughout the year and paid for by the organization. The next CNA training course will begin on May 2; applications are due by April 25. To learn more about the CNA training program or to apply, please email bchjobs@bch-jbr.org.

BCH Foundation Supports Continuing Education Scholarship

BCH Foundation Board President Claudia Miller presents Alexia Wilson with a scholarship award.

The Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation Board of Directors recently awarded the Elizabeth Dedrick Scholarship to Alexia Wilson, RN. Wilson was hired in April 2020 as the Medical Surgical Department Manager at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital. She has been a leader throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, working hard to prioritize care and compassion for patients and staff through an incredibly difficult time in healthcare. Alexia has continued to advance her education at Alfred State College, with a completion date of her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing set for May of 2022.

The Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation Board of Directors is proud to support the continuing education efforts of the staff members of Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home.

The Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation in Springville provides financial assistance to Bertrand Chaffee Hospital and Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home for equipment purchases, capital improvements and employee scholarships. Through the generosity of donors, employees, estate bequests and community fundraising efforts, the Foundation has supported the hospital and nursing home with nearly $2 million in funds over the past 10 years. Celebrating its 25th year in 2021, the Foundation is managed by a volunteer board of directors which meets quarterly. For more information, visit bertrandchaffee.com/foundation or call (716) 592-2871 ext. 1485.