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.

Update Regarding Elective Surgeries at Bertrand Chaffee Hospital

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital continues to await official written directives from New York State regarding the NYS Governor issued directive around suspension of elective surgery issued on Monday, November 30.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital, along with other hospitals throughout Erie County, is seeking clarification on this directive. For example, does this only mean elective/planned surgery that requires an overnight stay, does this impact same-day procedures, etc. We are advocating that Erie County, including Bertrand Chaffee Hospital, keep same-day and emergent procedures versus those that require an overnight stay (“inpatient electives”). Presently, Bertrand Chaffee Hospital, following guidance from the NYS Department of Health, pre-screens and tests all surgical patients prior to their scheduled procedure.  

Once we receive further direction and information from New York State regarding restriction or resumption of cases, we will communicate appropriately with our providers, staff and patients.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital has been working with the NYS Department of Health, Erie County Department of Health, and Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) to find out more information about how these new requirements will impact our operations and ability to continue to provide care for patients.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month focuses attention on a disease that is detectable and treatable when caught in its early stages. Each March, healthcare facilities and organizations take steps to raise awareness of this condition and to highlight the importance of regular colorectal cancer screenings on a schedule recommended by your healthcare providers.

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital joins in this effort by sharing information about colorectal cancer with patients through its Primary Care Center and Surgical Center. The goal: encourage patients to know their risks for colorectal cancer and to get screened on a schedule recommended by their healthcare provider.

For most patients, colon cancer screenings begin at age 50, though certain risk factors such as a family history of colon cancer might indicate that earlier screenings are needed.

Colonoscopies are screening tools that are performed in a surgical setting with sedation for patient comfort. Other screening options include take-home stool tests that are covered by most insurance plans and available for free to uninsured patients through county Cancer Services Programs (CSP). To access the CSP in Erie County, call (716) 858-7376. For Cattaraugus, Allegany and Chautauqua Counties, call 877-778-6857.  For Wyoming County, call (716) 278-4898.

At Bertrand Chaffee Hospital, physicians in our Surgical Center perform colonoscopies for patients in an ambulatory surgery setting. That means that patients are generally able to go home from their procedure on the same day.

Colorectal cancer most commonly affects individuals over the age of 50. Patients who are experiencing a change in bowel habits, bleeding or blood in stool, persistent abdominal pain or cramping, or unexplained weight loss should consult with their healthcare provider.

A prescription is needed from a healthcare provider to schedule a colonoscopy. Please call (716) 794-3295 for a colonoscopy consultation with Dr. Gavin Davison, surgeon in the BCH Surgical Center.

 

 

 

BCH Foundation’s May 2017 Meeting

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.

BCH Expands Specialist Offerings with Urologist Dr. Hanzly

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.