STAFF MATTERSUpdate for Catskill Regional Medical Center employees, physicians and volunteers

In the past year, our country has prepared for major changes brought on by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The new health care mandates and employer changes have affected many and the ACA is a very costly part of legislation. Hospitals are now financially responsible for much of the costs affiliated with delivering healthcare. At Catskill Regional, we have felt the effect of the Medicare program; however we still managed to meet our overall financial targets.

In keeping with the theme of perseverance, I’d like to share our recent accomplishments and vision for the coming year. The year 2013 was a year of improvement for our quality outcomes, and patient satisfaction and employee engagement. We also had a successful Joint Commission survey, received more than $3 million in funding and received national awards in quality of care from Healthgrades®.

Additionally, we completed the renovation of our Behavioral Health Unit which now includes 18 beds. We opened our Wound Healing Center, implemented our Electronic Health Records system and now provide Teleburn services through our affiliation with Lehigh Valley Regional Burn Center. We submitted our application to the New York State Department of Health to become a designated Stroke Center and began to hold joint Tumor Board conferences with Orange Regional. These conferences allow for oncologists, in all specialties, to provide consultation and oversight in the treatment of cancer patients at both facilities. This past year, we also expanded our primary care practice to our Harris Campus and welcomed third and fourth year medical students from Touro College to conduct their medical rotations at our Hospital.

At the Grover M. Hermann Hospital, we added a new entrance sign, new digital mammography unit and bone densitometry scanner. We completed renovations on our Physical Therapy Department and gave the Family Health Center, on the ground floor, a facelift.

Our strategic goals for 2014 include a continued focus on modernization. We will remodel the first floor and all acute care units of the hospital except Obstetrics; add a new main entrance as well as new outpatient entrances; a new generator will replace the existing original unit and we will repave our parking lots. We will also update our furniture, some equipment and add healing artwork. We will continue to work on patient bed configuration to increase the number of private patient rooms and will continue with renovations and cosmetic upgrades as appropriate.

Considering all of our accomplishments and what lies ahead, we have a lot to be proud of. Thank you for your dedication to providing exceptional healthcare to our community. Keeping our mission in focus will allow us to meet and exceed our patients’ expectations.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gerard Galarneau, CEO & CMO

Employee Engagement SurveyThank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Employee Engagement Survey. Our total engagement score has increased from 3.66 to 3.80 (out of 5.0) in the past year. This survey is essential for us to understand how we can improve our work environment in an effort to deliver the high quality care our patients expect. Research shows that feeling good about your work and workplace is essential to doing your best and delivering exceptional patient care. By now, your leader should have shared your team’s survey results and planning should be complete. Now it’s time to work the plan! For more information, contact Director Organizational Development, Betsy Kennally, at 333-0227 or bkennally@ormc.org.

Dr. Gerard Galarneau CEO & CMO

Thank You To Our Volunteers Catskill Regional celebrated National Volunteer Week, from April 6 to April 13.

The next time you see a volunteer, please take the time to thank him or her for their service to our patients, visitors, staff and departments. They are not here for a paycheck. They are here because they want to make a difference.

A Message From Our Leader

March/April 2014

Off The Press

Director of Rehabilitation Services, John Pawlowski, was featured in the “Men at Work” section of the Sullivan County Democrat in March 2014. In the article, John discussed his job responsibilities, his education and experience with patients and our physical rehabilitation services.

In light of the recent renovations and enhancements to outpatient rehab locations, an ad highlighting all of the services provided by Catskill Regional’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Department appeared in the Sullivan County Democrat in March 2014.

The March 11, 2014 issue of the Times Herald-Record featured an article on the new redesigned patient rooms in the Behavioral Health Unit at Catskill Regional. The Behavioral Health Unit has been renovated to provide a better healing environment for patients.

Outpatient RehabilitationCatskill Regional Medical Center

A member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System

Catskill Regional Medical Center

68 Harris Bushville Road · Harris, NY 12742

845-794-3300 x2139

Grover M. Hermann Hospital

8881 NYS Route 97 · Callicoon, NY 12723

845-887-5530 x2102

www.crmcny.org/outpatientrehab

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Our skilled staff, including the only Board-Certified

Orthopedic Clinical Specialist in Sullivan County, is

experienced in rehabilitating patients with all types of

conservative and post-operative joint replacement,

sports medicine injuries and chronic pain. We

also treat neurological disorders such as stroke,

Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, head trauma,

post-concussion and spinal cord injury. We provide

falls risk assessments and offer interventions that

address balance and difficulty with walking.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Our highly trained occupational therapy staff serves

pediatric, adult, geriatric, neurologic, hand therapy

and upper extremity patients. We have significant

experience in treating patients with all types of

conservative and post-operative orthopedic injuries

and chronic pain including amputation, carpal tunnel

syndrome, tendon reconstruction, joint replacement,

traumatic wounds, tendonitis, arthritis and burns,

among others.

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

We are the only outpatient facility located in Sullivan

County for speech, language, voice, fluency,

articulation, swallowing, hearing impaired disorders

and cognitive rehabilitation. Our team includes the

only Lee Silverman Voice Therapy certified outpatient

therapists in Sullivan County. We are also the sole

providers for video fluoroscopy in Sullivan County.

Experienced therapists

with the latest equipment

and treatment options

Our Grover M. Hermann Outpatient Rehabilitation Department has been

recently renovated and expanded to enhance your healing experience.

Catskill Regional Medical Center’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Department features an interdisciplinary,

evidence-based, patient-centered approach offering Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and

Speech Therapy.

Our highly-trained, licensed and experienced therapists work with each patient, from pediatrics to geriatrics

and their physician to achieve the best possible therapeutic outcomes. We continue to expand and improve

our services, with new equipment and upgrades at both of our convenient locations in Harris and Callicoon.

We treat a wide variety of orthopedic and neurological disorders, injuries and chronic pain. We are also the

only outpatient facility in Sullivan County for speech, language, voice, fluency, swallowing, articulation and

hearing impaired disorders.

On March 7, Dr. Carlos Holden, Director of Catskill Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department, was interviewed by the Sullivan County Democrat for an article on renovations completed within the Emergency Department. The article included the purchase of The Polycon Real Presence Practitioner cart 800, which allows Catskill Regional physicians to remotely see a patient who is presenting stroke symptoms in real time.  

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John R. Pawlowski, PT, MHS, OCS, CWCE and CSCS, Director of Rehab Services, was nominated by CRMC for the “Men at Work” showcase, sponsored by the Sullivan County Democrat. We congratulate him on being selected!

Julia Metzger is certified to administer LSVT LOUD™, after completing a 12-hour course for speech pathologists. LSVT LOUD™ is an effective speech treatment for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and other neurological conditions.

Jennifer Cuttler, Lab phlebotomist, had a baby boy, Nathan, on January 2.

Congratulations

We extend our sincerest condolences to family and friends of Ed Corsaro. Ed worked with us as our Evening Supervisor in the Environmental Services Department. He was a dedicated professional who cared about each of those on his team. We will miss him greatly and always remember his kindness.

Our Condolences

Leading The WayWendy Brown has been promoted to Administrative Director of Emergency, Critical Care and Support Services. Wendy joined Catskill Regional in 2012 and most recently held the position of Clinical Director of the Emergency

Services Department. In her new role, she will oversee Emergency Services, the Intensive Care Unit, along with the Environmental and Food Services departments. Wendy can be reached at x2244.

Robert Dukett has been appointed as Information Technology Hospital Support Manager. In this role, Robert will join the GHVHS IT leadership team as manager of the CRMC IT department and will help oversee technical and application support

of the automated business needs at Catskill, Callicoon and clinics. Robert can be reached at x2540.

Linda Endicott has been promoted to Nursing Administrative Manager. Linda joined Catskill Regional in 2007 and holds a Master of Nursing (MSN) degree. She was most recently the Director of Information Technology. In her new role,

Linda will provide direct supervision of the administrative directors of nursing and clinical practice support on evening, night and weekend shifts. She will also continue to provide support for Electronic Health Records education and problem solving. Linda can be reached at x2965.

Laura Northrup has been appointed as Administrator of Nursing Professional Practice. Laura joined Catskill Regional in 2009 as the Clinical Director of Obstetrics and in May 2010 became the Staff Development Director. Laura will

continue to manage the Obstetrics Department and Staff Development in addition to Outpatient Oncology and Nursing Professional Practice. Laura can be reached at x2814.

Rosemary Steuber has been promoted to Director of Laboratory Services. Rosemary began her career at Catskill Regional in 1987 as the Laboratory Night Supervisor and her most recent position was Blood Bank Supervisor. She completed her

Masters in Health Education (MHA) from Walden University and can be reached at x3227.

William Kent Titherington III has joined Catskill Regional as Director of Food Services. William has over 30 years experience and has held various positions in the Food Service industry, most recently as the Director of Food Services

at Glenmont Job Corps in Glenmont, NY. He is a Certified ServSafe Instructor and received his degree in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management from New York Restaurant School. William can be reached at x2002.

CRMC Staff Matters | March/April 2014 | 3

The 36th Annual WSUL/WVOS Heart-A-Thon took place at Catskill Regional Medical Center on Saturday, February 22. Both radio stations broadcasted live from the Hospital’s cafeteria from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The annual event raised more than $58,000 and the donations continue to come in with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Cardio Pulmonary Department.

Members of the community stopped in throughout the day to make donations, listen to guest speakers and receive information and tips about Heart Health. Nursing students from Sullivan County BOCES provided free blood pressure screenings. Radio listeners also showed their support by calling in their pledge. In addition, thousands of tribute hearts were sold in honor or in memory of loved ones who have been afflicted with cardiac related conditions. Throughout the years, WSUL/WVOS has donated over $450,000 to Catskill Regional in support of its Cardio Pulmonary Department. We are grateful for their continued support!

2014 Heart-A-Thon

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On February 25, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of Catskill Regional Medical Group’s Primary Care practice. Hospital staff and community members were in attendance as Catskill Regional’s Board of Directors Chair, Darrell Supak, CEO & CMO, Dr. Gerard Galarneau and the Group’s Medical Director, Dr. Bruce Ellsweig, spoke of the crucial need for primary care services in Sullivan County. Catskill Regional Medical Group also offers skilled physicians in Surgery, Urology and Endocrinology.

Catskill Regional Medical Group’s newest Primary Care Practice is located at the Hospital’s main campus, 68 Harris Bushville Road, 1st Floor Ambulatory Service Building in Harris. The Group’s highly-trained, qualified and professional medical staff is comprised of physicians who are Board-certified in Family and Internal Medicine and Board-certified nurse practitioners who treat patients from infancy to geriatrics. They offer high-quality preventative care as well as treatment for acute chronic illness.

Catskill Regional Primary Care is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with same-day appointments. Appointments can be made by calling 845-791-7828.

Catskill Regional Medical Group’s Primary Care Office Opens

Delivering Exceptional Care

Dear Dr. Galarneau,

I am writing to you because of the excellent experience I had at your hospital.

On February 11, 2014 I had total hip replacement surgery. Dr. Episalla performed the surgery.

First let me give you a little background. I am 71 years old and have never been in a hospital. To put it mildly, I was scared to death.

We arrived early in the morning and the nurses immediately took me in. As I said, I was scared. From the first nurse who told me to undress and put on a gown to the nurses in the operating room… All treated me just great. They were all very friendly, caring and comforting.

I then spent four days in room 200. All the nurses and nurses aides for that section were just excellent. If I rang the bell, immediately they asked what the problem was and I would have assistance in a moment or two. They were all friendly and very helpful. Even the cafeteria lady was nice. Who ever heard of having a choice for meals in a hospital? Plus, the food was very good.

Another good employee you have is Kristine Conologue in Physical Therapy. She had me up and walking the next day and was so nice to work with. She was most helpful to me.

I will recommend your hospital to all my friends. I have already told everyone about my experience in the hospital and my comments were all good.

You have some great employees and they all know how to make a patient feel comfortable.

Keep up the good work.

Sincerely, John Gempler

Below is a letter from a patient who shared his gratitude for the care and treatment he received at Catskill Regional.

CRMC Staff Matters | March/April 2014 | 5

Newsflash

Blood Bowl In January, Catskill Regional sponsored a huge blood drive along with Thunder 102, Monticello Casino and Raceway and the American Red Cross. In the spirit of the Super Bowl, the event was named the ‘Blood Bowl’. There were 58 registered donors and 54 pints of blood were collected, which was enough to save up to 162 lives. Additionally, the December blood drive was called the ‘Pre-Bowl’ and an additional 18 units were collected. For more information on Catskill Regional’s monthly blood drives, contact Blood Bank Supervisor, Rosemary Steuber, at x3227.

Catskill Regional Staff Perform ‘A Chorus Line’ At FundraiserOn March 7, Catskill Regional staff participated in the annual Boys & Girls Club fundraiser/Celebrity dinner. Included in the show and performing ‘A Chorus Line’ were CEO & CMO, Dr. Gerard Galarneau; CNO, Boomer Bojo; Jodi Goodman; Fran Justus; Patty DeVoe; Suzanne Lange; Wendy Brown; Laura Northrup; Joan Rollin and Rosemary Steuber. Catskill Regional raised $3,000 for the event and had a terrific time doing it!

Community Advisory CommitteeCatskill Regional’s Community Advisory Committee recently met to discuss services provided at its facilities. Led by CEO & CMO, Dr. Gerard Galarneau, the group discussed patient care and offered ideas and feedback on how to enhance services provided based on patient experiences as well as share accolades. The Committee meets once a quarter and is comprised of community members and Hospital staff. If you are interested or know a community member who would like to take part in the forum, please have them submit a letter of request to Catskill Regional Medical Center, Attention: Administration, 68 Harris Bushville Road, Harris, NY 12742.

From Left to Right: Sullivan County Public Health Service Director, Nancy McGraw; Town of Thompson Supervisor, William Rieber; Robin Vernooy and Barbie Neuman of the Boys and Girls Club; Ed Justus from Jeffersonville; Director of Volunteer and Community Services, Jodi Goodman; Jon Heimbach, Greater Hudson Valley Health System Construction Manager and CEO & CMO, Dr. Gerard Galarneau.

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“Look Good, Feel Better” EventCatskill Regional’s Cancer Support Group, in conjunction with the National Cosmetology Association and Personal Care Products Council, hosted an American Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel Better” event on February 18 at CRMC’s Main Harris Campus. The goal of the program is to help cancer patients fight the side effects of chemotherapy by enhancing their appearance through the use of makeup, turbans and other accessories. For more information about the Cancer Support Group, contact ext. 2831.

The Basketball Coaches Association of New York (BCANY) Vs. Cancer Classic presented a donation of $3,029.37 to CEO & CMO, Dr. Gerard Galarneau, to benefit the Outpatient Oncology Unit at Catskill Regional. The basketball game fundraiser was held in memory of Chris Depew’s Dad, David “Wayne” Depew and included local basketball teams from Monticello, Liberty, Tri-Valley, Sullivan West, Roscoe, Port Jervis, Eldred, Fallsburg, Chester, SS Seward, and SUNY Sullivan.

Basketball Fundraiser Benefits Outpatient Oncology Unit

Front Row: Kelsey Brockner, Marianne Durkin, Krysten Herbert, London Gandy and Dr. Gerard Galarneau, CEO & CMO.Back Row: Coach Chris Russo; Daeshaun Thompson, Oncology RN; Nurse Mary O’Shea Siegel; Administrator of Nursing Professional Practice, Laura Northrup; David Watkins; Joe Revell and Lah-juan Drayton.

Forrest “Woody” Hubbard has been promoted to GHVHS Picture Archive Communication System (PACS)/Support Service Manager. Woody has more than 45 years of service at Orange Regional and successfully moved the organization from hardcopy film to a very sophisticated digital image storage and image distribution network. In his new capacity, Woody will oversee the digital imaging network for Catskill Regional and Orange Regional. His expertise will assure seamless support to our radiologists, assure regulatory compliance and create numerous operational synergies. Woody can be reached at 333-1271 or whubbard@ormc.org.

Katie Correa has been promoted to GHVHS Radiology Information System (RIS)/Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Coding Specialist. Katie has been with Orange Regional for 12 years, progressing from image distribution support to RIS/PACS Coding Specialist. Within the past few years, Katie has also become the EPIC Radiant certified trainer and a certified Lean Six Sigma trained professional. Katie supports the PACS network, assuring that Diagnostic Imaging (DI) coding is up to date and accurate, and works with the GHVHS compliance team assuring DI is fully compliant. Katie also assures EPIC RIS is running at the highest level of performance. Katie works with Catskill Regional Medical Center to assure

coding systems/charge master and all systems are compliant. She also assists with EPIC Radiant Training and support leadership to ensure a high level of operational quality standardization. Katie can be reached at 333-1269 or kcorrea@ormc.org.

CRMC Staff Matters | March/April 2014 | 7

4th Annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes® Fundraiser

How Can I Get Involved?

Free confidential cardiac risk assessments are being offered to employees and volunteers through our Healthy Heart Program. Results are tabulated immediately after your assessment to determine your risk for heart disease. It only takes a few minutes.

Upcoming screenings will be held on the following dates:

May 7 and June 11

Rehabilitation/Cardio-pulmonary Waiting Room, 1st Floor 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For more information on the Healthy Heart Program, call 333-1509.

The brief assessment includes:• Review of your medical history

• Height, weight/waist measurements

• Small blood sample

• Cholesterol & glucose screening

• Blood pressure screening

What Are Your Risks For Heart Disease?

It’s not too late to join and start your own weight loss journey! Our new group meets every Tuesday at noon in the conference room across from the cafeteria. The cost is $13 per week and free e-tools are included! For information, contact Director Employee Health, Marcia Orloff, at 333-2060 or morloff@ormc.org.

Weight Watchers At Work

The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event to raise funds for RISE is being held April 26 at the Sullivan County Government Center, in Monticello. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Walk starts at 10:00 a.m. Men, women and children — many of them wearing red shoes — participate in this fun-filled annual event, which takes a light-hearted approach to a very serious subject and increases awareness of how sexual assault impacts individuals and families in Sullivan County. The event will coincide with Sexual Abuse Awareness Month.

We encourage the hospital employees and volunteers to participate in this unique and exciting event. Departments can walk together, as well as raise funds together; it is a great opportunity for team-building while also supporting one of Catskill Regional’s services.

For more information about RISE or the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event, contact Sarah Dittmar at 794-3300 ext. 2442.

SATURDAy, APRIL 26