Provided photos – The Millis family poses for a picture at the June 5 golf tournament in memory of David Millis of Albion. The group includes, front row, from left: Julie Mersdorf, Haley Mersdorf, Brett Mersdorf, Andrew Millis, Kennedy Barber and Joan Millis. Back row: Zachary Millis, Brian Millis, Diane Millis, Jade Millis, Jay Mersdorf, Karen Barber, Gary Barber and Brooks Barber.
ALBION – The family of David Millis has now hosted 10 memorial golf tournament that have raised $125,000 for Orleans County families battling cancer.
The family held the most recent tournament on June 5 at Batavia Country Club and raised about $12,500. The money was again donated to the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund, which is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to assisting local families with their fight against cancer. The money is used to assist with prescriptions, medical insurance, nutritional supplements, hospital beds and many other needs.
The Millis family would like to thank major sponsors, golfers, dinner guests, volunteers, and raffle prize donors to help make this tournament another great success.
This year the tournament had 136 golfers and 186 dinner guests.
Jim Klein, Justin Klein, Jon Klein and Matt Wood won this year’s tournament.
Golfers and dinner guests had a chance to find purple golf balls hidden throughout the golf course and banquet hall to help raise pancreatic cancer awareness, which David passed away from. Anyone who found a golf ball throughout the day won a prize.
“I am so pleased with the golf tournament again this year,” said David’s wife Joan Millis. “I am so proud of my family, they do a wonderful job making sure everything runs smoothly and everyone had a nice time. I’m happy the proceeds will again go to the Knights Kaderli Memorial Fund. We are very happy it helps people who live locally. I would also like to thank everyone who sponsored, people and businesses who contributed raffle prizes, volunteers, golfers, dinner guests and all of our friends and family who have always been there for us. I know Dave is so proud of his family as I am.”
Next year’s tournament will be on June 4.
For more information and pictures from the tournament, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 May 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Leslie Allen (in orange) leads a group of senior citizens in an exercise class today at the former Albion Grammar School on East Academy Street.
ALBION – Leslie Allen has run an exercise class for senior citizens on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. She mixes in lots of humor and banter, as well as gimmicks, including “Crazy Sock Day,” which was today’s theme.
Today was also Allen’s last day on the job. She is retiring after leading the class for six years for the Office For the Aging.
Allen has a steady group of about 20 senior citizens. She makes the class fun, while leading the group in free weights, cardio, isometrics with an exercise ball and a cool down. It’s part of the OFA’s efforts to improve balance and strength, to help seniors with fall prevention.
That may sound like a chore, but Allen has made the class enjoyable, said Ann Batt, a regular in the class.
“It’s just fun,” Batt said. “We’re like a family.”
Allen shows off the sock she wore for “Crazy Sock Day.”
Allen and the group have holiday parties and other days with costumes. (Batt dressed up as Harry Potter for Halloween.)
Batt and other class members said they wish Allen well in her retirement.
“She will be missed,” Batt said. “We’re happy for her.”
Allen said the class members have been successful in improving their balance. She sees many other benefits to the program.
“We’ve become a family,” she said. “They keep in touch with each other, sending each other cards and staying connected.”
Leslie Allen joins some of the class members for a photo on “Crazy Sock Day.”
The class will continue with Michele Sargent hired as the new leader of the low-impact exercises.
Allen thanked the class today for their friendship.
“They’ve taught me how to age gracefully and to do it with humor,” she said.
MEDINA – Members of the Western New York Flash, a women’s professional soccer team, will visit the Oak Orchard Elementary School in Medina on Thursday afternoon to promote fitness.
The Flash are one of nine teams of the National Women’s Soccer League. The club won the inaugural NWSL Shield after finishing the 2013 with the best regular-season record.
The team has partnered with Athletes For Hope as a part of the Let’s Move! Active Schools Campaign.
The Flash will speak with Medina students about the importance of staying active, healthy eating and working toward goals. The assembly will begin at 1 p.m. and will feature 450 students from grades kindergarten to 3rd grade.
The assembly will feature a short presentation from Flash players who will discuss their story, how physical activity is important to them and how it has helped them become a professional athlete.
Afterwards, the team will lead the students in fitness and soccer-related activities.
Provided photos – Holley has a variety of exercise equipment in the Family Fitness Center.
HOLLEY – The school district has been notified that the Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant has been approved for a second year for $214,601.
Holley received this continuance of the grant because they have “good performance of the grant’s goals and objectives and have improved on all three Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) measures,” the school district announced.
Those measures Holley must meet include:
1. Students completing 60 minutes of daily physical activity, measured with pedometers and activity logs;
2. Students meeting the standard of a healthy fitness zone in at least five of the six fitness areas of the Presidential Youth Fitness Program;
3. Students consuming two fruits and three vegetables per day, measured with surveys.
Holley students wore movable bands to record their physical activity, participated in fitness and nutrition activities through physical education classes and FIT4U! sessions throughout the year, and were provided with fruits and vegetables through the cafeteria services program during and after school.
Holley received $438,430 in the first year of the PEP grant, which made the creation of the Family Fitness Center in the Elementary School possible, along with the programs mentioned above.
Physical Education teacher Lisa Campbell has been the administrator of the grant.
“I wish to commend Lisa Campbell on her efforts to help secure the grant,” said District Superintendent Robert D’Angelo.
“I also commend her for her hard work with the Family Fitness Center and all of the activities associated with educating students, staff, parents and the community about the importance of good nutrition and physical activity. I look forward to the second year of this grant and the good things to come from it.”
If Holley shows further improvement in the GPRA measures in its second year, the district can receive a continuance award of $128,612.
“Our physical education staff has worked diligently to ensure that we not only meet, but exceed, the standards of the grant requirements,” Campbell said. “Their support and fine efforts are sincerely appreciated.”
Cora Bennage, a Holley fifth grader, is pictured on the elliptical machine in the Holley Family Fitness Center.
Holley recently added more state-of-the-art equipment to its Family Fitness Center. An abdominal machine, leg press, rowing machine and lateral elliptical machine have been added.
This is in addition to the treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical machines, iDance system, cross trainer, upper body ergometer, adaptive motion trainer, weight bench and free weights that the center currently has. Some pieces of equipment are youth-sized to enable children ages 10 and older to exercise alongside their family members.
The Family Fitness Center is open Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. when school is in session. The Family Fitness Center is available for use by residents of the Holley Central School District free of charge. Children age 10 and older may use the center with their families in the evening.
The Family Fitness Center is available for use by classes during the school day and by staff when not in use by classes. Trained supervisors are on duty during family fitness times to assist participants and to promote a safe and orderly environment in which to work out.
Nicole Rose, a Holley graduate, has been coming to the Family Fitness Center for the last couple of months.
“It saves me on gym membership if I come here,” said Rose.
Scott Allen, who lives nearby, also echoes that sentiment. “I like being able to come here four nights a week and it’s easy to get here,” said Allen.
Holley parent Kevin McGuire agrees. “I can work out here when I drop off my kids to play a sport – it’s really convenient,” said McGuire. “It’s never crowded and they have brand new equipment.”
The district qualified for almost $800,000 of federal funding to promote good nutrition and physical exercise among the students, staff and district families.
Press Release, Orleans United Drug Free Communities Coalition
Increasing public awareness of substance abuse and mental health issues are at the forefront of National Prevention Week.
The awareness week is held each year in May, near the start of summer, when families try to fit in as many celebrations and recreational activities as possible. It’s also a time when substance use and abuse can happen, such as graduation parties, proms, weddings, sporting events, and outdoor activities.
The percentages of marijuana, cigarette, and alcohol initiates among youth increase between spring and summer, and the timing of National Prevention Week helps to educate young people and their families at this crucial time of year. Each of us can make a difference in our community, starting with the choices we make every day. These choices are important for our health and our future, and they also affect the lives of people in our community.
Orleans United Drug Free Communities Coalition was selected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to receive a $500 stipend to support a National Prevention Week event from May 11-16.
Pat Crowley, project director for the coalition, noted that each day they have selected a suggested health topic that will be highlighted in the lobby at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse (GCASA) at 249 East Ave., Albion.
“We will have information available on the prevention of tobacco use, underage drinking and alcohol abuse, opioid and prescription drug abuse, illicit drug use, prevention of suicide as well as promotion of mental health and wellness,” she said.
GCASA will finish off the week with a Free Wellness Walk/Run beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday in the community room at GCASA’s Albion office. The Albion Running Club and Orleans United are co-sponsoring the Wellness Walk/Run.
The first 40 people to register on the event day receive a free T-shirt and everyone that registers and participates will have a chance to win an Apple I-Pod. Contact Pat Crowley for more information at pcrowley@gcasa.org or call 585-331-8732. Join us in spreading the message that prevention works.
Photos by Marsha Rivers – A big crowd turned out on Wednesday night for the annual “For Women Only” fundraising event at White Birch Country Club.
LYNDONVILLE A warm spring evening, made even warmer by robust attendance, set the tone for this year’s Community Partners “For Women Only” fundraising event at White Birch Country Club.
The theme “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot!” taught attendees how to manage menopause, including the bodily temperature fluctuations known as “hot flashes,” along with other symptoms of hormone changes women experience in middle age.
The event annually raises money for the prevention and support branch of Orleans Community Health. Cindy Perry, director of health education, wellness and outreach for Community Partners, said they had “maxed out” at about 325 attendees. Among those present and honored with a gift were about 20 cancer survivors.
Cindy Perry, left, is director of health education, wellness and outreach for Community Partners. She is pictured with Taalibah Amatul-Haqq of Wildflower Natural Foods in Medina.
One survivor, Kathy Vicknair, shared the story of her diagnosis and treatment, and said how glad she was that she received the news in a place where she felt comfortable and valued, “not just a number.”
“I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” Vicknair said of Medina Memorial Hospital, giving special recognition to the Mammography Department. “So many people depend on our hospital – I know I do. Let’s all continue to support it.”
Another cancer survivor was keynote speaker Taalibah Amatul-Haqq, president and manager of Wildflower Natural Foods, of Medina. As a longtime advocate of alternative medicine and the importance of good nutrition, Amatul-Haqq said her breast cancer diagnosis came as a shock, and it shook her sense of identity as a wellness proponent. Throughout her treatments and afterward, she struggled with physical exhaustion and depression. It took the testimonial of a former customer to restore her sense of confidence in her wellness work.
Joan Mrzywka and Linda Karp are pictured with some of the raffle tickets for many of the baskets up for auction.
Amatul-Haqq told the women that menopause is “a beginning as well as an end.” She told them about other cultures where menopausal women are held in higher esteem than young women because of the wisdom the change represents.
She explained various physiological aspects of menopause and recommended wholesome nutrition – including supplements such as vitamin D3, curcumin, and transdermal progesterone cream – plus regular exercise, as antidotes to troublesome symptoms.
“Food is your medicine, or food is your poison – you have to choose,” Amatul-Haqq said.
Amatul-Haqq also noted the importance of emotional levity for menopause survival and peppered her talk with funny sayings and anecdotes.
“If you don’t have a sense of humor going through menopause, you’re in trouble,” Amatul-Haqq said.
Cindy Perry said she felt the mission of the evening had been accomplished: “Hopefully everyone learned a little bit and had some fun while raising money for the services not covered by our grant.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 May 2015 at 12:00 am
OCH and union are at odds in contract negotiations
MEDINA -Employees at Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital will be doing a public demonstration today and Saturday in downtown Medina, trying to build community support for a new contract with pay increases.
Orleans Community Health’s leadership team has been meeting with the union since late November, often meeting twice a week to work out a new labor agreement.
There are 281 employees from OCH in 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. Their contract expired on Dec. 31, 2014.
“At this time, the SEIU has continued to support contractual increases that would cost about $1.7 million over the current contract,” OCH officials said in a press release this morning.
Union leaders say OCH has had several recent positive developments, including the opening of an Urgent Care site in Albion, the sale of Orchard Manor and $500,000-plus in renovations to a 30-bed North Wing at the hospital.
The hospital recently was designated a “Critical Access Hospital,” which brings the prospect of higher reimbursement rates through Medicare. However, hospital leaders say the exact financial implications is unknown.
“The changes in healthcare reimbursement and shifts in patient volume continue to impact many area healthcare organizations like Orleans Community Health,” OCH said in a statement this morning. “The current contract includes pay practices such as daily overtime and shift differential (from 7.5% to 20% of the hourly pay rate). These pay practices can no longer be supported under the current healthcare environment. OCH did not propose any change in health insurance or pension for employees. Orleans Community Health must make sure we have affordable and quality healthcare available for our community.”
Hospital employees plan to be in downtown Medina today at the corner of Main Street and West Center Street from noon to 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. They will be there on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.
MEDINA – After four months of negotiations and over 30 meetings, union contract talks remain deadlocked between employees and management at Orleans Community Health, according to the employees’ union, 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.
In spite of a variety of positive developments for OCH’s Medina Memorial Hospital, management is still proposing major cuts in pay for nearly 300 nurses, technicians, and other staff, the union said.
Hospital employees plan to bring their message to the public on Friday and Saturday in downtown Medina at the corner of Main Street and West Center Street. Employees will be out from noon to 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday; and noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
The employees will be passing out a leaflet to local citizens and holding signs for passing cars.
Photo by Tom Rivers – Medina Memorial Hospital has been designated a Critical Access Hospital, which will boost the Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rates.
MEDINA – Medina Memorial Hospital has received “Critical Access Hospital” designation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which will boost the reimbursement rates for the hospital.
The Critical Access Hospital program is a reimbursement status that allows a certified hospital to receive cost-based reimbursement from Medicare, and is intended to boost the financial strength of the hospitals, Medina officials said in a statement this afternoon.
The designation could lead to grant money for Medina Memorial through the Flex Program, which provides grants to states to implement a Critical Access Hospital program. This is a method for promoting strength and longevity, encouraging the development of rural health networks, assisting with quality improvement efforts, and improving rural emergency medical services, Medina Memorial/Orleans Community Health officials said in a news release today.
“Lower patient volumes, higher expenses and changes in reimbursement are affecting hospitals of all sizes across the region and country,” the hospital said in the statement. “Achieving Critical Access Hospital status is one of the significant strategic planning steps taken by Orleans Community Health to address these challenges and ensure the long-term success of the hospital.”
Critical Access Hospitals are certified under a different set of Medicare “Conditions of Participation,” a set of stringent health measures designed to regulate how hospitals and other medical establishments utilize Medicare aid, hospital leaders said.
Every health-care facility that receives reimbursement for Medicare related costs must adhere to the guidelines specified by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services. These rules make sure that all patients receive a minimum standard of health service, which is the right of every beneficiary.
The first step in achieving this status was for Medina Memorial to successfully complete an accreditation survey by Det Norske Veritas, an accrediting body that assures policies and practices are in place to meet patient safety and quality guidelines. Det Norske Veritas then sent the results of the survey to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which approved the Critical Access Hospital designation.
Other requirements for Critical Access Hospital status include a maximum of 25 acute care inpatient beds. For Critical Access Hospitals with swing bed agreements, any of its beds may be used for either inpatient acute care or swing bed services, Medina Memorial said.
The maximum inpatient stay is four days. Medina Memorial will continue serving the acute care needs of the community with 21 Medical/Surgical beds, four ICU beds, nine Acute Medical Rehabilitation beds and 30 Skilled Nursing Facility beds.
Critical Access Hospitals must also provide 24-hour/7 days a week emergency services, which Medina Memorial will continue to do, hospital leaders said.
Provided photo – Students in the Orleans County YMCA after-school program at Oak Orchard Elementary School, include Nathan and Aiden, in front kneeling. In back: Alyssa, Brooklyn, Brennan, Tyler, Jacob, Grace, Elizabeth. Students show support for Kick Butts Day 2015.
Press Release, Tobacco-Free GLOW
MEDINA – Students involved in the YMCA after-school program at Oak Orchard Elementary School spoke out against the tobacco industry on March 17. Their efforts were part of national Kick Butts Day held on March 18, when youth from around the country voiced their concerns about tobacco marketing and the impact it has on their community.
“Tobacco use is still a big problem and we want to be the generation that ends it,” said Courtney Burch, program coordinator for the YMCA after-school program at Oak Orchard Elementary School in Medina. “We know that tobacco marketing is a major cause of youth smoking and we’re asking for help from our community leaders to join with us and declare ‘Enough is Enough.'”
Students from the YMCA program honored the 77 people who die every day in NYS from tobacco-related illnesses by challenging their peers and family members to write letters of concern to local elected leaders and tobacco retailers, asking them to take action on behalf of the next generation.
In addition to this local event, youth from Reality Check, a program funded through the NYS Bureau of Tobacco Control, gathered in Albany on Kick Butts Day to announce the winners of the New York State Youth Advocate of the Year Awards and four regional winners from across the state. These outstanding young advocates have demonstrated commitment, resolve and determination to advocate against the tobacco industry and spend time and energy to make their communities healthier.
According to the 2014 Surgeon General’s Report, if current smoking rates continue, 5.6 million Americans younger than 18 who are alive today are projected to die prematurely from smoking-related disease. In New York State, 108,500 high school students smoke cigarettes and each year more than 13,500 kids under 18 become new daily smokers.
A study released last month by the American Cancer Society has found that smoking’s toll on health is even worse than previously thought. The study found five additional diseases attributable to smoking and estimated that an additional 60,000 people die every year in the U.S. due to tobacco use, bringing the total annual death toll to 540,000.
“Smoking kills and we’ve got to protect kids from the cause,” said Jacob Chiaccia, age 12, student at Medina Central School. “Stores near schools should not have massive tobacco displays.”
In New York State, 82 percent of retailers including pharmacies, convenience stores and bodegas dedicate at least half of the space behind the checkout counter to openly visible tobacco products.
“We’ve seen enough tobacco marketing,” said Jacob. “We want to be the first tobacco-free generation.”
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids sponsors Kick Butts Day. As part of this national day of youth activism, there are more than 1,000 events in schools and communities across the United States and around the world.
For more information about the harmful effects of tobacco marketing in retail stores, click here. You can also contact Tobacco-Free GLOW at 585-219-4064 or email kevin.keenan@roswellpark.org.
Provided photos – Donna Coble, Hospice registered nurse, is pictured with Denzel, a beloved dog of a Hospice patient.
Press Release, Hospice of Orleans
ALBION – “No one wants my dog,” a Hospice of Orleans patient said sadly to his nurse.
A fall had made it necessary for him to move from home to the Martin-Linsin Hospice Residence where he could receive 24-hour care.
Donna Coble, a per diem RN, had been providing him home care services for several months and knew him and his dog quite well. She knew that Denzel, a friendly long-haired dachshund, had been his constant companion for more than 10 years and was the most important relationship in his life. A widower with no children, he frequently referred to Denzel as “Danny” or “my baby.”
“They were the best of buddies,” Coble recalled with a smile. “Denzel would stay by his side all day.”
Coble could hear the pain, fear and grief in her patient’s voice as he shared his worry concerning the long-term care of Denzel. Troubled by her patient’s distress, Coble thought about the situation and decided, “I’ll take Denzel if no one in the family can take him.”
She contacted her patient’s relatives who were relieved that she would take the dog as they were not in a position to care for him.
“I’m not really a dog person but I have dogs and, well, I felt bad that he didn’t have anyone to take Denzel,” Coble said. “He loved that dog so much and I loved them both so I decided I should take him.”
After Denzel came to live with her, Coble and her 11-year-old daughter Julie brought him to visit at the Residence twice a week.
Coble took Denzel to visit at the Residence two days before his owner died.
“‘Here’s my baby, here’s my baby,’ he said as he hugged Denzel,” Coble recounted. “I really think Denzel knew that his daddy was leaving him and that he was going to live with me because he seemed sad and then he came and sat by my side. The nursing staff told me that his owner was very much happier and relieved to know that ‘his baby’ was being taken care of and had a wonderful home on a farm.”
Denzel is a long-haired dachshund who found a home with a hospice nurse after the dog’s owner went into hospice care.
The story of Denzel and his owner illustrates the need for the new Pet Peace of Mind program that Hospice of Orleans has launched this month. Pet Peace of Mind allows people to complete their end-of-life journey without worrying about the current or future needs of their pets.
This initiative provides volunteer pet care services for pet owners who are unable to care for their pets while receiving Hospice services. During the first year of operation, services will include: dog and cat care such as walking, playing and waste clean-up; transportation to a veterinarian for medical care and check-ups; fostering; and providing assistance with pet care and pet exercise.
Education and counseling for patients and their families will focus on understanding pet needs and behaviors and planning for the pet’s future.
The program aligns with the Hospice of Orleans mission to embrace those facing advanced illness with optimal levels of comfort, compassion, and expertise. Hospice works with the patient, doctor and family to craft a detailed plan that provides dignity, relief, and strength to those with a life-limiting illness, and support to the ones who love them, including pet companions.
“The exciting thing about this program is that it is in direct response to needs identified by our nursing and aide staff who often encounter situations such as those experienced by our patient and Denzel,” explained Mary Anne Fischer, executive director of Hospice of Orleans. “Every day we see the importance of pet companions to the well-being of those receiving hospice services. Pets are allowed to visit in the Martin-Linsin Residence and pet therapy has been an integral part of our program for more than 10 years.”
Fischer said the Hospice staff has long recognized the importance of the human-pet bond and has wanted to start a pet care program.
“However, without independent funding, that has not been possible,” Fischer said. “Now, with start-up funding we are finally able to offer needed services and recruit volunteers to meet this important need.”
Pet Peace of Mind is a national program developed and funded by the Banfield Charitable Trust. Hospice of Orleans is only the second hospice to start the program in New York State, placing it among a select group of hospice providers across the country that are ensuring this important patient need is met.
“The human-pet bond is incredibly special. If we can help keep a patient and their pet together, we’ve accomplished what we set out to do,” said Dianne McGill, executive director and CEO of the Banfield Charitable Trust.
Volunteers are needed to help provide Pet Peace of Mind services. Applications to be a Hospice of Orleans volunteer are available by clicking here or by calling 585-589-0809.
Schools clubs and service groups are encouraged to contact Hospice of Orleans to assist with fundraising for this important program.
HOLLEY Over 26 million Americans have kidney disease and most don’t know it. That’s one reason why kidney disease kills more Americans than breast and prostate cancer combined every year.
March is National Kidney Month and the National Kidney Foundation is urging all Americans to assess their risk for kidney disease. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney failure, or are over the age of 60, you are at risk and should have your kidneys checked.
The NKF is offering a free kidney screening through its KEEP Healthy program on March 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Holley Elementary School, 3800 North Main Street Rd.
All KEEP Healthy participants will answer a brief health-risk survey and have their height, weight and blood pressure measured. At-risk individuals will have their kidney health checked through a simple, on-site, ACR urine test. The ACR test can identify protein in the urine, which is often the first sign of kidney disease. Free educational materials will be provided and a medical professional will review results and answer questions from participants.
One in three American adults is at risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Attend this lifesaving screening and give your hardworking kidneys a much-needed checkup this National Kidney Month.
To pre-register for KEEP Healthy, contact the National Kidney Foundation at (585) 598-3963 ext. 31 or www.kidneynyup.org.
Urine strips and accessories for KEEP Healthy are provided by Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Inc. and Quantimetrix Corporation.
Photo by Howard Balaban – Nancy Albanese, left, was greeted by well-wishers this afternoon during a retirement party at Medina Memorial Hospital, where she worked for 40 years.
By Howard Balaban, Correspondent
MEDINA – An employee with more than 40 years of dedicated service was celebrated Friday afternoon at Medina Memorial Hospital when Nancy Albanese said good-bye to her friends and colleagues on staff.
“She’s been a mentor to many of us here, and she’s a real pillar within the hospital,” said Paula Dresser, a fellow nurse who started working with Albanese 30 years ago.
Dresser mentioned how she and Albanese worked together as nurses on every floor and every wing, including the recovery rooms and the intensive care unit.
Cindy Perry, the hospital’s wellness director, said Albanese’s absence will be felt most by the patients for whom she cared.
“Patients absolutely loved her,” Perry stated. “I only ever heard good things about Nancy, and how efficient and professional and caring she was. She’s been a great role model for everyone here and she’s going to be missed.”
The board room at the hospital served as a gathering area for a retirement party for the generational nurse as she mingled with visiting friends and family who stopped by.
Albanese said her decision to hang up her scrubs was made for one simple reason: “It was time.” However, she said a lifetime of providing care to patients at MMH provided her with “great joy” is something she will greatly miss in retirement. Overall, she said the hospital “has been very, very good to me.”
Moving forward, Albanese said she looks forward to enjoying time with her two college-aged grandchildren. She will also pass the time by knitting and doing volunteer work in the community. Additionally, she will continue to serve on the Hospice board.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital announced today that it will file a 90-day notice to end its management contract with Health Tech Management Services and also the company that has been handling billing.
Health Tech, a Tennessee-based healthcare management company, has been providing administrative and consulting services to Orleans Community Health since June 2013 at $20,000 a month. OCH also contracted with Gaffey Healthcare, an affiliated Health Tech company, since April 2014.
Orleans Community Health also signed an affiliation agreement with Catholic Health in June 2014 to help strengthen healthcare services in Orleans County and provide area patients with greater access to other specialty and support services.
“They gave us all kinds of support but we’re getting that with Catholic Health,” said Dawn Meland, vice president of the OCH board of directors. “We don’t need the redundancy.”
The Health Tech contract included the hospital’s former president and CEO, Dolores Horvath, who resigned earlier this month citing personal family obligations. With the termination of the contracts with Health Tech Management Services and Gaffey Healthcare, Orleans Community Health is currently reviewing proposals from new billing companies.
With Horvath’s departure, the Orleans Community Health Board of Directors felt it was a good opportunity to move the organization in a new strategic direction by naming Wendy Jacobson as Medina Memorial’s Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer, Interim President and CEO, according to a statement released by the organization.
Meland said Health Tech provided a transition for the hospital after the departure of Jim Sinner, the former president and CEO, in June 2013.
With local support from Catholic Health, which includes physician recruitment and other service opportunities, Orleans Community Health is committed to the success and sustainability of Medina Memorial Hospital and to providing high quality healthcare to the residents of Orleans County, according to the OCH statement.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 February 2015 at 12:00 am
MEDINA – The union representing about 300 workers at Medina Memorial Hospital wants a federal mediator to help resolve a labor impasse with Orleans Community Health, the parent organization of the hospital.
A labor agreement expired on Dec. 31, 2014. Open issues in the current talks include wages, benefits, and recognition at future locations of the Medina based organization, said the employees’ union, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.
Orleans Community Health released this statement today, saying it wants an agreement with employees that reflects “the challenging environment for small rural healthcare providers.”
“Orleans Community Health (OCH) is currently engaged in contract negotiations with 1199 SEIU,” according to the statement. “The union has requested a Federal Mediator. A Federal Mediator is usually called in when the parties cannot reach agreement. The union told OCH at the table that they are still able to make proposals and engage in bargaining.
“With decreasing inpatient volume and changes in healthcare reimbursement, this is a challenging environment for small rural healthcare providers in Western New York. We look forward to reaching agreement with 1199 SEIU that takes into consideration the challenges we face today and over the next three years.
“Orleans Community Health is committed to continuing to provide access and quality patient care to our community.”
