Kenmore Mercy Hospital Connection: February 2015

News, announcements, and vital information for associates, their families, and friends of Kenmore Mercy Hospital. br ua Septem ber Fe 201 3 r y 2 015

Remodeled 2 West Reopens to Patients In late December, Kenmore Mercy Hospital celebrated the blessing and dedication of its renovated 2 West Patient Care Unit. Staff began receiving patients in November.

James Millard (left) and Dr. Michael Slate (right) congratulate Mary Willis and Lisa Faulhaber.

Outstanding Associates Recognized by Medical Staff Physicians at Kenmore Mercy Hospital have chosen Lisa Faulhaber, PT, from the Physical Therapy Department, and Mary Willis, RN, from the 3 East Patient Care Unit, to receive the hospital’s Annual Medical Staff Associate of the Year Award for 2014. This award recognizes outstanding associates for their service to patients and staff.

“These are individuals whose hard work and dedication represent the spirit of Kenmore Mercy Hospital,” said Michael Slate, MD, president of the hospital’s medical staff.

The patient wing was temporarily closed from October 4 – November 22 to permit remodeling of the unit which, among other updates, features new patient televisions, call systems, whiteboards and patient furniture, made possible by the Kenmore Mercy Foundation.

Other work included a modern color scheme, as well as a new nurses’ station, counter tops, sinks, and updated signage. There are also new side tables, chairs, window sills, cubicle curtains, and bedside tables in patient rooms. The unit was built 40 years ago and has a rich history. According to Cheryl Hayes, vice president of Patient Care Services, “It was originally a skilled nursing facility, then a medical rehabilitation unit. In recent years, it changed specialties to include stroke and hospice care. ”

This unit is also home to Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s new bariatric suite. The suite was made possible by a grant from Assemblyman Robin Schimminger.

With the number of bariatric patients on the rise, it has become necessary for hospitals to routinely take care of patients weighing up to 500 pounds or more. This room and its special equipment will assist the hospital staff in safely caring for this patient population while reducing their own risk of injury. “We continue to maintain our focus on quality of patient care and continuous improvement, which defines us as an organization,” added Cheryl.

The renovation of Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s 2 West Patient Care Unit is just one more example of that continuous improvement.

Lisa graduated cum laude from the University of Buffalo in 2000 with a bachelor of science in physical therapy. She joined Catholic Health in 2004, working for AthletiCare North, prior to joining Kenmore Mercy’s inpatient physical therapy team in 2006.

Mary began her career at Kenmore Mercy Hospital in 1994 as a certified nurse assistant on the cardiac floor. She moved on to become a unit clerk prior to returning to school at Erie Community College to obtain her nursing degree. She has been on the 3 East Patient Care Unit ever since. Congratulations to both of these associates for achieving this honor.

Fr. Bob Schober (center) was joined by the Administrative team and hospital associates for the blessing of the remodeled 2 West Patient Care Unit.