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YourCare
2013/I s s u e 3
A PUBLICATION FOR THE COMMUNITY FROM CROUSE HOSPITAL
Listen to
Your Heart
ALSO:
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A Heartfelt
Thank you
to Dr. K
O
Patrick A. Mannion
n Oct. 30, Crouse Hospileadership philosophy — now the
tal Chief Executive Officer
foundation of our collective Crouse
Paul Kronenberg, MD,
conscious: “When we do the ‘right
announced his intention to step down thing’ for our patients, everything
from his position at the end of 2013.
will fall into place,” he often
reminds us.
Dr. Kronenberg had discussed
succession planning with our board
Paul Kronenberg is passionate
for the past several years. Each time
about healthcare and Crouse in
he mentioned stepping down, we
particular. His compassion for
convinced him to stay.
patients, families and employees
is profound. His
This fall, he
“When
we
do
the
‘right
respect for everyone,
convinced us that
thing’
for
our
patients,
coupled
with the
it was, finally, the
ability
to
ask,
and
right time for a tran- everything will fall
get,
the
most
out
of
sition in leadership at
into place.”
each of us makes him
Crouse. And although he’s
— Paul Kronenberg, MD
an
inspiring leader.
leaving his position as CEO,
he’ll continue to provide us with
We owe him a heartfelt thank
his insight and expertise into 2014,
you for his unwavering service and
serving as Vice Chair of our board
commitment to Crouse Hospital, not
and member of the hospital’s senior
just during his years as CEO, but as
leadership team through next June.
a physician leader before assuming
the
top job.
Dr. Kronenberg was thrust into
the top leadership role at Crouse
We greatly appreciate having
a decade ago when the board was
Dr. Kronenberg continue to work
faced with daunting financial and
closely with us into next year.
operational challenges. He led the
Kimberly Boynton’s character,
corporation through bankruptcy,
experience and capabilities make
an organizational cultural transforher a fitting choice to transition
mation second to none and created
into the CEO position in 2014.
a patient and physician focus that
We appreciate her willingness to
defines Crouse as an exceptional
assume the role of CEO at a time
provider of choice.
when healthcare is facing major
challenges and opportunities.
One of Dr. Kronenberg’s core
beliefs became the signature of his
Patrick A. Mannion, Vice Chair of Columbian Financial Group, is Chairman of the Crouse Hospital
Board of Directors. He is also an active member of the Fayetteville Fire Department, where he is
an interior firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician.
Crouse Hospital’s Vital Signs
D
id you know that Crouse Hospital performs more surgical procedures
using the da Vinci technology than any other Syracuse hospital? Learn
other facts about the current state of our financial, operational and quality heath
in our latest issue of Vital Signs. Visit crouse.org/vitalsigns.
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Crouse Hospital:
A Glorious and
Historical Workplace
T
he Onondaga Historical Association’s
2013 “Our Glorious Workplaces” gala was
held at Crouse Hospital on Nov. 9, and it was a
very special evening for OHA, Crouse and our
community-at-large. Through the work of many
people and hospital departments, the Marley
Education Center and the College of Nursing,
Crouse played host to more than 220 guests
who went on tours, enjoyed a gourmet meal
— prepared by Sodexo, our food management
operation, and Crouse staff — and heard
presentations related to the history of our
hospital. A commemorative plate, featuring
images from Crouse history, was presented by
OHA to the hospital that evening, and is on
display in the Memorial lobby.
T r an s i t i on s
i n
L eade r s h i p
Kimberly Boynton
Named Crouse CEO
K
imberly Boynton, who has
passion for Crouse and her commuserved as Crouse Hospital’s
nity engagement experience give the
Chief Financial Officer for the
board great confidence that she’s the
past decade, will assume the role of
right individual to move into this
Chief Executive Officer, effective
critical role at this important time.”
Jan. 1, 2014. She assumes the posiAs CFO, Boynton has been
tion from Paul Kronenberg, MD,
instrumental in the development
the hospital’s
numerous
“Kimberly is a dynamic, of
top leader since
strategic iniaction-oriented leader
February 2004.
Kimberly Boynton
tiatives for
In transition- who is uniquely qualified the organization, Management and is actively involved
ing from his position, for the role of CEO.”
including program
in the community through her
Dr. Kronenberg has
— Patrick A. Mannion development; ARRA numerous board appointments and
accepted the position of Vice Chair
Stage 1 ‘meaningful
other civic involvement. A native
of the board and will continue work- use’ roll-out; acquisition of Internist
of Syracuse, she resides in the city
ing on behalf of the hospital in this
Associates of CNY; formation
with husband Charles Boynton, a
strategic role. He’ll also continue to
and integration of Crouse Medical
Lieutenant with the Syracuse Fire
serve as a member of the hospital’s
Practice (for which she currently
Department, and their four-year-old
senior leadership team.
serves as president); and construction son, Henry.
of the hospital’s $53 million Witting
Dynamic Leader
Says Dr. Kronenberg: “Crouse’s
Surgical Center and $13 million
Loyal to Crouse
continued
success will be highly
parking garage projects.
dependent on having a leader who
“Kimberly is a dynamic, actionSyracuse Native
nurtures and fosters the organizational
oriented leader who is uniquely
Community
Focused
culture we’ve established over the
qualified for the role of CEO of
past decade and who understands
Boynton started at Crouse in
Crouse Hospital,” states Chair of
and can connect with physicians. Our
Crouse Hospital’s Board of Directors 1998 as a finance analyst and has
work to create an overall environbeen an integral member of the hosPatrick A. Mannion. “Her depth
ment where employees and physicians
pital’s senior leadership team since
and breadth of experience within
want to work will continue to be a
2003. She holds a master’s in busithe Crouse system in virtually all
strategic focus for the hospital under
operational areas of the organization, ness administration from Syracuse
Kimberly’s leadership.”
University’s Whitman School of
coupled with her loyalty to and
Kelli Harris Appointed Chief Financial Officer
K
elli Harris, CPA, has been appointed Chief Financial
Officer of Crouse Hospital, effective Jan. 1, 2014, stepping into the position held by Kimberly Boynton since 2003.
Kelli Harris, CPA
With Crouse since 2002, Harris most recently served
as Director of Finance and Patient Financial Services, overseeing all finance, reimbursement, financial forecasting,
decision support and budgeting activities for the hospital
and its affiliates. She also is responsible for all patient
accounting and patient access functions across the
Crouse system.
In addition to Finance and Patient Financial Services,
Harris oversees the hospital’s Health Information
Management, Materials Management and Purchasing
functions in her new role.
“Kelli is very well suited for the CFO position,” states
Boynton. “She is a talented and well-respected team player
who has significant experience in virtually all aspects of the
hospital’s financial operations.”
A graduate of Niagara University, Harris previously
was with PricewaterhouseCoopers as a senior associate.
She is currently pursuing a master’s in business administration degree from the Whitman School of Management
at Syracuse University. Harris resides in Cicero with her
husband, Kris, and their three children.
crouse.org
3
Listen to Your Heart
Knowing When to Call 911 Could
Save Your Life
Dr. Kronenberg looks forward to more time with family, especially his grandchildren.
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D I A N E A N D B O B M IR O N C A R D I A C C A R E C E N T E R
C
rouse Hospital Chief Executive
Officer Paul Kronenberg, MD,
describes a decision he made last
summer as “incredibly stupid.”
Why the admission? Because he
recognizes his outcome was fortunate —
and wants to warn others about knowing
when it’s time to call 911, so they’re
just as lucky.
primary care practice he joined 30 years
ago. He found Seth Kronenberg, MD,
his son, and asked to have an EKG
performed, stating, “I think I may have
had a heart attack.”
However, he dismissed physical
symptoms he’d been experiencing the
prior week: discomfort in his upper
abdomen and lower chest, along with a
recurring sense of exhaustion. Once back
home from the ride, Dr. K instinctively
reached for the aspirin bottle.
But Dr. K confesses “ignoring my
heart attack symptoms was just plain
stupid.” He knows his story could have
easily had a different ending because of
his delay in treatment. “Quick diagnosis
and care for heart attack, and stroke, is
critical,” he says.
Kidding Myself
“When my wife asked if I was having a heart attack, I quickly dismissed
her,” he said, and then took a nap with
his beloved canine companion, Simon.
Rested, he felt more himself and the
symptoms ceased. During the last days
of his vacation, Dr. K relaxed, but also
did full workouts in his home gym.
Words to Live By
Although he’s returned to good
health, Dr. K is stepping aside as CEO
and will help transition the hospital’s
leadership through June 2014. A proud
and doting grandfather, he looks forward
to spending more time with family and
pursuing his interests.
Diagnosis: Heart Attack
The results of the EKG confirmed
those suspicions, and he quickly returned
to the hospital, this time via wheelchair,
bound for the Diane and Bob Miron
Acknowledging Symptoms
Cardiac Care Center. A procedure called
Looking back, Dr. K, as he’s affeca cardiac catheterization was performed,
tionately known, now knows the fatigue
revealing several
he was experiencing
“Ignoring
my
heart
attack
blockages. Ultimately
last summer was not
symptoms
was
just
three
stents were
merely suggestive of a
inserted to open
plain stupid.”
much-needed vacation. After
the
arteries, and after an
a quick weekend trip to Boston
— Paul Kronenberg, MD
appropriate
recuperation,
to visit his son and family, the boardDr.
K.
was
able
to
return
to work,
certified internist returned home for a
followed by full activity and his
week of relaxation and family time.
exercise program.
An avid bicyclist, Dr. K ventured
Having a family history of heart
out for one of his typical rides, but had
disease
(his father, also a physician,
to call it quits after just eight miles. “It
died
at
age
59, with sudden cardiac
was a very hot and humid day, but I’d
arrest), he had smartly followed a
ridden in conditions like that on many
precautionary regimen of a cholesterolother occasions,” he recalls. “This time
lowering drug and baby aspirin for
was different, and I knew, deep down,
the past decade.
something was wrong.”
“I was kidding myself, though,” he
admits. Back at work the next week, the
fatigue and vague sense of not feeling
“quite right” continued. On a Wednesday,
after a morning of meetings, the doctorturned-CEO made an executive decision.
At noon, Dr. K left his office and
walked across the street to Internist
Associates of Central New York, the
Dr. Kronenberg offers this advice
for good heart health: Read the next
two pages about the warning signs of
cardiac issues, as well as meet our team
of Crouse cardiologists. Talk with your
doctor, and follow his or her advice. Eat
well, exercise regularly, stop smoking and
cope with stress. Listen to your body —
and know when to call for help.
crouse.org
5
National
Gold-Plus
Stroke Care
Recognition
T
he American Heart Association/
American Stroke Association has presented Crouse Hospital with it’s Get With
The Guidelines-Stroke ‘Gold Plus’ Quality
Achievement Award for 2013. The award
recognizes Crouse’s commitment and
success in implementing high standards of
care for stroke patients according to evidence-based guidelines. Crouse has been
a New York State Department of Healthdesignated stroke center since 2007.
Heart Attack
Warning Signs
H
eart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States.
Each year, approximately 1.2 million Americans suffer a heart
attack, and nearly one-third of these individuals die, many before
reaching the hospital. People often dismiss heart attack warning signs
and wait too long before getting help.
Frequent Symptoms
Chest discomfort: pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain
Discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
Shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness
Heart Attack Signs in Women
Pressure, fullness, squeezing pain up to the neck, shoulder or jaw
We’ve Got Heart!
Light-headedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath
C
ardiac care has always been a premiere
service at Crouse. But in 2014, we’ll be
working to inspire women to take action for their
cardiovascular health — and that of their loved
ones — through an innovative program called
HeartCaring.® Offered exclusively by Crouse,
this new program is designed to engage each
of us creatively in our heart health.
Upper abdominal pressure or discomfort
Lower chest discomfort
Back pain
Unusual fatigue
Unusual shortness of breath
If you have chest pain or other heart attack symptoms,
call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
Time is Muscle
D
oor-to-balloon is a time measurement in emergency cardiac care that starts the moment
a heart attack patient arrives at the hospital and ends with treatment in the cardiac cath
lab. The recommended national average is 90 minutes. Crouse beats that time by about
49 minutes, making our team the area’s leader. Why is this important? Because delays in
treatment can increase the likelihood and amount of cardiac muscle damage.
Crouse Hospital
Leader in Chest
Pain, Heart Failure
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YourCare
National Goal = 90 minutes
Minutes
C
rouse is the first hospital in New
York State with dual chest pain and
heart failure accreditation. These quality
designations mean you can be confident
we have the right skills, team, technology
and equipment to provide precise and
immediate cardiac care.
Average Door to Cardiac Intervention Time
39.25
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D I A N E A N D B O B M IR O N C A R D I A C C A R E C E N T E R
One Team, Working for One Heart — Yours
I
f you ever need to say, “Take Me to Crouse,” for a coronary event, you’ll be treated by the area’s leading experts
in all matters of the heart. To learn more about each of these physicians who practice at the Diane and Bob Miron
Cardiac Care Center at Crouse Hospital, visit crouse.org/cardiac.
Pediatric Cardiology
Associates
Cardiology PC
315/470-7409
315/214-7700
315/277-2707
Anil George, MD
Jeffrey Ascenzo, MD
Joseph Battaglia, MD
The Heart Group
of Syracuse
George Alfieris, MD
Francisco Gensini, MD
Jamal Ahmed, MD
Nader Atallah, MD
Daniel Kveselis, MD
Trian Anghel, MD
Matthew Gorman, MD
William Berkery, MD
James Longo, MD
Craig Byrum, MD
Kwabena Boahene, MD
Frank Smith, MD
Anthony Navone, MD
Matthew Egan, MD
Crouse
Echocardiogram
Service
Anis Obeid, MD
“Our cardiac team
is tremendous, and
I didn’t feel I was
given any special
treatment because
I’m the CEO,” says
Paul Kronenberg, MD
(front). Caring for
him were William Berkery, MD (left)
and Joseph Battaglia, MD (right), as well
as the cath lab team, represented by
Kathy Randall, RN, and Carl Meyer, RN,
representing 4 North Irving.
Take Me to Crouse.
Renovated Cardiac Cath Lab
W
e continue to make improvements in the Diane and
Bob Miron Cardiac Care Center, most recently with
the renovation of our adult cardiac catheterization suite #1
(Crouse has four procedure rooms, including one specifically
dedicated for pediatrics). Thanks to the generous support of the
Mirons, the room has been totally renovated and the equipment
upgraded with the very latest diagnostic and interventional
technology. More than 36,000 interventional and diagnostic
cardiac procedures are performed at Crouse each year.
Learn more at crouse.org/cardiac.
crouse.org
7
Robert Sherman, MD
Q&A
with Orthopedic Surgeon Robert Sherman, MD
Robert Sherman, MD, a board-certified orthopedic
surgeon affiliated with Crouse Hospital, specializes
in hip and knee replacement, orthopedic trauma and
sports medicine. He also serves as the assistant team
physician to the Syracuse Crunch.
What made you decide to become
an orthopedic surgeon?
My grandfather is a surgeon, my father is a surgeon
and, of course, now I’m a surgeon. Initially I wanted to
be a pediatrician, but this quickly changed after spending time on the orthopedic service as a student. When
I inserted a rod to re-establish a functional limb out of
a broken femur (leg) bone during my first case, I knew
I loved the ability to eliminate pain and restore a
patient’s independence.
With the population aging, what’s
in store for orthopedic surgery?
As the population ages, so too will the demand for
procedures such as knee and hip replacement. As we
perform more of these surgeries, we’re able to perfect
our techniques and provide more accurate reconstructions of joints. Long term, I envision a world where
robotic surgery technology transforms orthopedic
procedures. Possibly with the advent of nanotechnology,
we’ll be able to inject miniature robots into a patient’s
joint and control them to rebuild the effects of wear
and tear without a large incision.
How do you stay current with
advances in your field?
I read peer-reviewed journals with articles about the
newest and best changes to orthopedics and attend
What are some of the emerging
trends in orthopedic surgery?
national conferences annually. Working with residents
Computer navigation, custom prosthesis and new
also helps me stay current, as I need to know the latest
approaches are the biggest trends, as are improveresearch and advances, which benefits the students
ments in materials used in surgery. New techniques are and my patients. In addition, the Internet and social
helping minimize the pain of surgery and decreasing
media contain many good sources, such as one set up
the amount and length of rehab needed. Working with by the Cleveland Clinic for graduates of their specialty
anesthesiologists, we’ve become much better at contraining to share difficult cases and provide advice. I do
trolling postoperative pain using special nerve blocks
caution my patients to be careful with information on
and advanced medications.
the Internet, though, as it’s not always reliable.
For more information about orthopedic surgery at Crouse, visit crouse.org/orthopedics.
What do you find most rewarding
about your profession?
The ability to have a dramatic impact on someone’s
life. It’s a great feeling to know you’ve helped someone
return to a pain-free, productive life, whether it’s
a star athlete, weekend warrior or a grandmother
who’s able to play again with her grandchildren.
What about most frustrating?
The complex world of insurance can be very difficult to
navigate. But more so are patients who don’t actively
participate in their own care by ignoring instructions,
refusing to go to physical therapy or not taking medications as prescribed. Non-compliant patients can be
frustrating because we’re only trying to help them.
What do you do to relax/unwind
after a long day?
I got married recently and love spending time with my
wonderful wife, Heather. Whether it’s going for a hike
in the woods, a romantic dinner or watching our nieces
and nephews, spending time with family is the best
way to relax. I also enjoy reading, skiing and working
around the house. A relaxing summer Saturday is
cutting the lawn and then relaxing with a beer. I also
enjoy trips to Buffalo to support my favorite team, the
Buffalo Bills, and going to the Carrier Dome to watch
the Orange. And I really enjoy my position with the
Syracuse Crunch.
Crouse Physicians Providing Patient Consults at Hamilton Hospital
A
s part of our affiliation with Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton, Crouse Hospital is now providing visiting consultative services for patients
in Madison County through a number of affiliated medical specialists. Services currently provided include general surgical consultations; vascular
care; gastrointestinal care; and obstetrical/GYN care. Services are offered on specific days of the week in Hamilton by Syracuse-based physicians representing CNY Surgical Physicians; Vascular Care Associates of CNY; Syracuse Gastroenterological Associates of Syracuse; and CNY Women’s Healthcare.
“Our partnership with Crouse Hospital enables us to provide the highest level of specialty medical care to the residents of our community,” says
Community Memorial Hospital CEO Sean Fadale, who notes that other visiting specialty services are expected to be added in the near future.
8
YourCare
Photo: M.J. Okoniewski-SyracusePhotographer.com
F O C US O N Q U A L I T Y & S A F E T Y
Chief Quality Officer Derrick Suehs champions
Crouse Hospital’s efforts to continually improve.
ISO Certification
T
he Crouse Hospital mission is
stated simply: To provide the
best in patient care. Yet achieving
the quality care and patient safety
goals we set for ourselves is anything
but simple.
“Many hospitals will say, ‘Good,
for the past three months we’ve been
able to do this.’ They declare victory,”
says Suehs. “Yet I think one of our successes is that we don’t declare victory,
even after nine months. We’re waiting
for a year and a half before we actually
We believe providing the best care
say we’ve made a difference. We want
requires the exchange of best practices
to make sure our changed habits and
and factual evidence of what works
technology are embedded in our care.”
and what doesn’t. How do we do this?
Crouse continues to initiate a numBy focusing on several major areas that
ber
of
quality and safety education
provide insight and then opportunities
endeavors.
One is an increased focus
for improvement.
on the importance of strategic hand
Steps to Improve
washing to prevent infections. Another
The first involves analyzing data
involves a humorous music video
based on actual care delivery to identify
about preventing
issues — and then
“We believe providing hospital-acquired
taking appropriate
the best care requires the conditions (HACs) by
corrective action.
“The Germinators”
Next is ongoing exchange of best practices that garnered more
and factual evidence.” than 10,000 views on
staff education and
— Derrick Suehs YouTube and recently captured
reinforcement of policies
and procedures. Another important
a local healthcare education award.
activity for Crouse involves listening
Listening and Learning
to and learning from our patients and
Crouse strives to listen to patients
families. Finally, we seek to partner with
and
families to learn about and improve
fellow providers in our community to
the patient experience. Feedback is proachieve the best outcomes possible.
vided through comment cards and via
Long-Term Success
the “Your Opinion Counts” feature on
Over the past year we’ve made
the Crouse website. We’re also developsignificant strides in each of these areas. ing a Patient Advisory Group.
For instance, our recent success at
“A key way for us to improve
preventing pressure ulcers in patients
is through feedback — positive and,
was highlighted nationally in Health
especially, negative,” says Suehs.
Leaders magazine. While we’re proud
“When we’re made aware of opporof this achievement, Crouse continues
tunities for improvement, we can then
to monitor this hospital-acquired contake steps to become a better hospital
dition, and others, closely to maintain
for our community.”
successful outcomes over the long term.
C
rouse Hospital has been certified as an
ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management
Systems compliant organization. To earn the
designation, Crouse underwent a 36-month
evaluation process, as well as a four-day
onsite audit. “Obtaining ISO certification
demonstrates Crouse’s commitment to
providing the best in patient care by standardizing processes that promote consistent,
high-quality service within all departments
of the organization,” says Director of Quality
Improvement Jennifer Watkins.
Crouse Staff
Honored with
Local Awards
C
ongratulations to Crouse Hospital
staff on their recent “Excellence
in Healthcare” awards presented this
fall by the Central New York Business
Journal. The Healthcare Facility
of the Year recognition went to the
Walter R. G. Baker Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit for its comprehensive and
compassionate care of our area’s tiniest
patients. The second award, Education
in Healthcare, was presented to the
team that made the popular “HAC-NO”
video, describing how Crouse staff
work together to prevent hospitalacquired conditions.
crouse.org/germinators
crouse.org
9
C O M M U N I T Y H E A L T H PRI O RI T Y :
Helping Women,
Infants & Children
C
rouse Hospital has recently joined Spirit
of Women,® a national program dedicated
to informing and empowering women about the
healthcare choices they make — for themselves
and others in their lives — each and every day.
The Spirit program, provided through hundreds of hospitals across the U.S., will be offered
in Central New York exclusively by Crouse. And
while it’s new to our hospital, Crouse has long
been dedicated to the needs of women, infants
and children.
In fact, Crouse Hospital traces its roots to
1887, when a group of determined and capable women met to discuss their self-appointed
mission of establishing a hospital dedicated to
serving the maternity and pediatric needs of
our community. And let’s not forget the Crouse
Hospital College of Nursing, founded by women
a century ago.
Beginning in 2014, we’ll offer Spirit of
Women experiences, events and health education
to further engage women in their healthcare —
and with the spirited team at Crouse.
Join us for Maternity
Mondays at Crouse.
Just ‘Like’ our Facebook
page and stop by for tips
and conversations.
First Steps Childbirth
Education Classes
G
enerations of parents-to-be have learned
how to navigate pregnancy, birthing and
parenting from the family-centered experts
at Crouse Hospital. If you’re expecting, we
invite you to take a tour of our Kienzle Family
Maternity Center and enroll
in any of our regularly
scheduled classes.
Call 470-5716 or
visit crouse.org/
maternityclasses
10
YourCare
I
t’s hard to imagine being born into
symptoms in a newborn caused by
this world addicted to or affected
prenatal maternal use of illicit drugs.
by substances used by your mother
A baby’s withdrawal symptoms are
during her pregnancy.
similar to those experienced by adults
— feeding intolerance, seizures, emesis
Yet physicians, nurses and staff in
and respiratory distress.
three of Crouse Hospital’s service areas
who treat women and babies see such
“Our goal is to get expectant
mothers using opiates and abusing other
outcomes regularly.
More babies are born in our Kienzle drugs into treatment programs as early
in their pregnancy as possible,” says
Family Maternity Center than at any
Monika Taylor, director
other Central New
“Prevention
is
critical
of Crouse CDTS.
York hospital.
“Methadone
maintenance
and
a
top
priority
for
Crouse is also home
is
safer
for
the
fetus as it
our county.”
to the Walter R. G. Baker
prevents
fluctuations
in
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,
— Barbara Miller Stahl
maternal drug levels. A
the region’s only New York Statemother
medically
maintained on methdesignated Level 4 NICU. In addition,
adone
will
not
be
chronically sick or in
we operate the only hospital-based
withdrawal,”
explains
Taylor, which
chemical dependency treatment service
helps the baby’s overall development.”
(CDTS) in the region.
Helping Drug-Dependent Mothers
Combining our expertise in these
specialties with our mission to promote
community health, Crouse providers are
working closely with New York State,
Onondaga County and other local hospitals and organizations to address the
increasing abuse of alcohol and drugs by
mothers who are pregnant.
According to the state health department, Onondaga County has the highest
rate of newborn drug-related discharges
in the state, with 250.7 discharges per
10,000 births compared with the state
average of 58.4.
Early Treatment Critical
Neonatal abstinence syndrome
(NAS) is the presence of withdrawal
Community Partnerships
Working with the county and
CONTACT, a local mental health
agency, Crouse assisted in setting up
focus groups comprised of mothers-tobe or those who had delivered drugaddicted babies. As a result, billboards
and brochures were designed with the
mothers’ input to reach and educate
drug-using pregnant women.
“It breaks your heart to see a tiny,
drug-addicted baby going through
withdrawal,” says Barbara Miller
Stahl, director of Women’s and Infant’s
Services at Crouse. “We spend an
incredible amount of time with these
babies, as they need to be cuddled and
comforted virtually around the clock.”
For more information about
addiction treatment at Crouse,
visit crouse.org/addiction.
Pink Therapy
at Crouse
A
fter her treatment for breast cancer, Lisa
Miles searched for a local breast cancer
survivor support group that met more than just
once a quarter. When she didn’t find one, she
spoke to her manager at Crouse Hospital and
asked if she could possibly start a group at Crouse.
Crouse ‘Walks the Talk’ for March of Dimes
O
n Oct. 30, Team Crouse participated in the annual March for Babies to raise funds
for research and to assist families. Our team placed second for fundraising among the
top six teams in Central New York.
Barbara Miller Stahl, RN, director of Women’s and Infant’s Services (left front), joined by
her husband, Ron Stahl, MD, chief medical officer (right back), and staff from the Kienzle Family
Maternity Center, Baker Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and other hospital departments, walked
the three miles inside and outside on the Onondaga Community College campus.
“I’m so proud of this team,” says Miller Stahl. “Their compassion for babies and families
is evident, and their commitment to the community helps us live our mission each day.”
In October 2012, “Pink Therapy” was born,
and members of the group continue to meet on
the fourth Tuesday of each month. “I thought it
would be helpful for patients and survivors to come
together to talk about what they’re experiencing
and feeling,” says Lisa, supervisor in Physical
Rehabilitation Services.
Hot topics at the monthly “Pink Therapy”
sessions include doctors (comparing experiences
and treatment options); medications (effectiveness
and side effects); and support, encouragement
and understanding about any concerns anyone
participating in the group might have.
“When you’ve had breast cancer, any little
ailment or ache can re-kindle fears and anxiety about the disease re-occurring,” says Lisa.
“Knowing your feelings are common and shared is
so reassuring. It’s just wonderful to be able to talk
among other breast cancer patients and survivors
and speak openly and honestly.”
For more information about Crouse Hospital’s
Pink Therapy breast cancer support group, visit
crouse.org/pinktherapy or call
315/472-2464.
To schedule your annual mammogram
call 315/470-5880 or visit crouse.org/
mammoappt.
NICU Reunion Celebrates Miracles
Proudly affiliated with CNY Surgical Physicians,
Crouse Radiology Associates and
Hematology/Oncology Associates of CNY
A
bout three hundred moms, dads, children and relatives attended our 34th Baker
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Graduates Reunion, “Celebrating Heroes,” in October.
The mood was upbeat and celebratory as babies and even adult graduates were reunited
with those who cared for them at Crouse. One such fellow, little Miles Miller, was dressed
by his parents to resemble Steven Gross, MD, medical director of the Baker NICU. The afternoon
event featured storytelling, face painting, crafts, entertainment and refreshments.
Crouse Hospital’s Walter R. G. Baker Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is a state-designated
Level 4 Regional Perinatal Center that serves 15 counties in upstate New York and provides
a full range of services, including cardiac, surgical and neurosurgical care. Approximately
900 premature and critically ill infants receive treatment in the NICU each year, with
hospitals throughout the region transporting their most critical neonatal cases to Crouse.
crouse.org
11
Four Words to Take Back to China:
Take Me to Crouse!
C
rouse Hospital recently hosted a Chinese government trade
delegation that promotes private sector business activity in
China for high-tech and science-based companies.
The China Association for the Promotion of Private Science
and Technology Enterprises (CAPPSTE), with 100,000 members in
each of China’s provinces, has been building a relationship locally
with CenterState CEO.
The visitors met with Crouse officials and were given tours
of the hospital’s Witting Surgical Center and Interventional
Radiology Suite. The 20 delegation members also received a
demo and ‘test drive’ of the hospital’s da Vinci robotic surgical
technology. Crouse’s multispecialty robotic surgery program
is the largest in the area.
Welcome
Chancellor Syverud
T
he Crouse Hospital family is pleased to
welcome Kent Syverud as the 12th Chancellor
and President of Syracuse University, our neighbor
on “The Hill.” Dr. Syverud is no stranger to upstate
New York: He grew up in Rochester, and we look
forward to working with him here in Syracuse.
Community
Service Plan
Available
C
rouse Hospital’s mission is to
promote community health In
Onondaga County, and we do so by
reinvesting staff time, efforts and
resources. For a copy of our 20132017 Community Service Plan, call
the hospital’s Communications
Department at 315/470-7701 or
visit crouse.org/commreport.
12
YourCare
Chancellor Syverud
Proud to be the official
hospital of SU Athletics.
Healthy Syracuse, Healthy You
H
ealthy Syracuse, created in 2010 by the YMCA of Greater Syracuse, and Crouse
Hospital share the same goals for community health. As such, our staff serves on the
organization’s advisory board, as well as its worksite wellness, school health and tobacco
control committees.
Healthy Syracuse is working to address chronic disease prevention and promoting
healthy behaviors through a worksite wellness initiative for the City of Syracuse; a school
health initiative to improve physical activity and nutrition in
elementary after-school programs in the Syracuse City
School District; and a tobacco control initiative to pass
an ordinance that would create the first smoke-free
neighborhood in the city of Syracuse, around the
Cathedral District downtown.
WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY AT CROUSE
2013 Patil
Award Winner
Getting Healthier, Feeling Better!
93Q
’s Ted Long (center, back row) and his wife Bobbie (front row, third from left)
— Crouse Hospital’s first and second weight loss surgery patients in the fall
2011 — joined us recently for our first-ever bariatric surgery patient reunion, attended
by more than 115 others who’ve also had the procedure at Crouse.
Many brought family members along to share in the celebration of success and
inspiration. The Saturday morning event was uplifting and filled with laughter and tears —
and we thank all those who came to share their respective weight loss journeys.
Ted’s down 140 pounds; Bobbie’s lost more than 80 pounds. Both feel great. As Ted
says, “My energy’s gone through the roof,” since his procedure. He also answered the
question he’s often asked: “How much is Crouse paying you to talk about the program?”
His answer: “Nothing. I’m giving my time to help spread the word because I believe in
the program and Crouse so much.”
A
lysia Ziemba, who works as a Certified
Surgical Technologist in our Witting
Surgical Center, was recently selected as the
recipient of the ninth annual Umeshchandra
Patil Family Educational Award. Each year,
the Patil Award provides up to $3,500 to a
nurse or technician who wants to pursue continuing education, professional development
and training in the area of surgical services.
Our deep appreciation goes to the Patil family
for making this award possible and for their
meaningful investment in the work of Crouse
Hospital and our staff.
Meet Our Bariatrics Team
W
hen we ask patients
why they chose Crouse
Hospital for their weight loss
surgery, most often they reply,
“Because of Dr. DeSimone and
Dr. Cooper!” Besides being skilled
and passionate about what they
do, Jeffrey DeSimone, MD, (right)
and Kenneth Cooper, DO, are
personable, caring and understanding. And they help you
every step of the way — from
months before your procedure through years after. Come meet them, and
Tracy Walker, NP, on the first Monday and third Thursday of each month, as
well as on selected Saturday mornings. Ask questions and get the facts to
see whether weight loss surgery at Crouse is right for you.
Free Weight Loss Surgery Seminars
To register, call 315/472-2464 or visit crouse.org/bariatrics.
Embrace Mindfulness,
Decrease Stress
C
rouse Hospital’s Mindful Living & Stress
Reduction program teaches meditation
practices that will increase your ability
to deal with stress. Join instructor Pauline
Cecere, LCSW, on March 19 and 26 and April 2
and 19, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Cost is $200. To learn
more, call Cecere at 315/655-3066 or visit
crouse.org/mindful.
crouse.org
13
New Patient Dining
Experience at Crouse Earns Award
I
n the 17 years since At Your Request®
was first pioneered by Sodexo at The
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and
Boston Children’s Hospital, patients have
embraced the empowerment and flexibility
that come from being able to select madeto-order foods of their liking (within medical guidelines) at a time when they often
feel powerless by their medical situation.
In the five months since the program
was introduced at Crouse Hospital, there
have been nothing but rave reviews and
positive outcomes as a result of the new
room service dining experience.
In November, the Crouse team was
honored by their peers with Sodexo’s
Service Award for Enhancing the Patient
Experience, selected from among five
honorees in the company’s Northeast
region, which includes 50 hospitals.
Patient satisfaction scores
rating food and service have
increased, and now rank among
the highest in our hospital surveys. “The food — selected
from an attractive, restaurant-style menu — is fresher,
made to order and presented
with special garnishes and minimal use of
disposable and paper products,” explains
Alec Neider, director of nutritional services,
who says nursing staff are pleased with
At Your Request as well. Food costs
have also decreased, due to a significant
reduction in waste.
Neider is particularly pleased about
another positive outcome of the service:
employee job satisfaction within his department has increased.“Being able to make
someone’s day with a specially ordered,
freshly prepared meal has given us a
heightened sense of purpose and renewed
way to live the Crouse mission of providing
the best in patient care,” says Neider.
To learn more about patient dining at
Crouse, visit crouse.org/atyourrequest.
Executive Chef Todd Corcoran (center) and the
At Your Request team prize their award from Sodexo,
the leading quality of daily life solutions company
in the U.S., Canada and Mexico that manages
Crouse Hospital‘s nutritional services operation.
Crouse Physician Assistant,
Family Shine for Community
A
number of holiday elves work at Crouse Hospital, one
of them being Jeff Koehler, a member of our team of
surgical physician assistants. Jeff and his wife have long
gone over the top in decorating their home for the
holidays. But a few years back, Jeff, wife Jean
(right) and children Jeanine, Jacob and Jeremy
(left to right) decided as a family to use their
weekend synchronized light and music shows
to benefit the Food Bank of Central New York.
The Koehlers invite you to drop by 6514 Kermit Lane,
E. Syracuse, with a monetary or food donation through
the first weekend in January. Visit crouse.org/elves
for more information.
14
YourCare
College Faculty Treat
Brazil’s Neediest
I
magine boating lazily down the Amazon
River, deep in Brazil’s rainforest, for
two weeks. Relaxing getaway? Not
quite. But Crouse Hospital College of
Nursing Director Pat Zawko, EdD, RN,
wouldn’t have it any other way.
For the past 14 years, Zawko has led
an annual medical mission to tend to the
medical needs of some of South America’s
neediest tribal citizens. Why? “Because
these people have no options. Because
nobody wants to go there to help them,”
she says.
Leaving Syracuse during the final
days of 2013, Zawko and a contingent of
15 other women, including her 19-yearold daughter, Skyler, will brave the
challenges of providing medical care deep
in the jungle as part of Crouse Hospital
College of Nursing’s Global Health
Initiative, begun in 2011.
Four Crouse faculty members will
accompany Zawko. Each team member
can bring along two suitcases, each
weighing 70 pounds or less. “We’ll
jam-pack them with as many medical
supplies as possible,” she says, “and
then buy what else we’ll need once
in Brazil.”
Follow updates during and after the
Brazil trip at crouse.org/globalhealth.
Donations for the third annual medical
mission to Guatemala this summer by
College of Nursing faculty and students
are appreciated. To contribute, visit
crouse.org/globalhealth.
Chief Antonio, leader of the Muratinga tribe, with
Pat Zawko (right) and
daughter Skyler during
a previous trip to the
Amazon region of Brazil.
crouse.org
For more information visit
crouse.org/globalhealth.
Crouse Pilots Free Medication Delivery at Discharge
I
n partnership with Patient Portal, a local technology company, and Rite Aid Corporation, Crouse is
piloting the MedEx Bedside Prescription Delivery program. MedEx is a free 24/7 service offering
patients delivery of prescriptions at the bedside before leaving the hospital for home.
Patient counseling about discharge medications can be provided by a pharmacist. In addition,
a follow-up call to the patient is made five days after discharge to ensure adherence and to answer
questions. Patients are under no obligation to transfer prescriptions to Rite Aid, and can use the free
service just one time from the hospital for convenience.
For more information, call 888/70-MedEx (888/706-339) or visit crouse.org/medex.
crouse.org
15
736 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Syracuse, NY
Permit #460
YourCare is a publication of Crouse Hospital’s Communications Department.
Please call 315/470-7582 with your comments or questions.
The information in this publication is not intended for the purpose of personal
medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a physician. YourCare
may not be reproduced without written authorization from Crouse Hospital’s
Communications Department, 736 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210.
Ron Trinca Photography: cover, pages 4, 14
©2013 All rights reserved.
One small incision. Minimal scarring.
Brian Anderson, MD
Kenneth Cooper, DO
Jeffrey DeSimone, MD
Crouse surgeons are the first in the area to use the most advanced
technology for gallbladder removal. Minimally invasive single-site
surgery using the da Vinci robotic system requires just one tiny
incision. The result? Just one tiny scar, hidden in the naval. If
you’re looking for virtually scarless surgery, choose single-site
by the most trusted hands – at Crouse.
crouse.org/singlesite
Photo: Charles Wainwright Photography
Proud to be the official
hospital of SU Athletics.
2013 Lights of Love Campaign
E
ach December the Crouse Hospital clock tower is illuminated with
3,000 white lights. This year the iconic landmark is again lighted for
Lights of Love, the annual fundraising campaign of the Crouse Hospital
Auxiliary. Proceeds will be used to recognize our long history of women
and infants care. Your donation will help us acquire a new state-ofthe-art birthing bed for our Kienzle Family Maternity Center.
The campaign closes on Jan. 12, 2014. To purchase
a light in honor or in memory of someone special, call
315/470-7530 or visit crouse.org/lights.
2014 SADA
Charity Preview
P
art of the net proceeds from the
Syracuse Auto Dealers Association event
on Feb. 12 will benefit Crouse Hospital’s
Institute for Robotic Surgery and the College
of Nursing. For more information and/or to
purchase tickets call 315/470-7008
or visit crouse.org/charity.