The Noyes Newsroom

Holly Conway named VP of Physician Practices and Quality at Noyes

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

UR Medicine Noyes Health is happy to announce Holly Conway has taken over the role of Vice President of Physician Practices and Quality.

“After an extensive search, Holly was identified as the best candidate to fulfill these roles with her vast experience,” said Dr. Chad Teeters, President and CEO of UR Medicine Noyes Health. “She has already begun making the rounds around the hospital to meet the staff and has jumped in quickly into her new role. We are thrilled to have her aboard.”

Conway, who currently lives in PennYan, has years of experience leading ambulatory and hospital-based clinical services. She served as the Executive Leader for multispecialty medical groups for both the Cayuga Health System and for Mass General Brigham’s Cooley Dickinson Hospital. In addition, she also spent over a decade as a senior leader for the Bassett Healthcare Network leading Surgical, Oncology, Cardiovascular and ancillary services.

Conway’s role will have her overseeing physician practice operations and streamlining workflows within departments, ensuring a smooth patient experience. She will also be working toward bringing other specialties, services, and providers to Noyes.

“My first visit to Noyes Hospital left such a positive impression, it was clear that there is so much potential here and I feel honored to have been selected for the role.” said Conway. “I am looking forward to working with the leadership team, physicians and staff here at Noyes and across the health system.”

Conway’s leadership vision and passions have consistently centered on innovation, quality, patient experience and employee engagement. Holly is looking forward to partnering with the leadership team and staff at Noyes to assure the highest quality and most comprehensive care for Livingston County and the surrounding communities. 

Brooke Sikes named Director of Noyes Family Birthing Center

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

UR Medicine Noyes Health is happy to announce Brooke Sikes has been named Director of the Noyes Family Birthing Center and Noyes First Steps program.

Sikes, who currently lives in Canadice, graduated from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies before realizing healthcare was her calling.

She has an Applied Associates degree in Nursing from Alfred State College, a Master’s Degree in Nursing as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and has a Post Graduate Certificate in Midwifery from Shenandoah University.

Sikes was first employed by Noyes Health as a new graduate in 2013, working as an RN on the Medical-Surgical Unit. In January 2014 she began her career as an OB RN and hasn’t looked back.

“Working clinically at the patient's side to now having a leadership role, I feel that I am able to connect evidence-based practice and current recommendations and guidelines with hospital policies and protocols to ensure we are facilitating the safest environment for our Mothers and babies,” said Sikes during one of her first days in her new position. “My goal is to provide an environment where women are informed, safe, confident, and empowered during one of the most memorable moments of their lives.”

With nearly a decade of experience at Noyes, Sikes was a natural fit for the Director position, and her colleagues agree.

“Thank you from all of us for being a supportive, understanding and respectful director,” said Jennifer Canfield on the Noyes recognition website. “You are such a big part of this unit and we appreciate you and all the things you do to help us. Most of all thank you for treating us with respect and being kind. The workplace is better because of you.”

“The best part about working at Noyes is the patient-centered care with a more focused approach to our patient's wishes and desires,” said Sikes. “The relationships between nursing, colleagues, and administration here at Noyes creates a supportive, team-based atmosphere which makes you feel comfortable and supported.”

Jeff Pratt wins DAISY Award

Thursday, February 9, 2023

The DAISY award is one of the highest honors that a nurse can receive. UR Medicine Noyes Health is happy to announce Jeff Pratt, BA, RN, CEN, CSRN, as its most recent recipient.

To receive the award, nurses are nominated by anyone in the organization - patients, family members, other nurses, physicians, other clinicians and staff - anyone who experiences or observes extraordinary compassionate care being provided by a nurse.

A committee then choses one who stands above the rest. 

One of Pratt’s nominations that stands out credits him with helping a patient making a tremendous improvement in her life by helping her to quit drinking. 

The husband of the former Emergency Department patient writes, “My wife was left with several mental scars from her time in (the Army) and has battled with depression, anxiety, and alcohol dependency. It is rare in this world to find someone that quickly puts us both at ease, but Jeff did. He was able to actually get through to my wife and make her want to stop drinking. Anyone with an alcoholic in their life knows what a tremendous moment that is. When you get them to want to stop for themselves, that’s when it works. Jeff, as well as my wife’s doctor, and the rest of the staff that was so kind and courteous have made such an impact on our lives that I feel it’s my duty to make sure it doesn’t go unnoticed.” 

The DAISY award is part of The DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide their patients and their families every day. The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, a little known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

UR Medicine Noyes Health receives $1.5 million

Thursday, January 12, 2023

It was announced Friday that UR Medicine Noyes Health has received $1.5M as a part of the bipartisan omnibus-spending package for Fiscal Year 2023.

The funds, secured by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, will be used by Noyes to provide new ambulatory services to the area.

“These much-needed funds will allow Noyes to invest in a myriad of capital upgrades and purchases to provide new services in Geneseo or modernize existing equipment,” said Dr. Chad Teeters, President and CEO of UR Medicine Noyes Health. “It ranges from new OR beds and stretchers in the ambulatory surgical unit to a holographic virtual exam room system to create a virtual consultative space.”

“This is a big win for us,” said Dr. Teeters.

The request was initially submitted to Rep. Chris Jacobs, who got the request into the initial appropriation bill.

“Rep. Jacobs worked with us to craft the request, and carried it through until he left Congress, then Schumer really shepherded it the rest of the way,” said Dr. Teeters. “We are grateful Sen. Schumer championed this and pushed it across the finish line,” said Dr. Teeters.

The funds are part of a spending package that will provide over $250M of support for community-based projects in the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region.

“This is BIG news for Rochester and the Finger Lakes. The over $250 million we have secured for community driven project across the Rochester-Finger Lakes region means good paying jobs, new economic opportunity, and making long overdue upgrades to our infrastructure,” said Sen. Schumer.

“This federal investment will also help rehabilitate our aging infrastructure, give workers the tools and training they need to secure in-demand jobs, and provide high-quality health care services close to home,” said Sen. Gillibrand.

Noyes is the largest private employer and the largest health care provider in Livingston County, and this project ensures we can continue to provide exceptional care to the rural, underserved, community.

Kristie Cartwright named Patient Relations and Quality Specialist

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Kristie Cartwright has recently been named Patient Relations and Quality Specialist at Noyes Health.

She is a familiar face at Noyes, having worked in various positions at the hospital since 2008 including roles in the Emergency Department, Quality and Marketing. In addition to her patient relations role, she will also be continuing her work in the marketing department.

On her new position, Kristie says: "My goal is to listen to what our patients are saying, understand how we can improve, and implement those ideas. We want our patients to have a positive experience with their care at Noyes."

"I love the family atmosphere here. I work with amazing colleagues who are always willing to help each other," she said.

Kristie lives in Nunda with her husband and three children.

Noyes Health awarded Primary Stroke Center designation from The Joint Commission

Thursday, January 5, 2023

 UR Medicine Noyes Health has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Stroke Center Certification. 

“It is critical for patients suffering from a stroke to get care as quickly as possible, and we want people to know that they should include Noyes Health in their care plan if they or a loved one are having a stroke emergency,” said Heather Burritt, Noyes Health Stroke Coordinator. “It is also important for family members, friends or paramedics to note the time of the first symptom of a patient’s stroke, as this information can affect treatment decisions.”   

Noyes underwent a rigorous onsite review to achieve this designation. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management, supporting self-management, and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews. 

“To earn this certification, hospitals must demonstrate compliance with stroke-related standards expected of primary stroke centers, and meet additional requirements, including volume of complex stroke and cerebrovascular patients, quality of care and outcome, advanced imaging capabilities, 24/7 availability of specialized treatments, and providing staff with the unique education and experience to care for complex stroke patients,” said Burritt. “Our Stroke team is committed to treating our patients with the most advanced, evidence-based interventions available today. 

The certification evaluates how hospitals use clinical outcomes and performance measures to identify opportunities to improve care, as well as to educate and prepare patients and their caregivers for discharge.  

“We are proud to have earned this designation by the Joint Commission,” said Dr. Chad Teeters, President and CEO of UR Medicine Noyes Health. “Having a Primary Stroke Center nearby can mean the difference between life and death when a patient is experiencing symptoms of a stroke. Time is one of the biggest factors when working toward a positive outcome for someone experiencing a stroke.” 

“Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to fostering continuous quality improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission. “We commend Noyes Health for using certification to reduce variation in its clinical processes and to strengthen its program structure and management framework for stroke patients.” 

“We congratulate Noyes Health for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”