The Noyes Newsroom

Meghan Barker to oversee new H&P Clinic at Noyes

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Preparing for a surgery can be a confusing, and nerve-wracking experience. UR Medicine Noyes Health is taking steps to make sure your pre-surgical experience goes as smoothly as possible with the addition of the Pre-Operative History and Physical Clinic.

Overseeing the clinic will be Meghan Barker, PA.

“My goal is to make sure patients understand everything they need to do before having surgery,” said Barker. “I want to take as much of the workload off patients and primary care physicians as possible. Often, before a procedure, patients need to see specialists to ensure they are healthy enough for an operation. I will be making those appointments, ensuring necessary tests and lab work is completed, reviewing charts, and performing physicals prior to surgery.”

Surgical staff at Noyes hope this new clinic will eliminate most same-day surgical cancellations. Currently, about one surgery per day is cancelled per day. Reasons for these cancellations range from not getting clearance from appropriate specialists to patients not understanding instructions and eating or taking some medications prior to arrival.

“This clinic will help improve efficiency in the OR,” said Dr. Chad Teeters, President and CEO of UR Medicine Noyes Health. “Meghan will be helping our patients along from beginning to end. She will ensure appropriate pre-op consultation and testing is complete to make presurgical risk as optimal as possible. Ultimately, this will lead to an increase in patient and staff satisfaction.”

The H&P Clinic will initially be working with the general and orthopaedic surgeries, but will roll out to other specialties over time.

A reduction in same-day cancellations will also lead to decreased wait time for patient looking to schedule surgeries.

Barker is a graduate of RIT and Arlington High School in Legrangeville, N.Y. She worked in the Noyes OR during her clinical rotation.

“I really love the people here,” said Barker. “Everyone I work with is so incredible, helpful, and genuinely wants to see me succeed. Noyes is the perfect size because you get to have the personal connection with the patients while still receiving the support the University of Rochester.

Barker currently lives in Honeoye Falls and in her spare time enjoys baking, country music and going to concerts. She also volunteers her time with the Special Olympic Softball team in Dansville.

Joetta Miller named Employee of the Month for June

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Congratulations to Joetta Miller for being named Employee of the Month at UR Medicine Noyes Health for June.

Miller, of South Dansville, has been an Environmental Aide in Guest Services at Nicholas H. Noyes Memorial Hospital for the past 4.5 years.

“This is very emotional,” said Miller after learning she won the award. “I work very hard at what I do, so this means a lot.”

Miller is a stand out at Noyes, and appreciated by her peers as was demonstrated through the nominating process.

“She puts in high quality work to make sure that patients' needs are fulfilled, and they leave the hospital with dignity and respect,” reads one nomination. “She has always gone above and beyond to help her floor run smoothly; willing to help out in any way she can even if it means working extra hard or longer hours. Joetta is always looking for ways to improve her department and increase team cohesion to be as efficient as possible. Always speaking up for her coworkers, she has advocated for better resources and planning so patient rooms can be much cleaner much quicker. Overall, during her time at Noyes Joetta has been nothing less than a respectful, head-down hard worker.”

“Joetta goes above and beyond every day,” reads another nomination. “She is kind to all the patients and nurses. She never leaves the floor unless all is done. She works tirelessly to make sure all patients have a clean and sanitized room. She helps other floors with anything they need as well. She is kind and friendly to all coworkers and is always there for anyone who needs her.”

Joetta said her favorite part of her job is working with people, including patients, visitors and her coworkers.

“I really started visiting with patients during COVID,” she said. “I was everybody’s company when families couldn’t be here.”

“She really gives patients her time,” said Patricia Derowitsch, Clinical Nursing Director Acute Care & Community Outreach Services. “She talks to patients as she is cleaning their room, she doesn’t just ignore them. If she hears a patient needs something, she pokes her head out to help. Even if she finishes her work, she will always wait until they are done with their conversation before she leaves the room. And she still gets all of her work done.”

Joetta said she didn’t have any experience when she was hired by Rebecca Bowen, Director of Guest Services.

“Joetta is very teachable, and always willing to learn.” said Bowen. “She will get done with her work and ask for more.”

Bowen added that she not only goes above and beyond for patients, but also for the hospital as a whole.

“She comes up with new ideas to improve processes. She challenges me not just to keep doing things the way they have always been done. She knows her patients, she knows what the needs of the nurses are, and she wants to help.”

“Before I retire,” said Miller. “I would like to find someone I can turn into the new version of me.”

Interested in working at Noyes? Click here to learn more about our available positions, click here

If you would like to nominate a staff member for July's Employee of the Month, click here

Noyes Board of Directors holds annual meeting

Friday, June 9, 2023

On Friday, June 9^th, the Board of Directors held its annual meeting. 

Domenick Martello was presented with a gift in appreciation of his service as Board Chairperson.  Marilyn Moore was presented with a 20 year service award gift to commemorate her service on the Board of Directors, and Dr. Sweeney was presented with a 10 year service award gift to honor his service on the Board of Directors.

Officers were elected for the 2023-2025 term as follows:

• Chairperson – Rich Rizzieri
• First Vice Chairperson – Matt Cole
• Second Vice Chairperson – Lindsay Quintilone
• Domenick Martello – Past Chairperson
• Barb Frazer – Treasurer
• Marilyn Moore – Secretary

 

Gratitude was extended to all members of the Noyes Health Board of Directors for their continued support including: Matt Cole; James Culbertson; Joan Flender, MD; Barb Frazer; Steve Goldstein; Steve Harrison; Domenick Martello; Douglas Mayhle, MD; Robert McCann, MD; Marilyn Moore; John Quinlan; Lindsay Quintilone; Rich Rizzieri; Ahsen Sheikh, MD; Bernard Sweeney, MD; Mark Taubman, MD; J. Chad Teeters, MD; and Geoffrey Wittig, MD

Protecting yourself from poor air quality

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Thick smoke from over 150 Canadian wildfires nearly 300 miles away moved into the area this week, significantly impacting air quality throughout the state prompting concerns for area residents.

In addition to the hazy conditions, burning smell, and red hazy glow of the sun, the smoke can also pose a risk to even those without pre-existing respiratory conditions.

 “The particles in this smoke are very fine,” said Dr. Jaime Luis Molina, Pulmonary and Critical Care Physician at UR Medicine Noyes Health in Dansville. “Larger particles settle down earlier, but these fine particles can travel for hundreds of miles. Because of the chemicals in the smoke, the air conditions can affect anyone, causing, wheezing, discomfort and respiratory discomfort.”

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an alert indicating a concerning air quality index for Western New York, Central New York, Eastern Lake Ontario, and the Adirondacks.

Regionally, the Air Quality Index has consistently been in the “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” range. To check current air quality alerts in your area, visit airnow.gov

“When you can see smoke, that means there are particles in the air. When you breathe, your lungs are a filter,” said Molina. “When you breathe that in, those particles are mostly staying in your lungs. Wood and other things that are currently burning in Canada have chemicals and resins in it. When you breathe those chemicals in, that can cause lung problems.”

Molina advises it is best to limit outdoor activities while the air quality alert is in place.

“Air conditioners can help filter out some of the particles,” said Molina,” but is best to avoid working out outside, running, and other vigorous activities.”

Those with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory issues are most at risk, says Daniel Croft, MD, MPH, a member of URMC's Environmental Health Sciences Center (EHSC) and assistant professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care for the department of medicine.

For all others, if you remain outside for extended periods or exert yourself outdoors, you may feel some irritation in your eyes or nose and feel out of breath more quickly than usual. As the smoke and air quality consists or worsens, these tips can apply to everyone, regardless of sensitivity: stay inside if possible, recirculate the air in the car, avoid strenuous activity outdoors, wear a N95 or respirator when outside and use an indoor air cleaner if able. Asthmatics should keep inhalers close by.

Those who smoke or vape may have added risk compared to the general population who don’t use these products. This could be a time to consider quitting smoking, or reducing tobacco/vape use, even temporarily.

You should seek medical advice if you experience significant wheezing, worsening cough, shortness of breath.

Air quality as of Wednesday, June 7 at 3 p.m.:

• Dansville- 179 (Unhealthy)
• Geneseo - 179 (Unhealthy)
• Wayland - 444 (Hazardous)
• Hornell - 444 (Hazardous)
• Wellsville - 179 (Unhealthy)
• Avon – 152 (Unhealthy)
• Warsaw - 179 (Unhealthy)
• Henrietta – 152 (Unhealthy)
• Buffalo - 179 (Unhealthy)

Nursery dedicated in memory of Christina Kranz

Monday, May 15, 2023

During her time as an OB nurse, then a midwife at the Family Birthing Center at Noyes Memorial Hospital, Christina Kranz was described by her coworkers as being compassionate, helpful, gracious, and impossible to forget.

These are just some of the reasons UR Medicine Noyes Health chose to dedicate the nursery in the Family Birthing Center in her memory.

Christina passed away from cancer on Thursday, August 21, 2021 following a long fight with cancer.

The dedication took place in front of the hospital Monday, May 15 and was attended by her former coworkers, friends and family. The DAISY Award was also presented to Kranz’ family in her memory during the ceremony.

“Receiving a Daisy Award is a huge honor for a nurse,” said Heather Burritt, Nurse Educator at Noyes. “I got very emotional reading all of the nominations that came in for Christina.”

Many of her former coworkers spoke about their experiences working with Christina, and read some of her nominations for the DAISY award, which she won posthumously in November 2021.

“Christina has helped countless mothers, babies and families in the most exciting time of their lives and also sometimes the scariest,” said Jennifer Canfield, who not only worked with Christina, but also went to college with her. “I have learned so much from Christina -- about labor and delivery world and also the real world. She is honestly the best person I’ve ever met, anyone would agree as soon as you meet her, your life is forever changed.”

“I’ve was by her side during countless deliveries,” said Kelsey Gray of working with Christina. “She spoke to her patients with such calmness. Pregnant moms always locked eyes with her because she was the voice of reason and stillness in one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. In the last few months of her life, Christina was so very sick but you never would have known, as she continued to care for her patients with such grace. She never let anyone down. She would have a procedure done, receive chemotherapy, and come to work to care for women and their babies the very same day.”

During the ceremony, a plaque was unveiled, which will be hung outside the hospital nursery. It reads: “This nursery is dedicated to the memory of Christina Kranz. May she continue to watch over laboring mothers and their babies from heaven as she did while she was on earth.”

 

For photos of the event, visit: https://bit.ly/ChristinaKranz

For a video of the ceremony, visit: https://bit.ly/KranzNurseryVideo

100th free wig given away at Noyes

Monday, May 1, 2023

 

The eBeauty program at UR Medicine Noyes Health is helping cancer patients regain their confidence, one wig at a time.

“We get the wigs through a program called EBeauty Community out of Arizona. The wigs are all professionally cleaned through Paul Mitchell Schools,” continued Derrenbacher. “Then they are packaged and sent out to hospitals across the nation.”

Last week, the eBeauty program passed a major milestone passing out its 100^th wig.

“Often, getting a cancer diagnosis is devastating. Pair that with potentially losing your hair – It can be a traumatizing experience,” said Derrenbacher.

She started the program in July 2019 while she was the office coordinator for community outreach services when she started the program.

“Before starting eBeauty at Noyes, patients would have to travel quite a distance to get wigs. With Noyes having a cancer center, I thought it would be a good program to have locally.”

UR Medicine Noyes Health the only facility in the state to partner with EBeauty Community to offer this service.

“It is so nice to be able to provide this service to cancer patients,” said Derrenbacher. “It is a small act, but can make a big difference in people’s lives. I feel very lucky to have been able to help so many people in the last four years. To see their faces the first time patients look in the mirror is an amazing experience.”

Many times, patients are at Noyes for a medical oncology or radiation treatment, but wigs are available to all cancer patients who have lost their hair, regardless of where they are seeking treatment.

“The cancer center staff lets me know when they have a patient who is interested,” said Derrenbacher. “I go down during their infusions and treatments to talk with them right there instead of setting up a separate time to come back. I can bring wig options in for the patients to look at and try on, then they can leave that day with their new wig.”

People can also call to set up appointments privately.

 “People are very shocked they are free and very grateful for this service,” she said. “Some people have a very hard time dealing with hair loss as they undergo treatments. It doesn’t bother everyone, but the majority of people struggle while watching their hair fall out. I think it is a relief to hear that this free service is available to them.”

If you are in need of a wig, you can call Ashley Derrenbacher at (585) 335-6755 or email Ashley_Derrenbacher@urmc.rochester.edu.

UR Medicine Noyes Health awarded Hospital Accreditation from The Joint Commission

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

UR Medicine Noyes Health has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

“We received perhaps the best survey findings in our existence, and the surveyors could not have been more complimentary of the dedication, transparency, and commitment to improvement demonstrated by our entire staff,” said Dr. Chad Teeters, President and CEO of UR Medicine Noyes Health. “We received a full 3-year recertification and significant kudos and congratulations from Joint Commission surveyors for exemplary performance.”

Noyes Health underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review in January. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with hospital standards spanning several areas including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, medication management, and rights and responsibilities of the individual.

The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help health care organizations measure, assess and improve performance. The surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“As a heath care accreditor, The Joint Commission works with health care organizations across settings to help improve patient safety and quality of care through our expert resources and tools, innovative solutions and rigorous standards,” says Deborah Ryan, MS, RN, interim executive vice president, Accreditation and Certification Operations, The Joint Commission. “We commend UR Medicine Noyes Health for its commitment to advance safety and quality for all patients.”

Joint Commission surveyors specifically called out the Dialysis Center team, noting the commitment for quality and safety for exceeding national standards.

The pharmacy team was recognized for its medication reconciliation program for patients at time of discharge, a national best practice example they intend to share with other facilities. The antibiotic stewardship committee was called out for well-exceeding national standards and exemplary performance and documentation.

“The surveyors also commented on the positivity and morale of the staff and the comments they heard from staff and the Board on the significant improvements in staff morale over the last two years emerging from the pandemic,” said Teeters. “They commented how rare this has been in their recent surveys, and how positive all of you were and committed to this health system and its success as well as to the health of our community.”

For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.

 

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.” 

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