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News, announcements, and vital information for associates, their families, and friends of Mercy Hospital of Buffalo J une 2016

The Mercy Hospital Stroke Center was reaccredited as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, following a rigourous onsite survey last November. Mercy Hospital was the first hospital in Western New York and among the first in New York State to be awarded this advanced certification in 2013. In above photo, the Stroke Center team gathered to celebrate their American Heart & Stroke Association Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.

In This Issue

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Mercy Named Top Performing Hospital Goodwill Industries Recognizes Mercy

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Plans Announced to Expand OR Maternity Named Blue Distinction Center

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Volunteers Cuddle NICU Babies Ball Raises a Record $134,330!

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Wound Center Nationally Accredited A Special Leap Day at Mercy

Submit news items to: Melanie Griffis, Public Relations Manager at mgriffis@chsbuffalo.org; 716-828-3747

Mercy Comprehensive Stroke Center achieves reaccreditation from The Joint Commission With the celebration of National Stroke Awareness Month in May, Mercy Hospital is pleased to announce that our Stroke Center has been reaccredited as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission, in conjunction with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

“This advanced certification is the highest bar there is to achieve in stroke care,” said Dr. Lee Guterman, medical director of Neurosciences for Catholic Health. “It is also a voluntary process that represents our commitment to deliver quality care to all patients affected by stroke.”

As part of this designation, Comprehensive Stroke Centers, like Mercy

Hospital, are required to have 24/7 availability of specially trained physicians and medical personnel, advanced imaging capabilities and specially-equipped operating facilities to diagnose and treat the most complex stroke cases.

Mercy Hospital was the first hospital in Western New York to be named a Comprehensive Stroke Center in 2013 and among the first in New York State.

The hospital underwent a rigorous onsite survey by Joint Commission’s expert reviewers in November.

Advanced Certification for Comprehensive Stroke Centers, which was established in 2012, is awarded for a two-year period.

Sweet Mercy!

People In The News

Mercy Hospital in National News...With below zero temperatures in February, The Weather Channel interviewed physicians Matthew Smith, MD, a hospitalist, and Erik Peterson, DO, Vice Chair of the ED, (pictured above at right with IT Analyst Tom Sicari), via Skype, about the dangers of cold weather. To view the videoclips, visit the Mercy Hospital Facebook page, at: www.facebook.com/MercyHospitalofBuffalo.

Eddie Bratko promoted to Mercy’s Chief Operating Officer Mercy Hospital is pleased to announce that Eddie Bratko was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, effective October 12, 2015.

Joining the Mercy team in 2010 as director of Financial Services, he was promoted Eddie Bratko to Vice President of Operations in 2014. In his new role as COO, he oversees Perioperative Services; Central Sterile; Facilities & Engineering; Environmental Services; Security and Parking; Pharmacy; Food and Nutrition; Transport; and Respiratory Care Services.

“Those who have the privilege of working with him, including myself, can’t say enough about his responsiveness, strong work ethic and approachable management style,” said Mercy Hospital President C. J. Urlaub. “He has become a well-respected leader within our Mercy Hospital administration team.”

He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Financial Economics and an advanced certificate in International Economics from the University of Buffalo. He completed a leadership program from the University of New Hampshire and an internship at Yale University, School of Medicine.

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Lean Six Sigma Green Belt projects reap success Congratulations to our Mercy “Green Belts,” who have been trained in Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology, and their team members for achieving success on their recent process improvement projects.

Green Belts, Gloria Enjoying their Green Belt success are: (l.-r.) Bruce TrzPirowski, manager epacz; Norma Kelley; Michelle Wild; Cara Simmons; COO of Patient Flow and Eddie Bratko; Gloria Pirowski; Jarrod Atkinson; Darby HarBruce Trzepacz, nurse dy; Denise Stutzman; Lisa LaCongo; and Julie LaManna. manager of the EmerJarrod Atkinson, director of Critical gency Department (ED), Care Services, and Michelle Wild, improved the EKG completion time for stroke patients arriving in the ED. nurse manager of ICU, improved the EKG completion within 45 minutes of process and time for transferring ICU patients to a medical/surgical unit. patient arrival jumped from 51% to The average transfer time decreased greater than 90%. from 92 minutes (April - June 2015) to 53 minutes (June - July 2015).

Green Belts, COO Eddie Bratko and Senior Director of Cardiology Services Julie LaManna, achieved a 34% Darby Hardy and Lisa LaCongo foprocess improvement for turnaround cused on improving utilization of the time (TAT) for stress and echocardio- Mercy Ambulatory Procedure Unit gram cardiac tests, decreasing TAT (MAPU). Their efforts resulted in a from 20 hours to 15 hours.

78% overall capability improvement.

Mercy named a Top Performing Hospital

As a result of Mercy Hospital’s exemplary performance in providing treatment for heart attack, heart failure, stroke, surgical care, perinatal care and pneumonia, the hospital has been recognized as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® by The Joint Commission, the nation’s leading accreditor of health care organizations.

Mercy was among 1,043 hospitals in the United States, out of more than 3,300 eligible hospitals, to achieve the Top Performer distinction, and one of only 29 hospitals in New York State. The list appears in The Joint Commission’s 2015 annual report, “America’s Hospitals: Improving Quality and Safety.”

Goodwill Industries recognizes hospital efforts

Goodwill Industries of Western New York presented its 2015 Employer of the Year Award to Mercy Hospital at its annual awards ceremony held last fall.

The award recognizes businesses that have demonstrated outstanding dedication toward assisting individuals with barriers to employment. According to John Logan, director of Mercy’s Environmental Displaying the Goodwill Award are, from left, Director of EVS John Logan, Kim Green, Barb Services (EVS) and a liaison with George and COO Eddie Bratko.

Goodwill, three individuals were hired last year in EVS and Trans“The programs at Goodwill have been port through Goodwill’s programs in a good resource in filling our open Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and positions with great performers,” Veterans One Stop (Assisting Vetersaid Logan. “It’s a nice partnership.” ans in Obtaining Employment).

OR expansion will respond to growing volume Mercy Hospital has announced plans to expand its existing Surgery Department with the construction of a new 20,000 square foot, twostory addition behind the hospital.

Sweet Mercy!

People In The News

An architectural rendition of the OR addition

Due to modifications from a previous plan in 2015, the hospital submitted a revised Certificate of Need (CON) to the NYS Department of Health. The project is pending approval.

The estimated $10 million construc-

tion and renovation project will provide space to add a third, stateof-the-art cardiac operating room (OR) to support the growing patient volume at the Catholic Health Heart Center. The project will also expand storage space for Surgical Services.

Mercy earns Blue Distinction for maternity care BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York has recently named Mercy Hospital as a Blue Distinction+ Center for Maternity Care.

This Blue Distinction designation recognizes the hospital for delivering quality care safely and effectively, based on objective measures developed with input from the medical community. The additional “+” designation is earned by meeting requirements for cost efficiency.

According to BlueCross BlueShield, this new maternity care program evaluates hospitals in several quality measures, including the percentage of newborns that fall into the category of early elective delivery. Com-

Mercy Appointments Announced

pared to babies born 39 weeks or later, early term infants have a higher risk for complications and admission to neonatal intensive care units.

Blue Distinction Centers must also meet requirements that support evidence-based practices of care and have programs in place to promote successful breastfeeding. In addition, hospitals are evaluated on overall patient satisfaction.

Partners in Rehab adds massage therapy service Catholic Health Partners in Rehab is pleased to announce that massage therapy has been added to the services offered at its facility located at the Mercy Diagnostic & Treatment Center in West Seneca.

Massage therapy services, that are provided by licensed, experienced massage therapists, include: deep tissue massage; orthopedic massage; swedish massage; stress reduction massage; hot stone massage, and pregnancy massage.

Massage therapy rates are $65 for an hour /$40 for a half hour; private payment in the form of credit cards, cash or personal checks are accepted. No Fault accident claims

Mercy Hospital on AM Buffalo..Mercy Interventional Cardiologist Nadeem Haq, MD, left, was interviewed

by AM Buffalo’s Jon Summers for a story about Catholic Health’s “Listen To Your Heart” community education program held in February. Dr. Haq, Dr. Joseph Gelormini and Dr. Stephen Downing, discussed AFib and Heart Valve Disease and the latest treatment options for these heart conditions at the program.

Massage therapist Amy Kuty helps a patient at the Mercy Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Partners in Rehab, West Seneca.

are accepted for those involved in car accidents. For more information, call Partners in Rehab- West Seneca, 550 Orchard Park Road, Building C, at 716-677-5022.

Carol Latona

Carol Latona, RN, MBA, has recently been named Director of Nursing Operations at Mercy Hospital.

With over forty years of nursing experience, Carol joined the Mercy team in 1996 and previously served as the Director of Medical/Surgical Nursing.

Among her new responsibilities, Carol will work closely with finance to provide leadership oversight for staffing, workload and scheduling.

Carol holds a bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) with a Healthcare Concentration from SUNY University at Buffalo. She is also board certified as an Advanced Nurse Executive.

Robbie Wall, MD

Robbie Wall, DO, FACOI, FHRS, was recently named Medical Director of Electrophysiology (EP) Services at the Catholic Health Heart Center. A Mercy Hospital cardiologist, he has been providing EP services in the Buffalo community since 2011.

Dr. Wall received his medical degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA, and completed his residency and cardiology fellowship at Michigan State University, Mount Clemens Regional Medical Center. He completed his electrophysiology fellowship at the University of Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital.

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Enhancing The Patient Experience

Look up and smile!

Patient satisfaction scores rise Mercy Hospital’s overall patient satisfaction scores rose 3% in 2015, considered a Best Practice by the National Research Corporation (NRC) survey program. Though congratulations are in order for this achievement, the Mercy team is showing no signs of stopping there.

The momentum keeps building with the formation of the multi-disciplinary Patient Experience Steering Committee last fall to continue to enhance the patient experience.

Five workgroups have been created to focus on the following identified areas:

• • • • •

Warm Welcome/Fond Farewell Wayfinding and Environment of Care Recognition & Adherence to CHS Values and Standards Physician/NP/PA Engagement Internal & Public Communications

To date, these PE workgroups have rolled out numerous ideas from a “Look up and Smile” campaign to birthday cakes in maternity to physician “baseball” cards and more to come.

The Southtowns Management group also formed workgroups related to associate culture; accountability; engagement, professionalism and adherence to behavioral standards.

Initiatives implemented from these groups, such as the recent placement of Kudos Boards on all units, are then reported back to the PE Steering Committee.

We’re Listening posters were placed throughout the hospital and postcards are now distributed to patients at discharge to encourage patient participation in the NRC survey process.

Pictured above: The PE Warm Welcome/Fond Farewell Workgroup held a “Look Up and Smile” campaign reminding staff of the 5/10 Rule. Enjoying “Smiley” cake are: (l.-r.) Tonya Johnson; Chrissy Morales, RN; Joy Kent, RN, BSN and Mary Rose Graham, RN, BSN.

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Stroke survivor grateful for “wonderful” care When Margaret Kenney was getting ready to be discharged from the hospital’s Medical Rehab Unit (MRU), she felt she couldn’t leave without expressing a special thank you to all the staff who cared for her.

Margaret suffered a sudden stroke on October 21 at her home in Fredonia. She was brought to the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Mercy by ambulance where she spent a two weeks in the ICU. She was then transferred to the Stroke Center Unit and later to the MRU. “Every single person who cared for me was wonderful,” said Margaret.

“I felt the staff always listened to me

Margaret Kenney, left, participates in a therapy session with Cheryl Raditic.

and gave me personal attention.”

A caregiver herself, Margaret is a trained midwife and is certified in Reiki therapy.

Babies leave with their first birthday cake

When a family brings their newborn baby home from the hospital, it is a time for celebration. Recognizing this special occasion, the Mercy Family Birthplace now sends mom, baby and family home with a birthday cake.

Big sister Isabella, 3, couldn’t wait to dig into their birthday cake, pictured above with her family, Holly and Matt Blamer and new baby sister Allie.

“The cake is a small gesture of thanks to the families for choosing Mercy Hospital and is another way to express our happiness and best wishes for them in the future,” said Joy Kent, Nurse Manager of Maternal/Child and member of the PE Warm Welcome/Fond Farewell Workgroup.

Volunteers snuggle our tiniest patients Mercy’s Patient Cuddler Program uses the healing power of touch to help our tiniest, most fragile patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). About thirty trained volunteers take shifts to hold and rock the babies, providing them with comfort to grow and get stronger.

Julie Walek, RN, a NICU nurse for over twenty years, was instrumental in starting the program a couple years ago. “Research shows that babies who are held more often sleep better, cry less and grow more.”

Our patient cuddlers often fill the gap for moms and dads who are juggling jobs or other children at home.

Sister Meg Quinlan, a Sister of

Sister Meg Quinlan cuddles a NICU baby.

Mercy and devoted “cuddler” writes, “Holding this little person teaches me how to respond to her needs: if she cries; if her breathing changes. I’m paying attention...I try to be as peaceful inside myself as I can be. I think that helps a baby to feel calm.”.”

For more info, call 828-2098 or visit www.chsbuffalo.org/Give/Volunteer.

Passport Fair attracts nearly 700 associates Our 4th Annual Passport to Mercy Fair was a great success! Nearly 700 associates attended the associate forums to learn the latest news and happenings around Mercy Hospital.

People In The News

This year’s theme was “Mystery on the Orient Express,” taking staff through various hospital departOLV Family Care staff gather for the fair. ments decorated as European train Patient Care Services won the Best stops. Associates had their passports Decorated train stop for their Sound stamped along the way and submitof Music-Austria theme. ted them for a raffle drawing.

Kathy Dayka, a nurse in L & D, won the $500 Southwest Airlines gift card; Shannon Sherman of Respiratory Care won the Salvatore’s package; and Arlene Krysiak of HR won the Staycation package.

Sweet Mercy!

Passport Travel Fairs were held at the MCCC, OLV Family Care, MDTC at West Seneca, MDC at East Aurora, and the MACC. Special thanks goes out to Dr. Michael Albert, Chief of Pathology, who volunteered his time to write our “Mystery” and clues.

Mary Dietz Retires After 53 Years ... Lab technician Mary Dietz (center) started working at Mercy Hospital in 1962 and witnessed significant changes through the years. In above photo, helping her celebrate at a retirement reception held in her honor are from left, Dottie Eberhardt, Sheila Bowers, Rhonda Boulden, Sandy Ostrander, and Diana Stepankowski.

Volunteers recognized at annual luncheon

During National Volunteer Week in April, Mercy Hospital takes the opportunity to thank those who generously give their time and talents to help us fulfill our mission and to serve our patients and community.

A volunteer luncheon was held on April 14 at Gregor’s Garden Grove in West Seneca to “celebrate service.”

Enjoying the luncheon are from left, Judy Cipriani, Joyce Gifford, Sister Thomas Marie Murphy, RSM, and Sue Dowling.

“Volunteers are the heart of Mercy,” said Anne McGillicuddy, Director of Volunteers at Mercy and CHARTC. “It’s important to recognize the collective power of our volunteer team.”

Alice Hanley Retires After 48 Years ... Alice Hanley (second from left), a staffing clerk in Patient Care Services, retired after 48 years of service. Several associates stopped by her retirement party in November to wish her well. Pictured above with Alice are from left, Ann Connors-Nowicki, RN; Dan Westfield; Maria Mahaney, and retiree Sheila Hanley, Alice’s sister.

Nurses brush up on skills during education days

Nancy Ogorek, PT, Recognized

Mercy Hospital recently held a series of Nursing Education Days, providing a way for medical/surgical nurses to brush up on their skills and become trained on new equipment.

Nancy McGrath Ogorek, PT, a physical therapist with Partners in Rehab West Seneca, was one of 18 therapists selected nationwide to participate in the 2nd Concussion Therapy Research Program through Nancy Ogorek, PT the Upledger Institute and Ricky Williams Foundations.

“Stations were set up for review of wound care, blood transfusions, suicide precautions, and proper urinary catheter insertions,” said Robin Comeau, nurse educator. “Nurses were also trained on the use of the bladder scanner and new defibrillators.”

She and fellow nurse educator Amber Mehta will lead upcoming sessions on critical care and ED nursing.

Reviewing the use of the bladder scanner during a Nursing Education Day are from left, Patrice Falkiwicz, RN, Krista Martinez, RN, and Allison Reveles, RN.

She and her fellow therapists treated six former NFL football players in a five-day intensive manual therapy program held at the Upledger Clinic in Florida last fall. The objective of the study was to learn whether advanced therapies can help alleviate post concussion syndrome.

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Mission Corner

Spirit of Mercy keeps shining The spirit of Mercy continues to shine as our mission-focused staff and physicians displayed their caring hearts and generosity in a number of ways over recent months.

Associates have been participating in our Catholic Health charitable partnership with the Friends of Night People (FONP). A collection barrel is set up outside the Mercy Café for donations. According to a donation schedule found on catholichealthcares.com, drink mixes are being accepted through June 30 and condiments are being accepted from July 1 - August 15. FONP volunteer opportunities also exist for Mercy-designated evenings to serve dinners and help in the pantry. Upcoming dates are July 1 and July 21. To sign up, contact John Kalinowski, VP of Mission Integration at 828-2190.

The annual Mission Committee’s Holiday Basket Raffle raised $4,000 benefiting FONP, Helping Hands, and Kate’s Closet.

Mission also hosted a Wreath Decorating Contest with Ambulatory Surgery taking Sharon Herko (CM) won a first place and earning flat screen TV in the raffle. a pizza party. In addition, the Adopt-a-Family program benefited 24 associates’ families at Christmas, and the Mardi Gras Star & Bead Sale raised $300 for Kate’s Closet.

Pictured above: Volunteering at the Friends of Night People in May were: (far left) Eric Hill, Meghan Lee (ED) and Mercy Nursing Facility at OLV staff: (front, l.-r.) Carol Czaja; Rachel Hughes; (back, l.-r.) Bonnie Meredith; Kitty Daniels with daughter Lauren; Colleen Graham; Pat O’Connor, Executive Director, OLV Senior Neighborhood; Emma O’Connor, and Sally Smith.

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Congratulations to our LOVE Award winners Mercy Hospital congratulates our recent LOVE Award winners...Christine Cook (ASU); Michael Coughlin (Imaging); Peggy Hillery (Lab); Kaight Harris (ED), and Charles McAllister (Security). All of these associates were recognized for “Living Our Values Effectively (LOVE)” and displaying the Catholic Health Mission in their work and interaction with others at Mercy Hospital.

Anyone can nominate an associate for the LOVE award – patients or family, visitors, physicians, volunteers and co-workers. If you would like to recognize a Catholic Health employee, physician or volunteer for providing outstanding care and “going above and beyond”, please complete a form found on the Catholic Health website, chsbuffalo.org/ contact/LOVE or contact John Kalinowski, VP of Mission Integration .

Mission Committee Leader Deb Mazur and Mercy President & CEO C.J. Urlaub (in back) present LOVE Awards to: (l.-r.)

Michael Coughlin, Charles McAllister, Peggy Hillery, and Christine Cook.

Kaight Harris, center, displays her LOVE Award with, from left, Bruce Trzepacz, ED Nurse Manager; and Dr. Richard Elman, ED Chairman.

OLV center hosts community health fair The OLV Family Care Center, a department of Mercy Hospital, hosted a Community Health Fair & Open House in April, featuring free health screenings, giveaways and drawings, and tours of the facility.

OLV Family Care Center’s Ray Cedri, RN, checks the blood pressure on a patient. The Center recently hosted a community health fair and open house in April.

The Center, located at 227 Ridge Road in Lackawanna, offers primary care services for adults and children age 6 and over. Catholic Medical Partners also participated in the event, providing fairgoers with information on nutrition, diabetes education, podiatry services, and palliative care & hospice services.

Neighbors helping neighbors at the MCCC A caring group of employees from the Hanes Supply Company, a manufacturer and supplier of construction and industrial supplies, turned out to be some very nice neighbors to the Mercy Comprehensive Care Center (MCCC) in the Old First Ward. They had been working at the nearby Solar City Project when they decided they wanted to share the spirit of the holiday and help some families in need identified through the MCCC. The Hanes Supply crew organized a toy and gift drive as part of their employee holiday party. Several MCCC families benefited from this chari-

Dropping off gifts were Hanes Supply staff, (l.-r.) Anthony Sieber, Dan Tiebor, Amanda Maute; Joe Schubb holding son Jackson, Sarah Schubbe, and Lisa Donner.

table act of kindness. Mercy Hospital wishes to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Hanes Supply staff for their generosity.

Signature celebration raises record $134,330!

The Mercy Hospital Foundation’s 7th Annual Autumn Ball was the most successful event year to date!

This signature celebration raised a record $134,330 gross revenue ($112,630 net). Special thank you to Mr. James Cornell Ball honorees Cathy Milo, Chris Grzybowski, at left, and Shirley and Dr. Darci Cramer Duane, FNP, CNRN, far right, are congratulated by Event Chairs for leading the way as Mr. James Cornell & Dr. Darci Cramer. the event Chairs and Premier Sponsors.

Shirley J. Duane, FNP, CNRN, was also honored at the Ball with the Additionally, the event recognized 2015 Nurse of Distinction Award. the Mercy Hospital Foundation’s Friends of Distinction, Chris Grzybowski, Cathy Milo, and the entire Proceeds from this event supported Grzybowski family for their generthe Hearts Changed & Lives Transosity and continued support through formed campaign, funding projects to the Charleen Grzybowski Golf Event. enhance patient care.

Young donor’s lemonade stand benefits NICU

Ten-year-old Grace Koncikowski of Hamburg is our youngest donor to the Mercy Hospital Foundation and a very generous one at that! For the fourth year in a row, she set up a lemonade stand to raise money for the hospital’s NICU, where she was cared for as a preemie herself.

Maternity staff gathered for Grace’s presentation of her NICU donation.

With her first lemonade stand in 2011, when she was 6-years old, Grace donated $75 for the “sick babies in the NICU.” This year, she presented a check for $225! Accompanying Grace were her mother, Jeanette Koncikowski and sister Veda.

Promoting health and wellness in the community Thanks to the Mercy Hospital Foundation and generous grant funding through the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, the Mercy Comprehensive Care Center (MCCC) is reaching out to the community to promote wellness and expand access to primary care services.

As part of this patient-focused educational program called, “Empowering Buffalo: Nurturing a Healthy Neighborhood,” the MCCC partners with other community-based organizations to hold a variety of events from healthy cooking demonstrations to informative talks on health issues.

Coming up this summer, the MCCC’s Community Wellness Series features classes on How to Manage Stress on June 15 and Child Nutrition & Parenting Tips on July 27. All events, which are Jeanne O’Hara offers free and open to soup at a healthy patients and the cooking event. community, are held in the Center’s community room at 397 Louisiana Street, Buffalo.

Mercy Foundation at Work

A grateful family honored Jeff Lelonek, RN, (5E) as an Angel of Mercy because of his exceptional care.

Honoring our Angels of Mercy Our patients and their families often ask how they can “give back” to those who have made a difference in the care they received through Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, Mercy Ambulatory Care Center (MACC), Mercy Comprehensive Care Center (MCCC) or another Mercy site.

Saying “thank you” is a simple, yet powerful gift anyone can give. One way to do this is through the Angel of Mercy program. Patients, loved ones—even associates and co-workers—can recognize a nurse, physician or caregiver as an Angel of Mercy by making a gift to the Mercy Hospital Foundation in their honor.

Although the amount of the gift remains confidential, the Angel will receive notice of the gift, a note of thanks, and an Angel pin to wear.

The gift will not only be a special gesture of appreciation and gratitude, it will play a critical role in enhancing Mercy’s healthcare resources.

Hospital Chaplain Camille Buckley, right, nominated Physical Therapist Nancy Ogorek as an Angel of Mercy. To give a gift to the

Angel of Mercy program, just send a letter indicating the name of the caregiver you wish to recognize and why.

Mail or drop off your letter and contribution to: Angel of Mercy c/o Mercy Hospital Foundation 565 Abbott Road Buffalo, NY 14220

Or, visit FoundationofCatholicHealth.org and select Donate Online.

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Mercy at Work

A special Leap Day at Mercy’s Family Birthplace Leap Year baby, Dr. Lynn Marie Aronica, turned a ripe old 11 years old in “leapling age” on February 29 and then leaped into the day by delivering a baby girl at 5:15 am.

“Every four years, it is a special birthday,” said Dr. Aronica. “You should celebrate and go all out and do something unique for the unique birthday.”

And the saints—St. Patrick (John Kalinowski) and St. Brigid (friend of Mercy Mary McCafferty)— went marching in... joined by a hearty crew representing Mercy Hospital for the “Old Neighborhood” St. Patrick’s Day Parade held on March 19 in the Old First Ward. Special thanks to Parade Chair Mary Ann Murphy and float assemblers Heidi Kirsch, Robin Messenger, and the Facilities team.

Pictured above, “Leapling” Dr. Lynn Marie Aronica, center, is interviewed by media.

An OB/GYN physician, Dr. Aronica usually takes off work for her birthday, but this year she was hoping to deliver a baby. Her wish came true and she got the call to help bring “leapling” baby Ella Taboni into the world. Ella’s mom, Rebecca Taboni, said she was concerned at first about having a Leap Year baby but Dr. Aronica made her feel better about it.

According to the Honor Society of Leap Year Day Babies, the chances of having a birthday on a leap day are extremely slim—the odds are one in 1,461. And, there are an estimated 4.1 million people in the world who share a February 29 birthday.

“Every four years I get to do something special, and this year that was to deliver Ella,” Dr. Aronica said.

Wound Healing Center earns national accreditation

Mercy Surgical Services associates, from left, Jen Morath, Tina Weaver and Darby Hardy joined with students from Lorraine Academy for the annual “Read Across America Day” held on March 2nd, honoring the birthday of author “Dr. Seuss.”

Catholic Health’s Advanced Wound Healing Center, located at the Mercy Ambulatory Surgery Center in Orchard Park, has earned national accreditation in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS).

Accreditation for clinical hyperbaric treatment is voluntary, although some health insurers are requiring their patients to choose accredited

facilities. To earn accreditation, a center must undergo a rigorous survey that reviews all staffing, equipment, and quality care aspects of HBOT. In addition, the center must have HBOT technicians and nurses certified in hyperbaric medicine.

Advanced Wound Healing Centers at Sisters Hospital, St. Joseph Campus and Mount St. Mary’s Hospital also achieved national accreditation.

Here’s your chance to win movie tickets!

Mercy’s March for Babies Team Captain Libby Rasmussen, RN (Maternity) led a group of associates and family members for this year’s fundraising walk held on May 1 at Canalside to help prevent birth defects.

Jodi Stollberg of Laboratory Services is our latest winner! Staff are invited to complete the Associates In The Know puzzle for a chance to win a pair of free movie tickets.

Just drop the completed puzzle in the designated box located in the hospital cafeteria, or send/drop off completed puzzles to Melanie Griffis, Public Relations, 3rd floor, or fax 8283499, to enter the drawing.

Name_________________________________ Phone_________________ ACROSS

Celebrating the first National Women Physicians Day on February 3, 2016, the birthday of America’s first female physician, Elizabeth Blackwell, MD, were, from left, OB/GYN physicians Dr. Lynn Marie Aronica, Dr. Jennifer Rojek and Dr. Amber Krol.

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4 The Joint Commission named Mercy a Top ______ on key quality measures 5 Green Belt projects improve quality and patient ______ 7 Hospital celebrated 1st National _______ Physicians Day on February 3 8 Mercy celebrated National Stroke ______ Month in May 9 Mercy named Employer of the Year by ________ Industries

DOWN 1 Mercy’s Stroke Center is accredited by the Joint _________ 2 The Patient _______ program in the NICU is a special volunteer experience 3 Mercy physicians were featured on national TV, The ________Channel 6 This hospital service was recently named a Blue Distinction Center, recognizing its quality care