June 2016 Connections

News, announcements, and vital information for associates, their families, and friends of Kenmore Mercy Hospital.

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Kenmore Mercy Only Buffalo Area Hospital to Receive an “A” rating in Leapfrog Report The latest Leapfrog Hospital Safety Score report was released to the public on April 25, with Kenmore Mercy Hospital receiving an “A” score – the top grade in patient safety in Erie County.

Elaine Schrutt and Cheryl Hayes presented Bobby Gross (center) with the DAISY Award.

Congrats to Our Daisy Award-winning Nurse

Kenmore Mercy Hospital is pleased to congratulate Bobby Gross, RN, as its Spring 2016 winner of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing.

The DAISY Award is part of a national program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

Bobby, a nurse on the 3 East Patient Care Unit, was selected by the hospital’s Nursing Shared Governance Committee. His nomination from a patient’s daughter noted, “... he would go over and beyond to do whatever he able to do to calm her down during her stay.”

Kenmore Mercy Hospital has maintained that “A” rating through five rating cycles.

The hospital watchdog group for patient safety rates how well hospitals protect patients from accidents, errors, injuries and infections.

“Kenmore Mercy Hospital has implemented a number of practices in recent years that impact harm reduction and risk prevention to positively benefit our patients,” said Laura Verbanic, director of Quality & Patient Safety for Kenmore Mercy Hospital.

This includes a dedicated 24/7 inhouse critical care coverage team in its intensive care unit (ICU), implementation of the Move With Care safety program to reduce patient falls, and

significant staff education to reduce bed sores, central-line associated bloodstream infections (CAUTI) and Clostridium difficile (C.Diff).

“The Leapfrog Group’s continued recognition of Kenmore Mercy Hospital as a top-rated hospital is a testament to our employees who work together every day to give the very best care for our patients,” said James Millard president and chief executive officer of Kenmore Mercy Hospital.

“Our amazing teams of health care providers – physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, technicians and support staff – remain committed to providing quality and compassionate care to all of our patients and their families,” he added.

The Catholic Health hospitals, Mercy and Sisters of Charity, were very close to receiving Leapfrog’s top score for this cycle.

At a presentation in June, he received a special DAISY Award certificate, a daisy pin, daisies, and a sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.

Other nominees included: Judy Arnold - discharge planning, Moreen Audino, RN - ICU, Jennifer Barone, RN - 2 East/2 South, Dan Didas, RN - ED, Christopher Dowd, RN - ICU, Jessica Klug, RN - ICU, Karyn O’Keefe, RN - ASU, Tina Ouellette, RN - 2 East/2 South, Jennifer Rennells, RN - Cardiology, Ellen Rusch, RN - 3 East, and Elizabeth Woods, RN - ICU.

Registered nurses Brenda Cramer and Mary LaMartina work in the ICU, which is contributing to hospital’s patient safety efforts.

Associate Engagement

News from Jim Millard, President & CEO As you know, healthcare is a peopledriven business. While Patient Experience, Clinical Integration, Operational Effectiveness, Nursing Excellence, Surgical Services and Orthopedics all remain top priorities, none of our goals can be achieved without effective Associate Engagement.

Kudos forms are available in every patient care unit and in Administration.

We gauge associate engagement and satisfaction using tools such as the Voice of the Associate survey and the associate forum evaluations. I’d like to thank everyone for taking the time to provide us with your feedback. Based on your suggestions, we are taking steps to enhance the culture of our organization. To help us achieve this, we have established a special multidisciplinary committee that we’ve appropriately named the “Culture Club.”

More than ever, we are making associate wellness a high priority.

We have purchased new equipment, hired someone to coordinate activities in our Wellness Center, and have implemented a new walking program on and around our campus.

Theresa Jackson, RD, CDN completed a Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Sandra Caver from the Ken-Ton Primary Care office completed her Associates Degree in Medical Administrative Assistant from Bryant & Stratton in May.

Congratulations to Linda Butski, RN, Endoscopy nurse manager and Operating Room clinical advisor. She completed a Master’s degree in Nursing Leadership and Management from Western Governors University in April.

Congratulations to Donna Anderson, PA-C. She completed a Physician Assistant Master’s degree from the State University of New York at Stony Book in March.

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We also want to recognize our associates for the great work that we do each and every day. Consider writing a Kudos certificate to someone that you work with for going above and beyond to help our patients, their families or each other.

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2016 Associate Summer Picnic Tuesday, July 26

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The secret to a successful hospital lies in the people – we are lucky to have such wonderful associates here at Kenmore Mercy Hospital! pital Comm H os un it

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Watch our newsletter, intranet, Facebook, message boards, and other locations for examples of these accomplishments.

During the recent spring forums, you voted on and selected a logo to symbolize our history, strength, support and deep roots as we branch out to meet the changing needs of our patients. That logo, seen below, will be used throughout the year as we celebrate 65 years of service to the community.

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Jessica Klug, BSN, RN, Intensive Care Unit, recently earned the credential of CMSRN (Med-Surg Certification).

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We are putting more effort into celebrating both organizational and individual achievements. This means highlighting the awards that the hospital receives from national organizations like Leapfrog and Healthgrades, but also celebrating individual accomplishments such as a nurse who received her bachelor’s degree, a therapist who received his certification, an environmental services worker who submitted a “great catch” to improve patient safety, or a pharmacist who was honored by a local professional organization.

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In addition, we hope that you enjoyed this year’s Hospital Week activities, that you will enjoy the upcoming associate picnic, and that you will take advantage of some of the Catholic Health sponsored events throughout the summer.

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Amber Mazurek, RN, BSN, patient care services project adviser, and Christine Reaser, RN, from 2 South/2 East, achieved the credential of ONC, Mazurek (orthopeadic certified nurse).

Thanks to the efforts of our Emergency Department nurses, associates have the option to enjoy meals from several local food trucks.

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We want to create an environment and a culture where people can do the work they are so passionate about, and feel a sense of purpose and job satisfaction.

Ideas to reduce stress at work have led to some recent positive changes.

Meals will be served under the tent 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

11:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Hospital Making Wellness a High Priority Workplace wellness is a high priority to associates, which is why Kenmore Mercy recently launched its redesigned initiatives.

Thanks to the generosity of the Kenmore Mercy Foundation, majority of the equipment in the Wellness Center was replaced with commercial grade equipment in June.

Walk or run at community events throughout the year, too. and earn prizes, like Kenmore Mercy shirts, water bottles, gym bags, and jackets, through the Stepping Stones program.

To help provide more healthy eating options, the cafeteria recently updated its menu. Associates also have the option to participate in farm share deliveries to the hospital.

During Hospital Week, a number of associates helped kick off the start of established walking paths. Find copies of the brochures outlining the routes in Human Resources or visit the wellness section of the intranet.

Living Our Values

Save the date - July 7 from 11 a.m.

- 1 p.m. for a Wellness Center open house. Stop in to see the new equipment and meet Dan Sciolino, Wellness Center coordinator.

Dwhanee Tucker, facilities services attendant, expressed that excellence is “Not holding back, giving your all.”

By Joseph Mazzawi Vice President of Mission Integration How do you demonstrate excellence in your ministry and care for others? What does it mean to serve those in need and work towards justice? Where do you see reverence displayed in our ministry? When do you experience compassion in your midst?

A number of associates and volunteers, including Bella the therapy dog, participated in the first official walk on the designated Kenmore Mercy path.

Recent Leadership Changes Theresa Jackson, RD, CNSD, was named manager of Nutritional Services. In this role, she is responsible for managing the Clinical Nutrition Department, consisting of registered dietitians Jackson who provide sciencebased, individualized medical nutrition therapy to in-and out-patients, and the nutrition receptionists, who provide the office support for the room service program.

Susan McClure, BSN, RN, was named senior clinical advisor for the Emergency Department. In this role, Susan develops processes to enhance the care of Emergency DepartMcClure ment patients. In addition, she provides staff education and orient new associates.

Deborah Micholas, BSN, RN ONC, was named Patient Care Services Supervisor for 2 East and 2 South. In this role, Deborah comanages the 2 East and 2 South Patient Care Micholas Units. She is working in collaboration with Mary Hojnacki, BSN, RN, ONC, nurse manager of these units.

Patrick Vaccaro was named security supervisor. He is familiar face at the Kenmore Mercy Hospital, having served as a guard through Mueller Security Services since June 2014. Prior to that, Vaccaro Patrick served 26 years with the New York State Department of Corrections at Attica Correctional Facility.

Each of these four values anchors our meaningful call to heal and serve those in need. Each of these values are expressed by each of us in unique ways based on our particular roles and talents.

At the beginning of June we began a campaign with the hope to highlight and reflect on each of our values during the coming months. During this time we are inviting associates and units to reflect on what these values mean to you.

We reflect on Excellence in June, Justice in July, Reverence in August, and Compassion in September.

We’ll be posting photo reflections from associates about what each of these values mean to them, thanking associates for being great examples of these values, and engaging in formal and informal discussions about each value.

Please join us over the coming months as we explore our values which are part of the deep roots of our Kenmore Mercy Hospital community and thank you for the ways that you embody and reflect God’s healing love to our patients, co-workers, and our community.

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Patient Safety & Experience

Nurse Makes Great Catch, Impacts Patient Safety Emergency Department registered nurse Melissa Ferber was honored at the spring Catholic Health management meeting with the Great Catch Award.

Megan Ruh and her cousin Anna Twichell played an important role in the abduction drill.

Associates Participate in Abduction Drill When it was announced that a little girl had gone “missing” from the hospital in June, staff were on high alert.

Fortunately, this child abduction drill was part of Kenmore Mercy’s regular emergency planning.

During the drill, all hospital exits were secured and the facility was thoroughly searched.

While Kenmore Mercy does not deliver babies or have a pediatric unit, “A child abduction is still a high-risk scenario for which we need to be prepared,” said Dan Schrantz, safety manager for Kenmore Mercy Hospital. According to the FBI, in 2015 there were 460,699 National Center for Mission & Exploited Children entries for missing children.

The Joint Commission requires that emergency plans like this be tested periodically.

Protocol calls for a representative to contact local the emergency dispatch center in advance to announce the drill. It was also stressed to observe the situation and report details to the switchboard at x55555.

In a real event, the hospital would work in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and the media to share appropriate information about the missing individual.

“Code exercises like this test the hospital personnel’s decision making processes under pressure, recover the abducted child and maintain business continuity during facility lockdown,” explained Schrantz.

After the drill, staff reviewed the hospital’s response to the code, and discussed how the protocol worked.

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Melissa Ferber’s actions made the difference for her patient.

Earlier in the year, she identified potential multiple medication errors when reviewing a patient’s long list of medications.

“I was looking over the very long list of medications provided by the patient when I realized that many of the items did not have the individual’s name on them,” noted Melissa, who has been at Kenmore Mercy since 2012.

She took the time to reach out to the patient’s family and medical providers to properly update the list and prevent any potential issues in the future.

The Great Catch program is a Quality & Patient Safety initiative designed to help Catholic Health catch and avoid situations that have the potential to cause harm to our patients.

The program is about celebrating a culture of safety within our organization and empowering our associates to improve our work environment and provide our patients the safest level of care.

“Often, a great catch begins with having a questioning attitude and a willingness to speak up when something doesn’t seem quite right or a situation presents itself that has the potential to cause harm to a patient or associate,” said Diane Gelose, Quality & Patient Safety specialist.

If you are involved in a great catch, or know someone who was, we’d like to hear about it. Fill out a Great Catch reporting form online.

This is a positive and proactive way to make improvements resulting in a safer work environment for our patients and associates.

Therapy dog gets a little extra TLC from Kenmore Mercy after injury When therapy dog Sydney tore her ACL earlier this year, it was she who needed some extra care.

The little Yorkshire Terrier who visits patients every week at Kenmore Mercy, was put on bed rest.

In an effort to help get her back on her feet, Kenmore Mercy’s orthopedic nurses found one of their favorite four-legged volunteers a baby stroller to help her get around.

Sydney is on the mend and back to visiting patients with her handler.

1st Quarter LOVE Award Winner Recognized During the first quarter of 2016, the mission spirit committee received eleven nominations for our first quarter LOVE (Living Our Values Effectively) award. After much discussion the first quarter LOVE award was presented to Joe Baumgarden, manager of AthletiCare.

Joe, who has worked for Catholic Health for 11 years and has always exhibited a collaborative and joyful spirit in his ministry. Joe was nominated twice by former patients and members of Kenmore Mercy’s amputee support group that Joe helps to facilitate.

At his LOVE Award ceremony, several members from the group were present and spoke at the ceremony to affirm and acknowledge the hardworking and compassionate spirit that Joe brings to his patient care.

Kevin Degnan, who leads the amputee support group, noted that Joe possesses an excellent bedside manner and a special personality that communicates the worth and dignity of each person he cares for.

Clinical Integration

Another member, David Schultz, highlighted the immense care Joe provides to each person and his ability to work hard at finding solutions for each unique situation.

Congratulations to Joe on this recognition and for truly embodying our call to reveal the healing love of Jesus to all in need.

Do you know of an associate who embodies our mission and values through their words and actions?

Consider nominating them for our LOVE award by grabbing a form from one of our LOVE award boxes located throughout our ministry sites and then turning them in.

Volunteer Celebrates 100th Birthday

Staff from 3 East make a difference for patients as they work to reduce heart failure readmissions.

Hospital Receives Gold Award from Heart & Stroke Association Kenmore Mercy Hospital received the 2016 Get With The Guidelines® (GWTG) Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for Stroke and Heart Failure care from the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association.

The awards recognize Kenmore Mercy’s commitment to ensuring that its hospitals deliver the most appropriate care to stroke and heart failure patients based on nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.

Kenmore Mercy Hospital received the GWTG Gold Plus Award for Heart Failure care and was named to the Target Heart Failure Honor Roll. To receive the Gold Plus Award, hospitals must meet specific quality measures to effectively diagnose and treat heart failure patients. The Honor Roll recognizes the hospital’s efforts to reduce unnecessary admissions and help patients better manage their conditions.

In addition, Kenmore Mercy received the GWTG Gold Plus Award for Stroke Care.

Margaret celebrated with her fellow gift shop volunteers.

Staff and volunteers wished a special happy birthday to Kenmore Mercy’s super-human centenarian Margaret Brown. The active volunteer turned 100-years-old on March 28.

Three days a month, you will find Margaret at the Kenmore Mercy Hospital gift shop where she has been volunteering for nine years.

“Oh, I have been volunteering for years and years,” explained the Tonawanda grandmother.

“I couldn’t stay home in the house all day, and I got to the point where I gave up driving.”

Research from the National Institute for Aging shows that volunteering confers mental and physical health benefits for those doing the helping.

It also fosters positive social and family relationships and contributes to a positive image of seniors as a healthy and vital part of our society.

By delivering evidenced based stroke care quickly and safely, including the appropriate use of life-saving, clot-busting medications, Kenmore Mercy is helping patients recover quicker, while reducing death and disability caused by stroke.

“These recognitions help our doctors, nurses and support staff deliver the very best stroke and heart failure care to our patients,” said Amy Baker, BSN, RN, stroke program coordinator and acting cardiac clinical advisor. “ “By following these evidenced-based guidelines, we are not only improving our quality outcomes for stroke and heart failure, we are improving the quality of life for thousands of patients throughout our community.”

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Orthopedic Campus of Excellence

CNOR Certification Training Promotes Leadership In the OR

When nurses obtain a certification, they expand their knowledge base, grow within their field and evolve as professionals.

In the case of the credential of Certified Nurse Operating Room or CNOR, it acknowledges a nurses commitment to the highest standards of patient care as well as validates the specialized perioperative skills, experience and knowledge he or she has attained.

Physical therapist Deborah Bedard demonstrates some exercise with volunteer Jeannie Blais.

Rehab Getting Patients Moving - Early

To keep patients who have received a knee or hip replacement on the move, Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s rehabilitation staff has made early mobilization a priority. In fact, 67 percent of patients in 2015 were seen the day of surgery and within a few hours of arriving at the Knee & Hip Center.

“While progressive mobility isn’t a new concept, what is new is the initial start time,” noted Beth Anne Rutter, PT, manager of the hospital’s Rehabilitation Services Department. “We have progressively decreased the gap between surgery and initial ambulation since first piloting this program for total knee replacements in 2012.”

Patients arriving to the Knee and Hip Center as late as 3 p.m. the day of surgery are now being seen by a physical therapist who conducts an initial evaluation.

Therapists get patients sitting up and out of bed, spending longer time in a chair, and working on range-of-motion exercises.

“Although patients have just undergone major surgery, getting them up and moving around has many benefits,” Rutter continued. “It helps to build their confidence, decreases apprehension, and gives them more mobility throughout their recovery.”

This also helps the nursing staff as they care for patients throughout the night. Patients are not as hesitant to get up and out of bed, dangle their legs, or walk to the bathroom. In addition, it helps to prevent negative bed-rest outcomes, such as blood clots, pneumonia, delirium, and ultimately, patient dissatisfaction and longer stays.

The hospital’s goal in following this patient care model is shorter lengths of stay, faster recoveries, and superior outcomes for patients.

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In 2015, Kenmore Mercy Hospital had only two nurses with CNOR certification, Rachel Achtziger, BSN, RN, from Surgery, and Linda Butski, BSN, RN, nurse manager of the Surgery/ Endoscopy Unit.

Kenmore Mercy’s Perioperative leadership hopes to see that number rise in 2016.

In fact, three additional nurses received their CNOR certification this year already. Congratulations to registered nurses Cara Howitt, Melissa Kowalski, and Jacob Walck.

To help move in that direction, they sought out the assistance of Catholic Health’s Clinical Education Department, who in November of 2015, in collaboration with Erie County Medical Center and Kaleida Health, partnered to bring Med-Ed Seminars to Buffalo.

Cara Howitt, Rachel Achtziger, and Linda Butski have achieved CNOR certification.

This included a two-day CNOR certification program held at the Administrative Regional Training Center to prepare nurses for the rigorous national exam.

“Patient safety and positive surgical outcomes are of the utmost importance to us and research shows that nurses who earn the CNOR credential have greater confidence in their clinical practice and in promoting improved patient outcomes,” stated Anne Creighton-Hedges, BSN, MS, RN, Kenmore Mercy’s director of Nursing, Perioperative Services.

The CNOR certification program is for perioperative nurses interested in improving and validating their knowledge and skills and providing the highest quality care to their patients.

Outpatient Rehab Team Improving Patient Care Two members of Kenmore Mercy’s AthletiCare physical therapists – Matt Clemens and Joseph Lorenzetti – recently earned certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy of the Spine through the McKenzie Institute.

The McKenzie Method is a philosophy of active patient involvement and education that is trusted and used by practitioners and patients all over the world for back, neck and extremity problems.

“The key distinction is its initial assessment component – a safe and reliable means to accurately reach a diagnosis and only then make the appropriate treatment plan,” noted Joseph.

Joseph Lorenzetti & Matt Clemens earned their MDT.

It also promotes the body’s potential to heal itself without medication, heat, cold, ultrasound, needles, surgery or physical dependency on the practitioner.

da Vinci Robotic-assisted Surgery Added at Kenmore Mercy Hospital Robots were once just a thing of science fiction. But, over the last decade, they have become more commonplace in hospital operating rooms, like Kenmore Mercy’s, offering tremendous benefits for patients and surgeons alike.

In February, the hospital’s surgeons started using the latest generation of da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical technology, which is setting the standard in minimally invasive surgical care.

“The system’s technology converts my hand movements at the console into delicate and precise instrument manipulation, providing access to hard-to-reach areas of the body and unprecedented accuracy, flexibility and range of motion,” said Matthew Cywinski, MD, a surgeon with the Buffalo Medical Group, who performs colorectal surgery at Kenmore Mercy Hospital.

A new addition at Sisters of Charity and Mercy Hospital too, the system is being used for general surgery, prostate, kidney, gynecological, and urological, in addition to colorectal procedures.

sion of the surgeons’ hands, as they sit comfortably behind a computerized console.

Surgical Services

The console features a monitor that provides a magnified, high-definition 3D image of the surgical site, along with hand controls that direct the machine’s robotic arms, which guide the laparoscopic instruments.

Appropriately named after Leonardo da Vinci, the surgical system captures the famed artist and inventor’s technological ingenuity and inventive imagination.

Surgical robotic like the da Vinci offer many advantages for surgeons, including unparalleled precision due to better visualization of the surgical field, correction for tremors in hand movements and greater maneuverability of instruments.

For patients, robotic surgery offers smaller incisions, which means shorter hospital stays, quicker recoveries, less pain, fewer complications and faster return to normal activities.

While it’s referred to as a “robot,” the da Vinci system cannot act on its own. In fact, it’s more like an exten-

Registered nurses Maureen Mycek, Dawn Kearney, JoAnn Luciani, and Irene Stevens toured the unit before its opening to the public.

New ASU Open to Patients Kenmore Mercy opened its Ambulatory Surgery Unit on April 25, marking completion of another phase in the surgical services department renovation.

The ASU is the first stop on the day of surgery for both outpatient surgeries, where patients are able to return home the same day, and for more complex surgeries that require hospitalization after recovery.

Formerly the home of the hospital’s original Emergency Department, the renovated space provides increased space for pre-surgical care.

With 32 patient bays and 10 private rooms, it nearly doubled the previous space.

Patients and families also benefit from advanced technology and spacious facilities for enhanced comfort.

“The renovations were part of the hospital’s plan to enhance the patient experience, increase efficiencies and improve access to surgical services,” said Margy Donofrio, nurse manager of the Ambulatory Surgery Unit, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, and Pre-Surgical Testing.

As Kenmore Mercy continues to see increased orthopedics, joint replacement and neurosurgery cases, renovations in surgical services are a priority.

Dr. Cywinski and a surgical team at Kenmore Mercy Hospital completed Catholic Health’s first procedure using the da Vinci Xi in February.

A public open house to celebrate completion of all the phases of the Surgical Services Department expansion project is planned to be scheduled later this year.

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Nursing Excellence

Outstanding Nursing Associates Honored

Senior clinical advisor for surgical services Burgundy Mullen-Dedde presented about departmental communications.

Nursing Presents at Research Conference Kenmore Mercy’s nursing team presented five research posters at the 29th Annual Nursing Research & Scholarly Activities Conference in April, held at Classics V.

The night long event, sponsored by the Professional Nurses Association of Western New York and the Nursing Honor Society “Sigma Theta Tau International” (Gamma Kappa, Gamma Theta and Zeta Nu chapters), brought together nursing colleagues from across the Buffalo area to share their contributions.

The five Kenmore Mercy research projects included: Patients on the Move: Increasing Hospital Ambulation by Utilizing a Mobility Program; Journey to Excellence – Achieving the Beacon Award Designation; Safe Patient Handling With A “Move with Care” Program; Improving Communication within the Surgical Services Department; and Redefining Triage: Implementation of a Two Tier Triage System.

The “Move with Care” poster, presented by Ellen Swan, BSN, RN, CNML, and Kathleen Vitthuhn, MSN, RN, received the Bronze Researcher Award and $20 gift card for their presentation.

The posters were very well received with many requests for more information on the studies and how to start these projects in other settings.

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Wood

Stevens

Kenmore Mercy Hospital capped off National Nurses Week by recognizing some of its best nursing staff during a special ceremony held on May 11.

Each year, the hospital takes one day to show its thanks to the men and women who specialize in patient care. Many of those staff packed into the hospital’s Community Room for the ceremony.

Held annually, National Nurses Week begins on May 6 and focuses attention on the diverse ways America’s 3.1 million registered nurses work to save lives and to improve the health of millions of individuals.

The week ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing. The theme of National Nurses Week 2016 was “Safety of Care Begins with You,” which was designated by the American Nurses Association.

Jean Wood, BSN, RN, Emergency Department, was chosen as the 2016 Nurse of Distinction. She began her nursing journey 27 years ago as a nursing attendant while going to school to become an LPN. She then completed a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Education from Niagara University.

As a preceptor, she believes in the importance of training and mentoring nurses as they grow in their practice, providing a positive learning experience. She has been with Kenmore Mercy Hospital since 2002.

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Irene Stevens, BSN, RN, was chosen as the 2016 Outstanding Staff Nurse. Irene has been a nurse at Kenmore Mercy Hospital for 45 years, having worked in the Surgical Unit, Staff Development, Intensive Care Unit, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and now in the Ambulatory Surgery Unit. She is a graduate of D’Youville College.

A true patient advocate, Irene goes the extra mile to make sure they are appropriately cared for and have what they need.

Benjamin Kanaley, 2 East/2 South, was chosen as the 2016 Outstanding Nursing Assistant.

He has been with Kenmore Mercy Hospital since 2011. Benjamin is described by his peers, managers, and patients alike, as respectful, kind, comforting, receptive, reassuring, and dependable. He is known for providing high quality care and taking initiative.

Benjamin is currently pursuing a Master’s degree from Canisius College in Health and Human Performance. He also previously completed a Bachelor of Arts in History and Social Studies Education from Buffalo State where he received the Norman F. Weaver Award for Excellence in Historical Research and Writing.

Congratulations to all of this year’s nursing honorees and thank you for your dedicated service to our patients.