ConneCting the DotsHow Care Central is guiding patients to better health.

Community and Quality Report 2013

Mission: to meet the health and wellness needs of our community with excellence.

Ellis Medicine Board of Trustees: Deborah Mullaney, Chair

Stephen Pagano, Vice Chair

Laura Schweitzer, Ph.D., Secretary

William B. Faubion, Treasurer

Linda Breault

Cristine Cioffi, Esq.

Michael Cocca

James W. Connolly, President & C.E.O. , Ellis Medicine

Thomas Donovan

D. Joseph Gersuk

Michael Idelchik

Carolyn M. Jones

Patrick Kehoe

Robert Kennedy, M.D.

Ernest Lee, M.D.

Brian McDonald, M.D.

Judith B. McIlduff

Janet Sapio-Mayta

Sarah Schermerhorn

Raymond Sweeney

John K. Tobison

Richard Toll, M.D.

A.Emile Walraven, Chair, Ellis Medicine Foundation Board of Trustees

Barbara Zittel, R.N., Ph.D.

The Foundation for Ellis Medicine Board of Trustees: A. Emile Walraven, Chair

Carol A. Nieckarz, Vice Chair

Michael Holmes, M.D., Secretary

Pasquale M. Scisci, C.P.A., Treasurer

Karen Bonadies, Assistant Treasurer

Deborah A. Botch, Ph.D.

James Buhrmaster

Cristine Cioffi, Esq.

James W. Connolly, President & C.E.O., Ellis Medicine

Sanford Family

Patty Fusco

David Glass, President, Volunteer Aides

Neil M. Golub

Lori Anne Harris

David C. Horan, Jr.

Saeed Khan, M.B.B.S.

Deborah Mullaney, Chair, Ellis Medicine Board of Trustees

Michelle Ostrelich, Esq.

Stephanie J. H. Roberts

Suzann L. Smart, Executive Director

Scott D. Stevens

Emily H. Titsworth, Esq.

Julianne Oberg Weitz

Eugene W. Zeltmann, Ph.D.

Table of ConTenTs

1 Advancements

2 Robotic Surgery

4 Care Central

6 UMatter

7 Financial Report & Honors

8 Health Insurance Exchange

10 Growth & Expansion

12 Philanthropy

14 Quality Report

15 Technology at Work

16 Innovation

17 Community Programs

Fall 2013

Ellis Medicine is proud to be the first hospital in the Capital Region to offer the bronchial thermoplasty procedure for patients with severe asthma.

Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is an FDA approved treatment for asthma patients, over the age of 18, whose asthma is categorized as “severe persistent” and not well controlled. This clinically proven procedure has been shown to improve quality of life for patients.

“This outpatient procedure, performed under general anesthesia, often takes less than an hour to complete,” explains Dr. Brian McDonald, a board certified pulmonologist who performed the first BT procedure at Ellis Medicine. “The procedure heats the lung’s airway walls, reducing some of the extra muscle present, allowing the airways to stay open and help the patient breathe better.”

MEDICAL ADVANCEMENTS

New Treatment for Asthma Patients

Benefits of Bronchial thermoplasty: Quick return to normal activities

Improved asthma control

Less likely to suffer future asthma attacks

Reduced visits to the emergency room

Reduced hospitalization for respiratory symptoms

Fewer missed days from work or school

Learn more by calling Ellis Asthma Care at 518.347.LUNG (5864).

Dr. Brian McDonald performed the first bronchial thermoplasty procedure at Ellis Medicine – a first for the region.

1

Suzanne Kawola of Troy had always wanted children. She, like many others, dreamt of having children and a “traditional” family. However, as time passed, she began to wonder if her dream would ever come true. “So many days it was hard to keep it together,” Suzanne admits. ”I would ask myself, ‘What’s wrong with me?’”

Once she turned 40, Suzanne decided to explore other options for having a child. First, she looked into adoption, but soon realized the cost was too high and the waiting period could take too long. Artificial insemination was another potential option. “There are so many stigmas in our culture,” Suzanne says about what it means to be a single mom. But she decided to consider it, and made an appointment with her Ob/Gyn doctor.

During her visit, Suzanne’s doctor had reason to believe that she had fibroids in her uterus, so Suzanne was sent to a specialist. Through exploratory surgery, it was found that she had a twisted fallopian tube and fibroids that spanned the back of her uterus that would have to come out if she ever wanted to conceive. On top of that, she was told that by removing the fibroids, her uterus would collapse and she most likely would need a hysterectomy.

It was devastating news for Suzanne. Her dream of being a mother seemed close to impossible.

Remembering vividly her lowest moment, she recalled sitting in a coffee shop with her friend. “My friend said to me, ‘You have two options: you can give up, not have children, and explore other things in your life; or, you can get a second opinion and keep trying’. I knew what I wanted more than anything in that moment.”

Suzanne called Dr. nicholas J. Montalto at Ellis Gynecologic Surgery, for a consultation. Dr. Montalto confirmed that the fibroids did need to come out, but noted that her fertility level, as indicated by her blood work, was promising. In addition, he informed her that fibroid removal with robotic assistance would minimize the risk of needing to remove the uterus. “Dr. Montalto gave me realistic hope,” Suzanne remembers. “It wasn’t without reality.”

On February 2, 2012, Dr. Montalto performed robotic-assisted surgery to remove Suzanne’s fibroids.

Describing her experience at Ellis, Suzanne said she felt “buoyed” by the staff, with “not one moment of vulnerability.”

“When I opened my eyes (after the procedure) and saw my mom standing there, I just knew everything was okay,” Suzanne emotionally recalls. The surgery had been a success, and Suzanne was able to move on to the next phase of achieving her dream.

2

ROBOTIC-ASSISTED SURGERY

Surgical Advancement Aides in Local Mom’s Dream Come True

roBotic-assisted surgery at ellisThe first note to make about robotic-assisted surgery is that a surgeon performs the surgery, not a robot. The skill and expertise of the surgeon is what makes any surgery successful.

The precision of robotic-assisted surgery carries many benefits for patients, including smaller incisions (in some procedures only a single incision through the belly button), less blood loss, less risk of infection, less pain, less scarring, quicker recovery and a faster return to normal activities.

Ellis Medicine is using robotic-assisted surgery for gynecologic, bariatric (weight loss), general, thoracic and urologic surgeries. To learn more, visit ellismedicine.org.

”The precision gained by using the daVinci robot in surgery is incredible,” Dr. Montalto explains. “Being able to utilize advanced technology to ensure the best possible outcome for patients like Suzanne is very rewarding.”

Five months later, once she was healed, Suzanne began the process of trying to conceive through artificial insemination. She got pregnant on the first try. She was sitting at her dining room table when she got the call. “I was in awe of everything that had happened. In that instant, it changed.”

After a smooth pregnancy, Suzanne gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Eliot James, on February 12, 2013.

“I don’t know if this would have been possible 20 years ago,” says Suzanne of the advancement of the daVinci robot, “It might not have been without this innovation and science.”

If there is one thing that Suzanne hopes to do by sharing her story, it’s to help someone else’s outcome. “You don’t want to give up just shy of possibility. I

think if you’re strong, people want to be strong with you.”

When it comes to being a mom, Suzanne couldn’t be happier – or more amazed, especially with the amount of love. “You think you can’t feel any more love in you, but it gets bigger all the time. It’s a wonderful honor.”

“I was in awe of everything that had happened.”

Suzanne Kawola

3

navigators help patients through the maze of medical, social services

schenectady – Lewis Benware had to choose which crisis to address: his failing health or need for a home.

He could take the bus in one direction and apply for housing assistance, to escape an overbearing roommate. Or he could cross the street and head to Ellis Hospital, to see a doctor about the pressure on his chest.

The 52-year-old chose the hospital, where

he received treatment for congestive heart failure – and a navigator.

“Navigators” are nurses and social workers charged with guiding patients through an often convoluted maze of medical and social services, to prevent illnesses from becoming emergencies. Three navigators are part of Care Central, a collaboration among Ellis Medicine, the Visiting Nurse Service of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties, and Hometown Health, a community health center.

CARE CENTRAL

‘ I call ourselves a GPS system’

By Claire Hughes, Times Union | Published Friday, July 26, 2013

4

“ I probably would’ve dropped out of the health care scene.”

LEwIS BENwARE

The idea of using “navigators” or “coordinators” to help patients through the medical system is taking hold nationally, as industry officials look for ways to make care more effective and efficient, said Jean Moore, director of the Center for Health Workforce Studies at the University at Albany School of Public Health. CHWS has embarked on a study of this new type of worker, including their roles and qualifications.

“Care coordination really is at the core of providing better care,” Moore said. “There is a great sense that health care in this country is very fragmented.”

Before his admission to Ellis, Benware was overwhelmed by a recent job loss and the death of his mother. His hopes of creating a new life by moving to Schenectady turned to despair when jobs didn’t pan out. He stopped caring, and let his prescriptions for high blood pressure and depression run out. He became homeless while in the hospital, after his roommate threw his belongings on the street.

“That’s when Faithann appeared, in a cloud of pixie dust,” Benware said of navigator Faithann Amond.

Amond listened to Benware’s concerns, including his fear of wearing a portable defibrillator. She helped him with using it and after Benware’s July 5 discharge, accompanied him to the Department of Social Services for a three-hour wait to apply for housing assistance.

A nurse, she continues to advise him on managing his heart ailment and depression.“I call ourselves a GPS system,” Amond said.

Amond and navigators Margaret Rogers-Meagher and Nicole Baptiste are called in to the emergency room or a medical office when a patient, say, needs help following up with a doctor’s instructions or lacks public health insurance he is eligible for. Or patients seek the navigators out at offices on Ellis’ Nott and McClellan street campuses. They might inquire about food stamps, and Rogers-Meagher will ask, “By the way, do you have a primary care doctor?”

Care Central coordinates services with community organizations and operates a free shuttle bus that stops twice a day at the YMCA, YWCA, Salvation Army and Bethesda House.

“The agencies who used to be in silos came to understand we need to work together,” Rogers-Meagher said.

The navigator idea grew out of the 2008 merger of Ellis, St. Clare’s and Bellevue hospitals, said James W. Connolly, Ellis Medicine’s chief executive. When combining the institutions, administrators discovered too many patients arrived at emergency rooms for problems that should have been treated weeks or months

before in doctor’s offices, with better results and at less cost. To encourage patients to seek treatment earlier, Ellis administrators created a hub-and-spoke system of primary care and related services, operating from a base at Ellis Family Health Center.

“That’s when we realized, if you build it, people won’t come,” Connolly said. “We realized we needed to have navigators to guide people through the system.”

Navigators’ reach gradually extended into the community, he said.

The navigator program costs $1.4 million a year to run, and operates at a loss of about $400,000, said Tim Berger, chief operating officer for the Visiting Nurse Service. Medicaid, the government program for low-income patients, is the only insurer that will pay for navigator services, Connolly said.

Ellis administrators believe the program will ultimately save money in unnecessary emergency room admissions, while building up the health system’s primary care practices. They are collecting data on navigators’ progress with the hope of convincing more insurers of its value, Connolly said.

Without a navigator, Benware said he would have been crushed by the weight of the issues confronting him this month.

“I probably would’ve dropped out of the health care scene,” he said.

“That’s when Faithann

appeared, in a cloud of pixie dust.”lewIS Benware

5

6

UMATTER SCHENECTADY

And the Survey Says…

The “UMatter Schenectady” survey, taken door-to-door by community health workers and volunteer students in early 2013, asked 2,200 residents of the City of Schenectady about their health. The results were combined with public health statistics and Census data to paint a detailed picture of the community’s needs. Among the findings:

over a third of low-income residents smoke cigarettes, although half of this population tried to quit within the past year;

in some neighborhoods, the majority of residents have run out of food at least one month in the past year;

a little over three quarters of the City’s population are above their ideal weight, with 45.0% of respondents categorized as obese or severely obese and an additional 30.9% overweight.

Ellis Medicine and a group of 54 healthcare and community service organizations are using the survey information to build a community-wide action plan to improve the health of people in Schenectady. Next steps will include extending the survey county-wide in the near future.

the top five health priorities are:1. Mental health

2. Inappropriate emergency department utilization

3. Teen pregnancy

4. Diabetes and obesity

5. Smoking and asthma

Community & Charity Programs (2012)

Charity Care (free care for low-income patients) ...............................................$8,928,000

Uninsured Discounts (reduced rates for uninsured patients) ...........................$25,519,981

Bad Debts (services for which no payment was received) ..............................$14,152,292

Community Benefits (free health screenings, health education, etc.) ..............$1,628,211

FINANCIAL REPORT AND HONORS

Financial Summary (2012)

Honors:

Among Ellis Medicine’s honors:

A New York State designated Primary Stroke Center and recipient of the Gold/Gold Plus Award from the American Stroke Association (2007-2013).

A fully accredited Center of Excellence by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

A Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care and for Knee & Hip Replacement as awarded by BlueCross BlueShield of Northeastern New York.

One of only 5 U.S. hospitals to receive the 5 Rings Award by IntelliCentrics, Inc. for Ellis’ ongoing work to improve safety.

2012 MassExcellence Gold Baldrige Award winner

2013 Schenectady Chamber of Commerce Organization of the Year

2012 Tech Valley Nonprofit Organization of the Year

inCoMe anD expenses

M

As a not-for-profit hospital, Ellis reinvests any surplus funds to:

expand, replace and modernize its facilities and medical equipment;

support programs aimed at improving quality of care and patient safety;

improve the overall delivery of and accessibility to healthcare in our community.

7

Health insurance for many Americans has entered a new era. The New York Health Benefit Exchange, an online marketplace for health insurance, became active on October 1.

What is a health insurance exchange?Health insurance exchanges were one of the key parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or “Obamacare” as it is commonly called.

Who is affected?On January 1, 2014, all Americans will be required to have health insurance or pay a penalty. Most Americans won’t see any change. Those who already receive health insurance through their employer (or their spouse’s/parents’ employer), or are already enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare are not affected and don’t have to do anything.

The exchange will serve people who currently do not have any health insurance, people who buy their own health insurance in the “individual market” (including self-employed people now in “Healthy New York”), and some people whose employers decide to drop group coverage now that their workers can buy insurance through the exchange. Small businesses will also be able to get group coverage for their employees through a special part of the exchange.

Do Your homework & shop aroundWith health insurance exchanges now open, individuals have to begin shopping for health coverage to find the best option for them and their family. Just as you would compare all the features and benefits when buying a car, a new computer or camera, you will need to evaluate and compare health insurance

exchanges. Each of the options is different and there isn’t one option that fits all. When shopping for health insurance in the New York Health Benefit Exchange, be prepared with questions. You need to compare what doctors are included in the various insurers’ coverage and if you would rather pay a higher monthly payment, or a high deductible when you need healthcare.

In Albany, Schenectady, and Rensselaer counties, you can call Healthy Capital District Initiative (HCDI) at 518.462.7040 for help understanding the various options.

how much will it cost?One of the important aspects of the exchange is that most people who

obtain health insurance through this new program will receive a taxpayer-funded government subsidy to reduce the cost. Subsidies – in the form of reduced premiums

or of an income tax credit – will be available to individuals earning up to about $46,000 a year, with a family of three earning up to about $78,000.

If you qualify for a subsidy, you’ll also have to decide if you want to take it in advance in the form of a premium reduction or at the end of the year in the form of an income tax credit. Whichever way you take it, the amount of your subsidy (based on income and family size) will be the same.

What health insurance plan should you choose?In the Capital Region, eight insurers are participating in the New York Health Benefit Exchange, offering up to 40 different plans.

The least expensive monthly payment

Health Insurance Exchanges: what You Need to Know

Follow Jim Connolly’s blog at www.ellismedicine.org

for more of his perspectives on healthcare today.

By James W. Connolly | President & CEO, Ellis Medicine

8

plan is the Catastrophic plan, which is available to single adults under the age of 30. The remaining plans in ascending order of price are Bronze, silver, gold and platinum. The Platinum Plan has the highest monthly premium, but most comprehensive healthcare services and lowest deductible.

Where should you start in your health insurance shopping?One of the first questions you should ask yourself is whether you want to pay a higher monthly payment with low deductible or lower monthly payment with high deductible. The higher level plans provide additional coverage and protection in case you get sick, need surgery or are in the hospital. The lower monthly plans require paying more money out of your pocket if you need treatment.

You should also look at what each plan offers and if your doctor is included in the insurer’s plan. If you have an existing relationship with a doctor, you should look at plans that include your doctor in it. If you don’t have a doctor, it’s time to start looking for one. If you live in Schenectady or Saratoga Counties, you can call Ellis Medicine’s Health Services Navigators at 1.888.633.4661 for help finding a primary care doctor.

What happens if you don’t buy health insurance?Those who don’t enroll in a health insurance plan, will be penalized in 2014 with a $95 fee and $47.50 per child (up to

$285 per family), or one percent of family income, whichever is greater. Those who don’t enroll will also not have access to the preventive care they need to stay healthy and be at risk for expensive medical bills if they need treatment. So, if you are contemplating not enrolling in a health insurance plan, at least be prepared by using a medical spending account to save money if you ever need it.

getting through the changes, togetherThere’s a lot of work for us all. For organizations like Ellis, we are working to make sure our services are what you need, where you need them. We are also preparing to care for more patients who may use hospital and healthcare services more now that they have insurance.

For people looking to buy health insurance on the exchanges, you have shopping to do. Start comparing the different plans to see which one is right for you. Ask your doctor and the different insurance companies about any questions you have about the plans. At Ellis, we are always here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

there is a new era of healthcare upon us. Let’s all work together to be healthy!For more information on the New York Health Benefit Exchange, visit www.healthbenefitexchange.ny.gov.

9

The Belanger School of NursingEllis’ nursing school officially has a new home and a new name. The Belanger School of Nursing (formerly Ellis School of Nursing) opened its doors on August 19, 2013, with a new location at the Ellis Health Center campus on McClellan Street in Schenectady. John and Anne Belanger, for whom the school is named, were generous supporters of nursing education and the mission of Ellis Medicine. The Belangers’ niece, Norma Lyons, shown sixth from the left in the above photo, was on hand to help celebrate this milestone in the school’s history.

The new, larger home of The Belanger School of Nursing can now better accommodate its increased student enrollment as more students are drawn to the nursing profession. The school includes a skills laboratory and state-of-the-art simulation room to give students hands-on experience.

Bellevue woman’s CenterBellevue, the region’s only inpatient health facility dedicated to women, is on target to complete its final phase of modernization by the end of 2013. Among the project’s highlights:

Additional private patient rooms (completed 2012);

A three-bay Labor-Delivery-Recovery triage room (completed 2012);

The new Neil and Jane Golub Breast & Heart Health Center (completed 2012);

New Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and nursery;

A redesigned lobby and new gift shop.

GROWTH AND ExPANSION

10

conditions treated include: Arm and Leg Pain

Back Pain

Degenerative Disc Disease

Herniated Disc

Post-Spinal Cord Injury

Sciatic Pain

Spinal Stenosis

Spine Pain

Whiplash

Neil and Jane Golub Center for Emergency CarePhase one construction of the new Neil and Jane Golub Center for Emergency Care is on track to be completed in the summer of 2014. Plans also are moving forward to offer additional parking to accomodate families and patients needing to utilize the facility. Phase two, which includes the renovation of current emergency department space, is slated to be complete in 2015.

Spine & Pain CareThe neuroscience and physical therapy specialists at Ellis Medicine opened a new office in September 2013 at 939 Route 146, Building 500, Clifton Park. The program is dedicated to helping people suffering from spine and back pain to feel better and get back to their daily routines.

This office is now accepting new patients. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 518.557.2119.

New Concussion Management ProgramEllis’ Physical Therapy department has introduced a new Concussion Management program that works in partnership with local schools and teams to help athletes recover and get back on the field.

Ellis Physical Therapy is the only practice in the Capital Region to offer the state-of-the-art NeuroCom Balance Master with the Stability Evaluation Test for post-concussion injury evaluation and treatment.

The Concussion Management program is operated out of Ellis’ new location at 939 Route 146 in Clifton Park. For more information, call 518.631.9158.

11

12

The reasons why people choose to support Ellis Medicine’s Our Health Our Future – The Campaign for Ellis Medicine are many, and personal. For Anne and Terry Phillips, two of the Campaign’s leaders and generous supporters, the reasons they give begin and end with ensuring great care for their family today and tomorrow.

“Ellis is essential and critical to the community for current and future generations,” explains Terry. “Ellis is a caring place,” adds Anne, a longtime member and former chair of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for Ellis Medicine. “I want Ellis to be here for our children and grandchildren, and for future generations of grandchildren in our community.

a personal history with ellis

Anne and Terry moved to the Capital Region from North Carolina after they finished college, more than 45 years ago. Terry, a nuclear engineer, took a job with General Electric and the young couple began their lives together.

Ellis has been the Phillips’ hospital of choice ever since moving to their home in Glenville. “I wouldn’t want to drive a long distance to receive care,” says Anne as she underscores the importance of having Ellis just minutes away from their home.

Ellis Hospital is where the Phillips’ three children – Greg, Heather and Courtney – were born. It’s where the couple has turned to, time and time again over the years, from trips to the ER to needed surgeries.

“We have a history with Ellis and have always been well taken care of,” says Terry, who is recovering from a recent hip replacement at Ellis.

“The doctors we have choose Ellis,” notes Anne. “I am always confident that the care we get is the best.”

trust & tomorrow

The Campaign for Ellis Medicine is raising funds to support Ellis programs and services, including capital projects such as the expansion and modernization of Bellevue Woman’s Center, the new

POWER OF PHILANTHROPY

Giving with Grandchildren in Mind

A Community Challenge: Anne and Terry Phillips have made a $500,000 Challenge Gift to the Campaign for Ellis, matching new gifts of $5,000 or more.

13

Medical Center of Clifton Park and the expansion of the Neil and Jane Golub Center for Emergency Care at Ellis Hospital.

Support from community members, such as the Phillips, is ensuring high quality care and the latest, state-of-the-art

technology is available close to home at Ellis Medicine for generations to come.

“I want to trust the people who are taking care of my family and me,” explains Anne. “I want Ellis to be here forever.”

The Impact of Giving

The generosity of individuals, businesses and our community has impacted the lives of thousands of people in Schenectady, Clifton Park and beyond. Gifts of all types and sizes are helping to reinvent and transform healthcare in our community and region.

During 2012-2013, the generosity of many helped:

ellis By the numBers (2012)321 people had state-of-the-art heart surgery

88,119 people received lifesaving emergency care

8,000 cancer patients were treated with skill and compassion

24,273 women had a mammogram

2,633 babies were welcomed into the world at Bellevue Woman’s Center

831 people had hip or knee replacement and can walk with greater ease

618 people had life-improving weight loss surgery

49 new nurses graduated from the The Belanger School of Nursing

15 graduates from the Ellis Family Medicine Residency/Dental Residency

open additional emergent care treatment rooms at the Medical Center of Clifton Park;

equip operating rooms with the latest technology;

purchase new mammography equipment to screen more than 24,000 women for breast cancer;

improve facilities for mental health patients;

purchase new equipment to diagnose cancer, strokes and treat severe asthma;

purchase a new community shuttle van to provide needed transportation to medical appointments;

create the region’s first women’s heart screening program;

expand Bellevue Woman’s Center to welcome more than 2,600 babies;

open the new, modern Neil and Jane Golub Breast & Heart Health Center;

provide the latest dental digital x-ray sensors;

assist moms-to-be with “Before Your Baby Basics” books and infant layettes;

provide I-Pads so patient families can stay in touch with relatives and friends;

provide scholarships for nursing students.

reporting period – october 2011 to September 2012

best possible results

above the target range/value

similar to the target range/value

below the target range/value

Based on completed ellis surveys from april 2011 through March 2012 with respondents choosing either “definitely yes” or “probably yes.”

Nationwide Statewide

Heart Attack Care

Heart Failure Care

Pneumonia Care

Surgical Care

National Quality Improvement Goals

Compared to otherJoint Commission

Accredited Organizations

would Patient Recommend the Hospital to Friends and Family?

14

Cesarean Births A cesarean birth is generally considered to involve more risk than a natural birth, so a lower c-section rate is more desirable than a higher rate. At Bellevue Woman’s Center, a service of Ellis Medicine, the rate for cesarean (c-section) births is below the Northeastern New York rate. The risks and benefits associated with a cesarean or natural birth are different for each patient. Therefore, a pregnant woman should discuss these issues with her doctor.

Quality Report

Measures of QuaLitYEllis Medicine’s physicians, nurses and staff work tirelessly to ensure the highest quality of care in the safest environment possible. As part of these efforts, Ellis works with several regulatory and ratings agencies to track clinical care, patient outcomes and patient satisfaction. The following chart demonstrates Ellis’ high marks for the care of patients being treated for heart attacks, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care.

patient satisfaCtionEllis strives to provide very good care for a very good stay, always. In order to do so, we regularly survey out patients after they leave the hospital to track how satisfied they are with the care they received.

95%

93%

94%

Ellis Medicine, in partnership with GE Healthcare, has implemented a new technology at Ellis Hospital to help keep patients safe and optimize their care.

The GE AgileTrac Bed Manager technology might best be described as a “care traffic control system,” that lets hospital personnel know exactly where a patient is physically located in the hospital at all times. This allows for better coordination of patient services for improved, more efficient care.

how it Works

All admitted patients at Ellis Hospital are given a wrist band tag that is equipped with radio-frequency identification technology, allowing for the patient’s location to be monitored at all times throughout their stay. This is important so the hospital can better manage bed requests and assignments, with continuous and real-time room status updates.

Patient privacy is not compromised in any way. The patient tags are for tracking a patient’s location only – they do not collect clinical information, nor do they interfere with patient monitoring. The tags are healthcare tested, are not harmful to the skin and they do not impact the patient’s health.

“Not only does this new technology improve patient service, but also lends to improved communication between and within hospital departments,” explains Cece Lynch, vice president of nursing/chief nursing officer. “We are able to gain insight into the processes associated with moving a patient throughout the hospital – from the moment the patient puts on the wrist band until it is removed when they are discharged. This allows us to identify sources of delay in patient movement throughout the hospital so improvements can be made whenever needed.”

TECHNOLOGY AT WORK

Ellis & GE Partner to Improve Care

through this advanced patient tagging system:

patients experience a smoother admission process and reduced waiting times;

medical personnel know exactly where their patient is physically located at any given time during their hospital stay;

communication between and within hospital departments will see improvement.

15

MEDICAL INNOVATION

State-of-the-Art Laser Helps Improve Vision

CeCe lynCh Vice President of Nursing

Chief Nursing Officer

“The state-of-the-art laser for cataract surgery means quicker recovery

and a better chance of 20/20 vision

without glasses,”

Ellis Medicine’s advanced cataract LenSx Laser helps patients with cataracts in one or both eyes. The cataract laser at Ellis Medicine is the first and only one of its kind in the Capital Region and the only one from Poughkeepsie to Canada.

A cataract, or clouding of the lens in the eye, affects the vision of nearly 70 percent of all Americans over age 80, according to the National Eye Institute. The LenSx Laser scans the eye to allow

the surgeon to accurately make incisions in the cornea without a scalpel. Compared to manual cataract procedures, the LenSx Laser helps surgeons achieve greater consistency and reproducibility when performing cataract surgery.

“The state-of-the-art laser for cataract surgery means quicker recovery

and a better chance of 20/20 vision without glasses,” said Cece Lynch. “It’s another example of Ellis Medicine’s commitment to bringing the latest technology to our community to ensure the highest quality of care for patients.”

16

Take advantage of the many health and wellness classes and support programs offered on Ellis Medicine’s campuses throughout the year, including:

asthma Care – comprehensive asthma education programs that help children and adults live well with their disease.

Cancer screenings – helping those who have no health insurance get breast, cervical and colorectal screenings.

Cardiac rehabilitation – Whether you’ve had a heart attack, angioplasty, or cardiac surgery, or if you have angina, we help you achieve a complete recovery and adopt healthy exercise habits.

Community shuttle – Ellis provides free transportation to the Ellis Health Center/Medical Home making stops in downtown Schenectady weekdays, and a shuttle to Bellevue Woman’s Center on Wednesdays.

Community Wellness programs – Ellis provides an outpatient program for the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, as well as one focused on helping congestive heart failure patients better manage their health.

Diabetes Care – education and support programs for adults and children with diabetes and for those people at risk for diabetes.

heartsmart nutrition – Let our registered dietitians teach you ways to modify your diet to be lower in fat and sodium, smart shopping tips and health cooking strategies to be heart healthy.

Maternity Classes – All About Infants, Breastfeeding Preparation, Infant Safety & CPR, Maternity Tour, Pain Relief for Labor & Delivery, Prepared Childbirth, After the Loss Support, and a Sibling Class are offered at Bellevue Woman’s Center.

Medical alert service – a personal emergency response and support service for seniors.

Medical nutrition – our registered dietitians can tailor nutrition education to meet your personal health needs.

smoking Cessation – Ellis regularly hosts Seton Health’s “The Butt Stops Here” program to help light to heavy tobacco users quit.

support groups – ongoing support programs focused on breastfeeding, cancer, diabetes, congestive heart failure, stroke and weight loss surgery.

Women’s heart program – Comprehensive screening to detect heart problems or risk of heart disease, the number one killer of American women. Plus education for living heart healthy.

for more information call 518.243.3333 or view ellis’ community classes

at ellismedicine.org.

CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY

Programs & Support

17

ellismedicine.org | 1.888.ELLISINFO (1.888.355.4746)