GKN Sinter Metals Supports Women's Health Initiatives at Elk Regional

Employees at GKN Sinter Metals recently donated $370 to women’s health initiatives at Elk Regional Health Center through their “Hearts of Gold” program. To raise money, GKN employees raffled off gift baskets, held 50/50 raffles and sold pink items. From left are GKN’s Cindy Allegretto; Charlotte Floravit, Director of Public Relations at Elk Regional; Paulette Schreiber, CRNP, a women’s health provider at Elk Regional and Tami Wendel, Jackie Lenox, and Plant Manager Brian Slusarick of GKN.

SMAHS DECA Club Makes Donation to Women's Health Initiatives

Students from the DECA Club at St. Marys Area High School recently donated $783 to Elk Regional Health Center. The donation will be put toward women’s health initiatives at the Health Center. From left are Lisa Housler, the Director of Imaging Services at Elk Regional; Joseph Luchini; Mitchell Ovell; Isabella Cadori; Evan Lepovetsky; and Tammy Micale, RT(R)(M), Lead Mammographer in Elk Regional’s Women’s Imaging Center.

Elk Regional Releases Construction Photos

Construction on Elk Regional's new third floor and private patient rooms is on schedule!

But did you know that Elk Regional is also creating a new Maternity Unit? That's right -- one floor below the new construction, we're repurposing part of our surgical suite and turning it into a brand new, state-of-the-art Maternity Unit, complete with private patient rooms that each have a water birth tub and private bathrooms, a new nursery, a modern nurse work station and a dedicated operating room for emergency Caesarean sections!

To see pictures of the construction of our new Maternity Unit, visit us on Facebook!

Elk Regional Gives Back to LIFT

Elk Regional Health System employees recently made a donation to Life and Independence for Today (LIFT), a non-profit organization that works with people who have disabilities and enables them to achieve and maintain self-sufficient and productive lives. The donation was made through the Elk Regional Gives Back program, through which employees pay a small fee to wear jeans to work on some Fridays. Each month, the funds raised are collected and given to a local charity.

Pictured in the front row are, from left, Marilyn Eckert, Physician Billing; Joan Davison, Physician Billing; Robert Mecca, LIFT Executive Director; Hope Weichman, LIFT Program Manager and Cindy Feldbauer, LIFT Financial Manager. In the back row are Sue Goodrow, Physician Billing and Brenda Copelli, Physician Billing.

Elk Regional Receives Excellent Department of Health Survey

Elk Regional Health Center has not only passed its bi-annual licensure inspection with flying colors but has also earned several compliments from a team of Pennsylvania Department of Health inspectors.

The inspectors performed a rigorous, three-day survey at the 80-bed facility between Dec. 5 and Dec. 7 and found that there were no direct patient care issues. 

During the exit conference, inspectors complimented Elk Regional on its commitment to cleanliness and patient safety in light of the ongoing construction and renovation project and cited the professionalism of Elk Regional’s staff.

“The inspectors also complimented Elk Regional on its commitment to quality patient care,” said Gregory P. Bauer, the President and CEO of Elk Regional Health System. “The results of this inspection are a testament to the commitment our employees and physicians show when it comes to providing quality care for our patients and residents.”

During the inspection, the surveyors carefully reviewed Elk Regional’s policies and procedures to ensure that they are being followed and are in compliance with state and federal regulations; examined medical records; toured the hospital’s departments; and interviewed staff members.

Inspectors cited Elk Regional for one minor paperwork deficiency related to the procedure used by physicians to enter medication protocols on patient records.

“Medication protocols are a written copy of the regimen of medication a physician has prescribed for a patient while they are admitted to the hospital,” said Matthew Romania, RN, the Director of Nursing at Elk Regional. “The protocol is a detailed record of the medication that is to be administered to a patient depending upon the symptoms present.”

Department of Health inspectors have asked that Elk Regional incorporate the written medication protocol into the electronic medical record system used by the hospital and its physician offices. The inspectors have also asked that Elk Regional’s physicians sign off on those medication protocols electronically.

“It is important to note that this change is not related to patient care, but is simply a different method of handling the paperwork associated with a patient’s stay,” Mr. Romania said.

A corrective action plan is already being discussed and will be implemented through the Health System’s Information Technology Department, Mr. Romania said. The corrective action plan will then be submitted to the Department of Health for approval.

Elk Regional Health System includes a fully-accredited, not-for-profit, 80-bed general acute care institution, an extended care facility, an independent living facility, a home health agency and an employed physician group that serves Elk and Cameron counties. The organization is backed by the strength of a clinical affiliation with UPMC Hamot in Erie, Pa. With campuses in St. Marys and Ridgway and physician offices in a number of locations throughout the region, Elk Regional proudly serves the residents of Elk and Cameron counties. It is Elk Regional’s ongoing mission to provide premier healthcare services to our patients through our commitments to service, quality, people, finance and growth, while maintaining economic viability and keeping an eye on the future. For more information, visit us online.

Elk Regional Temporarily Closes Elevator Near Main Entrance

Beginning Monday, Dec. 19, Elk Regional Health Center will temporarily close the elevator located near the main entrance as work on the hospital’s new floor progresses.

Visitors with loved ones in the ICU or Short Procedure Unit will be directed to the elevator located at the end of the hallway past the Laboratory and Radiology waiting room.

Visitors with loved ones who have been admitted to the hospital may continue to use the elevator located near the Cafeteria.

These elevators, along with directions to the ICU, Short Procedure Unit and Short Procedure Unit waiting room, will be clearly marked with signage.

Anyone with questions may contact the Health Center’s Public Relations Department at (814) 788-8532 or (814) 788-8832.

Newest Edition of "We Are Elk Regional" Available Online

The November/December 2011 issue of We Are Elk Regional is now available online!

We Are Elk Regional, the popular bi-monthly newsletter produced by Elk Regional Health System, is sent to tens of thousands of households throughout the region and is the premier source for news about the Health System and its affiliates.

Each edition of We Are Elk Regional is packed with information about new physicians who have joined Elk Regional's staff, the cutting-edge procedures they're offering, information about new technology that Elk Regional uses to bring the best in patient care to you and your loved ones and insightful stories about programs and services the Health System offers.

All of our online editions are available in PDF format.

To read the most recent edition, as well as past editions going back to the Summer 2010 edition, click here!

Elk Regional Announces Drop 10 in 10 Program

Are you already thinking about your New Year resolutions? Is weight loss one of them? If so, we've got the program for you!

Registration is now open for our Drop 10 in 10 program, a 10-week guided weight management and healthy lifestyle program designed to help participants lose 10 percent of their body weight, or 10 pounds, in 10 weeks through an intensive program of optimal nutrition, regular exercise and meaningful behavioral change.

When: Every Monday for 10 weeks, beginning Jan. 9.

Time: The class will run from 5-6 p.m.

Where: The Education Center at Elk Regional Health Center, 763 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys.

Cost: Cost is $18 for those who have Highmark health insurance, and $103 for those who do not have Highmark insurance.

What You Get: Each participant receives a Drop 10 in 10 Kit, which includes a comprehensive guide book, tracking journal, resistance band, and tape measure in a convenient cinch bag

To Register: Call us at (814) 788-8833.

Let us help you take those first steps toward a more healthy lifestyle!

Pinecrest Manor Residents Enjoy Christmas Dinner

On Dec. 4, residents of Pinecrest Manor, a division of Elk Regional Health Center, enjoyed Christmas dinner and a visit from Santa and his elves. Dinner for the more than 400 people in attendance was provided by Elk Regional’s Nutritional Services Department. Entertainment during dinner was provided by Hap and Friends; Tim Hnath and Bobby Spaeth; Kay Gnan; and Jim and Friends. Pictured are Frank Sekelsky; his son Robert Sekelsky; his daughter Karen Gordon and his wife Wanda Sekelsky at the dinner.

Elk Regional Supports "Project Gifts for Elk County" Toy Drive

Christmas is coming, and the employees at Elk Regional Health System took the opportunity to make a donation to the "Project Gifts for Elk County" toy drive! Through the "Elk Regional Gives Back" program, employees from each department donated new, unwrapped gifts for children of all ages.

To see pictures of all the toys that were donated, visit us on Facebook!

From left are Officer Jason Miller and Officer D.J. Marconi from the St. Marys Police Department; Lacy Nicklas, Human Resources; Mary Pat Fleming, Laboratory; Vicki Dias, Laboratory; Melanie Lundeen, Generations; Sue Pavlikowski, Laboratory; Jim Heary, owner of Art Heary & Sons Furniture; Tim Pavlikowski, student intern; and Connie Smith, Generations.

The Family Unit Makes Christmas Merry for Children

On Dec. 8, employees in The Family Unit at Elk Regional Health Center made a donation to the Salvation Army’s Toys for Elk County drive. From left are Laura Lorenzo, RN, lead charge nurse; Sara Myers, RN, nurse manager of The Family Unit; Sara Pistner, RN; Rachael Mackey, LPN; and Salvation Army Captain Scott Harvey.

Elk Regional Keeps Region's Workforce Healthy with Occupational Health Services

Elk Regional Health Center knows the importance of a healthy workforce. That’s why its Occupational Health Services department is committed to delivering the best in occupational health services to employers and employees at their workplace or at either of two convenient locations in St. Marys and Ridgway.

For more than 20 years, Elk Regional has served businesses and industries throughout the region with occupational health programs designed to help maintain a healthy and productive work force.

As the region’s premier source for comprehensive occupational health services, Elk Regional offers a full spectrum of care to local employees and their employers. Occupational therapists in the Health System’s Outpatient Rehabilitation department can treat injured workers and help them return to their jobs. The Occupational Health Services department works to keep healthy workers healthy and reduce the toll injuries take on local businesses.

“We hear company representatives say that people are their company’s most precious asset,” said Shelly Palumbo, the manager of Elk Regional’s Occupational Health Services department. “Because of the economic downturn, companies are leaner now more than ever, so it’s critical that employee time isn’t lost because of preventable health issues. Our services are designed to enhance the health, productivity and profitability of each company’s workforce.”

Through its Occupational Health Services department, Elk Regional offers a wide variety substance abuse services that include both federal and non-federal certified urine drug collection; federal and non-federal certified urine drug collection with MRO services; certified breathalyzer tests, including intoximeter and saliva alcohol tests; certified oral fluid drug collection; and certified hair testing for drug abuse.

The department also offers employee criminal background checks; post-offer physicals; annual physicals; assistance with acute workmen’s compensation injury management; CDL physicals; and job function tests.

The Occupational Health Services department also offers a variety of prevention services, including screenings for cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure problems; bone density; titmus vision exams; and venipuncture lab draw testing.

Available health screenings include hearing tests; lung function tests with interpretation; respiratory fit tests; chest x-rays; and lab tests designed to show whether the patient has an immunity to measles, mumps and rubella, and Hepatitis B.

“We also offer PPD tests for tuberculosis, Hepatitis B injections, flu shot vaccines, and tetanus injections,” Mrs. Palumbo said.

All of the employees in Elk Regional’s Occupational Health Services department are Safeland Certified, which means they are able to meet strict safety training standards for the gas industry.

“Industry throughout our region has always been an occupational mainstay – and that’s a legacy we’re proud to celebrate,” Mrs. Palumbo said. “For more than two decades, Elk Regional has been working in partnership with businesses and industries in our region to not only protect their workers and keep them healthy but to help ensure that employers have a highly productive workforce. We want workers and their employers to be as effective as possible. Our Occupational Health Services program helps ensure that they will be.”

For more information about Elk Regional’s Occupational Health Services, call (814) 788-5647. Information is also available online here.

Businesses that would like to schedule an informative program with an Occupational Health Services representative may call Mrs. Palumbo at (814) 558-6223.

Elk Regional Orthopaedic Surgeons Eliminate the Need for Travel

One day in mid-August, Pauline Gausman was working out and felt her left knee pop. The pain that followed gave her mobility problems, especially when she would walk up and down stairs. She knew something had to be done, so she called Dr. Ted Eshbach, an orthopaedic surgeon at Elk Regional.

“I’m not the type of person that runs to the doctor for every little thing,” Ms. Gausman said. “I’m more likely to wait and see if an injury gets better on its own. I’m one of those people that would rather take care of other people than have other people take care of me. I’m always last on my own list. But I’ve known Dr. Eshbach for a long time. Our children were in high school together; so I knew him and felt comfortable with him.”

During an appointment at the end of August, Dr. Eshbach ordered x-rays and an MRI of Ms. Gausman’s knee. At a follow up appointment the next week, he told her that she had three options – give the injury some time to heal, have a steroid injection in her knee, or undergo surgery.

“He told me that he felt surgery was the best option,” Ms. Gausman said. “And at that point, I knew I had to have surgery. My injury had become a quality of life issue. I couldn’t walk up the stairs anymore or do the things I had normally done. It was time.”

Ms. Gausman underwent surgery for the repair of her meniscus, a small “C” shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion inside the knee joint. Ms. Gausman needed surgery on her lateral meniscus, which is on the outside of the knee, and her medial meniscus, which is on the inside of the knee.

Dr. Eshbach performed the surgery arthroscopically in the surgical suite at Elk Regional. Ms. Gausman was only off work for a week.  

Ms. Gausman had specific reasons for choosing a local doctor.

“Over the years, I’ve heard about people going to see him for an initial visit, getting an MRI, and then going outside of the community for their surgery,” Ms. Gausman said. “I wanted to show people that we have a good hospital here. We have excellent doctors who can do these surgeries right here at home. These specialists can do the same things as the specialists in State College, Pittsburgh and Erie. There is no reason to travel away from home.

“I wasn’t honestly that nervous. I’ve known Dr. Eshbach for a long time and I know he’s a good doctor. This was an easy choice for me – I knew exactly who I’d go to for the surgery and where it would be done. I have the utmost faith in him and was satisfied with how the surgery turned out. My knee will never be 100 percent again, but thanks to Dr. Eshbach, it’s as good as it could be. Everything worked out perfectly.”

Elk Regional Presents "The Men of Movember"

We are proud to present Elk Regional's Men of "Movember"! Several of our employees participated in the Movember Initiative, during which men around the world spend the month of November growing a mustache to raise awareness about prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and other cancers that affect men.

From left are Jim Condon, RN, Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department; Brian Gore, I.T. Help Desk; Matt Romania, RN, Director of Nursing; George Wingard, Maintenance Supervisor; Stew Corl, I.T. Help Desk; Adam Correll, I.T. Help Desk; and Chris Barackman, Pharmacy Director.

For more about the Movember initiative, visit them online!

Elk Regional Receives Grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities

The Family Unit at Elk Regional Health Center was recently the grateful recipient of a generous $10,000 grant from the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Mid-Penn Region and a matching $5,000 grant from the national Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The $15,000 grant allowed for the purchase of a transport incubator for The Family Unit, an addition that will enhance Elk Regional’s ability to safely transport babies born via Caesarean section from the operating room to The Family Unit. The incubator can also be used to safely transport newborns that need to be transferred to a neo-natal ICU via ambulance or helicopter.

“It is absolutely wonderful to see this money used locally,” said Linda Hoffman, the treasurer of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Mid-Penn Region.

“The grant money we award is funded in large part through the coin boxes at the cash register. People in the St. Marys area always give very generously, so it’s wonderful to be able to fund a grant request for our local community hospital.”

“We are grateful to Ronald McDonald House Charities for their generous gift,” said Sam MacDonald, Elk Regional’s Director of Business and Fund Development.

“Elk Regional has recently made major investments in 3D and 4D ultrasound and a new fetal heart monitoring system. By next summer, we will have a brand-new, state-of-the-art maternity unit. Thanks to Ronald McDonald House Charities, we can also offer our littlest patients the safety and security of a new transport incubator.”

Transport incubators are important because newborns must be kept warm at all times. When babies become too cold, they can develop respiratory problems and problems with blood sugar. Elk Regional’s new transport incubator allows caregivers to control the temperature and humidity inside the unit, which creates an ideal environment for the newborn while allowing for continual monitoring of the baby’s vital signs.

“The priority of our physicians and nurses has always been to provide a safe, secure and healthy environment for our newborns,” said Mary Helen Coroso, RN, the nurse manager of Elk Regional’s Family Unit. “The new transport incubator will allow us to continue to provide the highest quality of care to families who come to Elk Regional.”

Elk Regional Health System includes a fully-accredited, not-for-profit, 80-bed general acute care institution, an extended care facility, an independent living facility, a home health agency and an employed physician group that serves Elk and Cameron counties. The organization is backed by the strength of a clinical affiliation with UPMC Hamot in Erie, Pa. With campuses in St. Marys and Ridgway and physician offices in a number of locations throughout the region, Elk Regional proudly serves the residents of Elk and Cameron counties. It is Elk Regional’s ongoing mission to provide premier healthcare services to our patients through our commitments to service, quality, people, finance and growth, while maintaining economic viability and keeping an eye on the future. For more information, visit us online.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Through its global network of local Chapters in 54 countries and regions, its three core programs, the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, and millions of dollars in grants to support children's programs worldwide, RMHC provides stability and resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy. All RMHC-supported programs provide a bridge to quality health care and give children and families the time they need together to heal faster and cope better. For more information, visit them online.

Photo: From left are Linda Hoffman, the treasurer of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Mid-Penn Region; Sam MacDonald, Director of Business and Fund Development at Elk Regional; Mary Helen Coroso, interim manager of The Family Unit; Laura Lorenzo, RN; Sara Myers, RN, manager of The Family Unit; and Betsy Cheatle, RN.

Pinecrest Manor Receives Good Marks on State Inspection

Pinecrest Manor, the long-term care facility at Elk Regional Health Center, has passed an inspection from the Pennsylvania Department of Health with flying colors.

Four inspectors performed a rigorous, unannounced survey at the 138-bed facility between Sept. 27 and Sept. 30 and found only two deficiencies – a dramatic improvement over the facility’s 2010 state Department of Health survey, which found eight deficiencies.

“This is the best annual survey that Pinecrest has ever had,” said David Wolfe, NHA, the administrator at Pinecrest Manor. “I’m proud of the employees here at Pinecrest Manor. After the 2010 survey, several different teams were created to look at ways in which we could improve. A lot of hard work and dedication was put into improving our quality of care – and it shows.”

“The results of the most recent survey at Pinecrest Manor are a testament to the commitment our employees show when it comes to providing high quality care for our patients and residents,” said Gregory P. Bauer, the president and CEO of Elk Regional Health System.

Surveyors for the state Department of Health Division of Nursing Care Facilities visit all of the nursing homes in Pennsylvania to review their compliance with state and federal regulations. During an inspection such as the one that recently took place at Pinecrest Manor, inspectors ask about and observe every aspect of resident care, ranging from food temperature to fire and building safety. Inspectors also conduct one-on-one interviews with residents regarding the care that is provided to them.

Inspectors found only two deficiencies at Pinecrest Manor.

In one deficiency, the device that regulates water temperatures for the facility was found to be faulty, allowing water temperatures to fall outside the range deemed appropriate by the Department of Health.  In the other deficiency, wound care protocols were not followed according to policy during two observed dressing changes.

Plans of correction for these deficiencies have already been submitted to and approved by the Department of Health, Mr. Wolfe said.   Implementation of the corrections is already under way.

When inspectors find a deficiency, they rate it on a scale from “no harm” to “serious harm.” A “serious harm” deficiency may result in a facility being fined or a provisional licensure. Neither of the deficiencies found at Pinecrest Manor during the September inspection caused any harm to residents.

Pinecrest Manor is a 138-bed long-term care facility located on the campus of Elk Regional Health Center in St. Marys. The facility includes a special wing dedicated to caring for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. A division of the Health Center, Pinecrest Manor is connected directly to a new renal dialysis facility and Elk Regional’s Outpatient Rehabilitation facility by enclosed, heated tunnels for the safety and convenience of the residents.

Elk Regional Health System includes a fully-accredited, not-for-profit, 80-bed general acute care institution, an extended care facility, an independent living facility, a home health agency and an employed physician group that serves Elk and Cameron counties. The organization is backed by the strength of a clinical affiliation with UPMC Hamot in Erie, Pa. With campuses in St. Marys and Ridgway and physician offices in a number of locations throughout the region, Elk Regional proudly serves the residents of Elk and Cameron counties. It is Elk Regional’s ongoing mission to provide premier healthcare services to our patients through our commitments to service, quality, people, finance and growth, while maintaining economic viability and keeping an eye on the future. For more information, visit us online.

Elk Regional Announces Online Survey, Prizes

Elk Regional Health System has introduced the first in a series of online surveys designed to gather feedback and improve upon the programs and services offered by the Health System.

Elk Regional’s first online survey will gather feedback about Health System’s free, public educational seminars. Held regularly throughout the year at several different locations, the seminars focus upon a variety of health-related topics and information about the Health System and its affiliates. During the seminars, attendees enjoy one-on-one interaction with a health provider or Health System official during a question-and-answer period.

“Public education is a very important part of what we do,” said Gregory P. Bauer, the President and CEO of Elk Regional Health System. “It is our goal to provide information that is accurate, timely, useful and presented in a location and at a time that is most convenient for people. This survey will help us do that.”

As a token of appreciation for those who take the time to fill out the survey, Elk Regional and Community Nurses are giving away six $20 Sheetz gas cards. To enter the drawing, those filling out the survey have the option of leaving their name, telephone number and email address. Surveys can be submitted without entering the drawing.

Gas card winners will be notified via email or telephone on or about March 1, 2012.

To take the survey, click here!

NWSB Makes Gift to Elk Regional Capital Campaign

On Sept. 27, Northwest Savings Bank presented Elk Regional Health Center with a check for $20,000, marking the second installment of the bank’s generous $100,000 gift to The Elk Regional Capital Campaign.

Northwest Savings Bank was the first local business to back The Elk Regional Capital Campaign when the Campaign began last year. The bank is also one of the largest donors to the Campaign, which is a $2.5 million fundraising effort designed to financially support the Health Center’s $10.3 million building project.

“We recognize how important Elk Regional is to this region, both as a health care provider and an economic driver,” said Kevin Oknefski, a senior vice president and district manager at Northwest Savings Bank. “Northwest Savings Bank is very deeply committed to this community and its success. Supporting The Elk Regional Capital Campaign was a natural extension of that commitment.”

“I am grateful to Northwest Savings Bank for their generous gift and unwavering support of our hospital,” said Don W. Fleming, the chairman of The Elk Regional Capital Campaign. “It is the support of organizations such as Northwest that has made our capital campaign such a success.”

“We are thankful to Northwest Savings Bank for their generosity and for their continued commitment to our community,” said Gregory P. Bauer, the President and CEO of Elk Regional Health System. “We look forward to the day when we open the doors of our new floor and our new maternity department.”

As part of Elk Regional’s $10.3 million building project, part of the hospital’s surgical suite will be repurposed to house a new maternity unit that features private rooms and the latest technology in fetal heart monitoring and 3D and 4D women’s ultrasound. A third floor that will house 42 private patient rooms and a new geriatric behavioral health unit will also be added to the Health Center.

Construction began July 5 and is expected to last through the end of 2012.

Gifts to The Elk Regional Capital Campaign are still being accepted. Those who would like to make a gift may contact Sam MacDonald, the Director of Support Services and Business Development at Elk Regional, at (814) 788-8585.

For more information on the building project and capital campaign, go here or visit us on Facebook.


Photo caption: Officials from Northwest Savings Bank recently presented The Elk Regional Capital Campaign with a check for $20,000, marking the second installment of their gift. From left are Gregory P. Bauer, the President and CEO of Elk Regional Health System; Kevin Oknefski, a senior vice president and district manager for Northwest Savings Bank; Don W. Fleming, the chairman of The Elk Regional Capital Campaign; and Sam MacDonald, the Director of Support Services and Business Development for Elk Regional Health Center.

Steel Beams Being Raised

On Sept. 12, construction workers began raising steel beams into place as part of the project to build a new third floor at Elk Regional!

To view pictures of the beams being raised into place, visit our Facebook page and click through our photo album.

To read news updates on our building project, you can become a fan on Facebook, or bookmark this page.