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!