News

New Diabetic Support Group Forming

Surgical Ambassador Program now available at Brooks

Pre-Operative Joint Education available at Brooks

Brooks Launches "OK to Ask" Program about Hand Cleaning

Brooks Diabetes Educator Receives National Certification

New Diabetic Support Group forming at Brooks

Brooks Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the formation of a new support group for the community’s diabetic population. The Dunkirk hospital’s Diabetes Educator, Linda Walters, RN, MSN, CDE will lead the group which will meet at Brooks on the last Monday of each month. The first meeting is scheduled for 6:30 pm, Monday, February, 23 in the 3A Classroom at Brooks. The February meeting will feature guest speaker Cyndy Schroeder RD CDN CDE with a presentation on “The ABC’s of Diabetes”. Ms. Schroeder, a nutritionist, is the director of the diabetes education program at Lifetime Health Medical Group in Rochester New York.

“I am very excited about the educational opportunities that this new support group will offer area diabetics.” commented Ms. Walters. “The Dunkirk/Fredonia area has been without this type of support for far too long, and there is a great need for the type of information that will be presented at our meetings.” For details about the new diabetic support group at Brooks, or to sign up, contact Linda Walters at 363-7296 or email lwalters@brookshospital.org.

Surgical Ambassador Program now available at Brooks

Brooks Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the establishment of a new program for surgical patients and their families. The hospital’s new Surgical Ambassador program utilizes volunteer “ambassadors” to act as liaisons between hospital personnel and patients. The new Ambassadors address non-medical questions and concerns that patient or family members have while they are in the hospital and visit patients in their rooms while they are hospitalized. By asking direct questions, listening to the family and acting on behalf of the patient, the Ambassadors can improve communication and address potential issues while the patient is still in the hospital.

The position of Surgical Ambassador will be filled by volunteers who have received special training in customer service and communication. Ambassadors will be able to provide patients and visitors with linkages to hospital services such as waiting areas, meal service, and other information that they may need. They will also facilitate communication with nursing leadership so that any complaints can be addressed and resolved as soon as possible.

“We’re very excited about this new volunteer program” commented Surgical Services Nurse Manager Sallie Piazza. “By improving communication between patients, medical personnel and nursing leadership, we hope to enhance the surgical experience here at Brooks and increase patient satisfaction”

For information on becoming a Surgical Ambassador, contact BMH Volunteer Coordination Cindy Wlodarek at 363-7233. For more information on Surgical Services at Brooks Memorial Hospital, contact Sallie Piazza, RN, CNOR at 363-3968.

Brooks to offer Pre-operative Joint Replacement Education

Brooks Memorial Hospital is proud to announce the introduction of pre-operative total joint replacement classes. This program is a collaborative effort designed to provide information that will help the patient become an active participant in the pre-operative, operative and post-operative process of their total joint replacement surgery. This comprehensive program is patient focused and designed for individuals currently scheduled for total knee, hip or shoulder replacement, and those considering this type of surgery.

The educational content for this free program will include every aspect of the surgical and post-surgical process and will provide the patient with empowering information to help speed their recovery.  Presenters at this informational class include Surgical Nursing Staff , Medical-Surgical Nursing Staff, Physical Therapy Staff, Registered Dietitians, as well as Social Work & Discharge Planning Staff. Topics will include preoperative paperwork, consent forms, health care proxy, the surgery itself, autologous blood donation, anesthesia and pain relief options, discharge planning, physical therapy, rehabilitation options and much more.

The Joint Education classes will be held at Brooks Memorial Hospital and are being held twice each month. For patient convenience, both morning and afternoon classes are being offered. Class size is limited and participants are encouraged to register early for their training class For more information about scheduled dates and times and registration, contact Brooks Memorial Hospital Surgical Services Nurse Manager Sallie Piazza, RN, CNOR at (716) 363-3968.

It’s OK to Ask at Brooks Memorial Hospital

Brooks Memorial Hospital is committed to providing the highest quality care to the community and encourages patients to ask questions about the care they are receiving.  The staff at Brooks are continually educated on the importance of proper hand washing to prevent the spread of infection. At Brooks Memorial Hospital, we require that all caregivers wash their hands with soap and water or a waterless alcohol-based hand rub, before treating each patient. In an effort to increase compliance with hand hygiene, the hospital has placed hand sanitizing dispensers in every patient room, hallway, and other departments to make it easy and accessible to everyone. 

The hospital’s Infection Control Department has also implemented a new “It’s OK to Ask” program to encourage patients and visitors to question the hand hygiene of Brooks healthcare workers. Hospital patients have the right to be their own advocate and Brooks Memorial Hospital wants the community to know that “It’s OK to Ask” if your caregiver has cleaned their hands.  It is equally important that all family members and visitors clean their hands before and after coming in contact with every patient.

It only takes a few simple words to help encourage this healthy habit: “Excuse me, did you clean your hands?” or “I saw that you cleaned your hands – thank you!” Hand hygiene is everyone’s responsibility and practicing good hand hygiene is the single most important thing everyone can do to stop the spread of infection. It’s a healthy habit for everyone, whether you are in the hospital, at work or at home. “It’s OK to ask if someone has cleaned their hands.” Pass it on!

For more information about the “It’s Ok to Ask” program at Brooks Memorial Hospital, contact Lisa Karalus, RN, BSN in the Infection Control Department (363-7298) or visit the Center for Disease Control website at http//www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5116.pdf.

Brooks Nurse Earns Certified Diabetes Educator Credential

The National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE) announced that Linda Walters RN, BSN of Brooks Memorial Hospital achieved Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) status by successfully completing the Certification Examination for Diabetes Educators. Candidates must meet rigorous eligibility requirements to be able to take the Examination. Achieving certification status demonstrates to people with diabetes and employers that the health care professional possesses distinct and specialized knowledge, thereby promoting quality of care for people with diabetes. Currently there are 15,500 diabetes educators in the United States who hold NCBDE certification.

Linda has been a dedicated nurse since 1984. She has been working at Brooks Memorial Hospital since 2000. She has served the hospital as the diabetes educator for several years, and has also provided numerous community education programs.

Linda states that northern Chautauqua County is currently under served for diabetic education. She is excited that she will be able to offer a broader range of education services for patients in the area, and is planning to implement new programs and services in the near future.

For more information about diabetes education, contact Linda at 363-7296.