WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan Medical Center has been awarded a Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Grant totaling nearly $22 million to support a comprehensive upgrade of its electronic medical record (EMR) system, transitioning the hospital system to a single, unified platform across all clinics and specialty services. This investment will modernize Samaritan’s infrastructure, streamline clinical workflows, and significantly enhance the patient experience by providing one secure, easy-to-navigate patient portal for online health information.
The need for a unified EMR has been evident for several years as Samaritan Medical Center has continued to grow. Operating multiple EMR systems has created inefficiencies for physicians and staff, led to complex and duplicative workflows, and required patients to navigate as many as three different online portals to access their health records. This grant represents a critical step forward in addressing these challenges and ensuring Samaritan’s technology keeps pace with the care it delivers and meets patient’s expectations.
“This funding comes at a critical point in our EMR journey,” said Tom Carman, President and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center. “We started the project management and needs assessment before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the cost to upgrade and update our back-end infrastructure and main EMR system has been daunting. Without this critical funding, this project would have been delayed several more years, since there are only so many capital funds each year to allocate.”
UPDATE as of 2:50 p.m. – The issue has been resolved. Thank you for your patience as we worked to restore service.
WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan is currently experiencing a disruption to internet and phone services at most of our locations. At this time, incoming and outgoing phone calls, email communication, and internet-based systems are unavailable.
Patient care services within all locations remain operational, and downtime procedures have been activated to ensure continuity of care and patient safety. Emergency services are not affected.
We are working to restore connectivity as quickly as possible. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding during this service interruption.
WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce the purchase of the former Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph, located at 1425 Washington Street in Watertown. The historic Motherhouse has long been a cornerstone of the community, and Samaritan is honored to steward its next chapter of service.
The acquisition of the Motherhouse reflects Samaritan’s continued commitment to meeting the evolving health care needs of the North Country. While specific plans for the site are still in development, the purchase will allow Samaritan to transition some of its non-clinical staff to the new location. This move will allow for more efficient use of space within the Medical Center’s main hospital campus, reserving valuable areas there for patient care, clinical operations, and future growth.
“We recognize the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and it is with great respect that we ensure that this property will continue to serve a vital purpose in our community,” said Thomas H. Carman, President and CEO of Samaritan. “By relocating non-clinical departments to the Motherhouse location, we preserve its spirit of service while freeing up critical space within the hospital and strengthen our ability to focus on delivering high-quality care where it is needed most.”
“The purchase of our beloved Motherhouse by Samaritan Medical Center allows for the continuation of the Mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Watertown and surrounding area. Samaritan’s Mission to serve the community with care marked by compassion and quality fits well with the Sisters of St. Joseph Mission to serve “the dear neighbor” through the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy in a spirit of reconciliation and unconditional love,” said Sister Shirley Anne Brown, Major Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Samaritan will share further details regarding the transition timeline and departments moving to the property as plans are finalized. The location will be called ‘Samaritan Commons’ as it represents various non-clinical services. This exciting purchase not only allows Samaritan to make the best use of its limited land-locked hospital campus for patient care but also ensures that the former Motherhouse remains a place of non-profit service and purpose. By honoring the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph and building upon their tradition of compassion, Samaritan is proud to help shape a future that continues to strengthen health and well-being across the North Country.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for October 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.
Kimberly Fleming, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), received the October DAISY Award. Her nomination, submitted by a fellow caregiver in Samaritan’s Outpatient Behavioral Health clinic, reads in part:
“I have witnessed Kim’s ability to engage even the most vulnerable patients. During a phone conversation with a shared patient, she actively listened, without judgment, conveying compassion and care without coercion, or frustration. Her dedication, empathy, and advocacy make a lasting difference in the lives of patients and colleagues alike.”
The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Fleming received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture—hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.
Nichole Provost, Talent Acquisition Assistant for Human Resources, was nominated for the October BEE Award by a Nurse Manager who said:
“Nichole has helped guide me through the hiring process, reviewing and approving compensation rates, and understanding position control—every step of the way. What stands out the most is the grace and patience she’s shown throughout. Nichole is not only a tremendous asset to the Human Resources department but to the entire organization. Her dedication, professionalism, and willingness to support others reflect the best of what we stand for.”
Provost received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.
These awards are presented year-round, and patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Pictured here are Samaritan’s October 2025 DAISY Award recipient, Kimberly Fleming, LPN, (left), and October 2025 BEE Award recipient, Nichole Provost (right).
About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.
About The DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.
WATERTOWN, NY — Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce that its long term care communities, Samaritan Keep Home and Samaritan Summit Village, have achieved Bronze-Level Credentialing in the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® program, a distinction granted by the Center for Applied Research in Dementia.
This credentialing recognizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to person-centered dementia care based on the principles of the Montessori method, an approach proven to enhance the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
The Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® is a research-based model of care that empowers residents by focusing on their strengths and abilities, encouraging independence, and fostering meaningful engagement in daily life. The Bronze-Level Credentialing process involves extensive training, environmental enhancements and implementation of Montessori-based programming throughout the community.
“We are honored to receive this recognition and proud of the work our staff have done to bring this model to life,” said Jolene Smouse, BSN, RN, Director of Long Term Care Education. “Incorporating Montessori principles ensures our residents receive the best quality dementia care possible while maintaining their dignity, purpose and connection to others.”
A 2016 study of assisted living residences and skilled nursing facilities that received Montessori training found a significant decrease in medications needed by residents and instances of resident wandering and agitation within one year. It also noted improvements in residents’ sleep quality and their ability to complete activities of daily living (ADLs) such as showering, dressing and eating.
With this achievement, Samaritan joins a select group of care providers nationwide who have been formally credentialed by the Center for Applied Research in Dementia.
Samaritan Keep Home and Samaritan Summit Village will continue working toward higher-level credentialing, with the goal of reaching Silver- and Gold-Level Credentialing in 2026.
Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York at Samaritan Medical Center is excited to announce a donation of $10,000 to from SeaComm Federal Credit Union. This generous contribution will help to ensure that North Country children have access to the best possible healthcare.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN) is a national organization that raises funds for children’s hospitals across North America. Its mission is to improve the lives of children by raising awareness and funds for critical care and programs that benefit pediatric patients. Samaritan Medical Center has been a CMN hospital for 35 years.
This donation will help fund critical services and programs for pediatric patients at Samaritan Medical Center, providing resources for treatment, care, and equipment. In addition, CMN funds provide financial assistance to local families with a child facing a medical crisis for travel expenses and other out-of-pocket medical costs.
“We are incredibly grateful for SeaComm’s generous donation,” said Angie VanWormer, CMN Director at Samaritan Medical Center. “This year, CMN has received a record number of requests from local families of children facing health crises. This gift will go a long way in supporting these families and enhancing the care we provide to our youngest patients. We appreciate SeaComm’s commitment to our mission of changing kids’ health.”
SeaComm Federal Credit Union has a long history of giving back to the community, supporting numerous local organizations and initiatives that benefit the North Country region. The credit union’s charitable efforts include supporting education, financial literacy, and healthcare programs, among others.
For more information about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, contact Samaritan Medical Center at 315-785-4053 or [email protected].
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Pictured above is the check presentation for Children’s Miracle Network of NNY.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to recognize four exceptional team members as the August and September 2025 recipients of the Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award. These dedicated employees were so busy providing exceptional care that their award presentations were briefly delayed.
At Samaritan Summit Village, Caren Joy Beboso, Home Health Aide, was honored for August, and Danielle McLean, Administrative Secretary for Assisted Living, was recognized for September.
At Samaritan Keep Home, the August honoree was Kathleen Wilken, Certified Nursing Assistant, and the September honoree was Calandra Bryant, Nurse Practitioner.
Each of these caregivers is known for providing exceptional care and compassion to co-workers, residents, and visitors. They consistently go above and beyond to improve the lives of those around them. One nomination noted, “Their contributions have a lasting positive impact on both residents and colleagues alike.” Another stated that they “leave a lasting impact on both residents and colleagues.” With this level of professionalism, our long term care services continue to be exceptional.
Each honoree received certificates and tokens of appreciation during special recognition ceremonies at their respective facilities.
The OWL Award celebrates the everyday heroes who go the extra mile to provide excellent care and support in Samaritan’s long term care communities. Nominations are accepted year-round from residents, families, and colleagues.
To learn more about the OWL Award—and the DAISY and BEE Awards that also recognize extraordinary caregiving across the Samaritan system—visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Pictured here, from left to right, are OWL awardees Caren Joy Beboso, Kathleen Wilken, Danielle McLean and Calandra Bryant.
About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services
Caregivers at Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home provide round-the-clock skilled nursing care and significant assistance with the activities of daily life. Nursing homes have nursing staff on duty 24 hours a day to help individuals meet their daily physical, social and psychological needs. A licensed physician supervises each resident’s care and therapy, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy are available to provide rehabilitation services. Samaritan Summit Village also offers Assisted Living with six neighborhoods and apartments that are comfortable, functional, and safe. This facility is for those who need a little extra help while continuing an independent lifestyle.
In-person viewing, online auction open Friday, November 28 to December 7
Watertown, NY – A North Country Festival of Trees will once again kick off the holiday season in the North Country, offering an online tree and wreath auction and in-person tree viewing from November 28 – December 7. There are trees designed by local youth organizations and schools that will be raffled as well. We are pleased that our presenting sponsor for this year’s event is Apogee Physicians and are excited for the event to return to the Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington Street, in downtown Watertown – the event was last held at the Dulles State Office Building in 2019.
All trees on display are hand-decorated by community members and can be bid on for individual purchase or donation. We are so appreciative of our generous sponsors, decorators and committee members who have made this event a reality and we are so pleased that the event will return to downtown Watertown. “A Winter Wonderland” is this year’s theme, and everyone – young and old is sure to enjoy this magical holiday event.
A North Country Festival of Trees supports the construction of a new Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Samaritan Medical Center and children’s scholarships at the Watertown Family YMCA. The festival schedule is as follows:
Public Viewing: Trees and wreaths will be on display for public viewing at the Dulles State Office Building starting Friday, November 28 at 11 a.m. The online auction will open on Friday, November 28 at 10 a.m.
Public (in-person) Viewing Schedule at the Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington Street, in downtown Watertown:
Friday, November 28: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 29: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 30: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Closed for in-person public viewing Monday, December 1 – Wednesday, December 3
Thursday, December 4: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, December 5: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday, December 6: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 7: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
There are multiple free kids’ events and special performances throughout the festival, please visit our website for the full schedule.
Online Tree Auction: From November 28 to December 7, all trees and wreathes will be up for bid on our online tree auction site – samaritanhealth.com/festivaloftrees.
Gala and Live Tree Auction: December 5 – Join us for an evening of delicious food catered by the Clipper Inn, music by DJ Johnny Spezzano and the popular live tree auction. Tickets for the Gala are available at samaritanhealth.com/festivaloftrees. The deadline for ticket reservations is Tuesday, December 2.
WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to welcome Interventional Radiologist Russell Reeves, MD, MBA, MS, RPVI, to its medical staff.
Dr. Reeves specializes in using minimally invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases- including cancers and cancer-related problems- in nearly every organ system. He completed his medical degree at Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine, in Hanover, N.H., followed by a diagnostic radiology residency at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, and a fellowship in Interventional Radiology at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles. He is board-certified by the American Board of Radiology in Diagnostic Radiology with subspecialty certification in Interventional Radiology.
Dr. Reeves also holds a Master of Science in Bioengineering from Clemson University and a Master of Business Administration from the Kanbar College of Commerce at Thomas Jefferson University.
He offers comprehensive services to treat conditions in many areas, including:
Pain
Vertebral compression fractures (from osteoporosis or injury)
Degenerative disc disease causing chronic lower back pain
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Knee, hip and sacroiliac joint pain
Women’s Health
Uterine fibroids causing heavy periods, pain, or pressure
Pelvic congestion syndrome (chronic pelvic pain from vein reflux)
Men’s Health
Varicocele (swollen scrotal veins causing pain or fertility issues)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – blood clots in deep leg or arm veins
Pulmonary embolism (clot traveling to the lungs)
Varicose veins or superficial vein reflux causing leg swelling/pain
Chronic venous insufficiency with leg ulcers
Urinary Tract Issues
Kidney or ureteral stones causing pain, infection, or blockage
Ureteral strictures or obstructions needing drainage
“I’m honored to join a team that shares my commitment to compassionate, high-quality care,” said Dr. Reeves. “Interventional radiology is a powerful tool for diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, from varicose veins to cancer. My goal is to ensure North Country patients have access to the same cutting-edge procedures available in major medical centers without having to leave the local area.”
“Samaritan is fortunate to have Dr. Reeves on its medical staff,” said Dr. Mario Victoria, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Samaritan Medical Center. “With his expertise in advanced, minimally invasive procedures, he is a great addition to our hospital and a tremendous benefit for the health and well-being of our community.”
Dr. Reeves is accepting new patients. To refer a patient or schedule an appointment, please contact Samaritan Interventional Radiology at 315-786-4879.
For more information, visit samaritanhealth.com/interventional-radiology/.
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Dr. Russell Reeves smiles at a patient receiving Interventional Radiology treatment.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for September 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.
Mollie Guyette, a Registered Nurse (RN) in the intensive care unit, received the September DAISY Award. Her nomination, submitted by a nursing supervisor, said:
“Mollie exemplifies compassionate care, remarkable leadership, and a steadfast commitment to creating a safe and positive environment for both patients and staff. Mollie is more than just a skilled clinician; she is a true leader and mentor. She embodies the spirit of nursing excellence and elevates everyone around her. She deserves this recognition for her extraordinary dedication and for reminding us of what it means to be a compassionate and courageous nurse.”
The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Guyette received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture—hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.
IT Desktop Support Technician Trevor Schuch was honored with the September BEE Award. His nomination was submitted by a caregiver in Samaritan’s Cardiology clinic who said:
“When Trevor comes to the office, he is always delightful, knowledgeable, professional, personable, and friendly. He makes sure he understands the issue(s), then works quickly to correct it. We are grateful for his hard work and dedication to diligently working to correct any IT issues as they arise allowing us to provide better patient care.”
Schuch received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.
These awards are presented year-round, and patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Samaritan’s September 2025 DAISY Award recipient, Mollie Guyette, RN, (left), and September 2025 BEE Award recipient, Trevor Schuch (right).
About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.
About The DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.
Samaritan Health is not responsible for content, privacy policy, accuracy or legality of any website assessed through a link on www.samaritanhealth.com. A link to another website does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee or approval by Samaritan Health of the linked website or the information, products or services contained therein
