Author: Eli Anderson

Statement Echoes National Obstetric Associations’ Assertion that the Vaccine is Safe & Effective

Note: This press release was originally published by the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization.

WATERTOWN, NY — Today, Samaritan Medical Center and the Fort Drum OB/GYN clinic jointly voiced their recommendation that individuals across all reproductive stages—including those who would like to get pregnant, are currently pregnant, or are breastfeeding—get the COVID-19 vaccination to help protect themselves and their loved ones.

Dr. John P. Barrett, MD, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Samaritan Medical Center, has this message: “As an OB/GYN in our community, I know that you, like many women, may be fearful of the unknown and about introducing the vaccine into your body while you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. I feel compelled to step forward to reassure you that the COVID-19 vaccination is safe and highly recommended to help prevent you, your baby, and others around you from getting this virus.”

The Fort Drum OB/GYN Department echoes Dr. Barrett’s comments, stating: “Our department supports the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG), the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, and the Center for Disease Control recommendation that pregnant and breastfeeding women receive the COVID-19 vaccination to help prevent severe illness and death.”

“The data from ongoing studies show there is no increased risk to the mother or the fetus from the vaccine. We know that the vaccine is extremely effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and maternal death. We also know that the current variants of the COVID-19 virus are more harmful to the pregnant woman and her unborn infant. We have seen severe illness in our local pregnant population and across the Army in seemingly healthy women.”

“We understand the difficult decision that new mothers must make regarding whether to vaccinate in this unprecedented pandemic. A lot of conflicting information can make the decision to vaccinate even more difficult. We urge the patients we serve to discuss your concerns and questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and the virus with our clinic providers who can provide you with the most up-to-date information.”

Dr. Barrett goes on to state that the statements issued by at least twenty-seven national obstetric, gynecologic, and other healthcare associations in support of the COVID-19 vaccination across the reproductive cycle “reflects evidence demonstrating the safe use of the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy from tens of thousands of reporting individuals over the last several months.”

“Data has shown that getting the COVID-19 virus puts pregnant women and their newborns at increased risk of severe complications and even death,” cautioned Dr. Barrett. “Pregnant women who have decided to wait until after delivery to be vaccinated may be inadvertently exposing themselves and their babies to an increased risk of severe illness or death.”

Dr. Barrett concludes by stating: “As an OB/GYN provider, I have witnessed first-hand pregnant patients giving birth while fighting COVID-19. As their doctor, it is scary and worrisome. I recognize that getting the vaccine IS an individual choice, and I firmly believe that choosing to get vaccinated is in your best interests and the best interests of your baby. Given the known safety of the vaccine, as well as the increased risk of severe complications from COVID-19 during pregnancy, the worst being death, I wholeheartedly echo ACOG, SMFH, and others in enthusiastically recommending vaccination. Do it for yourself and your baby.”

Individuals who have questions about the COVID-19 vaccination and their reproductive health are urged to speak with their OB/GYN provider. Furthermore, Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization, in partnership with local healthcare providers, is now offering a webform service called “Ask a Doc,” in which individuals may submit their question(s) about the COVID-19 vaccine using a simple online form. The questions are not limited to those regarding reproductive health or pregnancy. Local medical professionals will call individuals within 1-2 business days to answer their question(s). Click HERE to view the form and submit your questions.

For more information about where to get the COVID-19 vaccine, contact your local public health agency or visit https://www.vaccines.gov/search/.

Medical oncology at the Walker Center for Cancer Care now clinically affiliated with Roswell Park, providing patients access to the latest in lifesaving medical oncology services

Watertown, N.Y. – Samaritan Medical Center and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, N.Y., have announced a new affiliation, linking medical oncology services provided at Samaritan’s Walker Center for Cancer Care with the Roswell Park Care Network. The new affiliation will offer cancer patients in the North Country region access to the latest approaches and best practices in cancer treatment to enhance the quality of medical oncology services available locally.

Beginning October 18, 2021, the care of medical oncology cancer patients in the Watertown region will have access to leading cancer research, education, and prevention services overseen by experts from Roswell Park, the only facility in Central and Upstate New York designated by the National Cancer Institute as a comprehensive cancer center.

Two full-time medical oncologists at the Walker Center – Florence P. Arnold, M.D. and Ihsan U. Haq, M.D. – will become employees of the Roswell Park Care Network and will continue to provide care for their patients at the Walker Center location. Patients at the Walker Center will benefit from enhanced capabilities and resources offered by the expanding Roswell Park Care Network, which is the most expansive community cancer, supportive and specialized care affiliation across New York State.

“When opened in 2018, the Walker Center for Cancer Care represented a $16 million investment in the health of our community and changed the way cancer care is delivered in our region,” said Thomas Carman, president and CEO of Samaritan Health. “This collaboration with the Roswell Park Care Network bolsters this investment and allows us to bring nationally recognized care to the North Country.”

“We are very pleased to partner with the high-quality oncology program at Samaritan and to work collaboratively to expand the therapies and services available to cancer patients in the North Country. Together, we will provide seamless access to services these individuals would otherwise have to travel hours for, starting with multidisciplinary care and access to oncology and surgical subspecialists,” said Thomas Schwaab, MD, PhD, a urologic oncologist and Chief of Strategy, Business Development and Outreach at Roswell Park. “Two highly qualified physicians have come onboard to serve patients at the Walker Center as a part of the Roswell Park Care Network, and we are excited about the level and integration of care these outstanding oncologists will continue to provide for this community.”

Samaritan’s partnership with the Roswell Park Care Network builds on cancer care standards available to network members and enables them to experience better quality and efficiency. It allows patients to take advantage of the latest technology in cancer treatment and gives access to innovative therapies in a community practice setting. The agreement also gives cancer patients and survivors options to live their best lives during and after cancer treatment.

The new affiliation provides exciting and dynamic opportunities to promote the missions of both institutions while combining the strengths of a respected community hospital with the expertise of a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Together, Samaritan and the Roswell Park Care Network will build upon high-quality cancer care currently available to patients, their families, and communities throughout the Watertown region.

The Watertown region will also benefit from increased training and development, as Samaritan Health’s patients, employees, and medical staff physicians will be able to participate in Roswell Park Care Network’s community education, cancer prevention, clinical care, and professional educational programs. Oncology patients at Samaritan Health will benefit from the knowledge of Roswell Park’s specialist and subspecialist experts, and to access a broad array of innovative treatments and clinical trials, giving them more options and earlier opportunities to decide the best route to treat their cancer.

Cancer treatment often requires a multi-pronged treatment approach, relying on medical oncology, radiation oncology and surgical care. Samaritan will continue to own and operate the Walker Center for Cancer Care.

About Roswell Park
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancer’s grip on humanity by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. Learn more at www.roswellpark.org, or contact us at 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or [email protected].

About Samaritan Health
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.

Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for September 2021. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff at the hospital and all outpatient clinics, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care.

Sharon Gamble, an LPN at the Clayton Family Health Center, received the DAISY Award and Rhonda VanOrman, Nursing Assistant, was honored with the BEE Award. Both Gamble and VanOrman were nominated by colleagues at Samaritan.

Gamble was chosen to receive the DAISY Award for her decades of empathy, care and dedication to Samaritan and her patients.

“[Sharon] greets each encounter with a warm welcome and makes you feel like you are the only patient there,” her nomination letter reads. “She remembers personal events that you have discussed during other visits and follows up on not only your medical needs but also personal events and family, which in turn creates such an individualized and caring perspective. Sharon is definitely a deserving DAISY!”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Gamble was presented a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture is on display in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

VanOrman received the BEE Award for her hardworking, compassionate and contagiously positive attitude.

“Rhonda is usually happy-go-lucky and isn’t shy in telling others how much she loves her job, what she does and how she has the ability to make a positive impact for those in need of our healthcare,” her nomination reads. “Rhonda demonstrates dedication to Samaritan. She is full of empathy and accountability. She is certainly deserving of this BEE recognition as she is so vital to patients’ recovery…we need more Rhondas.”

VanOrman was presented a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

Both awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination, or to learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

In-person viewing, online auction are open from Friday, November 26th to Saturday, December 4th

Watertown, NY – A North Country Festival of Trees will once again kick off the holiday season in the North Country, offering an online tree auction and in-person tree viewing from November 26th – December 4th at the former Bon-Ton, Salmon Run Mall, 21073 Salmon Run Mall Loop. All trees on display are hand-decorated by community members and can be bid on for individual purchase or donation.

The Festival of Trees committee is now welcoming sponsors and tree decorators. More information on both opportunities can be found at samaritanhealth.com/festivaloftrees or by calling 315-785-5745. Please sign up today!

A North Country Festival of Trees benefits healthcare services and programs at Samaritan Medical Center and children’s scholarships at the Watertown Family YMCA. The nine-day festival schedule is as follows:

• Public Viewing: Trees will be on display for FREE public viewing at the former Bon-Ton from Friday, November 26 until Saturday, December 4. Open times and more details will soon be available at www.samaritanhealth.com/festivaloftrees. All best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (including face masks, hand sanitizing, and social distancing) will be followed during public viewings.
• Online Tree Auction: From November 26th to December 4th, all trees will be up for bid on our online tree auction site – www.samaritanhealth.com/festivaloftrees.
• Live Tree Showcase and Auction: No matter where you live, you can participate in the magic of the Festival by tuning into our Live Tree Showcase and Auction from 7:00pm – 8:00PM on Friday, December 3rd. Join us on WNYF Fox 28 or online at www.samaritanhealth.com/festivaloftrees for holiday entertainment and a live auction of 10 featured trees.

Note: This press release was originally published by the Lewis County Health System.

LOWVILLE, NY─ Lewis County Health System is pleased to announce it has partnered with Samaritan Medical Center to help support expecting moms in Lewis County and surrounding communities. 

“Samaritan Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Thomas Carman and I worked together to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support moms-to-be that are in the final weeks of their pregnancy,” stated Gerald R. Cayer, Lewis County Health System Chief Executive Officer. “This wouldn’t have been possible without physicians from LCHS and SMC working together to support expecting moms and ensure a safe and appropriate transition of care.” 

Dr. F. Lee Dutton, OB/GYN at LCHS Women’s Health Services states “The hospital administration has made a firm commitment to restoring full obstetric and gynecologic services as soon as safe staffing levels are achieved at our facility.  My colleagues and I are extremely grateful to Dr. John Barrett and his associates at SMC for graciously offering to welcome any of our patients who require OB services in the near term.” 

The partnership means expecting moms have the best of both facilities. Pre-natal and post-natal care will be provided by the patient’s obstetrician in Lowville, and the delivery at Samaritan Medical Center’s Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children.  Samaritan offers the only Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit—and the highest level of care for a newborn—in Northern New York.  Obstetrical patients who are 32-36 weeks will transition to a physician at Samaritan to prepare for the delivery of their babies.  The LCHS Women’s Health practice, located on the main hospital campus in Lowville, continues to provide OB/GYN services for women throughout the North Country.

“We are working closely with the OB/GYN providers in Lewis County to provide the best continuity of care for expectant mothers and newborns during this time.  We look forward to Lewis County Hospital resuming obstetric services when possible,” states Dr. John Barrett, OB/GYN at Women’s Wellness and Breast Care and President of Samaritan’s Medical Staff. 

The New York State Department of Health announced a vaccine mandate for all healthcare workers in New York State.  The mandate has resulted in a temporary staffing shortage of labor, delivery, and postpartum nurses and a ‘pause’ in delivering babies on September 25, 2021, at Lewis County General Hospital’s Maternity Unit.

“Our team has had the privilege of delivering babies in Lewis County for the past 90 years, so the decision to ‘pause’ deliveries is difficult,” stated Mr. Cayer. “We are working hard to make this ‘pause’ a temporary situation as we diligently work to recruit additional labor and delivery nurses who are vaccinated, ensuring we can provide the safest and highest level of care for expecting moms and babies.” Lewis County Health System has developed similar MOUs with the Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica and Carthage Area Hospital.

Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for August 2021. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff at the hospital and all outpatient clinics, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care.

Jacqueline “Jackie” Queen, RN, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), received the DAISY Award and Aaron Abraham, Visual Observation Staff, was honored with the BEE Award. Both Queen and Abraham were nominated by colleagues at Samaritan.

Queen, a 33-year Samaritan employee, was chosen to receive the DAISY Award for her reliability, mentorship and resilience.

“Jackie has always been a leader throughout the organization, delivering patient-centered care. She is well respected by her peers and physicians,” her nomination letter reads. “During this very challenging pandemic, Jackie was one of our leaders in the COVID ICU, never shying away but rather reporting each day for her assignment with a smile and willingness to help our sickest patients, including those suffering from COVID. She cares for all patients as if they were her own family, and she would definitely be the nurse I would request to care for me and my family.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Queen was presented a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture is on display in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Abraham received the BEE Award for his calm, compassionate nature. His nominator, a newly-hired employee, described how Abraham helped put her mind at ease while she was feeling overwhelmed.

“I was working when we went into lockdown, and it was a very overwhelming experience for me to go through. In general, situations that I am not privy to only cause my anxiety to rise,” she writes. “This all changed when Aaron stopped by to check on me. He talked with me, informed me of what I should be doing, and made me more comfortable with my role in the situation. He stayed with me until I ensured him that I understood what I needed to do, and because of that, an anxiety-provoking situation got turned around for the better. Aaron exemplifies what it means to be a caregiver, and he deserves to be recognized for his amazing and life-changing work.”

Abraham was presented a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

Both awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination, or to learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

WATERTOWN – Samaritan Medical Center invites North Country community members to “Talk With a Doc” about the COVID-19 vaccine this weekend. Local doctors will be available via phone from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18th – community members should call 315-755-3100 with their questions.

Physicians from a variety of specialties will be answering the phones, including: Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Neonatology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Pediatrics.

A second chance to “Talk With a Doc” will be offered from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 21st.

The Samaritan Medical Center Foundation recently received a donation of 100 Medi Teddy® IV bag covers from Sue Washburn, formerly from Watertown, NY. Sue held a fundraiser for her birthday and purchased the bears with the funds raised. The Medi Teddys were donated for use in child-centered areas of the hospital, including the Emergency Department, Pediatrics Unit and Surgical Services. This is the second year that Sue has provided needed items to the hospital.

The bears donated aren’t just your “average bear” — they are extra special. They are Medi Teddys that were created by a young girl named Ella Casano, from Connecticut.

Ella was only 7 when she was diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP). During her many hours in the hospital receiving countless scary infusion treatments, she invented Medi Teddy, a fun bear that could help ease the fears of other young patients like her.

Medi Teddy® hides the bag of IV fluid, medication, or blood hanging from the IV pole, which can be scary for the child who is receiving it, and instead provides a fun and friendly face for the child to look at.

Meg Casano, BSN, MA, of I.V. Comfort Solutions, the makers of Medi Teddy®, is the daughter of Jim and Signe McGowan from Henderson Harbor. Meg is also Ella’s mom. She explains that the cleverly designed teddy bear covers the IV bag while still making it possible for medical staff to see the medication or blood products inside, because there is a mesh back.

“Our patients and community have benefited from the giving spirit of these two North Country-connected women, and we hope that will inspire others,” said Elizabeth Fipps, Vice President of Foundation and Community Services at Samaritan.

Learn more about the Medi Teddy® at medi-teddy.org.

Investment made in response to changing market conditions and to be a leader in the region to support staffing, recruitment and retention efforts at all Samaritan Health facilities

Watertown, N.Y. – Samaritan Health today announced it is adopting a $15.00 minimum wage benefitting approximately 1,300 current employees and all new hires. The new standard raises current and starting wages by 19%. Employees working the evening and night shift will receive an additional compensating differential.

Samaritan is actively hiring staff to join the health system, recruiting talent from throughout the region and beyond. The health system has seen a 50% increase in open positions since the end of 2020, as staffing needs have grown rapidly.

“Our workforce has shown tremendous resilience, going above and beyond to serve the health care needs of our community,” said Thomas H. Carman, President and CEO of Samaritan Health. “We have instituted a substantial increase in our minimum wage from $12.61 to $15.00, allowing Samaritan to deliver continued outstanding care by ensuring we retain our talent while attracting new staff.”

Job openings at Samaritan include positions in food service, environmental services, registration, billing, office support, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), home health aides, nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and more. Interested candidates should visit samaritanhealth.com/careers.

“Beyond our competitive wages, Samaritan provides excellent benefits packages that exceed what most regional employers offer,” Carman added. “Our employees receive paid time off, employer-contributed retirement, health insurance and more. We also provide pathways to new opportunities that help our staff advance and grow their careers, offering generous tuition assistance benefits and on-the-job training to help employees reach the next level. Health care is a field where you can make a real difference in people’s lives and it can be an incredibly rewarding career path. We hope this significant investment in our workforce motivates more members of our community to consider a position in health care.”

Wage increases will be implemented immediately. Samaritan employees will still be eligible for merit-based wage increases throughout the year.

Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for July 2021. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff at the hospital and all outpatient clinics, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care.

Alissa Waite, RN, Maternity, received the DAISY Award and Bobbie Jo Babcock, Patient Account Representative, was honored with the BEE Award. Both Waite and Babcock were nominated by grateful patients.

Waite was chosen to receive the DAISY Award because of her compassion and the confidence she helps instill in families going through the labor and delivery process.

“Alissa was our nurse when we had our little girl. It was a perfect match,” her nomination letter reads. “During labor, you not only need someone to reassure you that you and your baby are okay, but you also need a coach. When babe started to struggle and interventions were mentioned, Alissa knew I had it in me to go without and pushed me to have a successful delivery. She continued to check in on me for days and weeks after the delivery and it made the transition into being a first-time mom and easy one, knowing I had someone there if I needed her.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Waite was presented a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture is on display in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Babcock received the BEE Award for her perseverance and politeness in helping patients sort out their medical billing issues. Her nomination letter reads:

“Please tell Bobbie Jo that I appreciate all she has done for us. She has gone above and beyond her job to make our life less stressful. These bills have haunted us since July…and she went out of her way to help us get it resolved. She is so polite and courteous and it was an absolute joy working with her. She calmed me down every time I called and helped us in every way she could to resolve this. She listened to our story all while I was a wreck and crying, she listened and made me smile through a very difficult time and process in our life. She is a keeper and one day I hope she gets all the recognition she deserves. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”

Babcock was presented a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

Both awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination, or to learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.