Category: News

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Samaritan Medical Center Announces Change to COVID-19 Drive-Up Testing Site Hours of Operation

Watertown, NY – The Samaritan Drive-Up Testing Site, located at the Samaritan Health and Wellness Plaza at 1575 Washington Street in Watertown, will change its hours of operation effective Friday, February 17, 2023.  The change is due to a change in requirements for patient COVID-19 testing before surgical and outpatient procedures to a shorter timeframe, as well as to align better with clinic hours and support staff availability. 

The Drive-up Testing Site hours will change from Sunday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., to the new hours of Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m..

To schedule a test for COVID-19 symptoms or for COVID-19 questions or information, Samaritan’s Resource Line is available Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 315-755-3100. 

Most hospitals require a COVID-19 test before a surgery or procedure.  Samaritan’s Drive-Up Testing Site can do this regardless of where surgery is to be performed.  Tests can be scheduled through the pre-encounter department, 315-785-5700.

For complete COVID-19 testing information, visit:  https://samaritanhealth.com/for-patients/trending-topics/coronavirus-covid-19/request-a-covid-19-test/

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Mandatory Face Masks Remain at all Samaritan Locations as directed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidance

Samaritan Health still enforces mandatory mask use in all of its facilities.  The New York State Department of Health announced that the state is no longer requiring mandatory face mask use in the healthcare setting (i.e., facilities or entities regulated under Articles 28, 36, and 40 of the Public Health Law), but also directed all facilities to operate under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidance. 

Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic states that all personnel, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status, in a healthcare setting should wear an appropriate face mask based on Community Transmission Levels, not on COVID-19 Community Levels. Today, Jefferson County Transmission Levels are listed on the CDC website as HIGH. 

According to the CDC, when SARS-CoV-2 Community Transmission Levels are HIGH, source control (or face masks) is recommended for everyone in a healthcare setting when they are in areas of the healthcare facility where they could encounter patients. The above CDC recommendations apply to all patients, visitors, and vendors two years of age and older and can medically tolerate a face covering/mask. 

Samaritan will continue to monitor the situation and determine its mandatory face mask use based on guidance while keeping patients, residents, visitors and staff as safe as possible while navigating the ever-changing guidance. 

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Samaritan Celebrates December 2022 DAISY® and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for December 2022. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.

Rachel Moore, LPN at Samaritan Dermatology & MOHS Surgery, received the DAISY Award. Jessica Lister, Nuclear Medicine Technician at Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award. 

Erin Bryant, a physician assistant at Samaritan Dermatology & MOHS Surgery, nominated Moore saying:

“I have had the extreme pleasure of working with Rachel for over two years.  Day in and day out she works tirelessly to provide exemplary care to our patients and their families.  Rachel greets everyday with enthusiasm and motivates those around her to strive for success. Rachel has worked for Samaritan as an LPN for many years and is a true Samaritan Star!  I would like to see her recognized for her daily commitment to our patients, our hospital system, and our community.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Moore 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 has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Charlie Quinn, Plant Maintenance at Samaritan Medical Center, nominated Lister.  

After witnessing Jessica’s interaction with a patient after a delay in service, Quinn stated “Jessica speaks to patients with such grace and dignity.  She put the patient first with her kind and gentle approach.  She exemplified the HEART values by providing empathy and understanding.  This is not the first time I have witnessed Jessica display such compassion.  She provides guidance and education to patients and offers reassurance and genuine interest in promoting their health and addressing their needs.“ 

Lister was presented with 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 Samaritan DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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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.

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Samaritan Celebrates November 2022 DAISY®️ and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for November 2022. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.

Casey Hughes, a Registered Nurse at Samaritan Home Health, received the DAISY Award. Ruth Reinbeck and Lisa Ericzon, Central Sterile Technicians in Surgical Services at Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award. 

Stephanie Parks, Director of Patient Services, Samaritan Home Health, nominated Hughes saying:

“Casey is a home care nurse that goes above and beyond to always put patient needs first.  In homecare the nurses are in the home with no other medical professional with them. Generally home care visits take between 30-60 minutes. Casey was going to see a patient for the first time since they were discharged from the hospital.  Upon her thorough assessment she revealed that the patient’s wound was much worse than expected.  Casey spent two hours in the patient’s home to ensure proper care and follow up was performed.  Casey is a great example of Samaritan’s HEART values.  She takes care of each and every patient as if they were her own family member.”  

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Hughes 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 has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Ruth Powell, FNP, Surgical Services, Samaritan Medical Center, nominated Reinbeck and Ericzon.  

“Ruth and Lisa have both been here at Samaritan for greater than 20 years. They exemplify “being excellent every day and for being extraordinary team members.” They are highly respected and trusted by their coworkers and peers.  I have seen them work countless numbers of hours when their unit was short staffed, or someone needed training. They have been here through an entire move from combining two totally different ORs into one new OR. They were instrumental in the tedious job of converting paper to computer practices in regard to OR surgical instruments and sterilization methods. Ruth and Lisa are always looking for ways to improve processes which leads to more efficiency in their area. This, in turn, leads to a more efficient operating room. Ruth and Lisa are the backbone of their department. They make a meaningful difference every day in the care of patients.”

Reinbeck and Ericzon were each presented with 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 Samaritan DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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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.

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Samaritan Benefits from Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s Support to the Graduate Medical Education Program

Samaritan’s Graduate Medical Education program was enhanced after continued advocacy efforts by Congresswoman Stefanik.

“The importance of Medicare-funded residency slots to us here in Watertown and across the North Country cannot be understated. Congresswoman Stefanik’s successful efforts advocating to increase the number of Medicare-funded physician residency slots at Samaritan in spite of CMS’s previous administrative mistake are further evidence of her commitment to strengthen rural health care, and we thank her for her continued work on this issue,” said Thomas Carman, President and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center.

Please read the full press release from Congresswoman Stefanik.

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Samaritan Medical Center Announces Change in Emergency Support Persons

Watertown, NY – After careful consideration, and because the COVID-19 hospitalization rates remain stable, Samaritan Medical Center announces an update to the visitation policy for Emergency Department Support Persons.

As of Monday, January 9, 2023, Emergency Department patients may designate two support persons for their emergency care visit, with only one person being present at any given time. 

Please read the full policy and how the change will be managed in our visitor policy online at: https://samaritanhealth.com/samaritan-medical-center-begins-visitor-restrictions/

For safety purposes, all support persons and visitors must be in good health and screened. Driver’s license and photo ID are required at the time of visit. Most visitation is restricted to those 12 years of age or older. A parent or guardian must accompany visitors under the age of 18. Masks are required, as well as proper handwashing throughout the visit. Visitors who have recently been in quarantine or in contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 are encouraged to stay home.

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Walker Center for Cancer Care Announces Opening of Second Linear Accelerator

Watertown, NY – The Walker Center for Cancer Care announces the opening of a second linear accelerator (LINAC) to its Radiation Oncology services.  The additional LINAC system will allow for greater access to this personalized, precise radiation therapy in a timely manner for patients of the Cancer Center. 

“The opening of a second linear accelerator (LINAC) will increase patient access to radiation oncology treatments in our region” said Dr. Justin Budnik, Radiation Oncologist at the Walker Center.  The number of patient radiation treatments has increased from 5,702 in 2020 to 7,102 in 2022.  It is anticipated that in 2023, the increase in patient treatments will continue.  “The need for a second LINAC has been driven by unprecedented growth in the practice here at the Walker Center for Cancer Care, and will ensure that all patients who are in need of radiotherapy will have timely access to treatment, whatever their diagnosis is.”

For patients, this increase in specialized services means less time waiting from their first visit to the start of treatment, which is critical in cancer care.  The second LINAC will ensure that radiation therapy for patients with high acuity lesions (such as those causing pain, or pressing on critical body structures, or blocking airways or blood flow, etc.) can start treatment within a matter of a few days, rather than a few weeks.

“Our hope is that with two LINACS in service we will be able to better meet the needs of our community, and that treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction with the care furnished at our center will improve as a result” states Dr. Budnik.

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Samaritan Celebrates October 2022 DAISY® and BEE Award Recipients 

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for October 2022. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.

Rachael Kaban, a Registered Nurse on 4 Pavilion, received the DAISY Award. Jon LaFontaine, Clinical Discharge Planner in the Emergency Department Behavioral Health Unit at Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award. 

Sherin Washburn, Graduate Nurse, Samaritan Medical Center, nominated Kaban saying:

“I was having a busy shift from the moment I got report. I felt overwhelmed. Rachael was very calm, helpful and instructive.  She let me ask all the questions I had and did not make me feel bad for not knowing. She helped me tremendously the entire shift even though she was not always caught up. I am so grateful she was here because I don’t know what I would have done without her help. Having an experienced nurse available to use as a resource who doesn’t make you feel dumb and is willing to help and doesn’t seem irritated or disinterested is amazing and makes all the difference.”  

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Kaban 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 has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Jacqueline Dawe, RN, Chief Nursing Office/Vice President of Patient Care Services, Samaritan Medical Center, nominated LaFontaine.  

“John emulates what it means to be EXCEPTIONAL.  This year has been very challenging in healthcare as all of you are aware, especially for our patients with mental health issues. We have seen an unprecedented number of patients needing our help.  Jon is a calm individual that helps the staff in an uncertain environment also stay a little calmer when he is working. Even when the situation is getting really heated and patients are in crisis, Jon remains calm. He speaks calmly to patient’s time and time again that are probably living one of the worst moments of their life, and he treats them with empathy and a caring attitude.  Jon is mostly seen with a smile on his face, and you can tell even with wearing the mask that he’s smiling from ear to ear.  He speaks with a tone that is positive and professional. I have seen the trust in John that has developed from many levels of the healthcare team with regards to his assessments and recommendations for patients.” 

LaFontaine was presented with 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 Samaritan DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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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.

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Community Information: Closings Due to Weather and Holiday Hours

December 30, 2022: Please be advised that Samaritan clinics and medical practices will be closed on January 2nd in observance of the Holiday. This includes all Family Health Centers – Adams, Cape Vincent, Clayton, Evans Mills, and Watertown-Plaza, and Services such as Dermatology, Pain, Gastroenterology, Urology, WoundCare, Orthopedics, Women’s Wellness and Breast Care, Behavioral Health, Rheumatology, and some Lab and X-Rays locations. 

Lab and x-ray services will be OPEN at Samaritan Medical Center, Registration entrance from 8 am to 4 pm.

COVID testing site will be OPEN on January 2nd. For more information about it, please click HERE.

Samaritan Medical Center is open 24/7. 

For emergency health situations, please call 911. 

We want to remind you not to drink and drive; don’t socialize if you are feeling sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.  

December 26, 2022: Samaritan Clinics and Medical Practices will be closed in observance of Christmas. This includes all Family Health Centers – Adams, Cape Vincent, Clayton, Evans Mills, and Watertown-Plaza; and services such as Dermatology & Mohs, Pain Management, Gastroenterology, Urology, WoundCare, Orthopedics, Women’s Wellness and Breast Care, Behavioral Health, Lab and X-Rays, and Rheumatology.

Samaritan COVID Testing site is CLOSED today, December 26. Click here for more information: COVID Testing

Samaritan Medical Center is open 24/7.
For emergency health situations, please call 911.

December 24, 2022: Please be advised: Samaritan Medical Center’s Main Registration is closed today for all walk-in services.  We will open again for walk-in labs on Monday, December 26, at 8 a.m.

Patients who need a lab done stat, per their physician, should call 315-785-4131 when they arrive on campus, and a registrar will help them.

Please be advised of our Holiday Hours:


Samaritan Clinics and Medical Practices will be closed in observance of the Holiday Weekend. This includes all Family Health Centers – Adams, Cape Vincent, Clayton, Evans Mills, and Watertown-Plaza; and services such as Dermatology, Pain Management, Gastroenterology, Urology, WoundCare, Orthopedics, Women’s Wellness and Breast Care, Behavioral Health, Lab and X-Rays, and Rheumatology.

Samaritan COVID Testing site will be open on Monday December 26, and January 2nd. Click here for more information: COVID Testing

Samaritan Medical Center is open 24/7.
For emergency health situations, please call 911.
With the Holidays approaching, we want to remind you not to drink and drive; don’t socialize if you are feeling sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19; be mindful of portions, and enjoy the Holidays!

December 23, 2022: Due to weather conditions, the following are Samaritan Health updated hours for today, Friday, December 23, 2022.

CLOSED :
Samaritan Lab and X-Ray Services at Coffeen Street in Watertown, NY

CLOSING AT noon:

  • Adams Family Health Center
  • Clayton Family Health Center
  • LeRay Family Health Center
  • Watertown – Family Health Center
  • Women’s Wellness & Breast Care
  • Pain Clinic
  • General Surgery
  • Samaritan Orthopedics
  • Samaritan Rheumatology
  • Samaritan Plastic Surgery
  • Samaritan Pulmonology
  • Samaritan Dermatology & Mohs
  • Samaritan Gastroenterology
  • Samaritan ENT
  • Wound Care Services
  • Samaritan Urology

CLOSING AT 2 pm:

  • Walker Center for Cancer Care

Samaritan Outpatient Behavioral Health and Addiction Services will only offer telehealth appointments after noon.

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