Category: News

Samaritan Medical Center, Carthage Area Hospital, Jefferson County Public Health and the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) are hosting a community-wide COVID-19 mass testing event on Monday, December 7th and Tuesday, December 8th. Collectively, these organizations hope to test as many community members as possible in these two days.

This testing event will help determine the community spread of COVID-19 following the Thanksgiving holiday. Anyone who is concerned about their level of exposure should take this opportunity to protect themselves and their family members. Knowing the volume of new positive cases will help slow the spread as community members are asked to quarantine and take precautions.

This event is FREE and open to all, but is appointment-only to safely and efficiently accommodate as many people as possible. All testing will take place at two community locations:

• Samaritan’s Drive-Up Testing Site: 1575 Washington St. in Watertown, NY. Testing hours will be from 7:00am to 7:00pm on both days.
• Carthage Area Hospital: 1001 West St., Carthage, NY, using the back entrance off of West Street. Testing hours will be Monday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and Tuesday from 9:00am to 7:00pm.

Results will be provided by NYS DOH’s lab vendor, BioReference, and will be provided within 2 to 3 days after tests are collected. This is not rapid testing.

Appointments must be requested by visiting Samaritan’s website at: www.samaritanhealth.com/covid-test. Patients without access to a computer or the internet should call the Samaritan Resource Line at 315-755-3100 to schedule an appointment. Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms should not delay testing – symptomatic patients should immediately call the Samaritan Resource Line at 315-755-3100 or the Carthage Area Hospital COVID-19 Hotline at 315-519-5497.

Any community member who receives a positive test result will be contacted by Jefferson County Public Health, who will provide details and begin the process for contact tracing. Local public health officials have additional resources available from NYS to help aid in contact tracing.

Please remember that everyone has a role in helping to slow the spread of this disease. Wash your hands, wear your mask, social distance and avoid large crowds and non-emergent travel.

Watertown, N.Y. – Samaritan Medical Center announced the second COVID-19-related death in Jefferson County. The patient, an elderly Jefferson County resident with underlying health conditions, acquired COVID-19 in the community and was receiving inpatient care at Samaritan.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the patient’s family, said Thomas H. Carman, president and CEO, Samaritan Health. “The pandemic’s current, record-setting surge is intense and is impacting communities of all sizes throughout our region, New York State and the U.S. This is only the second COVID-related death here at Samaritan in the past three months, but it is heartbreaking nonetheless and helps drive home the message that we must remain vigilant in our efforts to minimize the virus’s threat as we head into Thanksgiving, the holiday season and the winter months. As virus cases spike nationwide, it’s important to note younger and healthier people are increasingly becoming infected; this is not something that only impacts older Americans or those with underlying health conditions.”

Samaritan Medical Center remains the primary Jefferson County hospital providing inpatient care to those diagnosed with COVID-19. Currently there are four other inpatients with COVID-19 at the hospital. Samaritan remains well prepared to care for these patients, with proficient staff and critical care physicians, ample personal protective equipment, and dedicated space to separate patients with COVID-19 from the rest of the patient population. Our COVID-19 only unit has been open consistently for several weeks now, after not having any inpatients for many weeks this summer. The local rise in cases leads us to believe we will have inpatients consistently for the near future.

“Once again, we pause to thank our staff for their dedication and continued efforts to ensure safe, quality health care for our patients during this crisis,” said Carman. “The risk they face every single day, and the strain it puts on them and their families warrants our appreciation and gratitude. We remind everyone to recommit to safe behaviors that will allow us to slow the spread and help protect our entire community.”

This second COVID-related death of a local community member is even more reason to practice all the safety guidelines to slow the spread of this virus. To protect yourself and your loved ones – wash your hands, wear your mask properly, social distance and avoid crowds.

Robotic Bronchoscopy Could Enable Earlier and More-Accurate Diagnosis of Lung Nodules

Watertown, NY – A new innovation that holds promise to fight lung cancer is now in use at Samaritan Medical Center. Used to view the inside of the lungs and obtain a tissue sample for biopsy, Auris Health’s Monarch™ Platform aims to enable an earlier and more-accurate diagnosis of small and hard-to-reach nodules in the periphery of the lung.

The technology integrates the latest advancements in robotics, software, data science, and endoscopy (the use of small cameras and tools to enter the body through its natural openings). Samaritan is the first hospital in Central New York and the North Country to invest in this new technology and one of only two sites in the entire state to utilize the platform, which was recently cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Samaritan made the strategic decision in 2019 to purchase this important equipment and complement its pulmonology and oncology services. Illness and death due to lung cancer is staggeringly high across our tri-county region. The lung and bronchus cancer rate in Jefferson County alone is 91 incidences per 100,000 persons – 50% higher than the New York State average of 60, according to National Cancer Center Institute statistics. Jefferson County’s death rate due to lung cancer is 54 per 100,000 population, compared to the state’s average of 37. Rates in St. Lawrence and Lewis counties also are well above statewide averages. This data is provided by the National Cancer Center Institute.

“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, in part because it has no symptoms in its early stages. Because the Monarch Platform provides improved reach, vision and control for bronchoscopic procedures, it holds potential to help us to make a diagnosis earlier,” said Dr. David P. Rechlin, Pulmonology & Critical Care Physician at Samaritan. “We are excited about the promise of this technology to offer a more hopeful future for our patients with lung cancer.”

Since lung cancer is often found at an advanced stage, more than 90 percent of people diagnosed with the disease do not survive it. There are a variety of diagnostic options currently available for lung cancer, but all have limitations in accuracy, safety, or invasiveness. These limitations can lead to false positives, false negatives, or side effects such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and hemorrhage, which may increase health care costs and extend hospital stays.

The Monarch Platform utilizes a familiar controller-like interface that physicians use to navigate the flexible robotic endoscope to the periphery of the lung with improved reach, vision, and control. Combining traditional endoscopic views into the lung with computer-assisted navigation based on 3-D models of the patient’s own lung anatomy, the Monarch Platform provides physicians with continuous bronchoscope vision throughout the entire procedure.

To learn more about Samaritan Pulmonology or to see a video about the Auris Monarch Platform, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/lung-care.

Watertown, NY — The 20th Annual Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Radiothon — held November 11-13, 2020 — set a new fundraising record this year, bringing in $163,400. This is the most ever raised during the event, surpassing last year’s total of $140,647.

DJs Johnny Spezzano from the Border 106.7 and Lance Hale from 94 Rock were live on air for three days asking for the North Country’s financial support for local Children’s Miracle Network kids, and the community came through in a big way!

“I am always in awe of our generous community,” said Bonnie Eppolito, of the Samaritan Foundation. “Funds raised from Radiothon allow us to continue assisting CMN families in our local tri-county area, and for that we are very grateful.”

“We are very excited to be a part of this record-breaking fundraising year,” said Jim Leven, President of Community Broadcasters. “Johnny, Lance and the entire Community Broadcasters team, with its advertisers, are proud to a part of this event each year.”

Sponsors of this year’s Radiothon include Northern Federal Credit Union; BCA Architects & Engineers; Advanced Business Systems, Inc.; Lake Ontario Realty; MVP Health Care, and Carter Young of Allstate Insurance. Special thanks to Watertown Savings Bank, which assisted in counting change collected from the “Change for Kids” initiative.

All funds raised for Children’s Miracle Network stay local. Funds are used to purchase the most advanced life-saving medical equipment needed to care for children at Samaritan Medical Center and also to support capital projects, like the Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children. Additionally, Children’s Miracle Network of NNY offers a direct family assistance program to families in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties who have a child facing a medical crisis.

For more information on Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals contact the Samaritan Medical Center Foundation at 315-785-5785 or email [email protected].

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is changing the COVID-19 Drive-Up Testing Site to a more suitable long-term location in anticipation of winter weather. The new location will be at the Samaritan Health & Wellness Plaza, 1575 Washington Street in Watertown. This change goes into effect Monday, November 16, 2020.

The new location will continue as a drive-up site, with patients never exiting their vehicle. Patients will enter an existing garage bay and will exit out another bay of the same garage. This indoor setting will protect staff and patients from winter weather and provide safe and convenient access for vehicles. The Samaritan Health & Wellness Plaza is located directly behind the North Country Orthopaedic Group.

Patients who arrive for testing will be directed to proceed straight down the existing main driveway in the right-hand lane and then will enter the garage on the right-hand side of Plaza building. They will have their test performed and will exit the building using the same driveway. Please see the map at bottom.

Currently, the Drive-Up Testing Site is a NYS Collection Site, offering up to 300 free tests per week to any community member that wants to be tested. It also tests all community members who need testing via the Samaritan Resource Line (315-755-3100) and all pre-surgical patients for Samaritan and other surgical providers. On average, the Drive-Up Testing Site sees approximately 50 patients per day. Appointments must be scheduled. To date, the Drive-Up Testing Site has performed over 9,000 tests since its inception in March. It was the first COVID-19 Drive-Up Testing Site in the local region.

Community members who wish to schedule a free COVID-19 test should submit their request on our website and a staff member will reach out to schedule an appointment. If you have any questions or symptoms relating to COVID-19 – including but not limited to cough, fever, shortness of breath, chills, sore throat, or headache – please contact the Samaritan Resource Line at 315-755-3100.

Samaritan Medical Center, Crouse Health, Mohawk Valley Health System, St. Joseph’s Health, and Upstate University Hospital have joined forces to raise awareness of the signs of stroke and when to seek help in recognition of World Stroke Day, Oct. 29.

The five hospitals—all members of the CNY Regional Stroke Advisory Council—have collaborated in the creation of two public service messages highlighting the FAST message. FAST stands for: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911.

“Stroke is a preventable cause of death and disability. As a neuropathologist, I encourage everyone to recognize the early signs of stroke outlined in the American Heart Association’s FAST model on this year’s World Stroke Day,” said Robert Corona, DO, MBA, chief executive officer of Upstate University Hospital.

In addition to recognizing the signs of stroke in yourself or a loved one, the CNY Regional Stroke Advisory Council encourages individuals to seek appropriate hospital-level care when appropriate.

Josh Onyan, BSN, RN, SCRN, manager of Upstate’s Comprehensive Stroke Program, says stroke centers across the nation have reported a severe decrease in patients seeking care in a hospital due to novel coronavirus fears. “We have created this message for our community so they not only know how to spot signs of stroke, but also to get the word out that our region’s hospitals are working together to remain a safe place to seek stroke care during this covid pandemic,” said Onyan.

Upstate follows a universal masking policy for staff, provides a new mask to all patients upon arrival, and Upstate’s Environmental Health and Safety department utilizes rigorous cleaning procedures.

At Samaritan Medical Center, safety precautions are in place, appropriate PPE is available, and they rely on their well-trained staff to keep patients safe. “As the tri-county region’s only Primary Stroke Center, Samaritan Medical Center is committed to fast, reliable and skilled stroke care,” shared Thomas H. Carman, president and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center.

“On World Stroke Day, we celebrate our collaboration with the CNY Regional Stroke Advisory Council to care for stroke patients. This collective team has the knowledge, experience and dedication to care for any patient in need. During this pandemic, patients have been hesitant to seek care, but rest assured, we are here for you and we are safe,” said Carman.

The CNY Regional Stroke Advisory Council, formed in 2017, was designed to provide these key health care institutions a way to share information on stroke care, best practices, and national guidelines. The council encourages the exchange of ideas, allowing for critical consultations on stroke treatment protocols for patients requiring care throughout the region. The council includes experts in EMS, emergency medicine, nursing, stroke coordination, and stroke medicine. The Central, North Country and Eastern regions are all represented.

For access to the 30- and 60-second spots, please visit our You Tube channel.

For more information on Upstate’s Comprehensive Stroke Center, visit www.upstate.edu/stroke. For information on Samaritan’s stroke care please click here.

For details on FAST, visit https://www.upstate.edu/stroke/about_stroke/signs.php.

WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is compelled to pause inpatient visitation and Emergency Department (ED) support persons because of the recent increase in positive cases in the local region. This takes effect today, Monday, October 26, 2020. This is out of an abundance of caution to minimize additional people in the hospital to keep patients and staff safe. We are attempting to notify inpatient families at this time.

We will continually reevaluate local data and determine when we can safely re-implement inpatient visitation and ED support persons.
This pause in visitation does not impact our end-of-life patients, patients under the age of 18, nursery/neonatal intensive care unit patients or patients that require a support person due to an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD) or a cognitive impairment, including dementia. These visitors need to continue to use the Rotunda entrance at the hospital. This does not impact our obstetrics/maternity patients and their active labor and recovery support person. These patients need to continue to use the Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children entrance.

To see all other visitation policies and protocols, please click here and understand that these are likely to change as the pandemic shifts.

Watertown, N.Y. – Samaritan Health announced today it has successfully completed the restoration of all computer systems and applications, and can confirm no patient or employee data was accessed or acquired.

Thomas H. Carman, president & chief executive officer, said, “Our systems are now relaying information as they had been prior to the outage, and all information is again being sent to the Health Information Exchange.”

Carman also reported a third-party investigation determined there was no unauthorized access to or acquisition of patient data.

“We take the privacy of our patients and staff very seriously, so this is particularly meaningful and positive news,” he added.

The systems at the following clinic locations are all now back in operation:

• All primary care locations
• Women’s Wellness and Breast Care
• Wound Care Center
• Dermatology
• Pain Management Center
• Urology
• Infectious Disease
• Rheumatology

Clinic online patient portals, smartphone applications and Samaritan’s email system are also fully operational.

“We want to once again thank our IT team and the third-party computer forensic professionals who worked so hard to restore systems and applications, along with our entire staff for all of their efforts to help provide high-quality patient care during this challenging time. Operating under downtime procedures was stressful, but as with other challenges, our team rose to the occasion,” Carman emphasized.

Carman cautioned that even though computer systems and applications are restored, there could be some residual delays.

“Although our patient care and record systems are fully operational, we are still in a recovery period as we transition from paper downtime procedures and continue entering information into our systems. We have a methodical and effective process in place, but it is time intensive.”

“We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating how much we appreciate the entire community’s patience and support during this outage and recovery,” Carman concluded.

Any patients with ongoing issues or concerns related to the outage are asked to contact Samaritan’s patient relations department at 315-785-4679.