Quality care right at home.

News Releases
Press Releases regarding events, services and news at United Memorial are posted on this website by the Community Relations Department at United Memorial. If you would like additional information, please contact us at (585)344-5415 or by email to contactus@ummc.org.



Obstetrician to Join Medical Staff
United Memorial is pleased to announce the recruitment of Nina Strollo, MD to the Hospital's Medical Staff. Dr. Strollo will join UMMC in August 2010 following the completion of her Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Buffalo where she serves as the Administrative Chief Resident.

In 2002 Dr. Strollo graduated, cum laude, from SUNY Binghamton with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development with a minor in Biological Sciences. Dr. Strollo completed her Medical Doctorate at the SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse in 2006. Dr. Strollo is a 1998 graduate of Batavia High School and Batavia native. She currently resides in Clarence, NY.

Dr. Strollo is affiliated with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Medical Association. Her interests are in gynecologic surgery with a focus in laparoscopy.

“I look forward to serving my community and bringing my medical training back home to Genesee County,” stated Dr. Strollo.

UMMC breaks ground on $20 million expansion project
United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) will hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for the surgical expansion project  on Thursday, October 15, 2009.

The project, estimated at $20 million, will add a 44,000 square foot, one story addition to the front of the main hospital building. Operating rooms (OR) will double in size from 300 to 600 square feet with a total of five operating rooms, one treatment room and nineteen private recovery beds.

Currently, medical imaging and surgical equipment is ‘pushed into’ an OR space that was built based on a 1950’s model of medicine when the surgery area was constructed. Medicine has evolved greatly over the last 50 years and the new surgical area will offer a modern environment and state of the art equipment to the residents of Genesee County.

A boom system will be employed to suspend necessary equipment from the ceiling; freeing up floor space, reducing clutter and trip hazards and allowing staff 360˚ access to the patient without disruption. The new layout also will allow for the use of up to date anesthesia medication administration equipment. Equipment costs, alone, contribute to $1.5 million of budgeted expense.

Enhanced technology will have pre-sets available for individual physicians’ preferences for lights, cameras, and music. The surgeon will be able to dim or change the lighting and use telephone or data capabilities without removing their hands from the surgical field. The ability to feed video images at bedside enables the surgeon to consult directly with other physicians in real time. This video integration will also improve United Memorial’s telemedicine capabilities.

Included in the renovation project is a new visitor elevator, chapel, gift shop and snack kiosk. The waiting areas and lobby will be comfortable; decorated in a soft color palette with abundant natural light. The main entrance and front parking lots have been redesigned to allow for ease of access, without stairs or steps and handicapped accessible. Exterior landscaping and the architecture of the façade will be sympathetic to the residential neighborhood.

Space occupied now by the surgical department will integrated into the new project and repurposed for offices and as support space. United Memorial is proud to serve as Genesee County’s War Memorial and is working closely with Veterans’ Services to relocate the monument to a compatible location on the campus.

While deemed necessary during the merger of Genesee Memorial and St. Jerome Hospitals ten years ago, the expansion has been actively planned for the past eighteen months following United Memorial’s success in achieving financial stability. Architectural services were provided by Clark Patterson Lee and construction will be completed by Manning Squires Hennig. Completion is expected in January 2011.

(posted October 16, 2009)


United Memorial Infant Security Tested
United Memorial staged an unannounced Code Amber Drill to test the functionality of its new infant security system on Thursday. September 17, 2009. A nursing student and environmental services employee volunteered to attempt to override the security system and remove a lifelike doll from the facility.

An alert employee from the maternity unit stopped the mock abduction before they were able to leave the building. The drill proceeded in order to test other procedures United Memorial has in place to address the possibility of an infant or child abduction.

In June 2009, United Memorial installed the HALO Infant Security System which was purchased through donations made to the Hospital Foundation.

United Memorial Receives Approval from State for PT Project

United Memorial is pleased to announce that they have received official confirmation from the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Project Management that the Certificate of Need (CON) for Physical Therapy Services at Med Tech Park has been approved. The approval is dated August 14, 2009 and was received by mail on Monday.

 

As a not-for-profit community hospital regulated by the State of New York, United Memorial is required to seek approval for projects involving expansion of services or renovations to the physical plant. The CON process was adopted in NYS in 1974 as a way of preventing the hospitals and healthcare providers from “overbuilding” and driving up healthcare costs to pay for expansion projects. After an analytical assessment, CONs are granted based on community need rather than in the economic self interest of an individual facility. The process also serves to enhance quality of care. By monitoring facilities and equipment, hospitals can acknowledge what services are in demand and how effectively patients are cared for. 

 

The current CON approval will allow United Memorial to move ahead with plans to relocate Physical Therapy services from two separate sites in Batavia to a united, more efficient space at Med Tech Park at Genesee Community College (GCC).

 

“It will allow us to provide better service to those in need of physical therapy by consolidating our program under one roof in a much more accessible building,” stated Mark Schoell, Hospital CEO.

 

Since the merger of the two hospitals in 2000, United Memorial has operated two PT programs-one on the North Street Campus at Summit Physical Therapy and another at Cary Hall on the Bank Street Campus. Neither of the sites was appropriately sized to provide the increasing level of service demanded by patient volumes and care plans. Patient access at the Bank Street site was limited and not fully handicapped accessible. The North Street site was located in a congested area and suffered from inadequate parking.  In July 2009, Summit Rehabilitation assumed management responsibilities for PT and OT services at United Memorial.

 

The new site will allow for full handicap accessibility and improved parking.  The site at GCC is just two miles beyond the current locations and will be serviced by the same public transportation line that currently stops at the Batavia sites. There is no increase in fare.

 

The new facility will offer improved aqua therapy services by having pools with resistive jets, regulated temperatures, treadmills and multiple sized pools for different patient requirements. A full sized “home-like” environment will be available to assist those with occupational therapy.

 

For number of years, United Memorial has enjoyed a collaborative partnership with GCC’s Nursing Program. Many students perform their clinical rotations at the hospital and find employment at United Memorial following graduation. This affiliation has contributed to United Memorial’s success in recruiting and retaining registered nurses; preventing a nursing shortage at UMMC. The proximity of the new Physical Therapy site to GCC will enhance the learning opportunities for GCC’s Physical Therapy students and continue to foster a positive relationship between the college and hospital.

 

Novel Influenza A (H1N1) confirmed at United Memorial

An employee of United Memorial has tested positive for H1N1, the novel influenza A virus. To date, the affected employee is recovering at home and has not needed hospitalization.

UMMC has been communicating and working with the NYS Department of Health and the Genesee County Health Department. As an employer and healthcare facility, we have correctly followed all of the recommendations set forth by the Department of Health, including identifying all who may have come in contact with the individual employee at the Hospital. Following the Hospital’s investigation of possible exposures, the physicians of exposed patients were contacted immediately and we shared the guidelines for prophylaxis with them for follow-up with their patients. Exposed employees were also screened and offered anti-viral medications as a prophylactic measure.

Employees at the Hospital were informed of the positive H1N1 case in a memo on Tuesday afternoon and reminded to stay at home if they exhibited any flu-like symptoms. The UMMC Employee Health Nurse and the Infection Prevention Manager are closing monitoring sick call-ins by UMMC staff. There are currently no staff shortages and this incidence does not affect patient care.

The community should feel confident in the safety of United Memorial. We follow aggressive infection prevention precautions to limit the spread of any communicable illness. There is little difference in how we address outbreaks of seasonal influenza as compared to how we are advised to address Novel Influenza A (H1N1). During regular flu season, October – March, the hospital routinely issues public statements reminding residents of common flu prevention practices as a way to keep people informed and to encourage healthy habits. It is important that residents remain informed, not alarmed, about the current influenza cases within our community.

Everyone should remember to use appropriate hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette to prevent the spread of influenza. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, sore throat, cough or nasal congestion. Anyone with symptoms should contact their physician.

(posted June 25, 2009)

Housing Event Scheduled

United Memorial Medical Center will celebrate the beginning of renovations to the new senior housing project, Jerome Towers, at a reception on June 9th from 4 to 6 pm at 16 Bank Street, Batavia. Retired New York State Senator, the Honorable Mary Lou Rath and the Sisters of Mercy will be honored at the event.

United Memorial, in partnership with Conifer Realty LLC, will renovate the top four floors of the former St. Jerome Hospital on Bank Street, Batavia, to achieve (37) one and two bedroom rental units for low and moderate income seniors.

The St. Jerome Hospital, which was operated by the Catholic Health System of WNY, merged with Genesee Memorial Hospital on January 1, 2000 to create United Memorial Medical Center. Since the merger nearly 10 years ago, the majority of the main hospital building on the Bank Street campus has been underutilized or vacant. In December 2007, United Memorial opened The Jerome Center, which houses comprehensive outpatient diagnostic services, occupational medicine, specialty and primary care services on the ground floor of the former St. Jerome Hospital.

The addition of senior housing will complete a multi-phased plan to repurpose the campus so that it once again fulfills a vital role in the Batavia community. The façade of the building will remain intact and remain as a treasured local landmark. Senior housing residents will have access to the medical services, gift shop and cafe located on the ground floor without having to exit the building. Residents will also be able to enjoy the convenience of having the YMCA and Senior Center located within steps of the facility.

This project is expected to take a year to reach completion and represents an investment of $8 million into downtown Batavia. Conifer LeChase Construction will manage the project. Architectural services were provided by Clark Patterson Lee.

(posted June 2, 2009)

Healthcare Auxilian Day

Governor David Paterson has proclaimed May 13, 2009, as Healthcare Auxilian Day in New York State to recognize the dedicated auxilians who annually donate more than five million hours of service to their health care facilities and to their communities.

United Memorial honored all volunteers (auxilians) at a special luncheon on May 7th at Bohn’s restaurant.

(posted May 12, 2009)



Physician receives Sports Medicine Certification

United Memorial Medical Staff member and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Matthew J. Landfried, MD has received certification in the subspecialty of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inc.

Sports Medicine relates to the care of injuries resulting from athletic activities. Orthopaedic sports medicine specialists have cognitive and psychomotor skills that make them proficient in addressing conditioning, training, and fitness for athletic performance. This includes the role of dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals and nutrition in the short and long tern health of athletes, coordination of medical care within athletic team settings with trainers, physical therapists, and physicians.

Sports Medicine Specialists provide “on-the-field” evaluations with comprehensive knowledge of soft tissue biomechanics, injury healing, and repair. They coordinate treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical, and possess an understanding of athletic equipment and orthotic devices for their use in prevention and management of athletic injuries.

Dr. Landfried is a partner in the Genesee Orthopaedics medical practice with locations at 33 Chandler Avenue, Batavia and 3 Handley Street, Perry. He is a graduate of Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA and is Board Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Landfried is the Chair of the Surgical Department and Chief of Surgery at United Memorial.

(posted April 6, 2009)


United Memorial responds to Economic Conditions

For the past three months, United Memorial has been working to take pro-active steps in positioning the organization to effectively cope with the impact of reduced reimbursements from governmental payers and the effects of the declining stock market. To remain financially viable and protect the high level of service provided to our patients, we have applied organizational changes.

United Memorial began implementing several cost saving strategies in January which included limiting expenses unrelated to patient care, restricting the travel and education budgets and re-evaluating projects and capital purchases. All contracts for supplies, utilities and services were re-examined for cost savings. The Cardiac Rehab program was altered to increase class size and allow fewer days of operation. The Process Improvement Department was restructured under Quality Management and the employee shuttle service was outsourced.

As a part of this process, 16 vacant open positions with the equivalent hours of 12 full time employees were eliminated and since January, 14 employees were let go. While the 14 individuals affected by this action account for less than 2% of our 770 person workforce, they were our colleagues, co-workers and friends. Each possessed admirable work ethics and they have collectively provided the Hospital with decades of respected service. Those that were eligible were offered severance packages and where appropriate, options to extend their healthcare coverage.

The eliminated positions include three in management and 27 support staff.

The Surgical Expansion and Affordable Senior Housing Projects will continue as planned. The Hospital leadership team has worked conscientiously to make decisions that will allow United Memorial to continue to grow and provide quality services that meet the healthcare needs of our community.

(posted March 4, 2009)

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, United Memorial urges men and women over aged 50 to get screened for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the United States, excluding skin cancers, and the third leading cause of cancer-related death in New York State. Approximately, 11,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year in New York, and 4,000 men and women die from the disease annually.

Colorectal cancer is the term used for cancers that start in the colon or the rectum. Colorectal cancer often starts as a small growth called a polyp, long before symptoms appear. A polyp is a non-cancerous growth of tissue or tumor that grows before cancer develops. A polyp grows on the lining of the colon or rectum and may change into cancer. “Screening tests can prevent cancer by finding it early when the chance of being cured is very good,” said Michael Merrill, MD, VP of Medical Affairs.

All men and women ages 50 and older should be screened for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer can affect anyone, men and women alike, and the risk only increases with age. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 90 percent of colon cancer cases occur in people aged 50 and older.

Some people are at greater risk for the disease than others, though, such as those with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, history of intestinal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, and people with a history of certain inherited diseases such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer.

Colorectal cancer can be prevented or detected early through regular screening. United Memorial Medical Center urges you to lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer by:

· Getting Screened- Begin regular screening at age 50. If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, or a personal history of another cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, talk to your health care provider about getting screened before age 50.

· Eating healthy- Enjoy a low-fat diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains from breads, cereals, nuts, and beans. Eat foods with folate such as green, leafy vegetables. A daily multivitamin containing .4mg of folic acid may also be helpful.

· Kicking the habit-If you use tobacco, quit. If you don't use tobacco, don't start.

· Skipping the alcohol- If you use alcohol, drink only in moderation. Alcohol and tobacco in combination are linked to colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers.

· Getting moving- Exercise for at least 20 minutes three to four days each week. Moderate exercise such as walking, gardening, or climbing may help reduce your risk.

“Talking with your healthcare provider is vital when it comes to preventing colorectal cancer, stressed Dr. Merrill, colorectal cancer is easily treated and often curable when detected early. The tests are often covered by Medicare and many health insurers.”

If you are uninsured or underinsured there is a program in this community that provides access to free colorectal cancer screening. Call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262) to find the cancer screening program near you. For more information about colorectal cancer, contact the Genesee Orleans Cancer Partnership at (585)344-5497 or visit us on-line at www.ummc.org.

New Treatment Options for Incontinence, Kidney Stones and Enlarged Prostate
Urologist Ralph R. Madeb, MD will present new options available in Genesee County for the treatment of incontinence, kidney stones and enlarged prostate at a free community health talk on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 6:30 pm in the Healthy Living Classroom, 211 East Main Street, Batavia.

Dr. Madeb is a Clinical Urologist who practices in Batavia and a member of the United Memorial Medical Staff. He is an Assistant Professor of Urology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, and Medical Director for the Telemedicine Unit of Rochester General Hospital. Dr. Madeb specializes in diseases of the Urinary System including prostate; kidney stones; overactive bladder; urinary incontinence; erectile dysfunction; urinary system cancer and other urologic conditions.

To reserve a seat at this free event, please contact (585) 344-5331. Light refreshments will be served.
(posted 03/13/09)


Diabetes Education Program at United Memorial Merits ADA Recognition
United Memorial Medical Center has been awarded the prestigious American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Certificate from December 2008 through December 2011. This award indicates the hospital’s continued commitment in providing high-quality self-management education essential to effective diabetes treatment.

The Association’s Recognition Certificate assures that educational programs meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. This recognition confirms that United Memorial maintains a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide patients with both diabetes management information and high-quality service.

The American Diabetes Association has determined that diabetes afflicts 20.8 million people; estimated at 7% of the United States population. While an estimated 14.6 million people have been diagnosed, 6.2 million are most likely unaware of even having this disease. Many will not initially learn of their diabetic condition until being treated for one of its several life-threatening complications – heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve disease and amputation.

With approximately 4,110 people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, the American Diabetes Associates forges ahead as the nation’s leading non-profit health organization supporting all important diabetes research, advocacy and information for health professionals and the public. The association’s web site – www.diabetes.org can be accessed online for further information. To inquire about United Memorial’s educational program on diabetes please call the Healthy Living Department at (585) 344-5331.
(posted 03/13/09)

Power Issues at United Memorial
Early this morning, United Memorial was made aware of potentially dangerous power issues at the North Street Campus. A transfer switch which allows approximately 75% of the Hospital’s electrical needs to move to generator power, failed.

While the Hospital was operational and functioning “on the grid” using regular electrical service, the lack of a redundancy system required the cancellation of all surgeries and placed the Emergency Department on diversion. All incoming ambulances were diverted to Millard Fillmore Suburban and other area hospitals.

In order to diagnose and correct the power issue, United Memorial went “off the grid” and was without power for approximately 16 minutes beginning at 12:20 pm today. This allowed crews to convert to a temporary manual switching system. In preparation for this event, United Memorial worked with the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management, City of Batavia Fire and Police, and the Department of Health to insure patient safety. Mobile generators and temporary lighting were brought in for critical electrical power needs and an internal labor pool was established to address issues due to the lack of elevator and computer services. Quality Management discharged patients that were expected to go home today prior to the power interruption and patient meals were delivered before elevator services were disconnected. A notice was also sent to all members of the Medical Staff alerting them to the situation.

This afternoon, electrical crews worked to move two operating rooms off of the manual switching system over to an automatic transfer switch. In an unexpected power failure due to circumstances such as weather or an accident, this conversion will allow generator power to become effective in a matter of seconds, with a manual transfer to generator power, 3-5 minutes are necessary. This conversion was completed by 5:15 pm and the Hospital ended the diversion of ambulances. United Memorial is now operating at its regular capacity.

A permanent replacement of the faulty transfer switch should occur in the next 2-3 weeks when the customized part becomes available. There were no negative impacts to patient care during this incident and the Hospital would like to express their gratitude to the staff of United Memorial, the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management, City of Batavia Fire and Police Departments, our patients and visitors who worked cooperatively with patience and understanding while we attended to a potential life safety issue. 
(posted 02/13/09)


UMMC Nurse is President of State Association
Deborah Taylor, RN was recently elected as the President of the New York State Emergency Nurses Association (NYSENA). Debbie is a staff nurse in United Memorial’s Emergency Department. She has been employed with the Hospital since 1984. She and her husband, Jack, reside in Batavia.

*The NYS ENA is a non-profit state council of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). As a nationally chartered organization, NYSENA represents the interest of emergency nurses and their patients in the state of New York. New York holds the distinction of being the very first charter site of the national organization. The state council represents over two thousand emergency nurses interested in promoting improved emergency care throughout NYS. The dedicated efforts of its members in the area of public safety, continuing education, nursing research, and promotion of the profession serve to maintain quality of patient care and have a positive influence in the state.
(posted 01/31/09)


Physicians join United Memorial Medical Staff
The United Memorial Medical Center Board of Directors approved the addition of several physicians to the Medical Staff at their regular board meeting on Wednesday, December 17, 2008.

Joining the United Memorial Medical Staff as Associates are Jerry Svoboda, MD a Vascular Surgeon with Rochester Vascular Surgery Associates; Anshu Bais, MD and Arun Raman, MD who specialize in Internal Medicine and have joined Genesee Hospitalists, LLC a group the hospital contracts with for 24 hour physician services for inpatients; Ralph Madeb, MD, a new Urologist establishing a practice in Genesee County; and Fadi Hatem, MD, Enzo Fallone, MD, Dawn Riedy, MD and JulieAnn Warner, MD-all from the Rochester General Hospital Department of Pathology providing pathology services for United Memorial.

Eric TenBrock, MD was credentialed to provide Provisional Consulting for Sleep Studies for United Memorial’s new Sleep Services program located at 229 Summit St., Batavia.

Additional credential providers include Sukhwinder Sandu, MD and Mark Wall, MD to provide on-call TeleRadiology service; Mary Traxler, GNP (General Nurse Practitioner) who joined the practice of Shoukri Wisa, MD; Crystal Crossett, RPA (Registered Physician’s Assistant) joining the practice of Pediatrician Lalit Jain, MD; and Nicholas Osborne, RPA of FDR Medical Services, the physician group providing Emergency Medicine services.
(posted 01/07/09)

 

United Memorial Medical Center League Plans Open House
The United Memorial Medical Center League is planning an Open House for Thursday, October 30, 2008 from 2 to 4 pm in the Snack Shop and Gift Shop at the Hospital’s North Street campus. Free cake and punch will be available to the public. The League recently completed renovations to the Snack Shop by investing $2,000 in refurbished décor and new counter stools.

The Gift Shop will offer a 40% discount on all Halloween items purchased that day and 10% off all additional gift ware. The UMMC League operates both the Gift Shop and Snack Shop at the North Street campus with all proceeds directly benefitting United Memorial. The League has given over $1 million in support since their inception. This year’s charitable contributions will be earmarked for new equipment in the Maternity Unit.

The League is open to new members and volunteers. For information on becoming a volunteer, please contact Karen Tennity at (585)344-7465.

(posted 10/21/08)
United Memorial to receive $3 million grant
United Memorial Medical Center received confirmation yesterday, September 30, 2008 that the New York State Department of Health will award HEAL NY Phase 7 – Capital Restructuring Initiatives #2 funding in the amount of $3,000,000; the full amount requested by the hospital in April 2008.

The award of this grant, which is intended to assist hospitals impacted by closures and mergers mandated by the Commission for Healthcare in the 21st Century, affirms that the Department of Health recognizes the difficult task residents and leaders of Genesee County faced in merging the former Genesee Memorial and St. Jerome Hospitals in January 2000- before it was mandated.

The grant will have a positive impact for the Hospital’s Surgical Expansion project given the current credit situation in the financial markets.

Expansion of the surgical department at United Memorial will increase the number of operating rooms from three to five and their individual square footage. This expansion will allow additional surgical procedures to be performed at United Memorial, improve patient access and work flow and enhance the hospital’s ability to attract new surgeons and physicians.

The Surgery Project is currently under review by the Department of Health in preparation for presentation to the New York State Hospital Review and Planning Council which has ultimate authority to approve the project. UMMC would like to begin construction as early as June 2009 pending all approvals and financing.


Pink Hatter’s Event Planned
(Batavia, N.Y.)- The Cancer Services Partnership of Genesee and Orleans County (formerly known as the Healthy Women’s Partnership) has scheduled its annual breast cancer awareness event, Pink Hatter’s Night Out, for October 9th at Batavia Downs, 8315 Park Road, Batavia.

All attendees are encouraged to wear a pink hat. Each year prizes are awarded for hats in several categories. Doors open at 4 pm to preview the Chinese Auction items. Tickets to the event are $20 each and available at the Healthy Living Partnership, 211 East Main Street, Batavia; or by phoning (585)344-5494. Seating is limited and is expected to sell out.

Michele Odrabina, MD who practices in obstetrics and gynecology in Albion and Medina will be the featured speaker.

DIVA by DIVA will present a special performance of A Celebration of Women. This O’Connell & Company original production, is now in its 9th year. Each performance features different materials and cast in a fast paced whirl of sequins, songs, humor and quotes by, for and about women.

The Cancer Services Partnership is a grant funded program which provides access to free colorectal, breast and cervical cancer screenings for men and women, age 18 to 64, who are uninsured or underinsured. United Memorial manages the Partnership for Orleans and Genesee Counties.
 
FREE Blood Pressure Screenings
United Memorial Medical Center will offer free blood pressure screenings each Thursday in October, the 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th, from 1:30 to 3:00 pm at our Cardiac Rehab Department located at 215 Summit Street, Batavia. Appointments are not needed and walk-ins are welcome.

The American Heart Association claims that nearly one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure, but because there are no symptoms, nearly one-third of these people don't know they have it. Many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure. The only way to tell if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked.

For additional information please contact Healthy Living, United Memorial’s Community Education and Outreach Department at (585)344-5331.
-(posted 9/19/08)


Site work to begin at Jerome Center
Site work will begin at the United Memorial Jerome Center on Monday, September 8, 2008. This project will disrupt access and parking until Friday, September 12th. The Jerome Center, which houses outpatient diagnostic services such as medical imaging and laboratory specimen collection, the Corporate Health Center, and Batavia Family Care is located at 16 Bank Street, Batavia.

The former St. Jerome Hospital Emergency Department and Ground Floor were renovated during the summer and fall of 2007 to improve outpatient services. A 37-unit affordable senior housing project is planned for the remainder of the building.

In July, a medical office building and the former St. Luke’s Manor Nursing home were razed at United Memorial’s Jerome Center Campus to make room for additional parking and landscaping.

Services at the Center will follow their normal hours of operation for the duration of the week. Individual departments at the Jerome Center may be reached at (585)344-4800 for additional information.
(-posted September 5, 2008)


New Provider at Batavia Family Care
Elaine Lemley, RPA-C has joined the staff at Batavia Family Care in the United Memorial Jerome Center. Elaine is a Certified Registered Physician Assistant who previosly worked with Shoukri M. Wisa, MD in Batavia and Albion, Pembroke Family Family Medicine and Gary Smith, MD of Batavia. Elaine received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1985 from  Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio. In 2008 she was nationally recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Elaine, a resident of Stafford, NY will be accepting new patients at Batavia Family Care. Please phone (585) 344-4800 to make an appointment.
(posted September 2, 2008)

Tountas Family Care Physician Coverage
Stanley Ambis, MD and Christine Howard, RPA-C of United Memorial's Byron Family Care Center, have added the duties of interim healthcare providers at Tountas Family Care Center at 3 Tountas Avenue, LeRoy. This temporary measure will insure that patients at Tountas Family Care continue to have access to care following the resignation of Thomas Vuong, DO in July. Dr. Vuong and his family have relocated to Texas.

Patients may call (585)768-6530 for an appointment.
(posted September 2, 2008)

Bariatric Surgery Options
(Batavia, N.Y.)- United Memorial Medical Center will host an informational talk about Bariatric Surgery on July 16th at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross Street, Batavia. The program will begin at 6:30 pm. Anthony DiBenedetto, MD Chief of Surgery for Rochester General Hospital, will lead the discussion on surgical options for significant weight loss. Seating is limited. Reservations may be made by calling the Healthy Living Department at (585)344-5331.
-(posted July 08, 2008)

Walk the Villages Community Night
(Batavia, N.Y.)- United Memorial Medical Center is a proud sponsor of Walk the Villages, a free event initiated by Senator Mary Lou Rath to encourage residents to walk in 6 local communities. Batavia’s community walk is scheduled for Thursday, July 10th at 6pm. It will begin at the Batavia City Centre where United Memorial will offer free health screenings and giveaways. Participants will have the opportunity to go on a guided walk downtown where they will learn about the history of some of Batavia’s businesses and landmarks. For more information on Walk the Villages visit their website at www.walkthevillages.com.
(posted July 06, 2008)

Vice President of Development
Nicolas (Nico) Karagosian has joined the leadership team at United Memorial Medical Center in the newly created position of Vice President of Development. His appointment became official on July 31, 2008.

In this role, Nico will  serve as the Executive Director of the United Memorial Medical Center Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the hospital. NIco holds an MBA and an MS in Healthcare Administration. He was previously employed at Clifton Springs Hospital in Clifton Springs, NY as the Foundation Executive Director. Nico resides in Honeoye Falls with his wife, Staci and their three children.
(posted September 2, 2008)

 

Freedom from Secondhand Smoke
(Batavia, N.Y.)- United Memorial Medical Center joined a growing number of hospitals in Western New York and across the country when a smoke free policy was enacted on July 4, 2008.

Beginning on Independence Day, no smoking is permitted – inside or outside – on hospital property. This initiative also included the elimination of designated areas outside United Memorial where employees, patients and visitors currently use tobacco products and apply to satellite locations in Pembroke, Le Roy, Batavia and Byron.

“As a health care organization, United Memorial is committed to the health and safety of our community,” said hospital CEO, Mark Schoell.  “We have a responsibility to take a leadership role on this major health issue, and allowing people to smoke on hospital property defeats this purpose.”

Tobacco is the cause of death for 25,000 New York State residents each year and is the root cause of many illnesses and lost productivity. Tobacco use in and around hospitals poses health and safety risks for patients, employees and visitors.

UMMC’s decision to go tobacco-free is not an attempt to “force” anyone to quit using tobacco products. Rather, the smoke free initiative is a concrete way we can demonstrate our ongoing commitment to healthy living.

A UMMC task force – made up of smokers and non-smokers – will guide the medical center through its transition to make the change as easy as possible. United Memorial will offer additional smoking cessation classes and educational materials, as well as nicotine replacement therapies, to help smokers quit.

We are asking for community support in United Memorial’s smoke free initiative.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Each year, United Memorial sponsors a number of events to promote breast cancer awareness and celebrate the lives of those who have been affected by this disease.

While we can wear pink, pins and ribbons to show our support; its early detection that will save lives. We encourage women age 40 and above to use the month of October as a reminder to schedule their annual screening mammogram. You don’t need a referral from your doctor and if you don’t have insurance, we offer programs to pay for your screening. When detected early, breast cancer is treatable and beatable!

United Memorial offers the same digital technology found at breast imaging centers. Our newly renovated Jerome Center is comfortable and private. To make an appointment for your mammogram call (585) 344-5444 or click here to contact our Scheduling Department.

Uninsured? Click here for more information

Pink Ribbon Pins are available all month for a $3 donation. All proceeds stay in Genesee County to help pay for uninsured women’s health services. healthyliving@ummc.org

October 24th is Pink Ribbon Day. Wear Pink and a pink ribbon pin to receive free cake at the United Memorial Medical Center Cafeteria between 11 am and 1 pm.

Pink Hatters Night Out was October 9th at Batavia Downs. This annual event celebrates the survivors of breast cancer. Nearly 500 women (and at least 5 men) attended this year’s event at Batavia Downs. If you’d like to be added to next year’s mailing list click here.