Cornerstone names LNA of the Year, awards Laars: Seacoast health news

Cornerstone VNA names Kathryn Howard as LNA of the Year

ROCHESTER — Cornerstone VNA, a local nonprofit home health and hospice care provider, has named Kathryn Howard as their Licensed Nursing Assistant of the Year. Howard, who joined Cornerstone VNA in February 2021, is known for her high standard of performance and high-quality care. She performs her job exceptionally, cares for patients with respect and dignity, and is an asset to Cornerstone VNA and her local community.

According to Stacey Genest, RN, MSN, Home Care Team Manager, “Kathryn has a unique skill set and utilizes it to create therapeutic connections, making her an exceptional LNA.” Genest continues, “Kathryn is always excited to learn new skills, she is proficient in assisting with installing and removing telehealth equipment in the patient’s home, providing simple wound care, and blood checks for patients on Coumadin, a blood-thinning medication. These additional skills bring value to her LNA role within the agency.”

Howard goes above and beyond and ensures patients are provided the best quality care with a positive experience. She has high ethical standards and expertise in home care, hospice, and acute care that enables her to be an excellent mentor to new staff. She is a great resource for her peers and a role model within Cornerstone VNA. She shows concern for the well-being of others and is always looking for solutions to problems.

Genest adds, “Quality patient care is Kathryn’s mission, and it is evident that healthcare is her passion. She enjoys serving others and expresses her appreciation to others for their efforts.”

Licensed Nursing Assistants, like Howard, provide basic patient care, assist with nursing procedures, and often include helping with “activities of daily living,” including personal hygiene, meal preparation, and assistance with self-administration of medicine. For seniors and adults with disabilities, LNAs are often the unsung heroes who provide the care needed to help individuals age in place in their homes.

Maine residents cycle toward $66 Million Goal

NEEDHAM, Mass. — On Aug. 6 and Aug. 7, more than 6,000 riders, including four riders from York, Maine, will pedal in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), a bike-a-thon with one and two-day routes from 25 to 210 miles, with the goal of topping last year’s record-breaking gift and raising $66 million for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Dana-Farber).

The PMC is presented by the Red Sox Foundation® and M&T Bank. To make a financial contribution to a rider from your town or to register as a rider, visit www.pmc.org, or call (800) WE-CYCLE. Connect with #PMC2022 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Thank you to the following riders from Maine:

Scott Jones, Kittery; Tim Tower, Ogunquit; Timothy Maguire, South Berwick; Ellen Fisher, Scott Howe, Patrick Marshall and Michele Sedler all of York; Myrna Solomon, York Harbor; and Paul (HEZ) Haseltine, Wells.

York Hospital Earns 2022 Healthgrades Award for Outstanding Patient Experience

YORK, Maine – For the third consecutive year, Healthgrades has recognized York Hospital to be among the top 15% of hospitals in the U.S. for Outstanding Patient Experience. The 2022 award was conferred following Healthgrades’ evaluation of 3,173 hospitals who submitted at least 75 patient experience surveys to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services between January and December of 2020.

“As we continue to care for our patients during these challenging times, earning the trust needed to create positive patient experiences is even more important. That’s why this year’s Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience award is particularly meaningful.  It confirms that our caregivers continue to be there for patients and their loved ones, providing patient-centered, memorable and personalized care, that truly makes a difference,” said York Hospital President and CEO Dr. Patrick Taylor. “Being recognized for compassionate and exceptional interactions is a great compliment, and I could not be more proud of our hard-working caregivers and their dedicated service.”

York Hospital was among 399 hospitals that outperformed their peers, to achieve this distinction. The recognition is based on certain patient experience measures data collected from Healthgrades’ own survey. The questions focus on the patients’ perspectives of the care they received while in the hospital, and ranged from their overall experience, to more specific concerns; cleanliness and noise levels; provider communication; responsiveness to patient needs;  and post-discharge information and care instructions. The measures also include whether the patient would recommend the hospital to friends or family.

To learn more about York Hospital, its services, resources and providers, visit yorkhospital.com or contact the Community Relations Office at 207-351-2385 or info@yorkhospital.com.

Wentworth-Douglass expands massage, acupuncture therapies to Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH – Wentworth-Douglass Hospital is expanding its integrative therapies of massage and acupuncture to Portsmouth on June 29.

Massages will be available on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while acupuncture will be available from 1:30 to 6 p.m. The integrative therapies will be located at the Portsmouth Outpatient Center, 73 Corporate Drive, Building B, on the first floor.

The Wentworth-Douglass Integrative Therapies’ team of licensed massage therapists has over five decades of combined experience. The team works with people of all ages, body types and levels of health.

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a medical system originated over 3,000 years ago. Treatment involves the use of very thin, single use, sterile needles which are inserted into specific acupuncture points.

Acupuncture has been known to treat multiple conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, neuropathy, headaches, hormone imbalance, anxiety, allergies, sleep disorders, digestive issues, infertility, and fibromyalgia.

Massage and acupuncture outpatient services are also available at the Wentworth-Douglass Integrative Therapy office in Dover at 15 Rollinsford Road, Suite 204, and the Lee Outpatient Center at 65 Calef Highway.

These services are included in various insurance plans but individuals should check with their insurance provider about coverage. To schedule a session at any of these locations call 603-740-2130. You do not need a physician referral to schedule an appointment. To learn more about these services visit www.wdhospital.org/wdh/staying-well/integrative-therapies.

Cornerstone VNA honors Laars with the 2022 Cornerstone Award

ROCHESTER — There are many businesses within the community who are quietly engaging with, and generously supporting, local nonprofit organizations. Laars Heating Systems in Rochester is one of those businesses who really stands out as a partner, supporter, and friend to Cornerstone VNA, a local nonprofit home health and hospice care provider.

Every year, Cornerstone VNA awards the Cornerstone Award to a local business, community member, volunteer, or staff member to recognize their dedication and commitment to advancing the mission of Cornerstone VNA. This year, the Cornerstone Award was awarded to Laars Heating Systems during a special donor appreciation event held at Cornerstone VNA on June 7. Mark Farrell, Director of Manufacturing Operations at Laars, who was unable to attend the event in person, proudly accepted the award virtually. Mark shared, “You’re near and dear to Laars Heating Systems hearts. All of our employees know of Cornerstone VNA and have used many of your services, including myself and my family members. It’s a joy to work with an organization like Cornerstone VNA. We look forward to continuing our relationship and growing it even further. Thank you for this, it is truly appreciated very much by Laars.”

According to Julie Reynolds, President/CEO of Cornerstone VNA, “Laars first joined our donor family in 2016 when they became a sponsor of our annual dinner and silent auction event. Every year since, they have sponsored our fundraising events and have been present at many community and donor events.”

In addition to participating in and supporting events, Laars has been partnering with Cornerstone VNA to coordinate wellness clinics for their employees such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose screenings, as well as flu clinics. Erika Lee, Advancement Director at Cornerstone VNA adds, “We are grateful for their support, as well as their efforts to partner with us to support the health and wellness of their employees.” Lee continues, “We truly value this relationship we have developed. Laars is a shining example of a business making a difference in their local community, and we are honored to give them this special award.”

Exeter Hospital earns National Recognition for care of stroke patients  

EXETER – Exeter Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Achievement Award. 

The award recognizes their commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate, up-to-date treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability. 

Stroke is the number five cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and speeding recovery times. 

“Receiving the recognition again this year – now at the Gold level - highlights how the clinical team at Exeter Hospital continues to provide quality care that results in positive outcomes even throughout the pandemic,” said Donna McKinney, Vice President of acute care/cancer services and Chief Nurse Executive of Exeter Hospital. “Our continued partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital and their telestroke team allows us to provide the best evidence-based care for our stroke patients.” 

Each year, program participants apply for the award recognition by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, participants also provide education to patients to help them manage their health and rehabilitation once at home. 

Additionally, Exeter Hospital received the Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award. To achieve this recognition, Exeter Hospital demonstrated that it ensures patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most current and evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke. 

“We are pleased to recognize Exeter Hospital for their commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., chairperson of the Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”