Latest news with #CatholicHealth
Business Journals
05-05-2025
- Health
- Business Journals
Occupational therapy plays a vital role in stroke recovery at Catholic Health
In the United States, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds, totaling over 795,000 cases each year. Even more startling, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone dies from a stroke about every three minutes. A stroke cuts off oxygen to the brain, causing brain cells to die, which can lead to death or long-term disability if not treated promptly. Strokes can result in speech difficulties, paralysis and cognitive challenges, making everyday tasks like bathing, dressing or eating difficult. That's why occupational therapy plays such a crucial role in the recovery process — helping stroke survivors regain their independence and adapt to life after a stroke. Occupational therapists (OTs) help individuals relearn basic tasks, improve impaired motor and sensory function and recommend home modifications to enhance safety and accessibility. They may also suggest adaptive equipment and work with families to support the patient's recovery at home. 'Occupational therapists play a key role in improving a patient's mental, physical and social well-being,' said Matthew Clifford, an occupational therapist in the Medical Rehabilitation Unit at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. 'They also provide essential education to patients and their families to achieve the best outcomes and ensure a safe hospital discharge.' As part of the stroke rehabilitation team, occupational therapists work alongside physical therapists and other caregivers. While physical therapy focuses on rebuilding strength and balance, occupational therapy emphasizes restoring cognitive function and everyday skills like cooking, grooming or driving. Together, they offer a comprehensive approach to healing. At Catholic Health, inpatient stroke rehabilitation services — including physical, occupational and speech therapy — are offered at Kenmore Mercy Hospital's Medical Rehabilitation Unit (MRU). MRUs provide a higher level of rehabilitation care for patients recovering from strokes, hip fractures or complications from neurological conditions such as Parkinson's Disease or Multiple Sclerosis. For those who require a different level of care based on their functional needs, Catholic Health also offers a wide range of subacute, outpatient and home care rehabilitation services across Erie and Niagara Counties. Returning to everyday activities can be overwhelming for stroke survivors, especially when speech, vision or mobility are affected. Occupational therapists provide emotional support and teach strategies to navigate these challenges. They also assess home and work settings and recommend modifications to ensure smooth and safe transitions after a stroke. Occupational therapists are more than care providers — they're essential partners in the recovery journey. Through evidence-based care and compassionate support, they help stroke survivors rebuild their lives, one step at a time.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Homeowners sue Long Island hospital over damage they say was caused by construction vibrations
LONG ISLAND - More than 30 homeowners in West Islip are suing Good Samaritan Hospital, claiming vibrations from a nearby construction project damaged their homes, left walls cracked, and made their properties nearly uninhabitable. What we know Neighbors say ongoing construction at Good Samaritan hospital has shaken their homes so badly that, at times, it was mistaken for an earthquake. A cell phone video taken by the Roth family shows pictures on their wall shaking. The Roth family and more than 30 other homeowners are suing the hospital, claiming the damage — including foundational cracks, crumbling steps, and shifted windows — was caused by intense vibrations and shockwaves from the hospital construction site. According to their attorneys, engineers inspected the homes and found consistent damage patterns. They estimate repairs will cost at least $10 million. The other side In a statement to FOX 5, Catholic Health — the hospital system that oversees Good Samaritan Hospital and is named in the lawsuit — said they have "taken proactive steps to keep residents informed and address concerns." They deny that the damage is linked to their construction work and instead attribute the issues to a FEMA-funded flood resiliency project.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Unions demand safer workplace after patient shoots himself at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Presidents and directors of unions CWA Local 1168 and CWA Local 113, along with nurses, gathered Monday to demand a safer workplace after a shooting occurred Sunday night inside of Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, leaving one person injured. According to Catholic Health, a patient sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the hospital's emergency department and no one else was harmed. The patient was taken to ECMC where he is still being treated. Members of the unions describe the situation as an example of the 'growing crisis' within health care facilities. 'Health care workers are at a higher risk of workplace violence than any other work,' said CWA Local 1168 President Cori Gambini. 'The right to a safe workplace is fundamental. No worker should have to fear for their life while caring for patients.' President of CWA Local 1133 Brian Magner said conversations are happening with Catholic Health, but that progress has been 'too slow.' The union is demanding metal detectors in public entryways, bulletproof glass in public-facing areas, armed security guards in waiting rooms, and signage saying all weapons are prohibited, as well as limitations on visitors to the emergency department. There is currently no vetting of patients or visitors coming into local facilities, according to CWA District 1 Area Director Debora Hayes. 'We have had incidents where patients have been in hospitals, one of our facilities, where they've had to have an MRI done and because it's a magnet, took a loaded weapon out and just put it on the counter,' Hayes said. 'So, it's a very real concern and it has been for a while.' Catholic Health President and CEO Joyce Markiewicz said a second armed security guard has been stationed at Mercy Hospital following the incident to keep workers out of danger. Union leaders said contract negotiations began March 3 before their contract expires June 30. WIVB News 4 has reached out to Buffalo police and are waiting to hear back. Union officials could not provide more information on the shooting. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
