Sheehan Health Network

NIAGARA COUNTY LEADERS VISIT SHEEHAN TO FOCUS ON NEW FAMILY CARE CLINIC AND PATIENTCENTERED MODEL OF CARE

Health Care Roundtable to Address Health Care Trends that Shape
the Future of Medical Care in Western New York

May 20th, 2010

Tags: patient centered care, primary care,

(Buffalo, NY) On Thursday May 20, 2010 28 leaders from Niagara County, members of the 2010 class of Leadership Niagara, will visit Sheehan Health Network to tour the facility and study the implementation of the Patient-Centered Medical Home(PCMH) model of care. A patientcentered home is a model of care in which each patient has an ongoing relationship with a primary physician, who leads a team of medical staff focused on preventative care to keep patients healthier. The patient-centered medical home model of care is considered the most effective in treating patients because there is a customized and proactive approach taken in treating the patient. Sheehan is in the process of becoming the second hospital based patient centered medical home in New York State.

Sheehan has embraced continual changes to advance health care in New York State. In February the medical facility introduced 19,000 square feet renovations that included a new primary care clinic, updated lobby and registration expansion. The new family care clinic and implementation of the patient-centered home model of care has strengthen the hospital's foundation in developing a comprehensive disease management program to reduce many of the chronic diseases that threaten the quality of life of many Buffalo residents. The new reception area and primary care outpatient department has a modern look and comfortable feel, where the focus is on providing patients with access to quality medical care at one location.

"As an urban hospital, Sheehan has been in the midst of continual change due to shifting populations and other factors," stated Lucille K. Sheedy, Sheehan's interim President and CEO. "However, one thing that remains the same is the need for good medical care that targets the increasing rates of heart disease, diabetes, asthma and hypertension in this area."

Sheedy further states, "Sheehan is proud to host the 2010 class of Leadership Niagara and showcase our new facility."

The daylong session will include a Health Care Roundtable in which healthcare leaders will discuss the significant changes occurring in health care delivery in Western New York implementing the patientcentered care model in guiding each patient's medical care in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Topics will include the importance and impact of the Healthcare Efficiency and Affordability Law of New York (HEAL NY) Phase 10 funding in building a foundation for a new era in medical care.

The University at Buffalo and Apollo Healthcare experts will focus on how the funding was distributed to improve the coordination and management of chronic diseases through a patient-centered medical home model supported by the effective use of interoperable health information technology(health IT). The Heal X grants assisted healthcare facilities in placing technology upgrades that will not only be cost effective but encourage collaboration among providers to improve patient care. The State University at Buffalo under the leadership of Russell W. Bessette, M.D. was a 2009 recipient.

The roundtable panelists include:
Lucille K. Sheedy, President and CEO of Sheehan Health Network

Russell W. Bessette, M.D., Associate Vice President for Health Sciences and Director of Health Information Technology University at Buffalo and the New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences.

Michael S. Sloma, M.S., President and CEO Apollo Healthcare LLC, a regional kidney dialysis company that develops outpatient, inpatient and nursing home based kidney dialysis centers.

Fred Cohen, Esq., Consultant, Sheehan Health Network

Kenton Forte, M.D., Medical Director, Sheehan Health Network

Richard Blondell, M.D., Director of Research on Addictions, Sheehan Health Network

Permanent Link  |  Share this article on: