CHARLES COLE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BREAKS GROUND FOR ER EXPANSION AND RENOVATION
COUDERSPORT, PA—Approximately 100 members of the community, political leaders and hospital staff attended Charles Cole Memorial Hospital’s emergency room (ER) groundbreaking celebration on Thursday, October 27. Hospital leadership praised project supporters and the emergency services staff for making the $4 million, 6,600-square-foot construction and renovations project feasible.
Pictured left to right: Ed Hardesty, executive director of Ancillary Services, Tom Noe, executive director of Corporate Support Services, Emily Myers, director of Emergency Services, Jeanette Smith, RN for the Emergency Department, Waldemar Szczupak, MD & Emergency Department medical director and Randy Headley, CCMH Board Chair.
The celebration was opened by Reverend Randy Headley, Charles Cole Memorial Hospital Board Chair followed by a description of the 2,500-square-foot addition by Director of Emergency Services Emily Myers and Waldemar Szczupak, MD, medical director of the ER at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital .
“The renovations and additional space in the ER will enhance patient privacy, safety and the overall health care experience at the hospital for the patient and their family,” said Emily Myers, director of Emergency Services. “We couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity to improve patient care”.
The construction of a separate walk-in and ambulance entrance will allow convenient access to the ER from the hospital’s west entry for the nearly 9,500 patients that visit the ER each year. The new design also incorporates new rooms for private treatment and exams, an isolation exam room, a trauma patient room, a dedicated triage area, a private bereavement room, a comfortable waiting room with 20 additional seats, a secure medication area, more staff support space including physician offices, a modern nurses’ station and office. Completion of the project is expected to take approximately 14 months. The current emergency department will continue to operate 24/7 during construction.
Left to right: Ed Pitchford, president & CEO of CCMH, Representative Martin Causer, Senator Joseph Scarnati and Mike Glazer, district representative for Congressman Glenn Thompson.
Cole Memorial President and CEO Ed Pitchford emphasized that this project was made possible by the support of both public and private agencies. He recognized the support of Gary Reed, area specialist for the USDA Rural Development program,; Brian Eckert, director of Development for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development; Citizens and Northern Bank; The Mee Foundation; Delta Development and the CCMH Auxiliary as key to the project’s funding. “We have been working on obtaining the funding for this project for nearly three years and I’m very happy for this organization and for our patients that we now have the opportunity to improve this vital service that has served us well for nearly 50 years.”
Mr. Pitchford also welcomed area legislators whose interest and support were critical to obtaining the public funding that made the project financially feasible. He specifically noted the Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program grant that was sponsored in Harrisburg by Senator Scarnati and Representative Causer. “Each year, there are many worthy projects proposed by hospitals, universities and other agencies for these limited funds. This award to Cole Memorial was only possible because both of these gentlemen understand the importance of maintaining a modern and vibrant hospital in this region”.
“I remember my first trip to Potter County and seeing the Charles Cole Memorial Hospital campus. It is truly an impressive asset in the community,” said Senator Joe Scarnati. “So just like any asset such as your home, the hospital needs to be maintained because of all it does for patients in the region.”
Representative Martin Causer stated, “I wish to thank the hospital’s leadership for their continued commitment to rural health care. Senator Scarnati and I will continue to be a strong voice of support in Harrisburg for rural health facilities.”
Mike Glazer, District Representative for Congressman Glenn Thompson said, “Charles Cole Memorial is a shining example of a critical access hospital. Despite financial cuts and trying times in most areas, Charles Cole Memorial Hospital continues to deliver the best health care services in the region.”
Charles Cole Memorial Hospital and its ten primary care offices serve approximately 50,000 residents within a 65-mile service area including Potter, Cameron, McKean and Tioga Counties in Pennsylvania and New York’s southern tier. For more information, visit www.charlescolehospital.com.
39 comments:
they spend all this money and still can not diagnois a problem
I agree with you 6:49pm, after reading this article I guess I will continue to go to Danville PA for sure!
A lawsuit, that resulted from a patient not properly diagnosed at Charles Cole Hospital in Coudersport, PA, has revealed the downfalls of reading x-ray or CT scans remotely in other parts of the world. Information from that lawsuit is featured today on the MSNBC website.
Had a blood test for lyme and west nile..$759.00!!!!No wonder they charge outrageous prices!!
That article was based on an incident that happened 6 years ago. Many things have changed within the radiology department during that time. Chambersburg Imaging Associates and VRC are no longer servicing the hospital. Yes, teleradiology is used. But it's used in every hospital in the area.
The ER expansion is much needed and the patients as well as the staff welcome this project to better serve the area.
What on earth does this article have to do with the care at CCMH? There will always be the same miserable people who can never be thankful for the caring Doctors and staff there that work every day to help this community. No matter what is done for them....there's always a problem...or something more they didn't get. I trust you are getting excellent care at thosebig facilities that don't know you or really care who you are or what happens to you when you go home at night..while our Doctors here loose sleep at night wondering about your health.
I have no complaints with Charles Cole, also other hospitals have law suits as well as Charles Cole & I'm thankful for the wonderful care I have always received there, I'm not a complainer & have been blessed with a facility close to home, as the article read this happened 6yrs ago & they have improved the radiology & other departments so everyone to their own choice! Also it does not matter what hospital you go to,& no matter what you are there for it is costly!
I agree with ya 10:19!!!
10:19:00 PM
Boy are you ever misinformed, "don't know who your are or care what happens"??? I beg to differ, at Geisinger I have an online personal account, I can email my doctors and have never ever waited more than 2 hours for a reply, NOT DAYS, hours! I have my test results, appointment reminders and so on at my access, you can not get that from CCMH!
I have received calls from them on my cell phone on my way down or way back from their office, that has never happend here locally!
So before you start ranting and raving about those "big facilities" you had better know what you are talking about...and another thing, NOT ONCE have I ever witnessed any unprofessional gossip while waiting to see my doctor or specialist at Geisinger like you do around here, some of these local doctor offices aught to clean up their acts!
i would appreciate the care that is provided if it was quality care. it is pretty sad when i have a sick child and don't want to take them to the er b/c the answer is going to be "it is just a virus" or " call their dr int he morning"hopefully this expansion will help the quality of the care. i understand that the workers care but they do not show it at all
All the ground breaking and the employees still have not got back all the 6.25% taken from them --makes no sense to me. Lets get bigger and take more money from the employees!
I would like to let you all know my daughter was hurt pretty bad due to a farming accident this summer and got ran over by a rake took her to the r er and i actually had to tell them to x-ray her arm and then had to litterally ask for a sling. They said if it gets worse bring her back we will give her one ummm no give it to me now the first trip was a whopping 689.00 dollars for me to tell them what to do. Brought her to ny where i am from the arm was dislocated and torn rotator cuff not to mention ac joint was detatched. Now do you honestly think I am gonna pay for that. They would not even except our insurance go figure.
Well I have to say to 11:27 if you live in this rural area and need immediate care I hope your vehicle can get you to Geisinger quickly and you don't have to go to CCMH for a quicker route of travel. They have saved many lives at this institute. I have spent many of years involved with the larger hospitals and we sat around only to wait for answers from doctors who took their good old time to tend to our family members. So there is negative comments no matter where you go! There are lawsuits no matter where you go! And yes I bet if you walk in the door at Geisinger they know your name just from seeing you!! And CCMH has an appt. reminder system now that calls to remind you. They are a smaller hospital and have to advance as fund permit. Don't even tell me that the prices are cheaper at the larger facilities. I had a family member in Hamot for over 5 months and the prices were unreal. Some drs did not even consult with them and charged! So there is good and bad no matter where you doctor!! Keep up the great work CCMH!
Sadly to say the medical care most receive at CCMH is not quality care.They have a 15 min policy per patient so get em in and get em out does not matter if we know what is wrong with them or not. I would rather a doctor or CRNP tell me they don't know what's wrong with me than to tell me nothing is wrong and then you go to an actual doctor or a CRNP who know's what they are doing and they tell you what is wrong and actually help you.I have been to the ER as have family and friends and there was no professional service there I did not know if anyone was even on duty with the lack of care we received ! I have been to there so called specialists and when trying to see a doctor and none were available at that location so you had to deal with a CRNP and hear them gossip with the office staff about your medical info. No service there either but they can keep patting themselves on the back. To bad we don't have more Dr. Georgetson's who actually cared about you and your health and not "all about the money" because we sure are not getting proper medical service if any service at all.Just a big bill for nothing.
Lots of negative comments here, which is unfortunate. We are really lucky to have Cole here. When Adelphia tanked, we almost lost our hospital too.
I used to work there and left (voluntarily).
The problem at Cole is the favoritism shown at the administrative level, especially the refusal of the administrators to man up and hold the sacred cows accountable. A few people somehow got themselves set up fat atop the administrative ladder and nobody has the guts to admit that these people are ridiculously overpaid and their outdated ways of doing things are still tolerated. One woman who hustled into that small circle over a period of more than 30 years has refined the technique of protecting her little kingdom and draws a ridiculously high salary with very little return on investment. There are also two realy obvious nepotism situations (husband and wife) in administration and there's one veteran whose title has changed a few times to hide the fact that others have joined the Cole team to do his work while everyone timidly waits for him to retire and stop knocking down that six-figure salary to basically warm a chair adn stay out of the way.
Anyone who has worked at Cole for much time at all can fill in all of the names above very quickly because everybody realizes how politics there have protected this group of administrators, all very overpaid and several not even needed at all.
I went there and it seemed the nurses that have been there forever, where just old and bitter and acted like they were better than everyone specially their patiences. I say it's the old ones because you can just tell when one nurse is running around helping everyone with a smile the old ones are sitting around gossipping giving u nasty looks and don't care to help anyone. Heres a little advise CCMH find a way to look into this and git rid of these negative influences because if you overlook something people are more forgiving when it's from a hospital that gives you respect and caring attitude sick and hurt people deserve.
We all can say we are not going to pay for something sorry we will pay or we will be sent to the Collection Agency! They will get their payment one way or another no matter what!
All about the money.
Where are the average joe's and jane's in the picture? After all it is OUR hospital.
No wonder people wait til they are on deaths door to go to a doctor or hospital. Lower medical costs and you'll see people flocking in to see a doctor or have much need medical treatment.
Jim - Have you ever thought that by disconnecting the comment section ability on this blog you would actually be doing a greater service to our area....
I mean all it takes is one reading of these comments by a prospective doctor for the hospital or business person thinking about occupying the Ops building to realize the ignorance of our population and hence not want to relocate here and improve the area......
We've seen bitching about churches, fireman, police, teachers and now hospitals. What the hell....let's just go ahead and rip all the old people in the area...I mean they really aren't contributing much anymore, just kind of sucking off the system, shouldn't we really just get rid of them.... same thing with kids...i saw a really ugly kid the other day....no future for that kid....ok, we've ripped...churches (check); teachers (check); fireman (check); emts (check); state police (check); old people (check); young people (check).....what are we forgetting....
charles cole is not the mayo or cleveland clinic. it's a small underfunded rural hospital....and i am damn glad it is here. so employees of charles cole, please know that the silent majority greatly appreciates having you here in our backyard, saving our lives.......
all i'm saying is that i haven't met one person yet who says that they trust CCMH. that's enough for me.
My mother has had several medical problems in the last 2 years and taken to the ER at least 5 times. We have found the nurses to be caring, professional, friendly and helpful. Dr. Szczupak is kind, compassionate and knowledgable. They work under alot of pressure and until you have to deal with people who are (understandably) upset & worried, but who take out their feelings on the staff, you shouldn't complain. I feel lucky to have Cole here.
Stop blaming everything on Adelphia. CCMH has caused their own problems. Most people would place their animals there for any length of time. It's referred to as a joke. Yep, Joe, just keep giving them more money to expand. Ask them how many lay-off's they have had. Ask them to account for all the infections picked up in their facility. Most of all - ask the big shots how many "decreases" in salary they have taken. How many hours do they require their Nursing staff to perform - what is their ratio to patient? Idiots - all of you!
Wow. Scroll up to 8:01. That tells it all. I can fill in the blanks on who those people are. I have thought the same thing -- how can the administration justify paying those fat salaries and tolerate such a small return on investment. Why are these people immune? The board won't do anything about the buddy system and neither will the buddies.
Charlie must be rolling over in his grave about now.
you all want to complain about the 'rudeness' of the nurses but they are overworked and underpaid. it's very kid of sad take a cna for example we do the most work with the patients and see the least amount of money and it is hard hard work i know i used to be one. not anymore i couldn't take the pressure and the pain. it's always don't get close to the patient are you kidding me that is the only thing i cared about up there and a few friends also you all want to use the teleradiology thing against the hospital what is stopping you the patient from asking more questions or what about when the dr says you are free to go but you just don't think so it's your duty as the patient to say no it's not ok something is wrong don't bash the hospital it will happen anywhere you go as a patient as more questions even if they do have a 15 minute time slot for you if you are still talking they can't very well leave the room. come on people what is next yes charles cole has it's problems just like any other hospital but what if they said we are closing the doors then how will you feel in an emergency where you would have to drive who knows how far to the nearest hospital then it would i can't believe they did seems charles cole can't do anything right in the mind of some get over yourselves oh and for the spelling cop out there that i am sure will check every comment my typing capabilities are limited right now with a broken hand please excuse any misspelled words thank you
I just want to say that I have been to CCMH for numerous out-patient surgeries, I have taken my husband to the ER there also a few times. I have no complaints. The nurses have been absolutely wonderful. I know some of the nurses that have been there for a long time, and they are the ones I prefer!! My only complaint is that my husband was in the ICU for 3 days and never saw a doctor, only physician assistants. But, they did their job and got him well. At that time, seeing a doctor would only have eased my worrying, not that they would have provided any different level of care.
CCMH IS WONDERFUL!
Well, I am going to go ahead and give a shout out to CCMH in regards to the new ER expansion. What an excellent upgrade for our hopsital and area. Well done CCMH, well done! Very excited to see what comes in the near future for CCMH and to see the upgrades taking place in the ER !!
11:28 ~~~
Too bad it wouldn't work on the Prez. 3 years later and he hasn't left because of all the negative comments he's read.
Waited along enough and no one else will say it so I will:
bring down the dildine on this string!
1st Admendment
FREEDOM OF SPEECH
I am very grateful to have C.C.M.H. I have heard countless people, countless times say they would never go to St. Marys Hosp. to Bradford Hosp. & Olean Hosp. Nothing is perfect all the time. I say if you don't like it, don't go there. Drive an hour or more to another facility !!!More power to them for a new E.R.
Seriously, so many people always have the bad things to talk about. Most only post bad things. Yes CCMH has has issues like any other hospital, however there are good people who work there that do care and as many of you gripe, you would hope that they would be there in a emergency if only to stabilize you or your family and get them to another facility.
To the person talking about Geisinger, I don't want to see it, but if you had a cardiac arrest with yourself or someone you know I can gaurantee your response wouldn't be drive 2 hours away!!!!
"To bad we don't have more Dr. Georgetson's who actually cared about you and your health"
You are soooo right about that!
And to 2:43:00 AM don't worry... If I can't get to Geisinger quick enough I CAN get to JMH in Wellsville in about the same time as CCMH and would receive much better care from that hospital!
CCMH is a "band aid" station at best.....
I have relatives who work at CCMH who can tell you LOTS of stories but they won't. They can't afford to loose their jobs. And I also have a relative patient there. So don't tel lme that these things are not true. Just go on floor and listen to the little conversations going on here and there. Seems that the morale there is very low. They keep advertising for help. Makes me wonder why. It USED to be a good hospital but I agree with many who say, basically, start trimming the fat cats and put their saleries towards the nurses, aides and housekeeping's pay so they will be proud to stay there and work. And to the blogger who suggested that Jim disconnect the comment section, YOU are probably part of the problem. Jim is doing the public well by allowing ALL comments. Who wants a hospital that keeps operating on lies and spending, spending, spending. There is no need to put millions inot a new ER. Just like there was no need to add on to the center in Port and spend millions more. Who is going to pay for that? I think Charles Cole's money must have run out by now. As I understand it , he wanted it to be a poor man's hospital. Well, it certainly IS. After having to go there for anything, one IS poor. Open your eyes people and thank you Jim for letting both sides be heard.
What a smack in the face to the employees, take 6.25% from them and then turn around and break ground? Seems you can't get away from screwing over your employees, no matter the size of the company or where it's located anymore.
How about an ER doct. who flips out because a 3 year old boy is crying because he's afraid of shots... that's quality care right there let me tell ya! So much "quality" care at good old CCMH!
9:18.....then go out and start your own company.
if you don't like your employer..... then quit.
don't like the care.....then go somewhere else.
my 6 yr old whines less than you babies.....
potter county....the land of bitter jealous people
EXCUSE ME 11:03 ...Since when is a Community Hospital a "Company"? If people even DARE to protest, then they are whiners? Maybe y9ou are one of those at CCMH reaping all of the benefits? YOU get a job and qit robbing the REAL workers...the backbone of any place of employment.
you see 2:43 that's the problem up here...you think everyone is in business (and yes the hospital is a business - has an articles of incorporation and everything) to satisfy its.....employees.
Wake up. It's not about the damn employees...its about CUSTOMERS. and the board of directors, right or wrong, has decided it's in the best interest of its customers and therefore it's business to improve it's ER to better meet the needs of its patients.
I'm sorry this is the way it is, but IT IS. If you don't like being an employee then change jobs its that damn simple.
Look I think the employees of CCMH are great....I am extremely appreciative that the nurses and doctors are here in our backyard. But people do not go in business to have employees...they go in business if a for profit to make money or a non profit as is the case here to serve some altruistic purpose (in this case to help SICK people).
I'm tired of hearing us workers are the backbone of this great country....look if that were truly the case...if employees were the absolute most important thing (even more important than customers) then your employers would not be able to get away with the stuff you claim that they do as they would be forced to cater to your every need. but since they don't.....well, you get the picture.....
i'm sorry this is the way it is in the grown up world....it sucks i know....but like popeye saying i am what i am in this case it is what it is......
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