Author: Kelsey Carpe
St. Mary’s Healthcare Welcomes New Chief Medical Officer
Bringing extensive clinical and leadership experience, St. Mary’s Healthcare is pleased to announce Craig van Roekens, MD, MBA, MPH, FACEP, FMD, SMH, EM and HM, as the new Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for St. Mary’s Healthcare. 
Dr. Craig van Roekens graduated with distinction from The Johns Hopkins Hospital Emergency Medicine Residency program in 1993. In addition to being board certified fellow in Emergency Medicine, Dr. van Roekens received his Masters in Business Administration and Masters in Public Health in 2000 from UC Berkeley while working full time at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Clara, California.
“We are very excited to have Dr. Craig van Roekens join our team as the Chief Medical Officer for St. Mary’s Healthcare,” said Scott Bruce, President and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare. “Our strong collaborations and partnerships with the medical staff are critical, and his operational leadership will be essential to our ongoing efforts in providing the very best possible care for those we are privileged to serve.”
Since 1999, he has been a New Yorker, and has served in a variety of roles overseeing emergency departments and hospitalist medicine programs with Envision, MedExcel, Sound Physicians and with Team Health for the last several years. He has had multiple ED Directorships in NY previously including Vassar Brothers Medical Center as well as Good Samaritan Medical Center in Suffern and was a CMO with Manhattan’s Physician Group.
When responding to what he will bring to the St. Mary’s community, Dr. van Roekens stated, ” I am excited about the opportunity to join the administrative team at St. Mary’s Healthcare. We have an exceptionally loyal and talented medical staff, I consider it an honor to serve them, as well as our entire SMH team, and most importantly, to serve our patient community as we emerge from a difficult time with Covid, staffing and supply chain shortages, and unprecedented uncertainty. I want to bring a collaborative, communicative style to the challenges ahead, and am looking forward to working with and working for all of you.”
He joined Saint Mary’s Healthcare System in September as the Team Health ED Director and earlier this year took on the role of the Hospitalist Director. Prior to coming aboard with us, Dr. van Roekens held the position of the Team Health Medical Director of Glens Falls Hospital ED.
He is happily married to Patty, a nurse with her Masters in Nursing Education and they are blessed with triplets aged 21, Evan, Victoria and Ryan.
Dr. van Roekens’ appointment follows the retirement announcement of Dr. William Mayer, St. Mary’s CMO since 2014, and longtime member of the St. Mary’s medical staff. Dr. Mayer leaves a legacy of leadership through his team-oriented approach focused on improving the quality and safety of the care delivered here at St. Mary’s. St. Mary’s Healthcare thanks Dr. Mayer for his many years of service to our community and congratulates and welcomes Dr. van Roekens to his new role.
St. Mary’s Healthcare Celebrates National Doctors’ Day
On March 30th each year, National Doctors Day honors medical professionals for their dedication and contributions to society and the community. Their dedication puts the patient first time and again. On National Doctors Day, we say “thank you” to our providers for all that they do for us, our loved ones and the community.
Scott Bruce, St. Mary’s President and CEO, stated, “Over the past two years, our Doctors, along with our clinical and support staff have been our front line heroes, taking care of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for your dedication and leadership.”
In honor of our providers, the medical staff is donating $5,000 dollars to support St. Mary’s Mission Cupboards. The Mission Cupboards were established 5 years ago to assist discharged patients who needed food. It was quickly learned that patients who were here for outpatient procedures were also in need.
Data from the 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment indicates that over 20% of Fulton/Montgomery community residents are determined to be “food insecure,” having run out of food in the past year and/or been worried about running out of food. To support the community and the underserved, the Mission Cupboards are stocked with nonperishable food and personal hygiene products that are donated by our associates. Thank you for the sacrifices you make daily and for the high-quality and compassionate care you provide to our community. Your knowledge and dedication make all our lives better.
St. Mary’s Healthcare is Accepting Applications for 2022 Carondelet Community Funds
The Carondelet Community Fund was originally established in 1996 as a Board Designated Fund to honor
and continue the spirit of St. Mary’s founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. The Sisters mission of service is rooted in a commitment of outreach to the “Dear Neighbor.” The Fund seeks to provide modest assistance to local programs and agencies whose values and mission align with the mission and values of St. Mary’s Healthcare.
Grants are now available to eligible non-profit community agencies that are located within the service area of St. Mary’s Healthcare. The deadline for submissions for the Carondelet Community Fund is Friday, April 15, 2022. Requests may not exceed $10,000. The Carondelet Community Fund Committee will review applications and make recommendations for funding to the St. Mary’s Healthcare Board of Directors for final approval.
To obtain an application, please contact the St. Mary’s Healthcare Mission Integration Office at 518- 841-7135.
The Carondelet Community Fund will utilize the following process in evaluating
applications for funding:
Applicants are asked to submit a letter of introduction and an application that is no more than (5) pages in length. The application must be typed double spaced and is to include the following:
- Brief description of the history and scope of the applicants’ services.
- Brief statement of the problem or needs addressed.
- Applicant expertise in addressing problems or needs.
- Geographic area and population served by applicant.
- Brief narrative or summary of the project including objectives and anticipated results.
- Financial statement including IRS 990, proposed budget for the requested grant.
- Proposed program start and completion dates.
- List of collaborative partners.
Completed applications can be mailed to the Carondelet Community Fund, c/o Margaret Brodie, St. Mary’s Healthcare, 427 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY, 12010. Applications can also be emailed to: brodiem@nysmha.org. Please note that late submissions cannot be considered. All applicants will be notified of the final decisions during the month of May.
For additional questions regarding the Carondelet Community Fund or the application process, please contact Margaret Brodie, Vice President of Mission at St. Mary’s Healthcare at (518) 841-7135.
About St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam
St. Mary’s Healthcare features an award-winning acute care hospital, primary and specialty care centers throughout Fulton, Montgomery and Saratoga counties, more than 30 behavioral health services for persons in Fulton, Montgomery and Hamilton counties, a full continuum of physical rehabilitation services and a 160-bed nursing home. The organization has earned exceptional national rankings for excellence in medicine and has a continuing commitment to provide an exceptional patient experience. For more information about St. Mary’s Healthcare, call (518) 842-1900 or visit us online at www.smha.org. To stay connected to St. Mary’s, follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/smha.org.
St. Mary’s Healthcare Recognizes Nurse – Amanda Roblee – as Latest DAISY Award Winner
Amanda Roblee, RN of the St. Mary’s Birthing Center was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.
The nomination submitted read, “[Recently,] we went to St. Mary’s preparing to welcome our newborn. We did not know what to expect, as I am sure most first-time parents feel the same way. As soon as we got there and we were admitted we knew we were in good hands, the entire staff was very helpful and able to put our minds at ease [for what would be a challenging delivery].”
“It is a powerful reminder when patients notice associates like Amanda going over and beyond as care givers apart from our everyday nursing. It is because of her dedication and compassionate efforts, and nurses like her, that St. Mary’s patients experience a level of care that exemplifies the impact nurses have in creating an environment where patients and families feel at home,” stated Patricia Sanders, St. Mary’s Healthcare Chief Nursing Officer. “We are proud that we can recognize our St. Mary’s nurses through the DAISY Award program.”
The nomination concluded with, “Amanda was by our side coaching us through. Her words and encouragement helped get us through one of the scariest moments in our life, and we were able to meet our beautiful [newborn]. After the doctors checked our baby out and made sure everything was ok, Amanda made sure to talk to us about what happened and explain it in a way so we could better understand what had just happened. We are forever grateful for the wonderful nurses that did everything they could for us, and the entire maternity floor. Everyone there went above and beyond.”
How to nominate a Nurse: Have you recently had an extraordinary experience with a nurse at St. Mary’s Healthcare? Please submit a DAISY Award nomination at the following link: www.smha.org/daisy
About the DAISY Foundation:
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
St. Mary’s Celebrates National Quilting Day
Right Photo: St. Mary’s Birthing Center newborn Matthew is pictured with the quilt given to him and his mother, Constance, and father, Paul, from the Sew Busy Quilt Guild. Also in the photo is Lisa S, RN at the St. Mary’s Birthing Center.
National Quilting Day was recently celebrated at The St. Mary’s Healthcare Birthing Center with a presentation of a hand-crafted quilt. This year our Birthing Center was lucky enough to have two beautiful Quilts presented to two growing families.
National Quilting Day occurs on the third Saturday in March. Traditionally, a quilt is given to the first baby or babies in this case born on or near that day and this year it was baby Sophia and baby Matthew.
The quilts were once again provided by the Sew Busy Quilt Guild, located in Gloversville, New York. In previous years, visitor restrictions prevented an on-site presentation, but we are extremely pleased to once again resume these in person presentations by the Sew Busy Quilt Guild to Sophia and family, and Matthew and family.
The quilt design was composed of a colorful mix of bright and soothing colors, each with their own theme. The quilts also carry an inscription sewn into each that reads, “May the work of our hands be a gentle expression of the love that is in our hearts!”
The St. Mary’s Birthing Center staff look forward every year to the presentation and the chance to admire the amazing handiwork of the Sew Busy Quilt Guild.
St. Mary’s Healthcare Takes Action Against Cancer
Cancer Prevention in Action (CPiA) Program for Fulton, Montgomery & Schenectady Counties announced today the outstanding actions St. Mary’s Healthcare has taken against cancer. As part of St. Mary’s Healthcare commitment to providing care you can trust, St. Mary’s Healthcare has partnered with Cancer Prevention in Action to become the first healthcare system in New York State to adopt a Cancer Screening Paid Time Off Benefit for all associates.
“St. Mary’s Healthcare is very pleased to announce a community partnership with the Cancer Prevention in Action Program of Fulton, Montgomery & Schenectady Counties. Part of our mission is dedication and commitment to the health of our associates. 1 in 4 deaths in New York State is due to cancer. We are taking actions to decrease cancer suffering. On behalf of myself and the entire executive leadership team at St. Mary’s Healthcare we are extremely proud to implement a paid time off benefit for cancer screenings,” stated Scott Bruce President and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in New York State. Screening tests can find cancers early when they are most easily treated or before they even start. Early detection can lead to better health outcomes, save lives and improve workforce health. PTO for cancer screenings is offered at St. Mary’s Healthcare because we care about the health of our associates, and regular cancer screening exams throughout an associate’s lifespan will capture cancer early, when it is most successful to treat.
The Cancer Screening PTO Benefit for St. Mary’s Associates is a separate bank of time available for the sole purpose of an associate to obtain cancer screening exams each year during work hours.
St. Mary’s Healthcare is committed to reducing the cancer burden by affording their associates time to use this benefit and placing emphasis that health and early detection is a priority.
St. Mary’s Opens FIRST Community Pharmacy
St. Mary’s Healthcare was pleased to hold the grand opening of the St. Mary’s Community Pharmacy this morning (3/21/22). Scott Bruce, St. Mary’s President and CEO, welcomed the community at the ribbon cutting as we improve access to prescription medications with a full-service Community Pharmacy at the St. Mary’s Rao Outpatient Pavilion, constructed alongside the St. Mary’s Amsterdam Family Health Center which was completed in Summer of 2021.
“The addition of the St. Mary’s Community Pharmacy at our Rao Outpatient Pavilion in Amsterdam will enhance the patient experience, and is an investment in the future of healthcare in the Fulton/Montgomery County region, ” stated Scott Bruce, St. Mary’s Healthcare President and CEO. “The entire Rao expansion project was designed to create a seamless patient experience. After your outpatient testing or seeing your provider, you can stop at the pharmacy, and before you even leave the building you will have everything you need in a single visit.”
Conveniently located on the upper level of the Rao Outpatient Pavilion with a drive-thru option, the new pharmacy will be open weekdays, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m, Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. In addition to competitively priced prescription drugs with timely turnaround, the St. Mary’s Community Pharmacy also stocks over-the-counter medications.
Along with fulfilling medication requests, the St. Mary’s Community Pharmacy will also provide:
- Hassle free transfers from other pharmacies
- Automatic refills on maintenance medications
- Prescription alerts and reminders
- Comprehensive medication review appointments
- Quick and convenient refills
- Immunization history records and consults
- Drug Interaction screening
- Nutrition and supplemental recommendations
- Adherence consults – Pharmacists specialized in adherence consult on common high-risk conditions -blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes
The St. Mary’s Community Pharmacy is currently accepting most major insurances, with new plans being added daily. This location offers special convenience to patients with doctor’s appointments in the Rao Outpatient Pavilion, including patients from the St. Mary’s Amsterdam Family Health Center for Primary Care and Pediatrics, Urgent Care, and the St. Mary’s Tesiero Cancer Center, who can collect their prescriptions from the pharmacy before leaving the building. As mentioned, the design of the new pharmacy was created with convenience in mind for our patients and the community with walk-in access from inside the building, walk-up access through our dedicated pharmacy entrance and a drive-thru option to avoid ever leaving the comfort of your vehicle.
“From the most routine prescriptions to the more complex medications and pain management regimen – St. Mary’s Community Pharmacy will deliver exceptional service at a competitive price, with a level of patient care that’s second to none. Furthering the hometown feel, our pharmacy staff is always available to discuss medications and answer any questions patients might have so that they can achieve the best results from their treatment plan,” stated Firdous Qadir, Supervising Pharmacist at the St. Mary’s Community Pharmacy.
The St. Mary’s Community Pharmacy offers two ways to order or transfer prescriptions:
- Speak with the St. Mary’s Community Pharmacy staff by phone at (518) 839-0601.
- Drop by in person.
The St. Mary’s Community Pharmacy is located inside the St. Mary’s Rao Outpatient Pavilion at 4950 State Highway 30, Amsterdam, NY, and is staffed by credentialed pharmacists
St. Mary’s Healthcare Recognizes Nurse – Abbey Collins – as Latest DAISY Award Winner
Abbey Collins, RN of the St. Mary’s Ambulatory Care Unit was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.
The nomination submitted read, “Abbey was so helpful before surgery, checking all the medicines I was taking plus vitamins. She knew all about the scripts and vitamins, including when to discontinue them and prepare for surgery. I was very impressed with her knowledge of ALL the scrips and vitamins.”
“Abbey and the Daisy award hold a special place here at St. Mary’s Healthcare. It is because of Abbey’s compassionate and caring efforts, and nurses like her, that St. Mary’s patients experience a level of care that exemplifies the impact nurses have in creating an environment where patients and families feel at home,” stated Patricia Sanders, St. Mary’s Healthcare Chief Nursing Officer. “We are proud that we can recognize these nurses through the DAISY Award program.”
The nomination concluded with, “The day of my surgery [Abbey] was wonderful, with her personality and calmness preparing me for surgery. I would also like to say the other nurses working with her were also very pleasant and knowledgeable. It was a restful and pleasant preparation for me waiting for my place in surgery because of Abbey.”
How to nominate a Nurse: Have you recently had an extraordinary experience with a nurse at St. Mary’s Healthcare? Please submit a DAISY Award nomination at the following link: www.smha.org/daisy
About the DAISY Foundation:
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
St. Mary’s Healthcare to Hold COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic in Canajoharie (2/26)
The St. Mary’s Healthcare Canajoharie Health Center located at 48 Erie Blvd, Canajoharie, NY 13317, will hold a special COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Saturday, February 26, starting at 9 AM. This vaccine clinic will be for anyone 5 years old and up as the health center will have both vaccines approved for the 5-11 age group and the 12+ age group. Patients are asked to call the Canajoharie Health Center at (518) 673-2573 for an appointment.
We are transitioning to a new Health Information System to better serve you
St. Mary’s Healthcare is currently in the process of transitioning to a new Health Information System to better serve our patients. Upon completion our new system will combine St. Mary’s inpatient, emergency, primary/specialty care, outpatient services and testing into a single electronic medical record system (EMR). This will allow our care teams to more efficiently access patient data and improve the patient experience.
The new system will also allow access to a new patient portal that patients can access right here on the St. Mary’s Healthcare website. The new patient portal will feature many useful features including the ability to pre-register for appointments allowing you to save time and plan your visits accordingly.
IMPORTANT:
Please be aware, during this transition period patients and visitors may experience longer than normal wait times and notice additional support associates in our offices and hallways. These additional staff members are on hand to better ensure disruptions are minimal.
Additional Information:
The St. Mary’s Patient Billing office will be closed until February 7 as they transition to the new system. If you need to make a payment during this time, please call (518) 282-3416 or click HERE to make a payment.
We appreciate your understanding and patience during this process.