WITH MORE THAN 20 YEARS’ experience in the greater Rochester region, Dr. Jeffrey A. Goldstein joined UR Thompson Gastroenterology at F.F. Thompson Hospital in September.

A fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology and member of the Bockus International Society of Gastroenterology, Goldstein most recently practiced at the Digestive Center of Western NY in Rochester.

SURGEONS AT F.F. Thompson Hospital are heralding the arrival of a new, state-of the-art robotic surgical system they say allows them to operate at the highest standard, offering patients a number of benefits.

The da Vinci Xi is the latest model of the da Vinci and Dr. A. David Peter, a general surgeon who had used an earlier model extensively for years, said this model is “light years” ahead in a number of ways, including the instrumentation and the visualization it provides to the surgeon. “It’s amazing,” he said.

General Surgeon Dr. Andrew Powers recently joined F.F. Thompson Hospital’s Advanced Surgical Services at 395 West St. in Canandaigua.

With a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College, Powers received his medical degree from Stony Brook University School of Medicine and then completed his general surgery residency at the Mary Imogene Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, NY.

To learn more about his background and his specialties, as well as view a short video featuring him, visit www.ThompsonHealth.com/Powers.

IN THE DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING Department at F.F. Thompson Hospital, work is underway on a larger, state-of the art angiography suite.

Located across the hall from the current suite – and adjacent to the Emergency Department – the suite will feature new, cutting-edge technology for complex vascular procedures. According to Director of Diagnostic Imaging Kelli Furnare, this technology will mean higher quality imaging and lower doses of radiation.

In addition, Thompson plans to acquire new intravascular ultrasound equipment that will allow the user to see inside the vessel and will facilitate advanced imaging for the performance of venous procedures, blood clot removals, and treatment of peripheral vascular disease (PVD).

The new angiography suite is expected to be completed in December.

AT A TIME WHEN infection prevention is on most everyone’s minds – especially in healthcare settings – Thompson Health continues to enhance the ways in which its staff creates a safe environment for patients and visitors.

For four years, Thompson’s Environmental Services Department has been deploying a R-DTM Rapid Disinfector™ in areas throughout the hospital and, upon request, the adjacent M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center. Resembling a robot, the mobile system emits a subtype of ultraviolet light called UV-C. It sterilizes surfaces – working in conjunction with manual cleaning – to eradicate harmful pathogens such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile (C. diff).

When U.S. News & World Report released its latest hospital ratings and rankings, F.F. Thompson Hospital again achieved the highest possible rating with regard to two health conditions – heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

According to its website, U.S. News evaluates data from nearly 5,000 medical centers nationwide. Survival rates, patient experience, specialized staff and advanced technologies are
among the factors weighed.

F.F. THOMPSON HOSPITAL now offers expanded neurosurgery services with the addition of three neurosurgeons from the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) and two pain management specialists.

The team provides consultations for brain and spine disorders and pain conditions. They also perform neurosurgical operations and pain management interventions within the hospital as well as offer emergency services.

THOMPSON HEALTH recently strengthened its partnership with UR Medicine Orthopaedics & Physical Performance for expanded inpatient and outpatient orthopaedic care in both Canandaigua and Victor.

“We are excited to collaborate with top-level orthopaedic professionals who enable us to manage the more complex cases right here in Canandaigua,” said President/CEO Michael F. Stapleton, Jr.

WITH LOCATIONS in Victor, Farmington and Canandaigua and a staff of over 65 licensed and credentialed professionals from many disciplines, F.F. Thompson Hospital Rehabilitation Services offers a wide range of services for people of all ages.

THERE IS GOOD NEWS for people who suffer with restricted mobility or have resigned themselves to live with certain types of chronic pain: The health system’s Rehabilitation Services Department is now offering Active Release Techniques (ART)® soft tissue treatment at its Victor location.

ART is a non-invasive approach that focuses on relieving tissue tension that has built up as a result of injury or repetitive use. According to Carrie Phelps, a Thompson athletic trainer and physical therapy assistant who is certified in lower-extremity ART, this hands-on, movement-based treatment can quickly reduce pain and restore function.

REHABILITATION SERVICES specialists at 7670 Omnitech Place in Victor are hosting small, socially-distanced group classes for local athletes of all ages.

Those who are recovering from injuries are invited to attend Power & Agility classes, while those with back pain who are looking to improve strength and endurance are urged to sign up for Core Strength & Conditioning.

SIGNED INTO LAW in late March, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act included increased tax incentives – for both individuals and corporations – when it comes to charitable giving in the 2020 tax year.

“In a year that has negatively impacted the finances of many donors and the nonprofit organizations they support, we are grateful for these incentives, which can serve as a benefit to both,” said Mary Schneiter, director of the F.F. Thompson Foundation, Inc. “The incentives represent a win-win, and we truly hope individuals and corporations will take full advantage of them.”

IN RESPONSE TO the community’s requests for a way to help bolster Thompson’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, a Thompson Health COVID Emergency Fund was established earlier this year.

To date, the fund has helped purchase clear, protective dividers, wheelchairs for patients arriving for COVID testing, and an ultraviolet disinfection device that disinfects smaller items - such as mobile devices, stethoscopes and pens - that are capable of transmitting pathogens.

Gifts to this fund make a direct impact on frontline workers.

F.F. THOMPSON HOSPITAL has once again received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.

Thompson is a New York State Department of Health designated Stroke Center and this award recognizes its commitment to the most appropriate treatment that follows nationally recognized, research-based guidelines. In order to earn the award, the hospital had to meet specific quality achievement measures relating to a number of things including the proper use of medications, the education provided prior to discharge and other care/transition interventions.

DESPITE THE PANDEMIC and its wide-reaching effects on the local economy, Thompson Health continues hiring and currently has several positions open throughout its health system.

An affiliate of UR Medicine, Thompson has locations in three counties. These include F.F. Thompson Hospital, the M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center, the senior living communities of Ferris Hills at West Lake and Clark Meadows, a breast imaging center, a sleep disorders center, urgent care locations and primary care practices, as well as Rehabilitation Services sites and an occupational medicine program.

AFTER HOLDING 11 well-attended flu clinics throughout the area earlier this fall, F.F. Thompson Hospital is urging community members who haven’t yet received the 2020-2021 vaccine to seek one out.

“With so much focus on COVID-19 this year, it’s important not to lose sight of influenza and the importance of getting your annual vaccination. The flu vaccine helps keep you and your community protected. Now more than ever, this protection is critical,” said Thompson Health Director of Infection Prevention Kristen Bloom.

THE INTERNAL MEDICINE, Canandaigua Pediatrics and Farmington Pediatrics practices at the Canandaigua Medical Group (CMG) all received Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance in September.

In a PCMH, a primary care provider leads a team that partners closely with a patient throughout life. Nurses, nutritionists, pharmacists, specialists and other professionals are involved when appropriate, as well.

F.F. THOMPSON HOSPITAL recently received its third consecutive “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader” designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC).

The latest designations were awarded in the 13th edition of HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) and based on four criteria: Non-Discrimination and Staff Training, Patient Services and Support, Employee Benefits and Policies, and Patient and Community Engagement.

While current restrictions prevent a public tree-lighting ceremony this year, the Thompson Health Guild is still having its annual Tree of Lights just outside the M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center in Canandaigua.

For a minimum donation of $5 each, you may sponsor a light in honor of or in memory of someone. To learn more, go to ThompsonHealth.com/Tree
or call (585) 396-6155.

THOMPSON HEALTH recently welcomed Dr. Ashley Leubner to Canandaigua Family Practice, an affiliate of F.F. Thompson Hospital.

Leubner is board certified in family medicine, with special interests in pediatrics and women’s health. She is accepting patients of all ages and genders at the practice, which is located at 3170 West St. in Canandaigua.

A native of Greenwood in Steuben County, Leubner graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Keuka College, going on to obtain her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies. She then completed her family medicine residency at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana.

At Canandaigua Family Practice, Leubner joins a team that also includes Drs. Joseph Duba, Susan Landgraf and Bryan Sandler, as well as Jamie Kline, a family nurse practitioner.

CALLED “ON MY WAY,” a new feature allows community members to check wait times at Thompson’s three urgent care locations, in Canandaigua, Farmington and Newark.

The optional feature allows individuals to let the staff know they are on their way to a particular urgent care center and why, along with their estimated time of arrival.

“While patients at the walk-in urgent care sites are still prioritized based on the severity of their conditions, ‘On My Way’ allows the staff to anticipate patients’ arrival, streamline the check-in experience and plan for more efficient patient care,” said Medical Director of Urgent Care Dr. David E. Baum.

To use “On My Way” prior to visiting any of the three urgent care centers – all of which are affiliates of F.F. Thompson Hospital – visit ThompsonHealth.com/UrgentCare.