Officials from Cayuga Health and the Visiting Nurse Service of Ithaca and Tompkins County (VNS) announce their affiliation, effective Friday, March 1. The purpose of this affiliation is to connect the healthcare services that are delivered in a patient’s home with the medical care that is delivered at the hospital and in outpatient medical practices. Together, Cayuga Health and VNS will work as one team to provide patients with a seamless experience across the different settings in which the patient may receive services.
“We are very pleased to announce this partnership with Visiting Nurse Service,” states Dr. Martin Stallone, CEO for Cayuga Health. “Our partnership will provide the foundation for collaboration to build innovative programs in order to further our shared goals and extend our evidence-based practices into the home for the highest quality of care by both organizations.”
Visiting Nurse Service of Ithaca and Tompkins County is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1984 to meet the needs of residents of Tompkins County. Services are provided to residents who are in need of professional medical care in their homes, and include nursing; physical, occupational and speech therapy; social work; and nutrition and Home Health Aide services.
“As Visiting Nurse Service approaches 40 years of serving our community, growing our impact by partnering with Cayuga Health is an exciting next step,” states Barbara Armstrong, NP, President of the VNS Board of Directors. “Like Cayuga Health, VNS puts our staff and patients first, so we look forward to what the future may bring as we work together.”
“We know that most patients respond well to care provided in their own home where they are able to maintain their dignity in familiar surroundings and with their loved ones and pets,” states Sue Ellen Stuart, Executive Director for Visiting Nurse Service of Ithaca and Tompkins County. “By working together with Cayuga Health, we can both do more to support age-friendly community initiatives and benefit the elderly with enhanced care options.”
Naph’tali Edge, Chief Nursing Officer, Cayuga Health explained, “Visiting Nurse Service’s and Cayuga Health’s early collaborative efforts for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been a great success. Providing evidence-based tools and education for patients to monitor their condition at home has improved the chance patients will receive care early, avoiding hospitalization when possible.”
Edge continued, “VNS and CHS are also developing a community paramedicine program to bring care to more rural underserved patients. In addition, our partnership will enhance connections between patients and community resources, such as transportation, Food Net Meals on Wheels, and more. Providing care and support at home keeps our patients connected to the resources they need for the best health outcomes.”
Tom LiVigne, Chairman, Cayuga Health Board of Directors states, “Taking care of our residents in Tompkins County and surrounding areas, and addressing social determinants of health, requires us to develop interdisciplinary community health care connections. We are proud to be partnering with Visiting Nurse Service and aligning our missions.”
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About Cayuga Health
Cayuga Health (CH) has two hospitals, Cayuga Medical Center, and Schuyler Hospital, as well as a multi-specialty group, Cayuga Medical Associates. Combined employment, including affiliated organizations, is over 2,800 employees. CH is clinically affiliated with Mayo Medical Laboratories, Rochester Regional Health for cardiac services, and the University of Rochester for neurosciences. Visit www.cayugahealth.org for more information.
About Visiting Nurse Service of Ithaca and Tompkins County
Visiting Nurse Service (VNS) of Ithaca and Tompkins County provides in-home professional medical care to residents in Tompkins County. Their affiliated agency, Community Health and Home Care, has been approved to provide Medicaid Health Home services in Tompkins County and five surrounding Counties. Visit https://vnsithaca.org/ for more information.
what our patients are saying
“I have been a Hemo dialysis patient for almost Five years. Prior to dialysis and during dialysis I have had several trips to the ER, due to other health issues & was admitted to CMC more than a few times. Each and every time I’ve been there, whether in patient or out, I have been treated with respect, professionalism, and efficiency. I give this hospital 2 thumbs up!! Thank you CMC for taking care of me all these years!!”
“I have to say the last couple visits that I’ve had here have been wonderful. About a month ago I had an EGD and the staff were amazing! Explained everything in detail and made me feel at ease. I was very nervous and the nurse I had was very comforting. Tonight we had to take my son to the emergency room and they were awesome with him! We got right in. “
“The staff and accommodations at Cayuga Birthplace are amazing!!! This is what it I imagine it would feel like to be a celebrity getting VIP treatment. I wish I could stay longer – even the food options are 5 Star! The amenities are great. Everything is clean and designed beautifully. Not a single complaint, only praises!”
“I have had many occasions visiting CMC for myself and family. We have never had a bad experience there at all. Last October I had surgery and the nurses were amazing especially my night nurse. Thank you to all CMC staff for doing what you do every day with a smile.”
