Kenmore Mercy Hospital Foundation

April 2009

Board of Trustees Spotlight

Who is Nancy Dobson? 

Behind every sturdy foundation lies a strong Board of Trustees that volunteers their time to help the organization reach its goals.  It gives us great pleasure to introduce Nancy Dobson, Executive Vice President of Uniland Development and President of the Kenmore Mercy Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees. 

Nancy Dobson has served in a variety of capacities at Uniland Development since 1974, including Director of Property Management and Vice President of Marketing.  In her current position as Executive Vice President, Nancy’s primary responsibilities include the direction of day-to-day operations with a concentration on the Marketing, Design and Property Management Departments, as well as, strategic planning and new development.

Nancy is active in many regional business and community organizations including her work with the Board of Trustees for Kenmore Mercy Hospital Foundation since 1998.  She has been a constant leader and a long time financial supporter and has involved Uniland Development in sponsoring numerous events such as the Tribute to Angels Gala & The Bob A. Saldanha Memorial Golf & Wine Event. 

In 2008, Nancy aided us in obtaining a $500,000.00 grant from the New York State Legislature and former Senator Mary Lou Rath.  This significant grant was used to fund the purchase of a Multipurpose Endovascular C-Arm System, which allows for computerized tomography in the hospital’s new Endovascular Unit. 

If you ever have the pleasure of meeting Nancy at any hospital functions please take a moment to introduce yourself and say thank you!

Foundation Now Offering Departmental Mini Grants

 In 2009, the Kenmore Mercy Foundation is giving away $25,000 in departmental mini grants!

All departments within the hospital are eligible to apply for a $2,500 grant for equipment, supplies, etc. needed within their department.  Priority is given to patient care/service areas over technical or non-patient related needs.

 A few recent requests that have been approved include the purchase of a container bin and surgical instruments for the Surgery Department. In addi­tion, the Care Management Depart­ment recently requested van vouch­ers which will be used to assist patients who need transportation home and might not otherwise be able to afford it.

Applications are available in the Foundation office or by calling Staci Helman at (716) 447-6204.

Staff Education Grants Assist Associates

Did you know that in 2009 the Kenmore Mercy Hospital Founda­tion will give away

$25,000 in staff education grants?

To date, the Foundation has as­sisted ten associates with their staff educational costs, totaling $6,708. This includes professional conferences and training seminars, including the recently attended Orthopedic Surgery conference, an Emergency Nurse Leadership conference, Advances in Ortho­pedic Care seminar, an EKG Tech Program, an Oncology Chemo and Biotherapy course, a TDI Clinical Documentation Conference; and an Educational Conference for Medi­cal Staff Services.

The Foundation is proud to be able to set aside this funding to provide associates with the tools needed to better assist their patients’ needs.  This additional funding would not be possible without the generous support of our associates and Auxiliary members.

The Foundation Board of Trustees would be happy to help your de­partment get something you need or send you on a beneficial con­ference or seminar. Apply today; forms are available in the Founda­tion offices on the sixth floor or by calling (716) 447-6204.

 Employee Showcase...

Emergency Room Nurse Manager, Heather Telford spent two days at the Emergency Nurses Leadership Conference in Reno, Nev., in March, thanks to a Kenmore Mercy Foundation staff education grant. There she learned about national benchmarks and best practices from the industry’s foremost emergency health care leaders.

Not only did Heather walk away with knowledge about how to better deal with what the Emergency Department staff faces on a daily basis, she was able to bring back and share details about personnel, communication, safety, quality, and customer service.

“I also discovered that many of the problems that we face in our ER are universal struggles,” said Heather. “However, in meeting other emergency room managers and attending the various conference sessions, I discovered ways to work with those frustra­tions, how to use customer feedback as an opportunity for improvement, and how we can be even more efficient in our practices. I’m very happy that I had this opportunity.”

Since 1980, the Kenmore Mercy Hospital Foundation has provided key financial support to Kenmore Mercy Hospital through an extensive development program that encourages public and private philanthropic support.  For further information about the Foundation call (716) 447-6204 or email kenmoremercyfoundation@chsbuffalo.org.

The Insider Newsletter is a quarterly production of the Kenmore Mercy Foundation.