HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Medical Center provider affiliate, Western Mass Physician Associates announced it is changing the name to Holyoke Medical Group as of Oct. 1.

Four years after launching a new organization-wide logo and rebranding campaign, the Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems leadership recognize the disconnect still perceived by patients between Holyoke Medical Center and Western Mass Physician Associates.

“The name change will allow for the organization to have stronger brand awareness in the community,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems. “The new name also releases the belief that all clinicians are doctors. The future success of healthcare relies not only on our excellent physicians, but on the growing number of mid-level providers, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, expertly qualified to care for our community.”  

Holyoke Medical Group consists of two primary-care provider offices, a family medicine office, a pediatric office, and three women’s services offices with ob/gyn and certified nurse midwife care. Each office location is accepting new patients.

CHICOPEE — Holyoke Medical Center has expanded services to a new facility on Memorial Drive in Chicopee for primary and specialty physician services, lab draws, X-rays, ultrasound, and CORE physical therapy.

“The new Chicopee site speaks to our continued efforts and commitment to provide our patients with medical care and treatment that is more accessible in community-based locations,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center. “Residents of Chicopee, South Hadley, and other surrounding towns will find this new facility to be convenient, with expanded hours and walk-in service.”

The primary-care services, provided by HMC affiliate Western Mass Physician Associates, have already opened and began treating patients at 1962 Memorial Dr. in mid-June. This office relocated from 262 New Ludlow Road in Chicopee. The office is accepting new patients and will begin offering walk-in services this fall. To make an appointment, call (413) 552-3250.

The Holyoke Medical Center lab-draw station relocated on Aug. 6 from 260 New Ludlow Road to an adjoining space of Western Mass Physician Associates at 1968 Memorial Dr. in Chicopee. In addition to lab services, this space will also offer X-ray and ultrasound services, which previously required patients to go to the hospital campus in Holyoke. To learn more, call (413) 536-6766.

HMC CORE Physical Therapy also opened today on Aug. 6, and is located within the same complex at 1970 Memorial Dr. This service relocated from 138 College St. in South Hadley, and will offer a renovated space and new equipment to support the rehabilitation needs of the community. To make an appointment, call (413) 532-9913.

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center announced the appointment of Kathleen Anderson as the hospital’s director of Community Benefits. She begins her new role on Aug. 27.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kathy to the Holyoke Medical Center team. She is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of networking experience in the city of Holyoke and regionally. Her extraordinary ability to build trusting relationships will be greatly appreciated in the role of director of Community Benefits,” said Spiros Hatiras, Holyoke Medical Center’s president and CEO.

Added Anderson, “throughout my career I have had the wonderful opportunity to get to know the needs of the community. This position will allow me to use the knowledge that I’ve gained over the years to best serve the current and future patients of HMC.”

The director of Community Benefits provides programs and services to improve health in communities and helps to increase access to healthcare. This is done to advance medical and health knowledge in the community and relieve or reduce the burden of government and other community efforts. Anderson will succeed Helen Arnold following her retirement after a 42-year career with Holyoke Medical Center.

Anderson most recently served as president of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and its affiliated Centennial Foundation. Prior to that, she served as Holyoke’s Planning and Economic Development director, as well as chief of staff for two Holyoke mayors. She serves on the state Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development’s Economic Assistance Coordinating Council, and chairs both the Holyoke Salvation Army and Economic Development Partners of the Western Mass. Economic Development Council.

“I was born at Holyoke Medical Center, and I began my career at the hospital at the age of 14 in a volunteer position as a candy striper,” Anderson said. “This new role is a wonderful opportunity for me personally to go back to where I started. All of my family members have been cared for at the hospital, and I feel at home at Holyoke Medical Center.”

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center has appointed Michael Ipekdjian R.N., BSN as the hospital’s director of Transitional Care/Case Management.

With vast experience in nursing and case management in the community hospital setting, Ipekdjian will lead HMC’s transitional care and case management programs. In this role, he will oversee the hospital’s registered nurses and social workers, and communicate with internal and external partners to improve case management and care coordination.

“Mike brings the leadership and vision necessary to help HMC achieve the highest levels of patient care,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems Inc. “We are confident in his ability to leverage his case management experience to ensure that patients can access a full scope of community services across the continuum.”

Said Ipekdjian, “Joining HMC is a tremendous professional opportunity. I look forward to working with a highly committed team of colleagues to ensure that patients can access complete, comprehensive healthcare, and the important community resources that contribute to quality healthcare.”

Most recently, Ipekdjian served as case-management supervisor at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pa, where he coordinated the day-to-day operations of the Case Management Department. He managed 21 full-time employees, including case managers, and RN nurse navigators/transitional care nurses. He coordinated with community agencies to facilitate communication and assure continuity of care, reviewed and developed readmission programs and chronic disease management metrics. As that medical center’s MSICU case manager, he planned, coordinated, and facilitated the care and transition of patients through two intensive care units.

Ipekdjian is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, earning both his associate and bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing. He is pursuing an MBA in Healthcare Management at Western Governors University and is expected to graduate in 2016.

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center announced that William Sullivan of West Springfield has joined the hospital as director of Materials Management. In this role, Sullivan will lead the Materials Management Department’s purchasing, distribution, and linen teams in the sourcing of medical equipment and supplies, with the ultimate goal of delivering exceptional patient care.

“Bill is a tremendous addition to the HMC community,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO, Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems Inc. “He is deeply committed to transforming the delivery and financing of products, which contribute greatly to our efforts in providing a high-quality, affordable, and patient-centered system of care in the Pioneer Valley.”

Of his appointment, Sullivan said, “I am honored to join HMC, which goes the extra mile to continually improve the patient experience by making investments in community-based healthcare services. I look forward to collaborating with HMC’s award-winning team of healthcare professionals to develop strategies that lead to even better patient outcomes.”

In previous roles, Sullivan has successfully identified cost-saving opportunities and streamlined logistics to improve the flow of products through supply chain. As a senior purchasing agent at Baystate Health in Holyoke, he helped bolster patient care through the enhancement of cost savings opportunities for medical and surgical products. Sullivan earned his bachelor of Business Administration degree from Westfield State College in 2001.

HOLYOKE — River Valley Counseling Center (RVCC), a member of Valley Health Systems and affiliate to Holyoke Medical Center, announced the appointment of Rosemarie Ansel as executive director.

Ansel’s executive leadership includes demonstrable experience in leading administrative, fiscal, and clinical functions in the community outpatient setting.

“Rosemarie is a skilled senior executive who brings a proven track record in clinical, educational, and medical programming to this important role. Her strong working relationships at the state and national levels will help RVCC enhance the delivery of quality mental-health services to the communities we serve,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Valley Health Systems and Holyoke Medical Center.

Added Ansel, “I am honored to join the River Valley Counseling Center, which is dedicated to providing a wide range of compassionate, community-centered care to individuals and families in our region. Under the Holyoke Medical Center umbrella, we have a strong and pervasive sense of community. This carries over into our team of clinicians and staff, who are second to none when it comes to providing mission-critical services on a 24/7 basis.”

Ansel will lead RVCC, a multi-service agency serving Hampden County for 62 years. Its community-focused outpatient mental-health services include psychiatric day treatment programs, school-based services in Chicopee, teen clinics and school-based health centers in Holyoke, individual and group-based therapy offered in Spanish as well as English, HIV/AIDS support for both men and women, intensive case management, and recreational therapy for 8- to 16-year-old children at risk of hospitalization or residential placement, as well as employer-assistance services through site training, assessment, counseling, and referrals. The center provided 144,000 treatment services across all programs in 2013.

In her most recent role as deputy director of Community Services and director of Operations at the Columbia County Department of Human Services and Mental Health Center in Hudson, N.Y., Ansel oversaw the administrative, fiscal, and clinical components of a community outpatient mental-health clinic. Her leadership resulted in a 23% increase in direct client contacts by the end of the first fiscal year, a 46% increase in clinic-based revenue in 16 months, an increase in the client average daily census by 600 individuals in four years, as well as a 61% increase in co-payments. Prior to her success in this role, Ansel served as deputy for Administration at Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth in Canaan, N.Y. and executive vice president at Hillcrest Educational Centers in Pittsfield.

HOLYOKE — For the first time, the Leapfrog Group has named Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) to its annual list of Top Hospitals. An elite distinction awarded to hospitals nationwide for demonstrating excellence in hospital safety and quality through the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, the Leapfrog Top Hospital award is given to fewer than 7% of all eligible hospitals.

“Earning the Leapfrog Top Hospital award tells us that we are succeeding in our mission to set a new standard in patient care,” said Spiros Hatiras, HMC President and CEO. “We believe that being a premier medical institution requires a commitment to safety and quality, as well as a fundamental respect for the patient. At Holyoke Medical Center, we treat patients with authentic compassion and empathy, as we would our own families.”

Leah Binder, president and CEO of the Leapfrog Group, noted that the Top Hospital award “is widely acknowledged as one of the most prestigious distinctions any hospital can achieve in the United States. It recognizes institutions for their excellence in quality of care and patient safety, as well as their commitment to transparency. By achieving Top Hospital status, Holyoke Medical Center has proven it’s a premier institution and deserves to be recognized for its dedication to the families and patients in Western Massachusetts.”

Holyoke Medical Center was one of 94 Top Hospitals recognized nationally, including academic medical centers, teaching hospitals, and community hospitals, and children’s hospitals in rural, suburban, and urban settings. The selection is based on the results of the Leapfrog Group’s annual hospital survey, which measures hospitals’ performance on patient safety and quality, focusing on three critical areas of hospital care: how patients fare, resource use, and management structures established to prevent errors. Performance across many areas of hospital care is considered in establishing the qualifications for the award, including rates for high-risk procedures and a hospital’s ability to prevent medication errors.

To see the full list of institutions honored as a 2014 Top Hospital, visit www.leapfroggroup.org/tophospitals.

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) was awarded an ‘A’ grade in the fall 2019 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing HMC’s achievements protecting patients from harm and providing safe healthcare.

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization driven by employers and other purchasers of healthcare committed to improving healthcare quality and safety for consumers and purchasers. The Safety Grade assigns an ‘A,’ ‘B,’ ‘C,’ ‘D,’ or ‘F’ grade to all general hospitals across the country based on their performance in preventing medical errors, injuries, accidents, infections, and other harms to patients in their care. 

“Being recognized again with an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group is a testament to the hard work and dedication practiced by each one of our team members every day. We give thanks to them and express our sincere gratitude for the commitment they provide to every patient who chooses Holyoke Medical Center for their care,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems Inc.

Developed under the guidance of a national expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public.
Hospitals that receive ‘A’ grades “show us their leadership is protecting patients from preventable medical harm and error,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of the Leapfrog Group. “It takes genuine commitment at every level — from clinicians to administrators to the board of directors — and we congratulate the teams who have worked so hard to earn this ‘A.’”

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) will host its annual gala on Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Log Cabin. All proceeds will benefit Valley Health Systems, which includes Holyoke Medical Center, Holyoke Medical Group, Holyoke VNA Hospice Life Care, and River Valley Counseling Center.

The annual gala will feature a complimentary cocktail reception; a seven-course chef’s dinner, each with its own wine pairing; a silent auction to support Valley Health Systems; award presentations; and dancing to music performed by the O-Tones.

Holyoke Medical Center has selected Dr. M. Saleem Bajwa to be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and hard work on behalf of Holyoke Medical Center and the local community for more than 40 years.

“My motto is to provide state-of-the-art care close at home,” says Bajwa said. “HMC has been a wonderful place, and very supportive in helping me to provide the best possible medical care to Valley residents.”

Also being recognized are select members of the Valley Health Systems staff who exemplify exceptional care in the categories of Best Physician, Best Caregiver, Best Supporting Employee, and Best Leader. This year’s finalists are:

• Best Physician Finalists: Dr. Tedd Ackerman, Psychiatry; Dr. John Mazzucco, General Surgery; Dr. Lorenver Po, Internal Medicine.

• Best Caregiver Finalists: Kirsten Lindgren, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy; Cornelius Maddox, Nursing (Intermediate Care Unit); Maria Quinn, Center for Behavioral Health.

• Best Supporting Employee Finalists: Terry Hoague, Environmental Services; Angelo Martinez, Plant Operations; Jennifer Zelasko, Food Services.

• Best Leader Finalists: Kathryn Girardin, Speech & Hearing; Hasaan Khawaja, Centers of Rehabilitation Excellence; Sheila Laroche, Revenue Cycle.

“We are proud to have the ability to offer our community an opportunity to support Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems through this fun event, while also providing them a chance to celebrate some of our most talented team members who tirelessly care for our family, friends, and neighbors every day,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems.

Tickets for this black-tie-optional gala are $125 per person and can be purchased through the Holyoke Medical Center website at www.holyokehealth.com/gala19 or by calling the Development Office at (413) 534-2579.

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center announced the opening of a new service location at 5 Hospital Dr., which will include the HMC Pulmonology Center, thoracic surgeons, the Lung Cancer Screening Program, and a new Pulmonary Function Testing Lab. The location opened Sept. 9. An open house has been scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m.

“Over the past six months, we have welcomed three new pulmonology physicians and have renovated the 5 Hospital Drive location to better meet the needs of our pulmonary patients. Bringing the services of pulmonology, thoracic, lung-cancer screening, and pulmonary functions tests together in one space will allow for more collaboration and even better continuity of care,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems. “We are happy to offer an opportunity for the community to come and meet the doctors and see the new space.”

The providers now practicing at this new location include pulmonologists Dr. M. Saleem Bajwa, Dr. Andrey Pavlov, and Dr. Miguel Rodriguez, and thoracic surgeon Dr. Laki Rousou. To schedule an appointment with the HMC Pulmonology Center, call (413) 534-2582. To schedule an appointment with the HMC Thoracic Surgeons or Lung Cancer Screening Program, call (413) 535-4721.

WESTFIELD — Holyoke Medical Center announced expanded healthcare services in Westfield, including family medicine, women’s services, gastroenterology, walk-in care, and more.

Holyoke Medical Group Family Medicine, an affiliate of Holyoke Medical Center, has relocated to 140 Southampton Road in Westfield. The office offers care for the entire family, including pediatrics, adult primary care, women’s health, and geriatric care.

Dr. Thomas Graziano and Deborah Pisciotta, MS, PA-C, are accepting new patients. The office is open weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. To make an appointment, call (413) 535-4800.

“Holyoke Medical Center is committed to continuously provide our patients with high-quality medical care and treatment that is more accessible and convenient to them through community-based locations,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center.

In addition to Holyoke Medical Group Family Medicine, Holyoke Medical Center plans to offer walk-in care, lab draw, imaging services, and physical therapy at the 140 Southampton Road facility starting this fall.

Holyoke Medical Group Women’s Services also has an office in Westfield, located at 94 North Elm St., Suite 102, in Westfield. Holyoke Medical Center Gastroenterology will also open a new office at 94 North Elm St., Suite 206, in Westfield on Oct. 21.

HOLYOKE — The Leapfrog Group announced that Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) has been named a Top Hospital for the second time in three years. Widely acknowledged as one of the most prestigious distinctions a hospital can receive in the U.S., the recognition showcases HMC’s commitment to patient safety and quality.

“It is with great pride Holyoke Medical Center accepts the Top Hospital award for the second time. Being one of only two hospitals in Massachusetts to receive this distinction demonstrates how truly hard our team is focused on providing high-quality care in a safe environment, close to home. I extend my sincere gratitude to the exceptional staff of HMC for their dedication and focus,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems Inc.

HMC received a Top General Hospital distinction, and was one of 115 Top Hospitals recognized across the country. Selection is based on the results of the 2016 Leapfrog Hospital Survey. Performance across many areas of hospital care is considered in establishing the qualifications for the award, including infection rates, maternity care, and a hospital’s ability to prevent medication errors.

“Being acknowledged as a Top Hospital is an incredible feat achieved by less than 3% of hospitals nationwide,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of the Leapfrog Group. “With this honor, Holyoke Medical Center has established its commitment to safer and higher-quality care. Providing this level of care to patients in the Pioneer Valley requires motivation and drive from every team member. I congratulate the board, staff, and clinicians, whose efforts made this honor possible.”

To see the full list of institutions honored as 2016 Top Hospitals, visit www.leapfroggroup.org/tophospitals.

HOLYOKE — The newly expanded Holyoke Medical Group’s services at 1962 Memorial Dr., Chicopee are now offering walk-in care. Under the medical direction of Dr. Kevin Snow, the Holyoke Medical Group Walk-in Care will offer same-day treatment services for conditions such as a sore throat, aches and pains, fever, and physicals needed for work, school, or sports.

“Holyoke Medical Center is dedicated to listening to our community and responding with the services that will meet the needs of our friends and neighbors. The Holyoke Medical Group Walk-in Care service is one way we are increasing the accessibility of quality healthcare in the Pioneer Valley,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center.

Holyoke Medical Group Walk-in Care is located together with the Primary Care office, with adjoining lab-draw and medical-imaging services. The HMC CORE Physical Therapy Chicopee location is also located within the same complex.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The office can be reached at (413) 552-3250. Holyoke Medical Group is the primary-care physician group affiliated with Holyoke Medical Center.

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center recently opened the Comprehensive Care Center to address opioid dependence. This program provides comprehensive, confidential treatment options for people looking to quit prescription painkillers, heroin, and other opioids.

Board-certified physician and Medical Director Dr. Amy Jaworek manages the use of prescription medication to treat opioid dependency, while licensed mental-health counselors with River Valley Counseling Center provide psychological treatment and substance-abuse counseling.

“Our mission at Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems is to improve the health of all people in our community. The opioid epidemic is one that is having rippling effects throughout the region, and we needed to be a larger part of the solution,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems.

Patients are prescribed buprenorphine-naloxone (trade name Suboxone) to help break their addiction so they can focus on healing. “Buprenorphine interacts with brain receptors to reduce cravings and euphoria, while naloxone prevents misuse as it blocks the effects of opioids,” Jaworek said.

Eligible patients must be diagnosed with substance-use disorder, complete an initial medical evaluation, and be screened for associated illnesses. The program treats patients who are age 18 and older, are self-referred or referred by a healthcare provider, and have a desire to stop opioid use.

The Comprehensive Care Center is located 575 Beech St., Suite 404, Holyoke, and can be reached at (413) 535-4889.

HOLYOKE — Dr. Ursula McMillian, a board-certified surgeon, has joined Holyoke Medical Center. Specializing in bariatric and general surgery, she is the newest provider in the HMC Weight Management Program.

“I am excited to be joining the innovative team at the Weight Management Program,” McMillian said. “The philosophy of care and commitment to helping patients find the right tools to maintain a healthy weight, for life, is what drew me to this opportunity. I am also impressed by how friendly everyone is here and appreciate the fact that Holyoke Medical Center is an independent community hospital, focused on patients’ overall health and well-being.”

Passionate about exercise and its role in a healthy life, McMillian is known to practice what she preaches, often creating videos of herself exercising and sharing them online for her patients to follow along. This provides an avenue for her to relate to patients and demonstrates her understanding of the hard work that goes into maintaining a healthy weight. “My passion stems from my own struggles with weight throughout my life. I understand and have empathy and compassion for what my patients are going through.”

The HMC Weight Management Program has experienced tremendous growth since it opened in late February 2016. Under the medical direction of Dr. Yannis Raftopoulos, the program has treated more than 1,500 patients in the Pioneer Valley. With the addition of McMillian, the office now has two bariatric surgeons, two physician assistants, two registered dietitians, and two behavioral health specialists to support the needs of the program’s patients.

McMillian received her bachelor’s degree in physiology and neurobiology from the University of Connecticut, and attended the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. She then completed a general surgery internship at the University of Massachusetts, a general surgery residency at the Hospital of Saint Raphael, and a fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at Danbury Hospital. She has been practicing since 2010 in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and is a member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Society of Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.

“We are proud to welcome Dr. McMillian to the Holyoke Medical Center family. Her surgical expertise and dynamic energy have already begun to make a positive impact with our patients and the organization,” said Spiros Hatiras, Holyoke Medical Center’s president and CEO.

McMillian is accepting new patients at 11 Hospital Drive in Holyoke. Before making an appointment, patients must first attend a free information session to learn more about the program and the services available. Programs are offered several times each month in both English and Spanish. To register for an upcoming program, call (413) 535-4757, or visit holyokehealth.com/events.

HOLYOKE — They’re calling the event “A Night of Passion.” That’s a phrase that applies to both support for efforts to promote childhood literacy and a fondness for a particular food or beverage.

These various passions will come together April 5 at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke at Link to Libraries’ biennial fund-raising event. Proceeds from all ticket sales will go to Link to Libraries.

More than 500 people are expected to attend the event, which will be a celebration of all that Link to Libraries has accomplished since it was created in 2008 — including the donation of nearly 500,000 books to area schools and organizations — and how it intends to continually expand its mission in the years to come.

As for those passions for specific foods and drinks, they will be a focus of the night, provided by a host of area celebrities and business leaders, including Mike Mathis, MGM Springfield president and chief operating officer; Kevin Rhodes, Springfield Symphony Orchestra conductor; Spiros Hatiras, Holyoke Medical Center president and CEO; Delcie Bean IV, CEO of Paragus Strategic IT; Mick Corduff, executive chef and co-owner of the Log Cabin; Amy Royal, founding partner of Royal, P.C., and many more.

As for their passions, well, those are carefully guarded secrets at this point.

Those who would like to experience these passions and support Link to Libraries — which supplies books to schools and other organizations across Western Mass. and Northern Conn., and promotes read-alouds that put area business and civic leaders in area classrooms — can buy tickets for $40 each by sending checks to: Link to Libraries, Attn. Karen Blinderman, P.O. Box 958, West Springfield, MA 01090. All beverages are included in the ticket price. Food and beverages are donated by the Log Cabin.

Sponsors for “A Night of Passion” include lead sponsors Health New England and Rediker Software, and event sponsors Bacon Wilson, Bank of America – U.S. Trust, the Frank Stanley Beveridge Foundation, the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, James Vinick, Monson Savings Bank, PeoplesBank, Peoples United Bank, the Springfield Falcons, and United Bank.