Pictured from left to right: Adam Dimitri, Lake Shore Savings Bank Regional Vice President and Westfield Branch Manager Katie Reilly present a $16,500 check (to be used toward the purchase of a portable defibrillator) to WMH Foundation Executive Director Patricia Gaughan DiPalma and AHN Westfield Hospital Administrator, Dr. Rodney J. Buchanan.

Seeking support for its annual campaign, Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation reached out to Lake Shore Savings Bank for assistance with the acquisition of a portable defibrillator.

Patricia Gaughan DiPalma, WMH Foundation executive director, received confirmation from Kim Liddell, Lake Shore Savings, president & CEO, that the bank’s Board of Directors (BOD) agreed to contribute $16,500 for the acquisition of a new $33,000 Stryker LIFEPAK 15 series portable defibrillator.

The WMHF has also received notice that an anonymous donor has stepped forward to donate the remaining $16,500 towards this procurement.

Recognizing this lifesaving equipment, needed at both the Chautauqua Clinic, a primary care clinic located on the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution (celebrating its 150th Anniversary year), and at AHN Westfield Hospital, Dr. Kathryn S. Bronstein, WMH Foundation president remarked: “The entire hospital Foundation board and I remain grateful to Lake Shore Savings Bank for its continued support of our community hospital and its Foundation.”

As the philanthropic arm for Westfield Memorial Hospital, the WMH Foundation works with the community hospital to provide financial support for the delivery of high-quality healthcare to our residents and beyond.

Hospital Administrator, Dr. Rodney J. Buchanan, stated: “Being able to obtain a portable unit that would service the entire hospital as well as the nearby primary care clinic is an incredible gift for which we are very appreciative. I extend my thanks along with Patty and Kathryn and the entire WMHF BOD to Lake Shore Savings Bank for its on-going community outreach and support.

“In 2023, there were more than 30,000 patients who utilized services at WMH and an additional 400 patients who utilized services at the Chautauqua Clinic. As the population ages and as the world increasingly develops more allergies, we have found the severity and acuity of our medical needs have spiked – not only for those visiting or living at Chautauqua Institution (CI), but also those residing in our rural community.

It’s important to note this past summer season alone, we were required to use an EpiPen three times at CI to avert anaphylaxis wherein the heart could stop or develop an abnormal rhythm. It is critical to our mission to provide a safe environment for urgent medical needs. Having a life-saving portable defibrillator fulfills this.”

With the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Chautauqua Institution, both the hospital and its clinic fervidly prepared for an increased number of visitors who may need acute medical care.

Being patient-focused on every aspect of medical care including clinical care, patient satisfaction and safety remains at the top of the list in the delivery of high-quality healthcare for our patients at WMH and at the Chautauqua Clinic.

Buchanan continued: “Improving outcomes and creating more satisfied patients and better value across our community hospital and the Chautauqua Clinic is essential – especially during Chautauqua Institution’s 150th anniversary year. The Institution is expecting record-breaking numbers of visitors to help celebrate this milestone and we are doing everything possible to be ready for the influx of vacationers and visitors.”

Applauding the efforts of Lake Shore Savings Bank, DiPalma noted, “If AHN-Westfield Hospital is to remain a forerunner in helping to save lives, the Foundation will repeatedly be called on to fund sophisticated equipment in all hospital departments on an ‘as needed’ basis.”

She continued. “Inflation, coupled with labor shortages and wage increases have put a strain on all parts of America’s vast, but fragmented healthcare system. And because these additional strains are even more pronounced in rural communities, we recognize the importance of local funding to keep healthcare accessible to all and not a luxury for a few,” said DiPalma.

She agreed with Bronstein who also observed: “It is comforting to know we can count on our long-time friends – Lake Shore Savings Bank and other countless and steadfast donors in our time of need.”

For those who would like to learn more about the hospital Foundation or how to give to the 2024 Annual Campaign, contact Ms. DiPalma at patricia.dipalma@ahn.org; call: 716-793-2338 or visit the foundation’s website at: www.westfieldhospitalfoundation.org.

In addition to emergency care, the hospital provides an array of services, including ambulatory and short stay surgery, outpatient diagnostic services, physical therapy, cardiac stress testing, imaging, women’s diagnostic services, 3 D digital mammography, laboratory, diabetes education, nuclear stress testing, wound and infusion clinics, inpatient care, and a specialty services suite that includes general surgery, digestive diseases, orthopedics, and cardiology clinic.

Telemedicine services for telecardiology, telehospitalist and telestroke are also available at the community hospital. AHN Westfield Hospital also provides primary care services at the Chautauqua Institution during its nine-week summer season.