DeGraff Memorial Hospital -- a step ahead
in serving the community

DeGraff moves confidently into the future

by Dave Burns

DeGraff Memorial Hospital, a Kaleida Health affiliate located in North Tonawanda turns 90 years old next year. And it will not be left behind in servicing the community.

A string of recent improvements and upgrades threads its way through nearly every department, tying it securely to the marvels of modern medicine. And by investing in the hospital's future, the administration demonstrates its long-term commitment to the people of Western New York. DeGraff is the largest private employer in North Tonawanda.

The new addition of a Duel Energy X-Ray Absorption Scanner to an already outstanding Radiology Department at DeGraff is one example of an important advancement -- and a real plus to the hospital -- according to Charles Ambrus of DeGraff's public relations department. The scanner measures bone density and is an important tool in diagnosing osteoporosis, sometimes before any symptoms occur.

Another important addition at DeGraff is the expansion of its Urology Department, which now boasts a state-of-the-art Urology Suite, "the most technologically advanced in the region," according to Ambrus. Here the staff is able to diagnose and treat patients with a concentrated combination of the latest medical equipment in the field. And with the acquisition of the new Holmumin Laser, urologists now have the ability to disintegrate any type of stone a patient may have.

Cutting Edge Technology

Ambrus pointed out that keeping DeGraff on the cutting edge of modern diagnostic and imaging advances, along with new equipment upgrades and acquisitions, enables its staff to provide intelligent, accurate and caring treatment for the community.

"And patient satisfaction and positive feedback are extremely high," Ambrus said. "We're really considered the Tonawandas' community hospital and considered a jewel," he added.

Another exciting development at DeGraff is the modernization of varicose vein treatment procedures. Varicose veins, which usually occur in the legs, are caused by bad valves inside the veins which restrict blood flow and can cause a host of problems. A build-up of blood in some areas can result in too much pressure and "bulging," while too little blood in other areas leaves the tissue blood-starved. Generally, the affected area is said to become "congested," and it can become badly swollen, quite uncomfortable and even quite painful.

Until very recently, the accepted method of treatment was to "strip" the affected veins, by making a small incision in the groin, a second one below the knee, and physically pulling the vein out of the leg. The procedure is painful, and recuperation time is from two to six weeks. Many people choose to suffer with the discomforts of varicose veins rather than face "stripping" the veins.

New Treatment

A new technique called the Closure Procedure, developed and utilized in other parts of the United States, has proven very successful in the treatment of patients in a gentler and more efficient manner. "Compared to the Closure Procedure, the old method is seen as barbaric by some people," stated Dr. Michael A. Vasquez, a General and Vascular surgeon at DeGraff.

Using equipment developed by VNUS Medical Technologies Inc., the minimally-invasive Closure technique is now available at DeGraff. Vasquez made it his personal campaign to bring the expensive equipment and necessary training to DeGraff two years ago. And his efforts paid off.

Today with the VNUS Closure Procedure, aided by the new equipment and the expert guidance of Leah Schierlitz, certified clinical trainer from VNUS, Vasquez and his staff perform the technique on affected veins, and the success has been phenomenal. The once-blocked blood immediately flows to healthier veins, with good valves, and the patient usually returns to normal activities within a day.

"Dr. Vasquez has learned the procedure faster than many of our other surgeons (in other areas)," Schierlitz said, "and he has an excellent bedside manner. He takes time with the patient to explain and he really follows up after the surgery too."

Currently, DeGraff is the only hospital in Western New York to offer the Closure Procedure.

Many Improvements

Other recent improvements at DeGraff include: an upgrading of its boilers; a new, half-million dollar electrocardiogram machine; a high speed CT scanner; a two-month old Ultra Sequoia Scanner; a GE C-Arm Scanner, and upgrades to the user-friendly Cardiac Rehab Department.

A mobile MRI unit will soon be on site at the hospital a few days a week. And a filmless archive system for X-rays is expected in March 2004. This system, known as the Pictorial Archive for X-rays or PAX, will phase out a virtual warehouse within the hospital that's currently needed to store the 36,000 X-rays taken at DeGraff annually.

Through all the recent changes and improvements, DeGraff has maintained its warm, relaxed atmosphere and concern for patient comfort. This may be best seen in the hospital's recently remodeled mammography area. Instead of the cold, steel tray used by most mammographers, at DeGraff women are greeted instead by a soft, warmed padded tray.

Serving the Community

Hospital President Chris Lane noted that some cosmetic improvements are currently underway at the facility, as are new coats of paint in several areas. "DeGraff Memorial Hospital has a proud history of care and service to the community," Lane said. "We have recently made extensive capital investments in it because we see ourselves as a vital player in this community and this whole area for a long time."

Lane, who came to the Buffalo area from Boston 11 months ago to accept the position, remarked that DeGraff Hospital has the "best of both worlds, large and small. It's small enough to give a personal touch to the community but big enough to attract top-notch talents."

Lane said that with the recent upgrades, business is on the increase and he hopes more residents from the greater Buffalo and Western New York region will utilize the hospital's services.

Ambrus pointed to the hospital's dedicated volunteer staff, calling it "the driving force of the hospital. They really give the warm, friendly atmosphere of a community hospital," he said.
With all these qualities, DeGraff Memorial Hospital has one foot firmly on the foundations of its long history, and the other already stepping confidently into the future. It stands ready to service the needs of the Buffalo-Niagara community.