Work progresses on Johnson City surgery center for Guthrie Lourdes Hospital

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JOHNSON CITY — Construction work is nearing completion on a new ambulatory surgery center (ASC) in Johnson City for Binghamton’s Guthrie Lourdes Hospital. The Guthrie Broome Orthopedic and Spine Surgery Center will be the first facility in the Southern Tier region “dedicated exclusively” to orthopedic and musculoskeletal surgical care. It is described as a “true […]

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JOHNSON CITY — Construction work is nearing completion on a new ambulatory surgery center (ASC) in Johnson City for Binghamton’s Guthrie Lourdes Hospital.

The Guthrie Broome Orthopedic and Spine Surgery Center will be the first facility in the Southern Tier region “dedicated exclusively” to orthopedic and musculoskeletal surgical care. It is described as a “true partnership” between local orthopedic, spine and podiatric physicians, Guthrie Lourdes Hospital, and Constitution Surgery Alliance (CSA). CSA, an Avon, Connecticut–based firm with experience in creating orthopedic surgery centers, is providing development and management-advisory services.

Located in the former Oakdale Mall, the surgery center will include four operating rooms, 17 private recovery bays, and “cutting-edge” surgical technology, including a robotic system, Guthrie said in a Dec. 10 announcement.

Slated to open in February 2026, the new facility will offer outpatient orthopedic surgery, including total joint replacements, spine surgery, sports medicine, and procedures for the hand, wrist, elbow, foot, and ankle, as well as outpatient pain procedures.

The project is part of Guthrie’s broader investment in Oakdale Commons and supports the organization’s goal of “providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place,” per the announcement.

“Building a new surgical facility off the main hospital campus is part of our larger vision to offer high-quality, low-cost surgical care, in a convenient location with ample parking and modern facilities,” Dr. Edmund Sabanegh, president and CEO of the Guthrie Clinic, said in the announcement. “The surgery center complements our existing services at Oakdale Commons, including primary care, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and the fitness center. As healthcare continues to shift toward outpatient settings, we’re committed to meeting the community’s needs with high-quality, specialized care.”

Upon opening, the center will employ up to 30 nurses, orthopedic technicians, and support staff. It will undergo a licensure survey by the New York State Department of Health and pursue certification from both the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), Guthrie said.

Dr. Mohamed Al Saied, medical director and board member of the new center, in the announcement emphasized the importance of ASCs in modern health care.

“Surgery centers are a vital part of ensuring patients have access to high-quality, safe, and convenient surgical care,” Dr. Al Saied said. “Our mission is to provide world-class orthopedic surgical care in the region. With advancements in anesthesia and minimally invasive techniques, ASCs are an excellent option for most orthopedic procedures. We’re excited to begin operations in February.”

Community Wellness Partners to launch PACE program with $2.6 million state grant

Health Care, Mohawk Valley, Nonprofits, Subscriber Only

CLINTON — PACE, which is short for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is described as a “transformative initiative” designed to help older adults live independently in their communities while receiving coordinated care. Community Wellness Partners of Clinton says it will use a state grant of $2.6 million to establish a PACE program, per

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Community Wellness Partners of Clinton says it will use a state grant of $2.6 million to establish a PACE program, per its Nov. 24 announcement.

The money comes through the New York State Department of Health’s Statewide Residential and Community-based Alternatives to the Traditional Model of Nursing Home Care, according to Community Wellness Partners.

The state grant builds on a “growing foundation of support” from key regional partners. Community Wellness Partners has also received funding from Oneida County; The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc.; the Mother Cabrini Foundation; and the J. M. McDonald Foundation. Their investments have played a “crucial role in laying the groundwork” for the PACE initiative and strengthening the organization’s capacity to expand services for older adults.

“We are honored to receive this significant investment in the health and independence of our region’s older adults,” Lenora D’Apice, chief strategy officer at Community Wellness Partners, said in the announcement. “PACE represents a proven, person-centered model that supports seniors and their caregivers with compassion, dignity, and comprehensive care. This grant, along with the support of our valued funding partners, accelerates our ability to bring this vital service to the community.”

Community Wellness Partners says it will be seeking additional support in the coming year from community partners to further expand PACE services and enhance care for the region’s growing senior population.

“We will be working on specific fundraising efforts related to PACE that will engage the community to be a part of this transformational service to our region,” Jim Messa, VP of development at Community Wellness Partners, said. “This program is one of a kind for Oneida County, with the next closest PACE centers in Syracuse and Schenectady. We are proud to bring this service to our community.”

With its integrated, team-based approach, the PACE model ensures access to medical care, rehabilitation, social supports, transportation, nutrition, and other essential services. Those services are all coordinated through a central care team and delivered at home or at Community Wellness Partners’ dedicated PACE center, which will be located on its Clinton campus.

By focusing on prevention and early intervention, PACE programs help reduce hospitalizations, delay nursing-home admission, and improve quality of life, Community Wellness Partners said.

“With this new funding, we can build a program that not only meets the needs of our aging population but also strengthens the regional continuum of care,” Jeremy Rutter, CEO of Community Wellness Partners, said. “In just Oneida County alone there are 1,528 eligible PACE enrollees, with the potential to reduce the need for nursing home stays as well as aid in annual savings to Medicaid by millions. It supports a better quality of life for the seniors in our community, which is the root of our mission. We look forward to partnering with families, healthcare providers, and community leaders as we bring PACE to our area.”

About Community Wellness Partners

Community Wellness Partners is a faith-based network of nonprofit organizations that supports wellness through the provision of community services, housing, and health care. With more than 150 years of combined service, Community Wellness Partners is one of the largest senior-care organizations in Central New York.

It employs hundreds of people who serve over 1,000 older adults daily through a continuum of care that includes home care, care management, adult daycare, independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing.

Upstate University Hospital $450M annex project starts with design phase

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Health Care, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE — The $450 million hospital annex project at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse is starting with the design phase. The design will include a new, expanded emergency department and burn unit to serve the Central New York region, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Dec. 2. “Launching the design phase of our new hospital annex marks

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SYRACUSE — The $450 million hospital annex project at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse is starting with the design phase.

The design will include a new, expanded emergency department and burn unit to serve the Central New York region, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Dec. 2.

“Launching the design phase of our new hospital annex marks an exciting and essential step toward strengthening emergency care for our entire region. With the unprecedented growth earmarked for our region in the coming years, this project ensures Upstate is ready to meet our community’s future health-care needs in a world class facility,” Dr. Robert Corona, CEO of Upstate University Hospital, said. “We have the most hard-working and professional staff and they deserve a state-of-the-art facility to match, as do the patients we serve. We look forward to working side-by-side with Cannon Design and Architecture on building this much-needed facility.”

The SUNY board of trustees proposed the funding for the hospital annex late in 2024, which is now part of the current state budget.

New York City–based Cannon Design Architecture and Engineering, P.C. will lead the design work and subcontract with a number of subconsultants, most of which are designated as a minority owned or women owned business enterprise (MWBE), as well as a service-disabled veteran owned business (SDVOB), enabling the firm to meet or exceed the goals of 15 percent MBE, 15 percent WBE, and 6 percent SDVOB.

Updates on the project will be made publicly available as the design progresses, Hochul’s office noted.

“All New Yorkers should have access to the highest quality of health and medical care available –– that’s why we’re investing in a state-of-the-art facility for SUNY Upstate Medical and for all of Central New York,” the governor said. “And for generations of Central New Yorkers, this new facility will be a reliable source of care for decades to come.”

Over the summer, SUNY and Upstate Medical University held a briefing for MWBE firms as part of the bidding process for the design contract. Additional outreach will occur throughout the project, per Hochul’s office.

“With this announcement today, we move closer to building a world class emergency department, surgery suite, ICU and burn unit for Central New York. We are grateful to Gov. Hochul and our elected officials, the State University of New York for their support of the $450 million investment that makes today’s announcement possible,” Dr. Mantosh Dewan, president of Upstate Medical University, said. “Upstate is also eager to collaborate with Cannon Design and its team of experts who will bring their innovative approach to building a modern resilient hospital environment to support every patient that comes through our door.”

New COO settles into role at Community Memorial Hospital

Health Care, Mohawk Valley, Subscriber Only

HAMILTON — The newly appointed COO at Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) has been on the job for a few weeks, overseeing daily operations of primary and specialty practices. Kipp Jones started his new duties on Dec. 8, CMH tells CNYBJ in an email. In this new role at the hospital, Jones will play a key

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HAMILTON — The newly appointed COO at Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) has been on the job for a few weeks, overseeing daily operations of primary and specialty practices.

Kipp Jones started his new duties on Dec. 8, CMH tells CNYBJ in an email.

In this new role at the hospital, Jones will play a key role in advancing CMH’s strategic initiatives, “ensuring continued excellence in patient care, quality, and performance,” per the CMH announcement. He brings experience in health-care leadership and a proven ability to strengthen operational systems that support both providers and patients, the hospital said.

“Kipp brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of how to strengthen operations while keeping patients at the center of every decision,” Jeff Coakley, president and CEO of Community Memorial Hospital, said in the announcement. “We are confident he will be an outstanding addition to our leadership team and help us continue to advance our mission of providing exceptional care close to home.”

Most recently, Jones served in leadership roles with HCA Healthcare in New Hampshire, and a private practice, where he made contributions to rural health care in New England. His accomplishments include leading the recruitment and contracting of providers to strengthen access to care and expand provider capacity. Jones also led the implementation of electronic medical record (EMR) systems in newly acquired practices.

His skill and experience in these areas will “prove to be uniquely beneficial” as CMH continues to advance and grow during an upcoming upgrade to the organization’s EMR, the hospital contended.

“I am eager to partner with our team members, medical staff, board, and the broader community to build on the outstanding work already being done,” Jones said. “Together, we will continue to strengthen CMH’s role in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that’s close to home — just as we have done since 1952.”

Jones earned his bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and a Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree from Cornell University.

Community Memorial Hospital offers primary and specialty care in locations that include Hamilton, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Munnsville, Sherrill, and Waterville.

UHS Chenango Memorial’s Sidney practice set for improvement work in 2026

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Health Care, Southern Tier, Subscriber Only

NORWICH — UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich has a multi-specialty practice on Pearl Street in Sidney in Delaware County, which is set for infrastructure improvements sometime in 2026. The hospital will use federal funding of more than $667,000 for the work, per a Nov. 25 announcement. It will cover 75 percent of the total

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NORWICH — UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich has a multi-specialty practice on Pearl Street in Sidney in Delaware County, which is set for infrastructure improvements sometime in 2026.

The hospital will use federal funding of more than $667,000 for the work, per a Nov. 25 announcement. It will cover 75 percent of the total project cost, estimated at $890,000.

The hospital received word that its funding request to help replace the facilities aging roof, windows, and doors had been included in the 2026 federal budget. It credited U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D–N.Y.) with securing the money.

“We are deeply grateful for Senator Gillibrand and her staff’s advocacy on our behalf and for this federal investment, which will help us create a safer, more comfortable, and energy-efficient environment for the patients and families we serve through our health center in Sidney,” Cecil Miller, president and CEO of UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, said in the announcement. “These improvements strengthen our ability to provide high-quality primary, pediatric, and specialty care as well as diagnostic imaging and laboratory services close to home for residents of Sidney and the surrounding communities.”

UHS Chenango Memorial purchased the 44 Pearl St. property that houses the multi-specialty practice in 2010 to better serve patients in western Delaware and Otsego counties, Miller added.

“This is one more step forward in our continued efforts to advance our mission of providing comprehensive, compassionate care close to home for the residents of our service area,” Miller said.

Over the last 15 years, more than $1.8 million has been invested in the facility to support the growth of services offered. That list now includes primary care, pediatrics, women’s health services, orthopedics, cardiology, general surgery, laboratory services, and diagnostic imaging, including 3-D mammography.

It is one of 15 projects to receive funding in New York state in the FY 2026 Agriculture-Rural Development and Military Construction-Veterans Affairs funding bills.

“UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is a critical health care hub, serving thousands of individuals in the area,” Gillibrand said. “I am proud to have secured funding for this modernization project to ensure that UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital can continue providing health care services for New Yorkers [at its Sidney location] while reducing energy costs and improving safety and security for patients, their families, and staff.”

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is part of United Health Services, described as a locally owned, nonprofit health-care system with 916 beds and more than 40 locations across New York’s Southern Tier.

Oswego Health names executive director of nursing

Health Care, Subscriber Only

OSWEGO — Oswego Health has recently announced the promotion of Cheryl Stilwell to executive director of nursing. Stilwell began her career at Oswego Health in 2008, as the clinical manager of med surg — a role she held until 2013. Demonstrating strong leadership, clinical expertise, and a compassionate approach to patient care, she was then

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OSWEGO — Oswego Health has recently announced the promotion of Cheryl Stilwell to executive director of nursing.

Stilwell began her career at Oswego Health in 2008, as the clinical manager of med surg — a role she held until 2013. Demonstrating strong leadership, clinical expertise, and a compassionate approach to patient care, she was then promoted to director of med surg. Stilwell served in that role for more than 12 years, “guiding her team with consistency, excellence, and a deep commitment to quality,” Oswego Health contended. Her promotion to executive director of nursing marks the next milestone in her distinguished tenure, it added.

Stilwell’s path to nursing leadership began with her graduation from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario (Canada), where she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1995. She became licensed as a registered nurse in New York state in 1996.

Before joining Oswego Health, Stillwell spent more than five years at A.L. Lee Memorial Hospital, where she served as assistant nurse manager of the Med Surg Unit from 2002-2008, followed by a role as inpatient manager in 2008. Stilwell is also an active member of the New York Organization for Nursing Leadership.

In her new role as executive director of nursing at Oswego Health, Stilwell will oversee the planning, organization, and administration of nursing services across the hospital. She will lead nursing-division operations, professional-development initiatives, training programs, and shared-governance processes that support the highest standards of patient care.

Her leadership will be essential in ensuring continuity, quality, and excellence within Oswego Health’s nursing operations, the health system stated.

“Cheryl has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, unwavering integrity, and deep compassion for both her patients and her team,” Katie Pagliaroli, SVP, COO, and chief nursing officer, said in the announcement. “She has the heart of a nurse and the vision of a leader. We are confident she will thrive in this role and continue to elevate the profession of Nursing at Oswego Health.”

Good News Foundation supports Sitrin Military Program Program with $30K “Flags for Heroes” check

Health Care, Mohawk Valley, Nonprofits, Subscriber Only

UTICA — The Sitrin Health Care Center Military Program recently received $30,000 of vital support from an initiative honoring veterans. The Good News Foundation (GNF) presented a check for the Sitrin Health Care Center Military Program on Dec. 17, at the GNF offices near Utica, during its end-of-year meeting. The funds are the proceeds from

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Bassett Healthcare names chief quality officer

Health Care, Mohawk Valley, Subscriber Only

COOPERSTOWN — Bassett Healthcare Network recently announced the appointment of Carlton J. Rule, MD, as chief quality officer. In this role, Rule will oversee system-wide quality programs, patient safety, performance improvement, and patient experience. His responsibilities encompass ensuring regulatory compliance across all affiliated hospitals and clinics, the Cooperstown–based health system said in its Nov. 6

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COOPERSTOWN — Bassett Healthcare Network recently announced the appointment of Carlton J. Rule, MD, as chief quality officer.

In this role, Rule will oversee system-wide quality programs, patient safety, performance improvement, and patient experience. His responsibilities encompass ensuring regulatory compliance across all affiliated hospitals and clinics, the Cooperstown–based health system said in its Nov. 6 announcement.

As the chief quality officer, Rule will work closely with clinical and non-clinical teams across Bassett Healthcare Network’s hospitals, clinics, school-based health centers, long-term care facilities, and other locations to improve the organization’s quality performance and programs.

Rule has held progressive clinical leadership roles within Bassett Healthcare Network for more than 20 years. He is currently VP of medical affairs for Bassett Medical Center and the network’s critical access hospitals, including Cobleskill Regional Hospital, Little Falls Hospital, and O’Connor Hospital — a position he will maintain in addition to taking on the role of chief quality officer. In his position as VP of medical affairs, Rule serves as a key advisor to Bassett’s medical staff leadership and executives, participates in peer review and grievance committees, and guides clinical governance and bylaws development, per the announcement.

Prior to his tenure as VP of medical affairs, Rule served as president and CEO of O’Connor Hospital in Delhi and Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney (now A.O. Fox Hospital – Tri-Town Campus) from 2014-2017. He also served as medical director of Bassett’s southern region health centers in Delaware County, including Delhi, Andes, Stamford, and Walton.

Rule has been a practicing physician in family medicine for more than 30 years. He graduated from Cornell University and New York University School of Medicine. Before joining Bassett Medical Group in 2011, Rule served as executive VP of A.O. Fox Hospital. He has also worked as the medical director of First Community Care of Bassett and medical advisor to At Home Care, Inc.

Bassett Healthcare Network is an integrated health system that provides care and services to people living in a 5,600-square-mile region in upstate New York. The organization includes five corporately affiliated hospitals, more than two dozen community-based health centers, over 20 school-based health centers, two skilled-nursing facilities, and other health partners in related fields.

Regional projects awarded funding in annual REDC competition; Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier win ACHIEVE funding

Southern Tier, Construction, Design & Real Estate, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Featured, Law, Accounting & Taxes, Manufacturing & Engineering, Mohawk Valley, New York News, Nonprofits, North Country, Small Business, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism

ALBANY, N.Y. — Projects in Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, and the North Country will receive state funding through New York’s Regional

Visit Syracuse names chief marketing officer

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Featured, Nonprofits, Small Business, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Visit Syracuse, Onondaga County’s official destination marketing organization (DMO), announced that it has promoted Elizabeth Judge to chief marketing officer (CMO). With more than 10 years of experience in destination branding, Judge will now oversee the organization’s integrated marketing, communications, and brand management to drive economic impact across the region. In her

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Visit Syracuse, Onondaga County’s official destination marketing organization (DMO), announced that it has promoted Elizabeth Judge to chief marketing officer (CMO).

With more than 10 years of experience in destination branding, Judge will now oversee the organization’s integrated marketing, communications, and brand management to drive economic impact across the region.

In her new role as a vital member of the executive leadership team, Judge is responsible for elevating Syracuse’s visibility as a premier four-season destination, Visit Syracuse said in its Dec. 22 announcement. She will direct all marketing functions — including advertising, media relations, digital strategy, and creative services — while ensuring cohesive messaging across the agency’s sales, sports, film, and leisure departments.

Judge’s appointment comes as Carol Eaton, Visit Syracuse’s senior VP, announces her retirement at the end of this year. Eaton, “a pillar of the local tourism community,” is concluding “a distinguished 42-year career in the industry,” Visit Syracuse said. More information regarding Eaton’s significant contributions to Onondaga County and details on a retirement celebration in the new year will be shared in the coming weeks, the organization added.

Judge’s accomplishments

Since joining Visit Syracuse a decade ago, Judge has held progressively senior roles, most recently serving as marketing portfolio director. Her tenure has been marked by major organizational milestones, including leading a comprehensive website redesign and the launch of the destination’s first integrated booking platform, overseeing CRM and data-dashboard enhancements to improve ROI tracking and market segmentation, and managing the Syracuse Visitors Guide, supporting the Syracuse Film Office, and directing campaigns that significantly increased audience engagement.

“Elizabeth has been a driving force behind our organization’s most significant digital and brand advancements over the last 10 years,” Visit Syracuse President & CEO Danny Liedka said in the announcement. “Her deep-rooted passion for this community, combined with her data-driven approach to storytelling, makes her the ideal leader to champion our brand and support the nearly $1.2 billion in visitor spending that fuels our local economy.”

Before her time at Visit Syracuse, Judge held marketing and communications positions with the Washington Capitals, Colgate University, and Syracuse Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs. She holds a master’s degree in sport management from SUNY Cortland and a bachelor’s degree in history from George Washington University.

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