Staff at Jones Memorial Hospital Receive Enhanced Training Through Workforce Development Institute (WDI)

For Release: Immediate, October 30, 2014

Strengthened Training and Skill Development Will Improve Hospital Services

Allegany County residents who rely on the care provided at Jones Memorial Hospital, the only full service hospital in the county, can look forward to better healthcare services. Improvements are being made as a result of training assistance provided through the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), along with the New York State Hazard Abatement Board.

“This is great news for everyone in the Wellsville region. Jones Memorial is a major employer that provides care to families and residents from all over the area. The desire at Jones Memorial to continue improving services, and equip employees with the skills and training to provide the best care possible, speaks to their vision and dedication,” said Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean).

“Having access to quality healthcare is especially important for rural residents. As changing state and federal policy requirements continue to affect the delivery of healthcare services, it is vital that the needs of rural residents remain protected and rural healthcare continues improving,” said Senator Young.

The training at Jones Memorial is enabling hospital staff to better prevent patient falls, musculoskeletal injuries, and injuries to staff and patients as a result of lifting and repositioning. It is also providing employees with improved crisis intervention/management skills. The potential for closure or downsizing at the Elmira Psychiatric Center in the future could further increase the number of patients utilizing Jones Memorial, making this training all the more important now.

Eva Benedict, Jones Memorial Hospital CEO, said, “We are grateful for the training and education our staff is receiving. Improving staff and patient safety is a top priority for Jones Memorial. Injuries from falls, slips, and strains can be devastating and have lifelong consequences. We want to protect our patients from unnecessary and avoidable injuries. Equally important is the de-escalation training currently underway at Jones Memorial. Concern over one’s health or a loved one’s health can elicit strong emotions which can spiral out of control if not handled effectively. Again we are grateful for the opportunity this funding has provided and appreciate the Senator’s concern and support.”

WDI Western New York Regional Director Mike LaBerta said, “The needs expressed by Jones Memorial Hospital line up with what the Workforce Development Institute seeks to assist with, and the range of the initiative will not only better acclimate Jones’ existing staff for situations they may encounter on the job, but also help the hospital prepare for future community needs. These types of workforce-based initiatives are what our organization seeks to be a part of, and we would not be able to do the work that we do without the support of Senators like Catharine Young.”

WDI is a non-profit organization that works with employers across the state to provide focused training and support that helps employees achieve professional and career growth right here in New York State. WDI is able to quickly and efficiently work with employers in need of assistance for training programs, equipment purchases, and other support services vital to growing and retaining valuable jobs. In addition, WDI strives to develop alternatives that will prevent jobs from moving out-of-state, as well as providing transition support services for those workers who have lost jobs.

“By strengthening the skill set of our nurses, doctors, and all hospital staff, the entire community will benefit. When a person suffering from health ailments enters Jones Memorial they can be confident they will receive the high quality care and treatment they need from highly trained and capable staff,” said Senator Young.

“Our rural communities continue to face logistical challenges in accessing healthcare services that those in more urban areas don’t face. Jones Memorial is tackling these obstacles to make sure our families and neighbors have opportunities and access to the highest quality health services. Making sure Jones Memorial, Cuba Memorial, and all of our rural hospitals are able to provide the care people need and deserve will continue to be one of my greatest priorities,” said Senator Young.

WDI has also been instrumental in supporting manufacturing jobs and career transition services for laid off employees throughout the state. With Senator Young’s support, $7 million of funding was secured in this year’s State Budget to support the mission and work of WDI in creating new job opportunities and increasing the competitiveness of local businesses.

For more information on the great work of WDI, please visit: www.wdiny.org.

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