2009 Progress Edition - Telegram
VALLEY HEALTH SERVICES
CELEBRATES SILVER ANNIVERSARY!

In April of 2009, it will be 25 years since Herkimer Hospital transitioned from an acute care facility to Valley Health Services (VHS), a 32-bed, long-term care institution.  Since then, the changes and growth experienced at VHS have been extraordinary.  In 1986, VHS took advantage of the opportunity to affiliate with Bassett Health Care.  Partnering with such a progressive health care system has allowed the facility to develop its growth potential to its fullest extent. 

Today, VHS is not only a 160-bed long-term care facility, but it has also seen the addition of the following services:

                                    1991 – Adult Day Health Care
                                    1997 – Out-patient Rehabilitation
                                    1999 – Short-term Rehabilitation Program
                                    2001 – Palliative Care
                                    2002 – Cardiac Rehabilitation

While the initiation and growth of services is vital to any health care organization, having the leadership and staff to make this happen is even more critical.  Ethelyn Copping, Laura O’Donnell and Charlotte Szarejko have been on the Board of Directors since its inception.  These three outstanding women have been the backbone of the facility as well as guidance counselors, budget magicians and even cheerleaders!

The facility itself is as diverse in its residents as it is in services offered.  VHS is the home of four married couples.  Between them, there are nearly 2-1/2 centuries of anniversaries and shared memories.  Residents range in age from 25 to 101.  Arrangements were for one of the residents to received private guitar lessons and attend HCCC in the fall of 2009 to encourage his passion for music.  The stories passed from resident to resident are priceless, but also serve as building blocks to the supportive relationships that develop between residents. These interactions are what make a “family”.

A Memorial Garden was initiated in 2008 to recognize and honor the many loved-ones who have passed through the doors.  This peaceful area is a space where friends, residents and family members can spend special time together either relaxing in silence, reminiscing or making future plans and it was made possible through the generous donations of family members who truly felt VHS brought a quality of life to their loved-ones.

It may be Valley Health Services’ Silver Anniversary, but staff members  help to celebrate the Golden Years each and everyday by delivering not only high quality professional care, but also, time and time again, by laughing, crying, grieving and rejoicing with our residents and family members.  Like a true family, emphasis is placed on the treatment of the entire person: mind, body and spirit, and this model has lent itself to the success of VHS. 

Excellence in Caring