Torringford School Students Raise Money For Center for Cancer Care Fund

Students at Torringford School in Torrington recently held a “Cancer Stinks, But Smencils Don’t” fundraiser to benefit the area’s Center for Cancer Care Fund, Inc. The school’s student Senate raised $2,930 from several events, primarily the sale of scented pencils called “Smencils”. Students, along with the guidance of teachers Chris Marchand and Brooke Harris, presented a check to Ellen Ebbs, Executive Director of the Center For Cancer Fund, Inc. at a school assembly on June 17th.

The Fund supports cancer patients with care, treatment, education and prevention programs and awards financial assistance to patients. Funds may be utilized for emergencies such as food, rent, transportation, utilities, medication or other emergent needs as determined by clinicians and case managers.

Ellen Ebbs, Executive Director of the Center For Cancer Care Fund, Inc., is pleased by the student’s efforts. “We are moved and amazed at what these students have accomplished. Their donation will directly benefit cancer patients in our area. The children are truly a source of inspiration for the patients and families receiving treatment at The Center for Cancer Care”.

The Center for Cancer Care is an affiliation of The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and Connecticut Oncology and Hematology Associates. The Center offers comprehensive cancer care services including radiation therapy, medical oncology, chemotherapy and other complimentary therapies. For more information on The Center for Cancer Care Fund, call (860) 567-0160.

The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is a 109 bed, general acute care hospital located in Torrington, Connecticut, that serves as a regional health care resource for 100,000 residents of Litchfield County and Northwest Connecticut.

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Auxiliary Donates $41,000 For New Patient Mattresses

Thanks to the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital (CHH) Auxiliary, patients will be able to rest more comfortably during their hospital stay. The Auxiliary donated $41,000 of funds they have raised toward the purchase of new, higher quality mattresses to improve patient care.

The hospital recently installed 72 AccuMax quantum convertible pressure relief mattresses on its beds. They are specially engineered for comfort and made from a co-polymer and polyfiber with six anatomically inspired low pressure zones increase patient comfort while decreasing the incidence of pressure ulcers and other skin problems.

The new mattresses are part of CHH’s ongoing commitment to providing superior quality care and wound management. As a part of the Wound Care Management program, a needs assessment called for mattress replacement in the medical and surgical areas.

“We are appreciative of the generosity of the Hospital Auxiliary. Their donation will allow us to improve our service to patients in the area of wound maintenance.” says Michelle Miranda, RN, Director of Medical-Surgical Nursing at Charlotte.

The Auxiliary was able to make this donation from a variety of fundraising activities that benefit the Hospital. The CHH Auxiliary raises money through the Hospital gift shop, “Artist of the Month” paintings, an annual fashion show and raffle, special sales, and an annual seasons greeting promotion.

“Through their service and commitment to patient care, the Auxiliary embodies the hospital’s mission of providing high quality community-centered health care to our community.” said Tim LeBouthillier, CHH Spokesman. The Auxiliary has continuously served the hospital and the Torrington community for over nine decades through fundraising, volunteerism, and philanthropy.

The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is a 109-bed, general acute care hospital located in Torrington, Connecticut, that serves as a regional health care resource for 100,000 residents of Litchfield County and Northwest Connecticut.

Michelle Miranda, RN, Director of Medical-Surgical Nursing (left) poses with Muriel Popham, President of the CHH Auxiliary (right) on a new mattress.

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Employees Honored

Several Charlotte Hungerford Hospital employees were recently honored for their commitment to exceptional quality of care and service to hospital patients and family members. Alison Menniges, BSW, and Michelle Pennington, LCSW, were awarded the annual “Circle of Excellence” Award by their peers at a recent ceremony.

Individuals or groups are nominated by their peers for the award which highlights excellence in the areas of quality of care, service excellence, and financial improvement. Nominees may exhibit excellent care by advocating for patients and enhancing the healthcare environment. Additionally, candidates demonstrate service excellence by working with patients or customers in a tactful, cooperative manner and by building supportive relationships. Financial Excellence is shown by using innovative solutions in a fiscally responsible manner.

Alison and Michelle are both members of the Case Management Department and work directly with patients to ensure that all of their needs are met both at the hospital and following their discharge. “It is fitting that Alison and Michelle were presented with this honor. They both consistently treat all patients with compassion, dignity and respect. They are highly valued by clients and peers alike”, stated John Capobianco, VP of Patient Care Services and Administration.

Menniges and Pennington have been known to go above and beyond job expectations to meet client needs, whether it is for prescription medications, transportation, food, clothing, or money for basic needs. A colleague cited examples of them escorting an elderly woman with dementia to visit her recently discharged husband at his nursing home to ensure she would find her way, or donating their own clothing to patients who have nothing to wear home from the hospital.

Menniges and Pennington were chosen by a committee from a field of three other nominees. Others nominated included Susan Kellogg, RN, for exceptional service to the Surgical Services department, Ivy Almodovar, Sherrie Gioia, Aileen Popham and Sheri Symmonds for excellent accuracy and compliance in managing the Emergency Room Coding System, and Suzanne Fox, R.N., WOC, for excellent patient care in her position as Wound, Ostomy and Continence specialist.

The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is a 109 bed, general acute care nonprofit organization located in Torrington, CT, serving thirteen towns and 10,000 persons in Northwest Connecticut.

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital employees Allison Menniges (left) and Michelle Pennington (right) are honored with "Service of Excellence Award".

7th Annual CHH Golf Tournament Raises $60,000 For Radiation Oncology Services

The results are in, and The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital’s 7th Annual Golf Classic raised $60,000 for the Hospital’s Radiation Oncology Department. This year’s tournament took place June 23rd at The Torrington Country Club in Torrington. The event hosted 136 golfers consisting of donors, supporters and business representatives from all over the state. Major sponsors included the Litchfield Insurance Group, O’Brien, Tanski & Young, LLP, MedConn, Campion Ambulance, and RJB Contracting, Inc.

Radiation Oncologist Elizabeth Whalen, MD, was pleased to accept this year’s proceeds that will be allocated to support outreach programs and equipment used for patient care and education. She added “We are thrilled to be the beneficiary of such a wonderful annual event at Charlotte, and appreciate all who contributed to the tournament’s success this year.” Marty Mancuso, CHH Development Director commented “Our special thanks to all the staff, sponsors, volunteers, and players for all their hard work again this year.”

The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Radiation Oncology Department is located at The Center For Cancer Care at 200 Kennedy Drive, Torrington. The Department offers technically sophisticated medical care in an environment that supports both patients and families. A team consisting of Radiation Oncologist Elizabeth Whalen, M.D., radiation therapists, nurse practitioner, a dosimetrist, physicist, dietician and a case manager work together to provide a friendly, personalized atmosphere for patients.

The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is a 109-bed, general acute care hospital located in Torrington, Connecticut, that serves as a regional health care resource for 100,000 residents of Litchfield County and Northwest Connecticut.

Golf Committee members Roland Young (left) and Marty Mancuso (right) present a check to Elizabeth Whalen, M.D. (center)