90 members of the Northwest Hospital Foundation Corporation and UPMC Northwest representatives gathered for the Foundation’s annual meeting on Wednesday, October 11, at Wanango Country Club, where they discussed Foundation activities over the last year and were introduced to several new UPMC Northwest initiatives.  Board chair Joseph Keebler, Esq., welcomed 6 new members from surrounding communities to the corporation:  Matthew Bloom, Michelle Goodwill, Laura Ordaz, John Phillips, Alexander Spaid, and Natalie Toscano.

An important benchmark was reached when the Foundation board participated 100 percent as donors for the ninth consecutive year, personally demonstrating their commitment to the organization’s mission.  Noted was their collective vision for a healthier community where everyone has access to top-notch healthcare services.  Mr. Keebler stated, “We know that when we all pitch in, when every one of us contributes, we can achieve incredible things.”

Philanthropic support was highlighted by Otolaryngologist/head and neck surgeon Dr. Ibrahim Bawab who spoke about the purchase of new surgical equipment by the Foundation totaling nearly $250,000.  Key additions included an ENT Storz Endoscope, HAVAS Laryngoscopy, Medtronic StealthStation Navigation System, and PTeye Parathyroid Detection System.

Dr. Bawab, whose office is located at Home Depot Drive in Seneca, offers expertise in the treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat, as well as surgery and reconstruction of the face, neck, and jaw.  Dr. Bawab credits Foundation support as “having made a great positive impact on patient care by helping make UPMC Northwest a beacon of superior care in the region.”

Hospital President, Brian Durniok, emphasized the importance of the partnership between the Foundation and UPMC Northwest in providing advanced care in Venango County.  “The hospital’s goal remains to provide high-quality care with state-of-the-art equipment,” Durniok said.

Mr. Durniok reported UPMC Northwest’s annual economic impact to the region is $211 million.

He also shared that UPMC Northwest is a critical partner in serving patients with SUD (substance use disorders). Continued efforts in Venango County have significantly decreased the instances of newborns impacted by substance exposure during pregnancy.  Efforts provide for early intervention with at-risk mothers.

There were several capital equipment/construction projects for fiscal year 2023 including many projects to maintain safety and improve facilities for staff and patients.  Some of these include:  Upgrades to the HUGS security system in the Family Birthing Center; upgrades to the OR surgical lighting and painting and room repairs; and installation of patient lifts in several rooms in each department.

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) has given UPMC Northwest in Seneca four stars out of five in its annual comparison of the nation’s hospitals.  The star rating reflects comprehensive quality information about the care provided at our nation’s hospitals based on 64 quality measures.

Five physicians recently joined the medical staff, said Durniok, including:  Morgan Gallo, DPM, podiatrist; Kristin Romutis, MD, obstetrics & gynecology; Emily Carbaugh, MD, obstetrics & gynecology; Bethann Hamm, DO, family medicine; and Paul Hamm, DO, family medicine.

A review of the Northwest Hospital Foundation’s financial report was presented by McGill Power, Bell and Associates, LLP who declared a clean opinion of the Foundation audit for fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, with work currently under way on the 2023 audit.

Mr. Keebler concluded the meeting by sharing with the Corporation membership, that “We are fortunate to have a hospital in Venango County proving care of this caliber which attracts patients from surrounding communities, and that is worthy of our support.”

For more information about the Northwest Hospital Foundation, please visit NorthwestHospitalFoundation.org or contact Theresa Edder, Executive Director by calling 814-676-7145 or emailing edderta2@upmc.edu.