The Visiting Nurse Service of Ithaca and Tompkins County has announced it is now affiliated with Cayuga Health. In a joint news release, the entities involved said the purpose of this affiliation is to connect the healthcare services that are delivered in a patient’s home with the medical care that is delivered at the hospital and in outpatient medical practices
“We are very pleased to announce this partnership with Visiting Nurse Service,” states Dr. Martin Stallone, CEO of Cayuga Health. “Our partnership will provide the foundation for collaboration to build innovative programs in order to further our shared goals and extend our evidence-based practices into the home for the highest quality of care by both organizations.”
Visiting Nurse Service of Ithaca and Tompkins County is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1984 to meet the needs of residents of Tompkins County. Services are provided to residents who are in need of professional medical care in their homes and include nursing; physical, occupational and speech therapy; social work; and nutrition and Home Health Aide services.
“As Visiting Nurse Service approaches 40 years of serving our community, growing our impact by partnering with Cayuga Health is an exciting next step,” states Barbara Armstrong, NP, President of the VNS Board of Directors. “Like Cayuga Health, VNS puts our staff and patients first, so we look forward to what the future may bring as we work together.”
“We know that most patients respond well to care provided in their own home where they are able to maintain their dignity in familiar surroundings and with their loved ones and pets,” states Sue Ellen Stuart, Executive Director for Visiting Nurse Service of Ithaca and Tompkins County. “By working together with Cayuga Health, we can both do more to support age-friendly community initiatives and benefit the elderly with enhanced care options.”
Naph’tali Edge, Chief Nursing Officer, Cayuga Health explained, “Visiting Nurse Service’s and Cayuga Health’s early collaborative efforts for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been a great success. Providing evidence-based tools and education for patients to monitor their condition at home has improved the chance patients will receive care early, avoiding hospitalization when possible.”
Edge continued, “VNS and CHS are also developing a community paramedicine program to bring care to more rural underserved patients. In addition, our partnership will enhance connections between patients and community resources, such as transportation, Food Net Meals on Wheels, and more. Providing care and support at home keeps our patients connected to the resources they need for the best health outcomes.”
Tom LiVigne, Chairman, Cayuga Health Board of Directors states, “Taking care of our residents in Tompkins County and surrounding areas, and addressing social determinants of health, requires us to develop interdisciplinary community health care connections. We are proud to be partnering with Visiting Nurse Service and aligning our missions.”
