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Marilou Whitney

 
Morgan Street Building

Robotic Surgery

Gala Breaks Record

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I N MEMOR I A M
Marylou Whitney
1925 - 2019

We join the Saratoga region and countless individuals across the country in mourning the loss of Marylou Whitney, who died July 19 at her Cady Hill home. Mrs. Whitney had an immeasurable, enduring impact on our community, our hospital, and all who turn to us for care.


Mrs. Whitney was known far and wide for her philanthropy and leadership, her enthusiasm and sharp wit, and her love for racing and those who live and work at the track. One of Saratoga Hospital’s staunchest friends, she was quick to be among the first to support virtually every major project—and to encourage others to join her.

With her husband John Hendrickson, Mrs. Whitney helped bring lifesaving healthcare services to Saratoga. Those who enter our hospital on Myrtle Street see her name on the exterior of our Marylou Whitney and Desmond DelGiacco, MD, Intensive Care Unit. Inside the hospital, our Whitney-Hendrickson Cardiovascular & Interventional Suite is another testament to her generosity.

“Mrs.Whitney left an indelible imprint on so many Saratoga institutions and so many hearts. Everywhere we look, we are reminded that one special lady can help transform an entire community for the better.”

—Angelo Calbone, Saratoga Hospital President and CEO

A Strategic Land Purchase on 
Morgan Street

Medical office center would enhance collaboration and care

Saratoga Hospital recently purchased the last parcel of undeveloped land near the main hospital campus to make sure the property can be used for much-needed expansion of healthcare services in


Its proximity to the hospital makes the 16-acre Morgan Street property the ideal location for a medical office center, where physicians could more easily collaborate on patient care and, in an emergency, get to Saratoga Hospital within minutes. 

Plans for the site are on hold while the Saratoga Springs City Council considers a proposed zoning change that would allow medical office use on the property. The change is part of a multiyear effort to align the city’s zoning map and comprehensive plan as required by state law.
 

Significant benefits for the entire region

Because it is so close to the main Saratoga Hospital campus, the Morgan Street property offers a combination of benefits that no other site can match.
 

COLLABORATION.

Locating providers under the same roof increases collaboration, and that improves patient care. Many of the first specialists expected to move to the medical office center—cardiologists, oncologists, and pulmonologists—treat individuals who have multiple chronic conditions. For these patients, consistent, coordinated care is essential.

 

ACCESS.

Minutes matter for patients who require critical care. A cardiologist, surgeon, or other specialists could get to Saratoga Hospital immediately—and that could save lives.

 

TALENT.

The medical office center strengthens our efforts to attract the top talent our community deserves. For physicians and other medical professionals, the medical office center would deliver a powerful message about the hospital’s commitment to its medical team and excellent patient care.

 

REDUCED EXPENSES.

Currently, the hospital leases offices in five buildings throughout the city at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars a year—and more space will be needed soon. Locating physicians in a hospital-owned medical office center will reduce expenses. Money saved can be invested in patient care: new technology, more staff, and expanded services.

 

MAINTAINING REIMBURSEMENTS.

The federal government pays higher reimbursement rates for care that is provided within 250 yards of a hospital—and the Morgan Street location meets that requirement. If a medical office center is relocated farther away, it could cost the hospital and the community millions of dollars in reduced reimbursements.

 

“Our hope is that, ultimately, we will have a medical office center on this land. We are absolutely convinced that providing healthcare services at this location is the best way to serve our community now and for the long term.”
— Theresa Skaine, Chair, Saratoga Hospital Board of Trustees

Support for the zoning change Despite opposition from a small group of hospital neighbors, both the Saratoga County and City of Saratoga Springs planning boards have issued positive advisory opinions related to the zoning change that would allow construction of the medical office center. The change also has been endorsed by the city’s Comprehensive Plan Committee. “We realize that the final decision on the zoning has not been made, but we could not pass on the opportunity to purchase this property,” says Saratoga Hospital President and CEO Angelo Calbone. “It’s not unusual for organizations to buy land in anticipation of future needs, especially if the property is strategically located.” For more information about this important project, go to ITrustSaratogaHospital.org.

Investing on Every Campus,

An Ideal Combination for Robotic Surgery
 

Exceptional talent, advanced technology
Urologist Seth Capello, MD, Director of Robotic Surgery, Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Urology, came to Saratoga Hospital more than a decade ago to help bring robotic surgery to the region where he grew up. At the time, Saratoga Hospital had just purchased its first da Vinci surgical robot, and Dr. Capello was the first and only Capital Region physician to be fellowship-trained in robotic urologic surgery.

Today, he heads a multidisciplinary team of 14 physicians who have access to the latest-generation robotic technology. Together, they are skilled in more than 20 different procedures, from hernia repair to prostate and kidney removal and hysterectomies to thoracic surgery.

“We grew from a small program in 2007 to one with the reputation and technology to attract top talent, with the expertise you typically find only in major medical centers,” Dr. Capello says. “Instead, our physicians have chosen Saratoga Hospital for the 

same reasons so many of our patients do—a culture that fosters collaboration and values the patient experience above all else.”
The hospital now has two advanced surgical robot systems—including the latest-generation da Vinci Xi—and has dedicated two operating suites in its state-of-the-art surgical pavilion for robotic surgeries. Four surgeons have joined the team in recent months. In addition, because of the hospital’s affiliation with Albany Med, a thoracic surgeon from the region’s only academic medical center now performs robotic procedures at Saratoga Hospital.

We have the capacity and the expertise to meet most of our patients’ surgical needs right here, close to home.” 
—Seth Capello, MD, Director of Robotic Surgery,  Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Urology


For more information, please visit SaratogaHospital.org/services/surgical-services/robotic-assisted-surgery. 

Annual Gala Sets Record for Generosity


The Saratoga Hospital 37th Annual Gala netted a record $501,310 for our Saratoga Community Health Center and drew more than 1,000 donors who came to celebrate “Under the Tuscan Sun.”



Of that, $100,000 was donated by John Hendrickson in memory of his wife, Marylou Whitney, and in appreciation for the care provided by Rachid Daoui, MD, Chief of Nephrology, Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Nephrology. 
Dr. Daoui is known across the U.S. for his groundbreaking work in home hemodialysis and is a frequent presenter on home dialysis and remote monitoring. He has been honored by his colleagues, the Northeast Kidney Foundation, and others for his exceptional commitment to patient care and quality.

“Marylou could have gone anywhere in the world for her care, but she chose Dr. Daoui because of his renowned national reputation. He extended Marylou’s life a great deal, and I’m forever grateful.”
—John Hendrickson


“Dr. Daoui is one of the finest physicians in the country,” Mr. Hendrickson adds. “Our community is extremely fortunate that Dr. Daoui chose Saratoga as his home. It was a privilege to honor this outstanding man!”

A highlight of the summer season, the Gala is a major source of support for the Community Health Center, which provides primary care, dental, behavioral health, and addiction medicine services, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.

This year, the Gala included a tribute to Mrs. Whitney, whose death came less than two weeks before the July 31 event. “For more than thirty years—nearly every year since the inception of this special summer celebration—Marylou’s charm and generosity, her sense of fun, caring, and compassion have brightened these evenings,” says Angelo Calbone, Saratoga Hospital President and CEO. “One way or another, we have all been touched by Marylou.”
 


Rachid Daoui, MD, Chief, Division of Nephrology, Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Nephrology
(far right) with his wife Ghrissia (far left), and children Ryan, Sabrina, Sarah, and Adam.

Mrs. Whitney and Mr. Hendrickson have served as honorary Gala co-chairs for years. At Gala auctions, they consistently placed the highest bid—or made extraordinary surprise gifts—often to acknowledge exceptional care or recognize members of the Saratoga Hospital team.

Mr. Hendrickson continued that tradition this year with the winning bid of $100,000 for the 2019-20 naming rights to “Gala Guy,” a lawn jockey who wears the hospital colors. Because the bid was a gesture of gratitude to Dr. Daoui, a plate engraved with his name will be added to the statue. Dr. Daoui and members of his family were present at the Gala to enjoy this special announcement and generous gift in his honor.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the organizations, underwriters, and individuals who helped make the Gala so successful. Special thanks to presenting sponsors Julie & Co. Realty, LLC, and Bonacio Construction, Inc., Co-chairs Jennifer Hennessy and Wendy Lawrence, and the 2019 Gala Committee.

For event photos, go to facebook.com/saratogahospital.

WHY IS THE HOSPITAL PROPOSING A MEDICAL OFFICE CENTER 5?

We believe — and the doctors in our Saratoga Hospital Medical Group believe — a medical office center bringing our medical professionals closer together and located within walking distance of the hospital will improve patient care — for many different reasons.

WHY IS THE HOSPITAL PROPOSING A MEDICAL OFFICE CENTER 6?

We believe — and the doctors in our Saratoga Hospital Medical Group believe — a medical office center bringing our medical professionals closer together and located within walking distance of the hospital will improve patient care — for many different reasons.

WHY IS THE HOSPITAL PROPOSING A MEDICAL OFFICE CENTER 7?

We believe — and the doctors in our Saratoga Hospital Medical Group believe — a medical office center bringing our medical professionals closer together and located within walking distance of the hospital will improve patient care — for many different reasons.

WHY IS THE HOSPITAL PROPOSING A MEDICAL OFFICE CENTER 8?

We believe — and the doctors in our Saratoga Hospital Medical Group believe — a medical office center bringing our medical professionals closer together and located within walking distance of the hospital will improve patient care — for many different reasons.

WHY IS THE HOSPITAL PROPOSING A MEDICAL OFFICE CENTER 9?

We believe — and the doctors in our Saratoga Hospital Medical Group believe — a medical office center bringing our medical professionals closer together and located within walking distance of the hospital will improve patient care — for many different reasons.