NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of 532 hospitals nationwide — and just 27 in New York State — with a zero rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The recognition adds to a sustained patient-safety achievement at Memorial, which has been CAUTI-free since 2023. A CAUTI is an infection that can occur when a urinary catheter is used during a patient’s care. Preventing these infections is an important patient-safety priority because they can lead to additional complications, discomfort and longer hospital stays. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our nurses, physicians, infection prevention, quality and frontline teams who work every day to provide high-quality care,” said Komal Chandra, PhD, Vice President of Quality and Corporate Compliance at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. “This is important news for both our staff and the community because it is a tangible measure of patient safety and the quality of care we provide,” said RPS Bajwa, MD, FIDSA, Chief Medical Officer at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. “It demonstrates the sustained efforts of our healthcare teams to prevent avoidable harm and complications, while also giving our staff and community another reason to be proud of NFMMC. I would also like to extend special thanks to Branden Simone, our Director of Infection Prevention, for his leadership, dedication and continued focus on infection prevention and patient safety.” The Becker’s list is based on data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), using infection measures developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The datacovers October 2024 through September 2025. You can read the full article here: 532 hospitals with the lowest CAUTI rates
Major changes to Medicaid will take place at the start of next year. The introduction of mandatory work or community requirements may be difficult to navigate for some Medicaid recipients, and Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center is working to help develop a coordinated system for referring members to education programs, job training, and job placement assistance. On Wednesday, September 23 rd , 2026 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. the hospital is hosting a Medicaid Collaborative to discuss the changes coming to Medicaid in 2027 . Our goal is to connect with local organizations to make sure they are aware of the changes and also to see if they might be able to provide Medicaid recipients with employment or volunteer opportunities. Without those opportunities, some people may lose their Medicaid benefits. The agenda for this week’s meeting in the hospital’s auditorium is below. We invite you to come learn more and connect with hospital and community leaders. Niagara Medicaid Collaborative Agenda Wednesday, September 23, 2026: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Welcome : Joseph A. Ruffolo, President and CEO, Niagara Falls Memorial Introductions: Sheila K. Kee, Executive Director, Special Initiatives (5 minutes) Overview of New Medicaid Work and Community Engagement Rules Bridget Bartolone, SNAPCAP Executive (10 minutes) Ripple Effect: Impact of Medicaid Work & Community Engagement Rules Broderick Cason, Community Engagement & Program Manager, Univera (10 minutes) Navigating New Medicaid Rules: Role of Medicaid Managed Care Plan Danielle Gare, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, Highmark (5 minutes) Kathy Messer, Vice President, State Products, Independent Health (5 minutes) Andrew Spadoni, Sr. Director, Marketing Strategy, MVP Health Plan (5 minutes) Stronger Together: Benefits of Volunteering Catherine Shick, Chief Communication Officer, FeedMore WNY (5 minutes) Mark Baetzhold, Ex. Director/Kristina Daloia, Hospitality Program Mgr. Heart. Love and Soul (5 minutes) Establishing and Tracking Volunteer Opportunities for Medicaid Members Sheila Kee (5 minutes) Workforce and Training Pathways Gerald J. Cracknell, Executive Director, WorkSource One (10 minutes) Question and Answer Session (15 minutes) Next Steps for Niagara Medicaid Collaborative: Bridget Bartolone/Sheila Kee ( 10 minutes)
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center is pleased to welcome Aaron B. Hoffman, MD, FACS, a highly accomplished general and minimally invasive surgeon, to its surgical services team. Dr. Hoffman is now seeing patients and accepting new patients at Memorial, expanding access to advanced surgical care for residents throughout Niagara County. A Buffalo native, Dr. Hoffman brings more than 20 years of clinical, academic and leadership experience. He earned his medical degree from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, where he also completed his general surgery residency and served as Chief Resident. He later completed an accredited fellowship in minimally invasive surgery at North Shore–Long Island Jewish Hospital. Dr. Hoffman has held several leadership roles in academic medicine, including Division Chief of General Surgery, Program Director of a Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship and Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at the University at Buffalo. His clinical expertise includes foregut surgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, hernia repair, and advanced laparoscopic and robotic procedures. Dr. Hoffman has also led research focused on barriers to healthcare delivery among underserved and minority communities and is committed to improving access to surgical services for patients throughout Niagara County. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Hoffman to Niagara Falls Memorial,” said Joseph A. Ruffolo, President & CEO. “His depth of experience, his commitment to surgical excellence, and his passion for patient-centered care make him an outstanding addition to our medical staff.” Dr. Hoffman is now accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call (716) 278-4000.
Annual golf tournament supports continued investment in healthcare services and facilities
Partnership supports free community play space for children and families
Erica Smith credits determination, therapy and compassionate care with helping her regain her independence
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) is pleased to welcome Niagara Falls native Jamie Olander as its new Events & Donor Relations Coordinator. Olander brings an energetic and creative approach to the role, with a focus on strengthening donor relationships, supporting fundraising initiatives and helping bring successful events and community programs to life. Her connection to Memorial began long before joining the organization professionally. Olander has volunteered at the medical center and helped establish Phil’s Labor of Love, a resource at Memorial where new mothers can pick up essential items for their babies. The program was created in honor of Olander’s grandfather, Phil, adding a deeply personal connection to her work at the hospital. As a lifelong Niagara Falls resident, Olander said she is thrilled to now have the opportunity to work in her hometown and give back to the community that has always been home. “Being able to work in my hometown and support an organization that I already have such a meaningful connection to is incredibly special,” Olander said. “I’m excited to join the Memorial team and continue finding ways to support our patients, families and community.” Olander also serves on the Board of Directors for Totally Buffalo Cares, where she dedicates her time and talents to supporting local families and community initiatives. “Jamie’s enthusiasm, creativity and genuine connection to this community make her a wonderful addition to our team,” said Joe Ruffolo, President & CEO. “She already understands what Memorial means to the people we serve, and we’re excited to have her bring that passion to this role.” As Events & Donor Relations Coordinator, Olander will support Memorial’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts, coordinate events and help strengthen relationships with donors, supporters and community partners. Contact Katie Morse Vice President of Marketing and Communications Katie.Morse@nfmmc.org ( 7 16) 278-4605 About Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Founded in 1895, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) has a long tradition of serving the Niagara community. NFMMC provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care, including cardiac and stroke care, surgery, intensive care, Labor and Delivery, behavioral health, primary care, and community-based services. Memorial operates Niagara County’s only Adult Inpatient Psychiatry unit and, through a partnership with Catholic Health, Kaleida Health, and Erie County Medical Center, the county’s only cardiac catheterization laboratory. NFMMC is also home to the Golisano Medical Oncology Center, operated in collaboration with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
107-year-old Schoellkopf resident welcomes great-great-granddaughter born in the same building she calls home
Thinking about where to complete your Family Medicine residency? Join the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program for a Virtual Open House and discover what makes our program unique. Meet Program Director Dr. Jeffrey Burnett, Associate Program Director Dr. Kaung M. Ko, Program Coordinator Megan Wentland, and our current resident physicians. Learn about our unopposed Family Medicine Residency Program, where you'll gain broad clinical experience, meaningful autonomy, one-on-one faculty mentorship, and hands-on training that prepares you for every stage of your career. This is a great opportunity to explore our curriculum, hear about resident life, ask questions about the application process, and see why so many physicians choose to train at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. We look forward to meeting the next generation of family physicians! Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/.../reg.../_5alcew_RR6zqWNnonWRFw...
Niagara Falls, NY - Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Katie Morse as Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Morse will lead the medical center's marketing, communications, media relations, and community engagement efforts, supporting Memorial's mission to provide exceptional care to the communities it serves. Morse is an Emmy Award-winning communications professional with nearly 20 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, brand development, and media relations. She has built a career crafting clear, compelling stories in fast-moving, high-pressure environments, earning the confidence of audiences and communities across Western New York. Prior to joining Memorial, Morse served as a morning news anchor and reporter at WKBW-TV in Buffalo, where she covered major stories impacting Western New York, and became a trusted source of information during breaking news and community events. Her experience spans strategic communications, crisis communications, digital engagement, and public affairs, with a strong track record of building relationships across the region. In addition to her broadcast career, Morse has demonstrated leadership throughout the Western New York communications community. She most recently served as Board Chair and President of the Buffalo Broadcasters Association, helping guide the organization's strategic direction and industry initiatives. "Katie is an outstanding addition to our leadership team," said Joe Ruffolo, President and CEO of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. "Her experience as a strategic communicator, combined with her deep understanding of Western New York and her passion for community engagement, will help us continue to strengthen Memorial's connection with the patients and families we serve. We are excited to welcome her to the organization." "It is an honor to join Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center," said Morse. "Memorial has a long-standing commitment to serving this community, and I look forward to helping tell the stories of the people, programs, and caregivers who make that mission possible while strengthening our connections throughout Western New York." Morse earned a Master of Business Administration from Canisius University and a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast News from Kent State University. She is a three-time New York State Emmy Award recipient and received a New York State Excellence in Broadcasting Award for WKBW's morning show, Good Morning Buffalo.
