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BUFFALO, NEW YORK; February 14, 2009-Good care can make the difference in a hospital stay.  At ECMC, nurses and other staff members are dedicated to the overall healing of their patients.  This was demonstrated today in celebration of Valentine's Day. 

"Treating patients appropriately goes beyond medical care," noted Dr. Brian Murray, Chief Medical Officer at ECMC.  "A kind word, a smile, a laugh, or in this case a rose or card, brightens our patients' day and lifts their spirits.  This is a priority for our staff members who truly live our Culture of Care everyday." 

Patients were delighted today as each received a rose or card from ECMC staff members and volunteers.  

"Most people would rather not be in a hospital, especially on a holiday," said Karen Ziemianski, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing, Medical/Surgical Step-down units, ECMC.  "The flowers help make things a little more pleasant for patients.  Our patients really do appreciate the rose or card and the good thoughts that go with the gift." 

The ECMC Corporation includes an advanced academic medical center (ECMC) with 550 inpatient beds and 136 skilled-nursing-home beds, on- and off-campus health centers, over 40 outpatient specialty care clinics and the Erie County Home, a skilled nursing facility.  ECMC is the regional center for trauma, burn care, rehabilitation and is a major teaching facility for the State University of New York at Buffalo.  Most ECMC physicians, dentists and pharmacists are dedicated faculty members of the University.  More Western New York residents are choosing ECMC for exceptional patient care and customer service provided as a result of its Culture of Care. 

 NEWS CONTACT:  Joe Cirillo at 716-898-4300 or jcirillo@ecmc.edu