UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital's Surgical Services team is now led by Meghan Founds, RN BSN, Service Line Manager, Surgical Services; Terri Grey-Wessels, RN, Supervisor, Operating Room; and Kelly French, RN BSN, Supervisor, Ambulatory Surgery and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).(Submitted photo)

NORWICH – The retirement of a longtime nursing leader created opportunities for advancement for three key members of UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital’s surgical services team.

Patty Roma, who served in various nursing and leadership roles during her four-decades of service to Chenango County’s sole hospital, retired in July.

“Patty made an incredible impact during her tenure here at the hospital. We’re very grateful to her for her years of dedication and service to our hospital and community,” said David Finney, Vice President of Clinical Services at UHS Chenango Memorial.

According to Finney, Roma played a key role in creating the succession plan for her team, which has enabled a smooth transition.

“The fact that we had experienced leaders at the ready to step into these roles is truly a testament to the legacy she leaves at Chenango Memorial,” he said.

“By promoting from within for these key positions, we’ve been able to move several staff members up the succession ladder. We strive to provide these types of opportunity, so that staff members can grow in their roles and within their team.”

Succeeding Roma in the role of Service Line Manager for Surgical Services is Meghan Foulds, RN BSN.

“Meg has led our Ambulatory Surgery and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) since 2019. She has demonstrated great leadership during that time, through both the challenges of the pandemic and the go live of Epic, our new electronic health record system,” said Finney. “She is an active and respected member of our hospital leadership team and she is already excelling in this new role.”

Foulds’ previous role, Supervisor of Ambulatory Surgery and PACU, has been filled by Kelly French, RN BSN. French served previously in that capacity, but stepped down from the leadership role in 2019 to pursue other opportunities within the organization.

“We are very pleased that Kelly has returned to a leadership role. Over the last few years, she has gained deeper insight and further experience in the Surgical Services Service Line,” said Finney. “That broader understanding will benefit our patients, colleagues and hospital as Kelly resumes her position as Supervisor of Ambulatory Surgery and PACU.”

Rounding out the nursing leadership changes, Terri Grey-Wessles, RN, has moved into the role of Operating Room Supervisor.

“Terri has been a valued member of the Chenango Memorial team for over 12 years, most of which in the Operating Room,” said Finney. “She has also served as a patient advocate and performance improvement coordinator, which gives her a unique perspective on the patient experience and quality of care. She’s a true asset in this role.”

In addition, Theresa Brown, a long-time nurse on the unit, has accepted the role of Charge Nurse for Ambulatory Surgery.

“Theresa has been a steadfast member of the team for many years. We are very pleased she accepted the additional duties that the Charge role requires,” Finney said.

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is a member of United Health Services, a locally owned not-for-profit 916-bed hospital and health care system serving the Greater Binghamton region from more than 40 locations around New York’s Southern Tier.

– From UHS