Speare Memorial Hospital - Press Releases




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Speare Memorial Hospital (603) 536-1120

October 4, 2006

New Faces and New Opportunities in Social Services at Speare Memorial Hospital

PLYMOUTH, N.H. --- The Social Services Department at Speare Memorial Hospital welcomes three new employees: Social Worker Kathy Wieliczko, MSW; Prescription Assistance Program Coordinator Judy Goodier; and Prescription Assistance Program Assistant Wendy Costigan. "I am excited to have these three individuals become part of the Social Services team," says Kim Buford, director of Social Services at SMH. "Their knowledge and experience will help Social Services meet the needs of our patients, but also enable us to expand our program offerings."

Buford describes Social Services as a broker of services for patients, caregivers, employers or individuals looking for information or support in various areas. "We are a resource for the community, building relationships with other organizations and making referrals for service. We also coordinate and host a number of informational sessions and support groups."

Wieliczko holds a master´s in social work from The Ohio State University and previously worked in emergency services at a community mental health center in Newark, Ohio. In her new position at Speare, she is responsible for providing patient discharge plans and assisting with the Social Services support groups. While she facilitates the monthly Cancer Coffee Club and Bereavement support groups, Wieliczko says she is also interested in developing additional groups and welcomes community input and suggestions.

Goodier, who previously worked in medical records at SMH, and Costigan assist patients in obtaining necessary medications through the Prescription Assistance Program, a financial referral program for income qualified patients. They serve as a liaison between pharmaceutical companies, physicians and patients. Last year the program provided $1.5 million in medications to patients.

Programs offered by the Department of Social Services at Speare Memorial Hospital include: Advance Directives: Free advance planning seminars for end-of-life care. Scheduled dates include throughout the year in the Rooke Family Conference Room at Speare Memorial Hospital. Alzheimer Caregivers Support Group: Third Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. in the Social Services conference room. Bereavement Support: First Thursday of every month at 2 p.m. in the Social Services conference room. Cancer Coffee Club: First Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. in the Social Services conference room is an opportunity to connect with other cancer survivors and caregivers in the community. Compassionate Friends: Second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Social Services conference room. A unique organization assisting families in the positive resolution of their grief following the death of a child. Look Good . . . Feel Better: A program of the American Cancer Society to teach women ways to cope with skin and hair changes resulting from cancer treatments. Scheduled dates throughout the year. Prescription Assistance Program: A free service designed to help eligible uninsured and underinsured patients receive needed prescription medications.

For more information on programs and services offered through the Department of Social Services at Speare Memorial Hospital contact Kim Buford or Kathy Wieliczko at 238-2216 or 238-6442. For Prescription Assistance call Judy Goodier at 238-6479.

Speare Memorial Hospital is a 24-hour, acute care, non-profit community hospital and health care provider serving Plymouth, and the communities of central New Hampshire, for more than a century.

Michele Barney Hutchins MBHCommunications michele@mbhcommunications.com (603) 254-9161