MCH Sim Center Wins Innovation Award

Monroe Community Hospital (MCH), the 17th-largest skilled nursing facility in the nation and the largest in Western New York, is proud to announce that its groundbreaking Simulation Center has been awarded the 2024 Innovation of the Year Award by LeadingAge New York.

This prestigious recognition celebrates forward-thinking programs and services at not-for-profit long-term care providers across the state.

“We’ve invested heavily, with support from the county and state, to create innovative and real-life learning experiences for our staff — and we’re already seeing that investment enhance the care provided to our residents,” said Alyssa Tallo, Executive Health Director at MCH. “We are honored that LeadingAge NY has recognized our work to transform training, and we remain committed to providing the highest quality care to those we serve.”

The Simulation Center, which opened during the summer of 2024, has transformed staff training at MCH. The center features cutting-edge simulation technology, including two responsive mannequins in a semi-private room that allow staff to practice real-time scenarios in a safe, controlled environment. Another dedicated space allows teams to review recorded sessions and discuss performance improvements.

“Monroe County invested in MCH’s Simulation Center because we recognized a need for healthcare professionals to access innovative, hands-on-training to provide the highest standards of care,” said County Executive Bello. “And by compensating new staff for training, we are removing barriers for employment and attracting more people to this vitally important profession. By investing in healthcare workers, we are investing in Monroe County and we are proud that LeadingAge NY has recognized MCH’s dedication to serving our community.”

Nearly 450 total employees, both clinical and non-clinical staff, have received training in the Simulation Center on topics ranging from infection control and enhanced barrier precautions to contact cleaning, and more with additional training programs currently in development.

The center was made possible by an $878,000 grant from the New York State Increasing Training Capacity program and support from the County of Monroe.

LeadingAge represents more than 5,000 nonprofit aging services providers and other mission-minded organizations that touch millions of lives every day. Alongside their members and 38 state partners, LeadingAge uses applied research, advocacy, education, and community-building to make America a better place to grow old.

ABOUT MCH Monroe Community Hospital is the 17th-largest skilled nursing facility in the country, providing high-quality long-term and rehabilitation care to individuals with complex and chronic health conditions. The county-owned facility has 566 skilled nursing beds and is home to residents of all ages — from infants to centenarians. For more information, visit MonroeHosp.org or follow @MonroeCommunityHospital on social media.