News & Events
St. James Hospital Mourns the Passing of Dr. Spencer Annabel
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
It is with profound sadness that St. James Hospital announces the passing of Dr. Spencer Annabel, a distinguished physician, dedicated leader, and cherished member of our community. Dr. Annabel’s
commitment to patient care, medical excellence, and community service leaves a lasting legacy.
A native of Canisteo, Dr. Annabel returned to the area after completing his medical education at the University of Rochester. Following his residency and chief residency in internal medicine at Rochester General Hospital, he pursued fellowships in ultrasound and echocardiography. His passion for innovation led him to establish the ultrasound and echocardiography departments at St. James Hospital, where he served tirelessly for over forty years.
Dr. Annabel dedicated his career to the well-being of our community, first in private practice as an internal medicine specialist until 2015 and later as the Medical Director of Echocardiography, Coumadin Clinic, and Cardiac Rehabilitation at St. James Hospital. In addition to his medical service, Dr. Annabel was an active and devoted member of the community. He served on the Hospital Board of Directors up until his passing. His leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence helped shape the high standard of care that defines St. James today.
“Dr. Annabel’s impact on St. James Hospital and the countless lives he touched is immeasurable,” said Wendy Disbrow, President and CEO of St. James Hospital. “His dedication to his patients, colleagues, and our community has left a permanent mark, and he will be deeply missed.”
“Dr. Annabel was not only a highly respected physician but also a generous supporter of St. James Hospital and a trusted mentor to many,” said Pete Wall, Hospital Board Chair of the St. James Hospital Board of Directors. “His contributions to healthcare and his commitment to service will be remembered for years to come.”
“The St. James Medical Staff truly value Dr. Annabel’s service, contributions, and dedication,” said Dr. Uzma Mehr, St. James Hospital Medical Staff President. “He was instrumental in his roles as St. James Hospital Board member, Medical Staff President, Bethesda Foundation, and a multitude of hospital-related committee memberships. He was a true icon and pillar for our community. He will be missed greatly.”
“Dr. Spencer Annabel was a dedicated physician who devoted his life to the well-being of his patients with unwavering empathy and commitment,” said Dr. Bilal Ahmed, Chief Medical Officer. “Outside of his work, he was a passionate historian, finding joy in exploring the stories and lessons from the Civil War. He was truly a son of the soil and a Hornell legend.”
Dr. Annabel’s interests spanned from local history to the broader scope of the Civil War. He meticulously researched and published a detailed history of St. James Hospital, tracing its founding in 1890 on Canisteo Street in Hornell to the grand opening of the new $55 million hospital on Seneca Road North in 2020. His passion for the Civil War extended beyond study—he actively participated in reenactments, portraying five different historical figures from the era. A gifted speaker, he delivered lectures on the war’s battles and campaigns, with a particular focus on the evolution of medical care during the Civil War.
We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Annabel’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many patients who were fortunate to have been in his care. His memory will forever remain a part of St. James Hospital and the greater Hornell community.
St. James Hospital Opens New ICU Rooms, Advancing Critical Care for the Community
Monday, March 3, 2025
St. James Hospital is pleased to announce the completion and official opening of two state-of-the-art ICU-designated rooms, marking a major advancement in critical care services for the Hornell community. This milestone ensures that patients requiring intensive care can receive high-quality treatment close to home, reducing the need for transfers to facilities outside the region.
“We are proud to open these ICU rooms and enhance our ability to provide advanced medical care right here in Hornell,” said Wendy Disbrow, President and CEO of St. James Hospital. “This expansion allows us to keep critical care patients in our community, ensuring they receive timely and specialized treatment while staying close to their loved ones.”
The new ICU rooms are equipped with advanced medical technology and resources to support patients with severe or life-threatening conditions. This development aligns with St. James Hospital’s mission to continually expand and improve healthcare services for the residents of Hornell and surrounding areas.
“The availability of ICU care at St. James Hospital represents a significant step forward for healthcare in our region,” said Dr. Bilal Ahmed, Chief Medical Officer of St. James Hospital. “Our goal is to provide comprehensive, high-quality care locally, and this addition strengthens our ability to meet the critical needs of our patients.”
St. James Hospital remains committed to investing in its facilities and services to better serve the community. The hospital thanks its staff, patients, and community members for their ongoing support in making this expansion possible.
The St. James Foundation Beat The Blues Gala Raises over $50,000
Friday, February 7, 2025
The St. James Foundation Beat The Blues Gala raised over $50,000 at the event held on Saturday, February 1st, at The Main Place in Hornell. With 170 attendees, a delicious meal from John Carbone and The Main Place, and music by Rochester’s Uptown Groove, the evening was filled with generosity and community spirit.
Director of the St. James Foundation Carmen Wilkins remarked on the night, “Thanks to our incredible sponsors and guests, the funds raised will enhance patient care, provide vital resources, and make a meaningful difference for those we serve. We are truly grateful for their support!”
Universal Health Network and Vitality by Liv gym were the title sponsors of the event. Other major support came from The David Gray Foundation, sponsoring the dinner catered by John Carbone. The Cabot Group sponsored the luxury travel package. Table sponsors included Alfred State College, Community Bank, Hornell Area Family YMCA, Howard Hanna Real Estate, LaBella, LeChase Construction, MVP Healthcare, Stark Equipment, The Bonadio Group, TTA/Transit Air, and St. James Hospital Administration. The auctions were sponsored by Maple City Savings Bank, Razak Associates, and the St. James Medical Staff. Expressway Auto Auction donated its services to the live auction. Purdy Creek Graphics generously donated the balloon decorations.
Silver sponsors included The Hornell Industrial Development Corp, NuFlow Services, Universal Builders, The Village Café, USI Consulting, Wegmans, and Wilkins RV. Bronze sponsors were provided by Citizens & Northern Bank, Shawn and Holly Hogan, Wilkins Properties, and Workplace Interiors. Other decorations were sponsored by First Heritage Federal Credit Union, Indus Hospitality Group, Leo J. Roth, and ServU Federal Credit Union.
Other sponsorships included John and Shannon Buckley, District 6 Federal Credit Union, and the Hornell Elks Lodge.
The next St. James Foundation fundraising event is a Spring Fling scheduled for May. More information to follow.
St. James Hospital Expands Services to Include ICU Level of Care
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
St. James Hospital is pleased to announce an exciting advancement in patient care: the addition of ICU-designated rooms. Construction is now underway on two state-of-the-art ICU-designated rooms, marking a significant milestone in St. James Hospital’s commitment to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of our community.
The addition of ICU care enables St. James to care for patients requiring advanced medical treatment without transferring them to facilities outside the Hornell community. This expansion reflects the mission of the Hospital to provide comprehensive, high-quality healthcare close to home.
“The advancement of ICU care at St. James Hospital is something our community has needed, and we are thrilled to meet that need,” said Wendy Disbrow, President and CEO of St. James Hospital. “Keeping critical care cases local ensures patients receive timely, specialized care while remaining close to their loved ones.”
The construction of the ICU rooms represents the latest step in St. James Hospital’s ongoing investment in enhancing healthcare services. Once complete, the ICU will provide the technology, expertise, and compassionate care necessary for patients with severe or life-threatening conditions.
“This is a tremendous step forward for healthcare in Hornell and the surrounding areas,” said Dr. Bilal Ahmed, Chief Medical Officer of St. James Hospital. “We are committed to elevating the level of care we provide to our community, and this expansion is a testament to that commitment.”
St. James Hospital thanks the community for its continued support as we enhance our facilities and services to meet the needs of our patients. More updates on the ICU project will be shared as construction progresses.