BMH privacy code will inform familiesBeginning Monday, patients who are admitted to Butler Memorial Hospital will be given a 4-digit privacy code.They can share this code with their family or caregivers who they want to authorize to obtain information over the phone about their care during their hospital stay, according to a news release from the Butler Health System.The initiative was developed by the Patient and Family Partnership Council for Quality and Safety, an advisory group of eight former patients at Butler Memorial or their family members along with health system representatives.The group was formed to assist the health system in promoting quality, safety and positive patient experiences.Karen Allen, vice president of patient care services, said in the release, “This initiative was developed to help protect the privacy of our patients and offers greater control in the sharing of information.”

Railroad to receive $3.6M upgradeBuffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad in Butler County will get a $3.6 million upgrade as part of a long-term, statewide railroads and railroad infrastructure improvement plan.The project will improve the Butler Yard and shop tracks and yard tracks that the company leases. It also will restore a crossover connection and repair eight bridges.The project is one of 31 rail projects being paid for through two state Department of Transportation grant programs. The statewide projects will create 9,200 jobs over the next five years, according to state transportation officials.

VA will hold clinic, town hall meetingBUTLER TWP — Veterans and community members can meet face-to-face with U.S. Veterans Administration claim representatives and receive assistance with the claims filing process on Saturday at a clinic and town hall meeting.The event will begin at 9 a.m. at VA Butler Healthcare’s Primary Care area, 325 New Castle Road. It runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the town hall at 10 a.m.Veterans and residents are invited to ask questions of VA staff members.