MediSys Network News

Flushing Hospital Treats Three-Day Old Abandoned Baby

On Monday, May 12, Flushing Hospital Medical Center's Public Affairs Department held a press conference, where Dr. Apostolis Tsoumpariotis, Attending Physician, Pediatrics, addressed the media with general information about the condition of the three-day old abandoned infant brought to the hospital.  He also reminded the public about State laws that provide amnesty for parents who can't provide care for their newborns.

“The baby appears to be doing really well and is in stable condition,” explained Dr. Tsoumpariotis. “There are no issues from what we can tell at this time. We don’t see any obvious areas of injury."

He also used the moment to discuss the details of the Safe Haven Law. Under New York State law, parents can leave their baby, up to five days old, at a safe haven— a hospital, firehouse, or police station— with no questions asked.

According to several news reports, a baby girl was discovered on the doorstep of a minister’s Flushing home on Mother’s Day.  She was found wrapped in a blanket, in between the front and screen door. The infant was taken to Flushing Hospital, where doctors and pediatric staff are waiting t medically clear the baby before releasing her to the custody of Administration for Children’s Services.

To view Channel 7's news segment, please visit: http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local&id=6136617

ADHD Screenings Offered at Jamaica Hospital

On Children’s Mental Health Day, May 8, the Department of Psychiatry's Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center provided free ADHD screenings, along with informational material, to over 50 local families.

“Screenings are very important for children who may have ADHD,” explained Dr. Teresita Ruiz, Assistant Director of the Division. “Research has shown that children who are not’t diagnosed and treated early in life have a greater chance of becoming substance abusers, dropping out of school, getting in trouble with the legal system, being unable to develop and maintain relationships, and have trouble maintaining a job later on in life.”

Attention–Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a medical condition often diagnosed in children that affects how well they can sit still, focus, and pay attention. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is estimated that between three and five percent of children have ADHD or approximately two million children in the United States with the condition. That means that there’s at least one child, in a classroom of 25 to 30 students, with ADHD.

The essential components of an ADHD screening include interviews with the parents, the child, and teachers, as well as other caregivers. These interviews provide a better understanding of the child’s developmental history and functional impairment. The evaluation also includes the DSM–IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Psychiatric Disorders) criteria, along with information from structured ratings, such as the Conner’s Rating Scales. Co-morbidity and medical problems that mimic the signs and symptoms of ADHD should also be considered.

Teen Rapper P-Star Helps Kids Fight Obesity

What a better way to encourage children to participate in a fitness program than to give them an opportunity to “work out” with one of their peers who happens to be a rap star at the age of 13. 

Brookdale’s pediatric obesity treatment and prevention program, "Live Light, Live Right" teamed up with local hip hop prodigy, P-Star at the Brownsville Recreation Center on Wednesday, April 23 to combat the epidemic of pediatric obesity.  P-Star unveiled her brand new workout DVD entitled, “P-Star Works Out: Exercise Your Body & Mind,”, a workout video for kids made by a kid. 

P-Star is a teen rap “rising superstar” who in addition to her musical accomplishments, has also appeared on stage and screen, and has just signed on to be the lead on the kids show, "The Electric Company."  She spoke to the children in detail about obesity and the importance of maintaining a healthy body and mind.  P-Star worked out with the kids and demonstrated how exercise can also be fun.  After the workout she signed autographs and took pictures.

Dr. Sarita Dhuper, Director of Pediatric Cardiology at BUHMC and creator of the Live Light, Live Right Program helped organize the event.  She was joined by members of the Robin Hood Foundation, a charitable organization that provided generous contributions to Dr. Dhuper's cause, allowing her to establish  the “Brookdale Community Partnership" to educate the community about pediatric obesity.  Together with other community based organizations such as the Brownsville Recreation Center, the Flatbush YMCA, the New York City Board of Education and the New York City Housing Authority, Brookdale Hospital's Community Partnership is really making a difference with the area youth.

The ability to share the new workout DVD with the children of the community means a great deal to Dr. Dhuper and the Live Light, Live Right Program.  “This enables us to continue or quest to combat pediatric obesity and educate children on how to make the correct food and fitness choices.  Hopefully the lessons learned through our efforts will stay with these children for their entire life,” said Dr. Dhuper.
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Flushing Hospital Receives Starlight Starbright Grant

The Pediatric Department at Flushing Hospital was recently awarded a grant from the Starlight Starbright Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with serious medical conditions. At the request of the hospital, the grant will be used to hire a child life specialist to help children and their families cope with the challenges faced during their hospital stay.

“We wanted to add a child life specialist to our team because of the vital role they will play in assuring that children and their families have the support and medical understanding they need,” explained Maria DeMarinis Smilios, ADN, Maternal Child Services. “It’s quite normal for children and parents to experience fear and isolation when admitted to the hospital. This new position should really make their stay more pleasant.”

The child life specialist will help children understand medical procedures and diagnoses through play therapy, accompany children through those procedures, and offer psychological and emotional support to children and their families.

“I am very excited about this grant,” said DeMarinis Smilios. “It is one of the first grants that I’ve applied to and I’m really looking forward to the much needed changes to our pediatric unit.”

The hiring of a child life specialist is one of two changes Flushing Hospital’s pediatric unit expects over the next few months. In March, the unit also received a grant from the Ronald McDonald House Charities for a new pediatric playroom. More details will shortly follow.

Grant Adds Another Child Life Specialist at Jamaica Hospital

Jamaica Hospital’s Pediatric Department was recently awarded a grant by the Starlight Starbright Foundation to hire a part-time child life specialist for the unit.

“We are excited about the grant because we really needed another child life specialist,” said Sarah Wassenbergh, Child Life Specialist. “Right now, we don’t have anyone working on Saturdays and Sundays, leaving the playroom closed on the weekend and children and their families without the additional support they need during their stay.”

The child life specialist will meet and greet children once they're admitted, address their fears by helping them understand medical procedures and diagnoses through play therapy, accompany children through those procedures, and offer psychological and emotional support to children and their families.

“Patients have an easier time knowing they have support,” explained Ms. Wassenbergh. “With an additional child life specialist, we are definitely offering our patients a well-rounded and better department.”

This is not the first grant the Pediatric Department has received from the Starlight Starbright Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with serious medical conditions. Last year, the organization provided the department with a grant to remodel the pediatric playroom. The playroom currently has state-of-the-art equipment, including a flat screen TV, a Wii game system, a laptop with internet access, interactive learning stations, and a wide variety of age-appropriate toys.

The Pediatric Department at Brookdale Hospital has a full-time recreational therapist and Flushing Hospital is in the process of hiring a child life specialist as a result of a Starlight Starbright grant.

MediSys Helping New Yorkers Get a Second Chance at Life

In 2007, approximately 22,000 out of nearly the 100,000 people in the United States that need an organ transplant received one, but there are 6,411 that lost their lives because they never did.  In the greater New York area, there are approximately 8,500 needy patients and nearly 7,000 of them are in the greater New York metropolitan area.  Last year, from 322 deceased donors, 722 lives were saved.

April has been designated by the federal government as National Donate Life Month to raise awareness about the need for organ, eye, tissue, blood and bone marrow donors.  MediSys Health Network facility staff have always been strong advocates of organ donation.  In 2004, Jamaica Hospital was the top Organ Donor Hospital in its category and Brookdale Hospital ranked 10th. Last year, Jamaica Hospital was one of only 14 hospitals in the greater New York area to receive a Medal of Honor from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for substantially raising life-saving organ donor rates. 

Together with the New York Organ Donor Network, MediSys Health Network is appealing to all individuals age 18 years and older to commit to saving lives by enrolling in the New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry.  Bill Lynch, MediSys’ Vice President for Professional and Regulatory Affairs said: “We join the Donor Network in calling upon New Yorkers to enroll in the registry because this is the most effective way there is for us to know that someone wishes to be a donor. As a place of healing, we witness all too often the suffering of patients who would benefit from transplants. When family members of a potential donor are informed their loved one enrolled in the registry, they feel reassured that they are carrying out his or her wishes, to save lives as that person requested.”
      
Elaine Berg, President and CEO of the New York Organ Donor Network, said the majority of people enroll in the registry when they apply for a driver’s license or when renewing their licenses. “However, the average renewal date for licenses in New York State has been extended to every 10 years, and may account in large part for the registry’s slow growth. New Yorkers can do better. To each one of them our message is this: Find out more about organ, eye and tissue donation, discuss it with your family, and enroll throughout April in the donor registry. It is easy to do so online.” 

To enroll or obtain more information on organ and tissue donation, you can visit their website at www.donatelifeny.org

Thank you!

Healing is a Sweet Deal at Flushing Hospital’s Wound Care Center

Flushing Hospital Wound Care Center was recently featured on CBS’ April 14th morning news health segment. Health reporter Dr. Max Gomez examined the Wound Care Center’s use of a honey-based dressing, MediHoney, to treat patients with chronic and non-healing wound.

The Wound Care Center currently treats four patients with MediHoney. These patients have wounds that have showed no improvement after other treatments failed, VAC therapy and other specialty dressings included. Honey has been used as a final attempt for any possible healing.

“In our observation, the honey dressing tends to work better on deeper cavities than superficial wounds,” said Dr. Roberto Cantu, General Surgeon at Flushing Hospital. “We’ve seen significant improvement in our patients.”

MediHoney works primarily because of its natural healing properties. It is made from various honeys found in New Zealand and Australia, including manuka honey, which speeds healing and kills germs. In addition to being antimicrobial and fluid absorbing, it also helps dissolve dead tissue, reduces inflammation and helps eliminate odors associated with infected wounds. The effects are long-lasting.

Patients apply the honey-based dressing to their wounds once daily.

Martiza Rao, Clinical Nurse Manager at Flushing Hospital’s Wound Care Center, said that MediHoney works well for patients with “weeping wounds”— pressure ulcers, open wounds, chronic infections, wounds as a result of radiation, and wound dehiscence; adding that the honey-dressing does not work well and should be avoided by patients who are allergic to bees or who have dry wounds.

Wound Care Center Celebrates Its Second Year with Expansion

The Wound Care Center at Flushing Hospital has had a lot to be delighted about lately. In addition to celebrating two successful years of treating patients who suffer from chronic or non-healing wounds, the center has recently expanded and has now grown to a six-bed unit. 

“We are extremely pleased about the services we've been able to provide to our patients over the last two years,” said Fran Pugliese, Program Director of the Wound Care Center. “The center has seen an increase in cases and adding two beds to the unit will definitely help us ensure that patients are receiving the highest quality of care.”

The Wound Care Center currently provides patients with specialty dressings, V.A.C. therapy, home care services, evaluation for and referral to hyperbaric unit if needed, advanced therapies, education materials and resources, one-on-one doctor/patient assessment, and ongoing care.

The Center also addresses underlying issues related to wounds, such as nutrition, lack of exercise, hygiene, and ill-fitting shoes.

The Wound Care Center opened in 2006 as a four-bed outpatient center designed to bring multidisciplinary wound care to patients whose wounds were resistant to traditional forms of treatment. Since its inception, the center has benefited numerous patients and their families by improving disease management, integrating more convenient patient care, and reducing inpatient re-admission. Last year, the center treated over 200 patients and had a 95% overall satisfaction rate and 91% healing rate.

For more information on the Wound Care Centers treatment or services call 718-670-4542

Flushing Hospital Receives Grant to Benefit Asian Breast Cancer Patients

Flushing Hospital was recently awarded a one-year, $49,790 grant, from the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the world's largest and most progressive grassroots network of survivors and activists, fighting to cure breast cancer. The grant, called the “Asian Breast Health Outreach, Screening Coordination and Navigation Initiative” will provide Chinese and Korean breast cancer patients with effective care and management.

“I am very happy about receiving the grant and the benefits it will bring to our patients,” said Dr. Sabiha Raoof, Chairperson, Radiology Department and Project Director for the grant. “Too often cultural differences hinder treatment and make our patients less receptive to proper care.”

The initiative will hire a Patient Navigator to assist with removing cultural barriers faced by many Asian breast cancer patients. The Navigator will address this issue by supporting patients from the beginning of their diagnosis through the treatment phase, ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate care. The Navigator will bridge the gaps in women’s access to care and help facilitate interaction and communication with health care staff and providers. Patients will be able to utilize appropriate social services and confront the psychological and emotional aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and care.

The grant period is from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009.

Brookdale’s Pediatric Obesity Program – Live Light-Live Right Receives Grant from the Robin Hood Foundation

The Robin Hood Foundation targets poverty in NYC by finding and funding the best and most effective programs and partnering with them to maximize results.  Their board has awarded a grant in the amount of $260,000 for 12 months to the Live Light Live Right Program, Brookdale Hospital’s community based pediatric obesity program.  Live Light - Live Right http://www.livelightobesity.org 

The grant is allowing for the expansion of the program by hiring a senior care coordinator to facilitate community screenings, awareness and educational programs and working with the individual families. Funds are also being used to hire a part time pediatrician, and expand the community exercise programs to further the quest to combat the epidemic of pediatric obesity that is progressing at an alarming rate. 

More than 1000 children have been evaluated and followed through this program. Fifty percent of the children attending the program for an average period of 1.5 years, show a decline in their body mass index (BMI) measures and a decrease in their blood pressure, cholesterol, and insulin measures. They and their families have made significant changes in their choices in food and are leading a more active lifestyle.  We hope they will continue to follow these lifestyle changes as they grow into adults and teach the same to their children.

“The Live Light – Live Right affiliation with the Robin Hood Foundation is generating a myriad of exciting events for the kids and the program,” says Dr. Sarita Dhuper, Director of the Program and Brookdale’s Pediatric Cardiology Department.  With their help, we are going to win the battle against pediatric obesity,” she reiterated.