MediSys Network News

Rainbow Ball Goes Royal

On the evening of October 11th, lightning, thunder and floods could not keep the over 400 guests of Jamaica Hospital away from the breathtaking Oheka Castle located in the middle of a 443 acre plot on the highest point on Long Island in Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington.

In an ambiance of elegance and grandeur, Mr. Rosen welcomed all to the 116th Rainbow Ball, Jamaica’s annual fundraiser which this year was held in a totally different format than traditionally had been. A lavish cocktail party with sumptuous food was held to honor Robert W. Koop, Second Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Jamaica Hospital and the MediSys Health Network. 

Mr. Koop is Senior Vice President of Investments at Morgan Stanley and has been on the Board of Trustees since 1999 following the footsteps of his father, Robert L. who was an active member for many years.  Robert L. was also Chairman of the Rainbow Ball for 12 years and his mother, Lucille, who proudly attended the festivities, was on the Ball Committee for the same period of time.

The beneficiary of the Ball’s proceeds was the Department of Emergency Medicine.  Chairman, Dr. Geoffrey Doughlin, accepted a plaque on behalf of the Department which is one of the busiest in the City.   Jamaica’s ED is a training center for emergency room nurses, the receiving hospital for the JFK Airport and has over 110,000 annual visits that are the entry point of over 80% of Jamaica’s annual admissions.

To link to a full album of photos of the evening Cick here: Rainbow Ball Photo Album

(Photos Courtesy of Andrew Rubin)    

The 2007 Brookdale Benjamin Zdatny Memorial Golf and Tennis Event

After a complete “rain out” on July 23rd, Brookdale held its rescheduled Golf and Tennis Event on October 15.  The weather was brisk but it was a perfect day for golf and tennis.

Approximately 30 years ago, the golf and tennis event was born out of the Associate Board of Directors as a fund-raiser.  Benjamin Zdatny became Chairman of the event  and as a member of the Woodcrest Club, he was able to convince the club to host the event.  When Mr. Zdatny passed away, the Board of Trustees voted to continue the event but rename it in his honor.

Although no golfer was able to land a “hole in one”, we had one that was pretty close, 1’6” from the pin.  Better luck next time!

Following a good workout on the co urse and court, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour followed by a delicious buffet dinner.   Mr. Rosen thanked all for their support of Brookdale and announced the guests of honor of the Tribute Gala to be held at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge on December 1; trustee Edward Birnbaum and Dr. I. Akiva Wulkan, Chairman of the Department of Radiology.

Golf photo album can be viewed at the following link thanks to photograqphy by Dr. Andrew Rubin:

Golf Photo Album Link

"We Own The Night" We Own The Name: Jamaica Featured In New Film

Columbia Pictures new release starring Mark Wahlberg, Joaquin Phoenix, Eva Mendes and Robert Duvall is a New York City Police drama with a local connection. Last year the producers from Columbia Pictures approached the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Public Affairs Department requesting permission to use the Jamaica Hospital name in the film  since that was how it was written in the screenplay. Since the scenes were deemed to not reflect in a negative way permission was granted.

The actual hospital scenes that take place at Jamaica Hospital in the film were filmed at Coney Island Hospital because they were looking for an older looking building, but in the scenes the building and staff have our name on them and the hospital name is featured in quite a few scenes as well. It even includes a scene with the Mayor (Ed Koch) visiting an injured Police Officer.

 The story, set against the backdrop of the bloody battle waged between New York City cops and the Russian mafia in the 1980s, director James Gray's period drama tells the tale of an emerging club manager whose family ties to law enforcement make him a target for the city's most dangerous criminals. Bobby Green (Joaquin Phoenix) manages one of Gotham's hottest clubs - but being in the club scene often means turning a blind eye to blatant criminal activities. Realizing that his career - and perhaps his life - could come to a sudden end if anyone discovers that his father Burt (Robert Duvall) is the deputy chief of police and his brother Joseph (Mark Walberg) is a rising star on the force, Bobby struggles to keep that sensitive information from everyone except his devoted girlfriend Amanda (Eva Mendes).

 

If you get a chance, catch the film in a theater near you.  Here is a link to the official website.  We Own The Night Link

When The Press Drops In: The Risks of Violating HIPAA

As employees in the healthcare system, we have all been informed about HIPAA and the consequences of violating a patient’s privacy.  But what really would happen if we disregarded patient confidentiality? Well, a local hospital recently learned how serious an infraction it is to ignore this important federal law.

Earlier this month, Hollywood celebrity George Clooney and a companion were rushed to Palisades Medical Center after they were involved in a motorcycle accident.  Almost immediately, the media descended upon the hospital with knowledge not only of the actor’s presence but also the nature of his injuries. It quickly became apparent that several hospital employees leaked that information to the press and provided confidential information to the media.

This clear violation of patient privacy led to over two dozen employees being suspended and up to 40 others being investigated for inappropriate actions.  The violation even garnered local media attention when it was covered by WCBS – Channel 2 – New York.

As a network that offers a wide range of advanced, life-saving services, we often treat patients whose injuries receive media attention.  The price paid by our fellow healthcare workers is a reminder on not only the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality at all times but also understanding the network’s policy of referring all press inquires to the Public Affairs Department.

Topping-Off Ceremony Brings Out the Best at Jamaica Hospital

Amidst the sounds of drilling and hammering, hard hat wearing executives, excited nursing home residents and supportive employees gathered on October 17th for the Steel Topping-Off Ceremony for the New Nursing Home Project.

During the morning event, David P. Rosen, President and CEO, Bruce J. Flanz, Executive VP & Chief OO and Greg Bradley, Executive Vice President of Trump Pavilion, offered up celebratory words to hospital staff and current Trump residents about the finalizing stage of construction for the new building.

“It’s a pleasure for all of us to enjoy such an auspicious occasion and we look forward to the day when we complete this project and are able to move our residents from the current Jamaica Hospital Nursing Home to this new, beautiful, modern Jamaica Hospital Nursing Home,” said Mr. Flanz.

The steel beam, adorned with the American flag, was signed by Administration and Trump staff, as well as Kathleen Lewis, long time resident and President of the Trump Pavilion’s Resident Council, before being lifted into place.

“I’m looking forward to being in a new facility,” expressed Ms. Lewis. “We have fun here and I can’t wait to play BINGO in the new building.”

With an expected completion date of Spring 2009, the new 226 bed facility will provide patients with state-of-art sub acute rehabilitation and skilled nursing care. The nursing home will be four stories high and feature a four-story atrium at the entrance.

Since opening in January 1975, Trump Pavilion has built a reputation as one of the finest nursing and rehabilitative centers. The 204 bed facility serves Queens and the surrounding communities, providing short and long-term stays for individuals requiring 24-hour nursing care and rehabilitation.

“The new nursing home means progress and growth,” she said Giselle Porter, Director of Recreational Therapy and Trump employee since the facility first opened. “We are now able to look at nursing homes in a positive light and not with the negative connotation previously associated with it.”

Annual Flu Vaccine is Here

Winter is rapidly approaching and will bring with it many things— including the flu. In an effort to help guard you against the virus, Occupational Health Services is offering all employees the flu vaccination.

Everyone is encouraged to have the flu vaccine, especially health care workers. Individuals interested in getting the vaccination should be in good health and those who are allergic to eggs and Thermerosol are advised against it.

“To dispel any myths--you cannot get the flu from the vaccine and it usually takes two weeks to take affect,” states Jaine Landman, Nurse Manager of Occupational and Corporate Health Services for the MediSys Health Network.

Flu shots are available at Brookdale and Flushing Hospitals all day Monday through Friday, while Jamaica Hospital is offering the flu shots from 1:00- 3:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays, and all day Thursdays. Appointments are not needed.

For additional information on how to get your flu shot, contact your hospital’s Occupational Health Services Department.

Screenings for Depression Held at Jamaica and Flushing Hospitals

The Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Services at both Jamaica and Flushing Hospital recognized National Depression Screening Day by offering depression screenings on Thursday, October 11.

Community members, as well as staff, were invited to fill out the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a screening tool used to assess an individual’s state of depression.

“Many people don’t realize that they are depressed—they don’t attribute fatigue, lack of motivation, loss off appetite, or even physical problems to depression,” said Dr. Hutterer, Psychologist at Jamaica Hospital. “The screening provides individuals with a chance to discover if psychological issues underlie these symptoms and if so, how to get help for what is often a treatable illness.”

According to Dr. Daniel Chen, Assistant Chairman of Psychiatry at Flushing Hospital, members of the department were on hand to not only provide depression screenings but based on the results, arrange intake appointments as well.

Individuals were advised by staff to seek help once their total score reached at least ten, added Ms. Roxana Korb, Clinical Manager of Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital. Based on the PHQ-9 Score Card, a total score of ten -14 means moderate depression, 15-19 means moderately severe depression, and 20-27 means severe depression.

Jamaica Hospital completed 109 screenings, scheduled 10 appointments, and saw one individual immediately. Flushing Hospital had 40 screenings and arranged three appointments. Both hospitals started their annual depression screenings in 1999.

Brookdale Hospital Receives Grant to Fund Breast Cancer Program

Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center was awarded a two-year, $175,000 grant, from The Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade, to develop a breast health program targeting African-American and Caribbean breast cancer patients. Following the October 7th New York Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, Dr. Sharon Koehler, Director of Brookdale’s Breast Health Services, was presented with a check.

“This is a huge event with thousands of participants and I am extraordinarily pleased that Brookdale was recognized and awarded,” said Dr. Koehler. “Avon has promised to help medically under-insured women and men receive the screening, support, and treatment they require.”

Under the direction of Dr. Koehler, Brookdale Hospital will launch the East New York Breast Cancer Navigation Program in January 2008. The program is aimed at removing difficulties often faced by African-American/Caribbean breast cancer patients—specifically medical, financial, and language barriers. The hiring of a Patient Navigator will address this issue by supporting patients from the beginning of their diagnosis to the treatment phase. Assistance will include translation services, links to primary and secondary providers, and educational seminars, to name a few.

“The navigator will also work closely with the American Cancer Society and the Breast Health Partnership to provide free preventive and screening services to uninsured members of our community,” Dr. Koehler added.

To Every Thing, There Is a Season - The Schulman Garden Is Put To Bed For 2007

The garden season at Schulman and Schachne started this year with many new beginnings. Janet Larghi, CTRS, Alzheimer's Dementia Specialist, and Richard Verello, CTRS, developed and introduced a dementia specific sensory garden program to the traditionally popular gardening activities in the Schulman Garden.   The program quickly became a popular recreational activities among residents from the Dementia Special Care Unit.

The residents have become seasoned gardeners as a result of this program.  This year, they introduced a host of new plantings that nurture larvae, as well as blooms in hopes of drawing butterflies to the garden, and their plan worked. The butterfly visitors were a sight to behold! The resident chefs of the Creative Delights cooking program were even inspired by the garden's bounty and enjoyed picking their own fresh herbs and using them on a favorite recipe.

The staff was also impressed with the work of the Schulman and Schachne residents and many became regular visitors and watched the garden's beauty unfold with the changing seasons. First spring sprung, then summer bloomed, and now fall flowers put on their individual displays, marking the passage of the time through the garden.

Jamaica Hospital Receives Award for Maintaining Organ Donation Rate

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has been selected as one of only 14 hospitals in the greater New York metropolitan area to receive the distinguished Health and Human Services Department’s Organ Donor Medal of Honor.

Selected out of 100 area hospitals, JHMC met the outlined criterion by achieving and maintaining a donation rate of 75% or more of eligible donors for a year.

“Receiving nationwide recognition for our continued efforts to maintain an honorable donation rate is a significant accomplishment,” expressed Mr. William Lynch, Vice President of Professional and Regulatory Affairs. “By doing so, we have not only affected the lives of organ recipients but their families, the local community, and the general public as well.”

JHMC, along with the other winning hospitals, participated in an awards ceremony on October 9, 2007 in Nashville, Tennessee as part of the National Breakthrough Collaborative Conference on Organ Donation.

According to the New York Organ Donation Network, New York City has struggled in the past with organ donation rates but has recently seen steady improvement. The consent rate has increased from well below 50 percent to 56 percent. Since 2003, the Organ Donor Breakthrough Collaboration has worked to maximize organ donation rates from people who die in the facilities of participating hospitals. 

JHMC was previously recognized for their organ donation success. In 2004, the hospital was ranked number one for organ donation in the downstate area.

Brookdale's Dr. Gulmi To Train Urologists Nationwide

Dr. Frederick Gulmi, Chairman of Urology at Brookdale Hospital was recently elected Vice Chairman of The Verification and Credentialing Committee of the National Urology Ultrasound Faculty of the American Urological Association. 

This distinguished appointment means Dr. Gulmi will be responsible for developing and overseeing a verification program for urologists nationwide in the use of ultrasound as well as maintain a database of those doctors who have been verified and credentialed.  Dr. Gulmi will be traveling throughout the country teaching core curriculum to residency programs and he will be one of only 20 core faculty members in the United States responsible for creating training modules that will be used to instruct urologists and residents in basic understanding of clinical ultrasound, which will benefit in the diagnosis of kidney, prostate, bladder and genital diseases.

Congratulations, Dr. Gulmi on a well deserved honor.

Jamaica Hospital Gets "In the Loop" on Lupus Care

In recognition of National Lupus Awareness Month, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, in collaboration with the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, recently introduced the first dedicated Lupus Center in Queens.

The Lupus Center is located at the MediSys Family Care Center in St. Albans. Patients diagnosed with lupus or those who have been told they may have lupus, will be able to receive specialized, state-of-the-art medical care from expert physicians, as well as ongoing medical and group support.

In addition, patients will be able to participate in clinical research aimed at developing better forms of treatment and increasing an overall understanding this auto immune disease. Patients will also have access to the latest information on medical advances and will be educated on topics such as diagnosis, symptoms, treatment and on-going research opportunities.

The Lupus Center, which sees patients every Friday, is the latest attempt by the MediSys Health Network to provide advanced treatment for diseases that most affect our community .  For more information or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-9888.

Flushing Hospital's New Beat: A Wish Come True

The highly anticipated 2007 Wish Book Event, held on September 19th aboard the Skyline Princess, raised more than $85,000 for Flushing Hospital's Department of Medicine. The funds will be used to grant their wish for upgrades to their monitoring equipment.

According to Dr. Alexander Kintzoglou, Chairman of the Department of Medicine, Flushing Hospital's Cardiology service will be enhanced with the new equipment.

The celebratory Wish Book Event attracted more than 200 attendees, including departmental chairpersons and administrators— Mr. David P. Rosen, President and Chief Executive Officer of MediSys Health Network, Mr. Bruce J. Flanz, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Mounir Doss, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Robert S. Crupi, Chairman of Emergency Medicine, to name a few. Chris Hwang, Senior Vice President of Flushing Commerce Bank, member of the Flushing Hospital Board of Trustees and Co-Honorary Chairman for the 2007 Wish Book Campaign was also present.

The Wish Book was distributed to 2,000 Flushing and Jamaica Hospital staff members and vendors— all of whom were asked to make donations to Flushing Hospital, specifically the Department of Medicine.

The Wish Book is a unique fundraiser that began in 2005 to give various Flushing Hospital departments the opportunity to request much needed equipment, in the form of wishes, that would make their departments run more efficiently. Since its inception, the campaign has raised over $250,000 to benefit Flushing Hospital, the staff, and the community.

Primary Angioplasty Now Offered At Brookdale Hospital

When a person is having a heart attack, “time” is of the essence and can mean the difference between life and death.    Up until recently, a patient brought to the Emergency Department at Brookdale suffering a heart attack and requiring angioplasty would be be transferred to another facility.  Brookdale’s Cardiology Department and its Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory are now fully staffed and equipped to offer this much needed service to the members of its community.

Over two million angioplasties are performed each year making it more common than the coronary bypass surgery to unclog or open narrowed or blocked blood vessels of the heart due to a buildup of cholesterol, cells or a blood clot.  This procedure is not considered major surgery as it is done through the insertion of a catheter into the artery and inflating a tiny balloon at the end of it.  In many cases a stent is placed in the artery through the same catheter to prevent the artery from clogging again.  The catheter is removed and the stent remains in position in the artery.  In most cases, an overnight stay may be required.

We congratulate everyone responsible for this successful effort.