MediSys Network News

Robotics at Brookdale

The DaVinci S HD Surgical System Robot has been available at Brookdale for almost a year.  In that short time, Dr. Frederick Gulmi, Chairman of the Department of Urology has successfully completed the requirements necessary to be listed on the manufacturer's website as a preferred Robotic Surgeon.  Dr. Gulmi's name, in turn, links Brookdale as the only Robotic Center that has the three dimensional, four-arm S HD System.  This designation will bring great prestige and many additional cases to Brookdale Hospital.

“Our patients have definitely benefited from this technology and the preciseness of fine-tissue manipulation of this system by experiencing less post-op pain, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays and a speedier recovery,” said Dr. Gulmi

Other departments have also realized the benefits of DaVinci over the past year. Recently, Dr. Juan Sandoval, Urogynecology, has also joined the Robotics team by having successfully performed his first procedure, an ovarian oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries).  Dr. Sandoval will be using his robotic skills by performing other gynecological procedures, including hysterectomies.  Like in most cases, utilization of the DaVinci for gynecological procedures will be faster and require a shorter recovery period.

DaVinci S HD is a remarkable improvement over conventional laparoscopy. Its presence enables the surgeon to perform delicate procedures with dramatically better dexterity, control and precision.  The Department of Surgery at Brookdale Hospital looks forward to exploring the many applications it has to offer in the months and years to come.

A Gift From the Angels

On Tuesday, October 14, Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital both received generous donations from the same charitable organization.

Angel’s on the Bay, which was founded 14 years ago by the late Frank Russo Sr. and is dedicated to helping children in need, pledged contributions to both hospital’s Pediatric Departments. As always, the event was held at the beautiful Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach. Jamaica and Flushing Hospitals were two of only eight Queens-based organizations dedicated to the health and welfare of children to receive donations.

Flushing Hospital received $37,700 to purchase Giraffe Omni Beds. This advanced equipment will be used to treat most seriously ill patients in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Jamaica Hospital received it’s first of five annual installments of $24,688. The total contribution will equal approximately $125,000 and will be used to purchase a Central Heart Monitoring System. On hand to accept the checks were MediSys Executives David Rosen, President & CEO, Bruce Flanz, Executive Vice President & COO, and Mounir Doss, Executive VP and CFO.

Over the years, Jamaica Hospital has received over $280,000 from "Angels." The contributions have been put to many worthy causes, including the expansion and re-location of the hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, which was named after Frank Russo Sr. in 2006. This was the first year Flushing Hospital received a donation.

Jamaica and Flushing offer a variety of quality inpatient and outpatient pediatric services. Both hospitals are grateful for the donations and look forward to using them to better serve the children of Queens.

Jamaica Hospital Palliative Care Volunteer Honored

Doreen Lounds, a Jamaica Hospital Palliative Care volunteer, was honored at a reception sponsored by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of the Community Service Society (CSS) of New York on Thursday, September 25 at the Sheraton LaGuardia East.

Doreen was honored for her dedication and year long commitment to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. As a Palliative Care volunteer, Doreen provides culturally sensitive and nonjudgmental support to Palliative Care patients during their hospital stay. She frequently visits patients and provides them with the companionship they need as they face life-threatening illnesses.

Congratulations to Doreen for making a difference in the lives of Queens’ residents and to the patients at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Individuals interested in Jamaica Hospital’s Palliative Care Volunteer Program or other volunteer opportunities can contact the Volunteer Department at 718-206-6000 ext. 4078.

Depression Screenings Offered at Jamaica Hospital

The Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Services at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offered free depression screenings on Wednesday, October 8, 2008, National Depression Screening Day.

The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a screening tool used to assess an individual’s state of depression, was distributed by the Psychiatry staff to interested community members and hospital employees.

Those who filled out the questionnaires were advised by staff to seek professional help if their total score was at least ten. Based on the PHQ-9 Score Card, a total score of ten to 14 means moderate depression, 15 to 19 means moderately severe depression, and 20 to 27 means severe depression.

“Depression is a debilitating illness that affects all ethnicities and cultures,” said Teresita Ruiz, Psychiatry Attending at Jamaica Hospital. “We offer free screenings because we serve a diverse community and know that 15 million people suffer from major depression. In addition, adjustment/situational depression is just as evident. People are dealing with the economy crisis and everyday struggles that can affect their level of interest, energy, and appetite—all common symptoms of depression.”

Jamaica Hospital completed 35 screenings, of which 15 individuals were classified as depressed and given the department’s number to schedule an appointment. One individual was seen immediately and two individuals scheduled on-the-spot appointments. Jamaica Hospital began their annual depression screenings in 1999.

It's Flu Shot Time Again

The 2008-09 flu season is around the corner and the MediSys Health Network is ready to inoculate its employees.  Although the peak of the season is not until January/February, it is imperative to be vaccinated early because of the unpredictability of the viruses.  The vaccine offered by MediSys protects against the three main flu strains, however it makes the illness milder if caused by a different virus.

Occupational Health began offering the vaccines on September 22nd at Jamaica and on September 29th at Brookdale.  Flushing Hospital will run a Push Pod exercise October 8th and 9th by which several stations will be strategically placed in different locations through out the hospital availing the vaccine to staff.  Regular vaccination will begin on October 13th.

Protect yourselves which in turn will protect your family, patients and co-workers. For more information or to make an appointment call your hospital's Occupation Health Department.

MRI Services Available at Flushing Hospital

The Department of Radiology at Flushing Hospital recently opened a brand new MRI suite, which features the new Siemens Magnetom Espree MRI open bore system.

Flushing Hospital’s acquisition of the MRI provides several benefits to patients and the Flushing community it serves. Patients will no longer have to travel out of the community to have a MRI test. In addition, the MRI is a short bore magnet and features a patient-friendly design. The system is approximately four feet long and allows exams to be completed with the patient’s head outside of the bore. This provides comfort to even the most claustrophobic patient. Also, the weight limit is 500 pounds, compared to older conventional MRI systems with a weight capacity of 350-400 pounds. 

“The Department of Radiology is extremely excited about the MRI system. It is such an integral part of a hospital, as it assists physicians with detecting abnormalities and lesions in most parts of the body,” said Dr. Sabiha Raoof, Chairperson of the Radiology Department.

“Every department will benefit from the new MRI system but ultimately our patients and the community  can continue to look forward to the continued efforts we take to ensure that they receive the highest quality of healthcare available,” she added.

A MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a non-invasive test that helps physicians diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions. The test uses a magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce  detailed pictures of all internal body structures.

MRI testing evaluates organs of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis; pelvic organs, including male and female reproductive organs, pelvic and hip bones, as well as blood vessels. Also, MRI testing can be used to diagnose and monitor tumors of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, coronary artery disease and heart problems, and lesions of the liver and other organs.