MediSys Network News

3rd Annual Breast Cancer Symposium Held at Brookdale

Breast Health and Healthy Living was the focus of this year’s Breast Cancer Symposium, held at Brookdale Hospital on October 23rd.  The event was designed to provide a forum for presentations of the many advances in breast cancer surveillance, prevention and treatment. 

Dr. Sharon Koehler, Chairperson of the Symposium and Coordinator of Brookdale’s Breast Health Services updated attendees on cancer genetics, technologies and breast cancer research.  She presented new facts to the audience, such as Reuters Health’s report that red meat may increase the risk of developing breast cancer in pre-menopausal women with receptors that are positive for estrogen and progesterone.  She also reiterated the fact that early detection saves lives and that health maintenance including good nutrition, mental health, and exercise should always be part of a preventive healthy living program.

The frightening statistics delivered from the American Cancer Society to the mix of professionals and clinical staff from the Network, community members and patients of the Brookdale Breast Health Services is that 82,460 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year and about 40,480 will die from it.

Carol Becker, LMSW from the American Cancer Society, provided a presentation and demonstrated how “Going Green” promotes healthy living.  Ms. Becker's recommendations included the benefits of using natural cleaning products, purchasing freshly grown products from cooperative food stores and farmers markets and avoiding preservatives and additives.  She ended her presentation with “green stress reduction," a demonstration and audience participation of chair yoga. 

Other presentations included: nutritional support during breast cancer, an update on chemotherapy, an update on breast reconstruction surgery, self breast exam and other forms of preventative care, the benefits of using complementary therapies in conjunction with traditional breast cancer treatment, an update on recent advances in hormonal therapy and a first hand perspective of what a breast cancer experiences are during the first few weeks of diagnosis. 

Flushing Hospital Hosts Perinatal Safety Collaborative

On Wednesday, November 5, Flushing Hospital’s Department of Obstetrics hosted a Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA) and United Hospital Fund (UHF) Perinatal Safety Collaborative.

The event was attended by more than 161 participants, from various hospitals, and focused on critical factors that affect maternal and newborn outcomes-- teamwork and effective communication. The training also integrated a patient-centered team approach into the management of labor and stressed the importance of situational awareness in electronic fetal monitoring (EFM), as well as the indicators for clinical intervention based on EFM interpretation.

In the future, GNYHA and UHF plan to help Flushing Hospital and participating hospitals, adopt standardized communication strategies, along with EFM certification criteria. The collaborative will incorporate a perinatal safety “bundle” approach to care that will incorporate both clinical and safety processes to help effectively standardize care across the region.

MediSys Health Network Raises Awareness about Physical Health

In October, during National Physical Therapy Month, the Department of Rehabilitation at Jamaica, Brookdale, and Flushing Hospitals held information fairs to promote wellness and physical independence/health, as well as to raise awareness about what physical therapists do and their roles in the healthcare industry.

Information on physical therapy was distributed to both employees and visitors. In addition, nearly 150 people participated in posture and balance assessments. The assessments were performed in order to determine an individuals’ risk of falling. Several tests, such as standing on one leg, forward reaching, and performing a timed get-up-and go test, were administered and participants were counseled if some of these issues were identified.

Brookdale Digestive Health Center

Recognizing the need to keep pace with technological advancements in the field of digestive health disorders, Brookdale Hospital has created the Digestive Health Center.  The center is located in the newly expanded and renovated endoscopy department and includes three dedicated suites, equipped to provide state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures that were not available in the past. The new area now allows for seamless flow of patients and provides much needed added comfort and privacy. 

One of the innovations that the center has brought to Brookdale is wireless capsule endoscopy.  This new technology avails the doctor with a virtual reality view of the digestive tract to facilitate the evaluation of the small intestine.  Wireless capsule endoscopy also enables our staff to provide malabsorption testing; where a tiny camera is ingested by the patient and travels through the their intestine.  This technology is used to detect such maladies as colon cancer, gastric ulcers and Crohn’s disease. 

In addition, one of the suites is fitted to accommodate ERCP testing, which are image guided procedures requiring fluoroscopy. State of the art motility equipment has also been added for the evaluation of the pressure of the esophagus in various stages along its length. These studies are performed when a patient is having a problem swallowing or having chest pains that are not cardiac related. 

Brookdale is also privileged to have created a Patient Navigator Program sponsored through a grant from the New York City Department of Health.  The role of the Navigator is to assist patients through the gamut (scheduling to post procedure) focusing on the colorectal screening program. 

The Gastroenterology Division provides a full in-patient/out-patient service to meet the needs of the community with a comprehensive GI service and is at your service by calling (718) 240-6025. 

Emergency Preparedness Go-BAG Winners Announced

During September, National Preparedness Month, the staff of the MediSys Emergency Management Department toured Jamaica, Brookdale, and Flushing Hospitals, giving employees a chance to participate in a survey that evaluated their preparedness level at home and in the work place. Those who participated were entered into a raffle to win a GO-BAG.

Recently, the winners were selected. Alicia Miranda from Nursing at Jamaica Hospital, Manual Gomez from Building Services at Flushing Hospital, and Joan Bachoo at Brookdale Hospital, each received a GO-BAG filled with a self-powered radio/flashlight, multi-purpose tool, first-aid kit, and other important emergency items.

In addition to the raffle that was held for National Preparedness Month, the Emergency Management Department offered free informational packets to employees. The packets included step by step instructions of emergency planning for families, pets, seniors, and persons with disabilities, helpful tips on home preparedness, and how to set up ICE (In Case of Emergency) on cell phones. Brochures with vital information produced by various agencies were also available. 

Halloween Brings Several Treats to the MediSys Network

October 31 was celebrated throughout the MediSys Health Network in true Halloween fashion. Patients, as well as staff, had a “boo-tacular” time, as they participated in parties, costume contests, and even trick or treating.

Pediatric patients at Jamaica Hospital were delighted with the department’s efforts to celebrate Halloween. The playroom was completely decorated with Halloween items and featured a mini-pumpkin patch. New costumes were available to patients who wanted to dress up but didn’t have one. Doctors and nurses on the unit dressed in costumes as well. Also, several other hospital employees wore costumes and went from room to room to distribute candy and other goodies to patients.

The event was so visually pleasing and exciting that NY1 joined the fun and interviewed staff and patients. To see video, visit http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/88234/halloween-comes-to-jamaica-hospital/Default.aspx.

Brookdale and Flushing Hospitals hosted Halloween activities as well.

The Pediatric Department at Brookdale Hospital held a Halloween party and Flushing Hospital hosted its 3rd Annual Halloween Contest. Nearly 20 employees participated in the contest, with costumes that included, Little Boo Peep, Winnie the Pooh, Wolfman, Homey the Clown, and Venus the Goddess, to name a few. The first place winner, Gerry Murphy, was dressed as a rat; second place winner, Captain Jackson, was Tootsie; and third place winner, Nancy Tomczyk, was a headless man.

Residents at Schulman and Schachne enjoyed a magic show and listened to ghost stories around a faux-campfire. Trump Pavilion residents started their Halloween with a visit from second graders from P.S. 54 in Richmond Hill. The children went treat-or-tricking and received Halloween gift bags from the residents and administration. In the afternoon, each floor, throughout the facility, participated in its own Halloween activities.

Jamaica Hospital Hosts Annual Rainbow Ball Event

Over 300 guests gathered at the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Saturday, October 18, to participate in Jamaica Hospital’s highly anticipated Rainbow Ball Event.

The annual fundraising event included an elegant cocktail reception, along with an open bar, a delectable dinner, and several hours of dancing. Guests were also able to freely view the museum’s various exhibits.

This year’s event grossed nearly $300,000 and will benefit the event’s honoree— the Division of Cardiology. Dr. Robert Mendelson, Chairman, accepted the award on behalf of his staff and offered gracious comments to administration, Cardiology staff, hospital employees, and all those involved in making the event a success.

Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Cardiology boasts a cardiac catherization lab, an arrthymia service, and a full non-invasive laboratory. The Cardiology Division also utilizes the hospital’s 64-slice CT scanner.

To view photo album from this year's event, click Rainbow Ball 2008

Performance Improvement Department Hosts Quality Day

To celebrate National Healthcare Quality Week, the Performance Improvement Department at Jamaica Hospital organized several activities aimed at educating employees about the many quality care initiatives implemented by various departments throughout the hospital.

Over 200 employees were able to view poster board displays, participate in a spin the wheel game, and compete in contests, including a slogan contest and a "second to none contest."

The winning slogan, “Teamwork and Commitment is the Gateway to Organizational Excellence,” was created by Vishnu Rampersaud. Michele Melendez’s, “Treat all patients the way you would like to be treated—with courtesy and respect,” won for best second to none idea. Both employees received beauty baskets. Other prizes, such as a spa set, a bath set, and books, were also given away.

The 24 poster boards on display, including: HCAHPS, Medical Records, MediSys Emergency Notification System, Palliative Care, Rapid Response System, Root Cause Analysis, SBAR, Staff Education, Stroke, The Quality Team, Transitional Care, and What is PI? 

MediSys Dream Believers Raise Money and Make Strides for Breast Cancer

On Sunday, October 19, the MediSys Dream Believers gathered on Queens Boulevard to participate in the American Cancer Society’s 15th annual Making Strides Against Cancer Walk. The event drew a diverse crowd of 6,200 walkers and raised approximately $650,000 to go towards research, prevention, early detection, and support programs for patients and their families.

The MediSys Dream Believers, a team of over 50 employees from Jamaica and Flushing Hospitals, raised over $20,000, becoming the third highest contributing team and company at the event.

“We are very proud of the money we raised for this year’s event,” explained Marguerite Luizzo, Assistant Director of Performance Improvement and Captain of the MediSys Dream Believers. “Everyone who participated in our fundraisers used their competitive edge to raise as much money as they could. Our success was definitely a collaborative effort.”