MediSys Network News

High Definition Robotics Surgery for Women Comes to Brookdale Hospital

 Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center was the first hospital in Brooklyn to use the da Vinci S HD System robotic technology for surgeries. The new surgical system integrates 3D HD endoscopy and state-of-the-art robotic technology to virtually extend the surgeon’s eyes and hands and ultimately provides patients with a better surgical procedure.

The da Vinci System which was more commonly known for its success in urological conditions such as prostate cancer is now continuing that success with women gynecological conditions.   

Surpassing the limits of conventional laparoscopic surgery, da Vinci is revolutionizing gynecologic surgery for women.  The new surgical robotic equipment is designed to perform complex procedures using a minimally invasive approach.  This gives surgeons greater than twice the viewing resolution and 20% more viewing area than standard robotic surgical systems.

 Dr. Sandoval and his team of nurses, anesthesiologist and technicians are specifically trained in robotics and use of the da Vinci S HD for surgical procedures such as hysterectomies, myomectomies, reversal of tube ligations and bladder prolapses.  Most of these procedures, when performed with conventional surgery may require a three to four day hospital stay and a recovery time from six to eight weeks. In most cases, Dr. Sandoval’s patients will only require an overnight stay with a recovery period of two to four weeks; will have significantly less bleeding and pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery.

 "We are very pleased to offer this advanced technology for gynecological and urogynecological conditions,” said Dr. Juan Sandoval, attending surgeon for the Departments of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology at Brookdale Hospital. “Women can now benefit from the capabilities of this system.”

For additional information on the da Vinci System or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sandoval, please call (718) 485-2420.

New Mammography Tracking System in Place at Peninsula Hospital Center

 Thanks to a gift from Board Member and Benefactor Lucy Salpeter, Peninsula Hospital Center now boasts a new Mammography Reporting System (MRS).

The MRS, which is the most widely used tracking and reporting system in the world, will be used for all breast-related procedures including, mammography and ultrasound. The new system has the ability to track patient cases and generate patient results, as well as recall letters. In addition, every note added by the radiologist or physician becomes a part of a patient’s permanent medical history.

“This MRS system is accurate, easy to read and assists our department in ensuring that our patients’ follow-ups are done timely and that their records are clear, precise, and current,” said Jeff Papkin, Acting Director of Peninsula Hospital’s Imaging Services Department. “The MRS is a state-of-the-art technology and we are very grateful to Mrs. Salpeter for her generosity. Many people will benefit from this safeguard.”

Mrs. Salpeter couldn’t be happier with the implementation of the new system and how it’s been received.

“I wanted to give a gift that could be utilized by a lot Peninsula Hospital’s patients,” said Mrs. Salpeter. “This is a wonderful addition to an already excellent Department of Radiology and it is another way to make sure that Peninsula’s patients receive the best care available.”

 

Brookdale's Pediatric Sickle cell program receives a 5 year grant

Brookdale Hospital’s Sickle Cell program recently received a five year grant from the New York State DOH Genetic Service program. The funding, which totals $282,000 will enable Brookdale Hospital to provide pediatric sickle cell patients with a smooth transition as they move into adult hematology services.

In order to prepare pediatric patients for this transition, Brookdale’s pediatric sickle cell patients will be placed in a three stage program based on the patient’s age (10-12, 13-15 and 16-18). Once patients are placed in an age-appropriate stage, they will be evaluated by the Care Coordinator, Ms. Yana Pennant on their comprehension of their condition and satisfaction level of care before they are ready to move on to the next stage. Readiness to graduate to adult hematology care will be achieved by engaging patients in comprehensive health discussions about their disease, helping them implement self-management techniques and introducing them to useful resources such as adult services and engagement activities.

The overall goal is to teach patients how to comfortably, safely and independently manage their disease and transition from pediatric care under Dr. Viswanathan, Dr. Peichev and their team to adult hematology care under the care of Dr. Elizabeth Haynes.

The Genetic Program is part of NYMAC (New York Mid-Atlantic Consortium) for Genetic and Newborn Screening Services, which is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration.

For additional information on the Pediatric Sickle Cell program or to schedule an appointment, please call (718) 240-5904

The MediSys Health Network Holds Naming Contest: Enter to Win an Apple iPad

 To keep up-to-date with the latest technology trends in healthcare, the MediSys Health Network is in the process of implementing EPIC, a state-of-the-art electronic health record system. The new system will include tracking, assessment and coordination of care across systems, and record storage, as well as integrated coding of all clinical systems and related financial activity.

Before going live with the system, the network is holding a contest to rename it. All employees are encouraged to submit a creative and appropriate name that will be used at Flushing, Brookdale, Jamaica, and Peninsula Hospitals. In addition to boasting rights, the winning entry will win an Apple iPad.

To learn more about the contest and obtain an entry form, visit your hospital's website or the Public Affairs Office.

Live Light, Live Right premier on “Health Beat Brooklyn”

On Tuesday, January 4^th, 2011 the Live Light, Live Right staff and participants were featured on Brooklyn Independent Television, Health Beat Brooklyn.  The new episode, which addressed the issue of childhood obesity, appeared on Time Warner channel 56 and Cablevision channel 69 and in all 5 boroughs on Verizon channel 44.  The excitement of this public exposure had both the participants and staff proud to share the information about the strides being made to fightchildhood obesity at Brookdale Hospital. 

 Both new participants and those that were in the Live Light, Live Right program for years were interviewed for the episode.  Each told their stories and enchanted the interviewer from beginning to end.  Childhood obesity as expressed by some of the participants is a “daily battle of choice.”  The reality is that more than 1 in 4 in Head Start programs and public elementary schools are obese, and more than 40% are overweight or obese. 

 The Live Light, Live Right program has expanded over the past year by providing multi-disciplinary services.  This growth has occurred since the $25,000 grant awarded last March by Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield.  The program has expanded by adding more locations, hours, and a variety of exercise disciplines.  This grant has helped Live Light, Live Right to provide more assistance to those whom need it most.    

 The Health Beat episode will inform many individuals facing obesity that there is hope for them and their families.  For more information about the Live Light program please visit www.livelightobesity.org.  The episode will air every Monday at 2:30pm & 10:30pm, as well as every Tuesday & Thursday at noon and 8pm this month. To see the show online go to http://www.bricartsmedia.org/bit 

Peninsula Hospital Anticipates Continued Growth in 2011

 At a recent Belle Harbor Property Owners Association meeting, Peninsula Hospital’s very own Allen Corby, V.P. of Operations, and Phyllis Prawzinsky, R.N., Assistant Director of Nursing and the Emergency Department, informed attendees about the hospital’s growth and expectations for 2011.

Specifically, Mr. Corby reviewed the programs and services currently offered at Peninsula and spoke of the hospital’s plans for new and innovative investments in the future. 

“Peninsula Hospital, in a continuing effort to provide community service and outreach to the residents, still offers a no-cost AngioScreen program which screens for early signs of heart attack and stroke,” said Mr. Corby.  “It is the policy of the Hospital Center to assist our community in staying healthy and encouraging them to take care of themselves before serious illness develops.  AngioScreen is a screening tool used for this purpose and we highly recommend it to the community.” 

Mr. Coby also discussed the growth of the hospital’s TBI/Stroke Rehabilitation program and Butterflies by the Sea, and Eisenstadt Hospice Care, as well as plans to upgrade the following services this year: Nuclear Medicine, Emergency Room Diagnostic Technology, Inpatient Dialysis, Operating Room, Imaging Department, and Cancer Care services. 

Mrs. Prawzinsky added to the meeting by offering advice on emergent care. She emphasized the need to call an ambulance earlier rather than waiting for other transportation. 

“In certain situations, such as a stroke or heart attack, every minute counts, “cautioned Ms. Prawzinsky.  “Waiting a period of time for someone to come with their car to transport a patient to the hospital could make a huge difference in the outcome.  So many people wait to come to the Emergency Department not realizing that the trained emergency personnel on board the ambulance actually begin critical care prior to arriving at the hospital.”  

Both Mrs. Prawzinsky and Mr. Corby both stressed that Peninsula Hospital will continue to offer quality health care - close to home - as the facility moves into the new decade. 

MediSys Health Network Welcomes its First 2011 Babies

 There’s always major anticipation surrounding the delivery of the first baby born in New York City and while it’s exciting to hold this claim, the MediSys Health Network always takes more delight in the delivery of the first babies born at each of their hospital.

This year, the network extends its congratulations to these very special babies:

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center
Baby Girl Josan
Weight: 7 lbs. 5 oz
Length: 19”
Time: 5:30 A.M. on 1/1/11

Flushing Hospital Medical Center
Baby Boy Park
Weight: 8lbs. 3 oz.
Length: 19 ½”
Time: 9:50 AM on 1/1/11

Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center
Baby Boy Worrell
Weight: 6 lbs. 4 oz.
Length: 19 3/4”
Time: 10:01 AM on 1/1/11

MediSys Health Network Develops Severe Weather Plan

 With the winter season well underway, the Department of Emergency Management has developed a severe weather plan for the entire MediSys Health Network. After working with several key directors and managers at Brookdale, Flushing, and Jamaica Hospitals, the emergency management team has outlined transportation, food, and accommodation efforts for employees during a weather crisis. They have also ensured that each facility has adequate supplies, equipment, and staff needed for snow removal.

During inclement weather, employees should visit their hospital’s website to find out if a severe weather warning has been implemented. If so, transportation, food, and accommodation arrangements will be available on the web. In addition, posters will be placed throughout the hospital with all relevant information.