MediSys Network News

MediSys Network Hosts Stroke Conference

 The MediSys Health Network, which boasts four New York State Designated Stroke Centers, hosted the 2011 Acute Ischemic Stroke Seminar on May 26th at Flushing Hospital.

The seminar was attended by nearly 100 physicians, nurses, therapists, and EMT workers from across the network and included the following topics: Acute Ischemic Stroke Management, Brain Aneurysms and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, and Brain Revascularization. Participants were educated on imaging modalities for acute stroke, acute stroke therapy, the role of therapeutic hypothermia in the neuroprotection of stroke patients, management of rupture and nonrupture aneurysms, and so much more.

“The seminars we organize for our stroke teams are extremely important,” explained Dr. Angelo Canedo, Vice President of Rehabilitation for the MediSys Health Network. “It helps keep our members up-to-date on current trends and also serves as a refresher for several treatment options and procedures. In addition, it provides attendees with the four annual CME credits required by State to maintain our designation as Stroke Centers."

The seminar’s guest speakers included: Dr. Jeffrey M. Katz, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, Dr. Avi Setton, Chief of Neuroradiology for the North-Shore-LIJ Health System, Dr. David Chalif, Chief of Neurovascular Neurosurgery for the North Shore-LIJ Health System, and Dr. David J. Langer, Director of Cerebrovascular Research and Associate Professor at Hofstra North Shore- LIJ School of Medicine.

Brookdale Celebrates The Art of Giving

On May 19^th, 2011, Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center and the United Federation of Teachers, Division of Elementary Schools celebrated The Art of giving, a collaborative project to have children donate artwork to hospitals. The Art of Giving program was inspired by the late Sharon Coates, a UFT member and teacher at PS 156 in district 23, who, during her own hospitalization stay said “Seeing children’s artwork on the walls lifted my spirit.”

Sharon's vision has resulted in multiple hospitals receiving artwork created by area students, with Brookdale being the latest recipient.  According to the arrangement, the students of PS 86 in Brooklyn, under the direction of their art teacher, Ms. Cynthia Monteleone, created the original works of art and generously donated them to Brookdale Hospital.  The framed pieces will proudly decorate the walls in Brookdale's Family Care Centers and its Pediatric Clinic. 

 

Before the artwork was hung however, the hospital arranged for a special gallery-style unveiling. During the event, many grateful members of the hospital's administration were on-hand to receive a private viewing of the masterpieces and had the opportunity to meet the very talented and excited artists from PS 86. The children were also thanked in a brief ceremony by Dr. Sokal, Chairman of the Pediatrics Department, who expressed his sincere appreciation to the students for their beautiful contributions. 

Many pictures, refreshments and smiles later, when the children were asked what they enjoyed most about donating their artwork, one child exclaimed "it will help to make the sick people feel better!”  

We sincerely thank the children of PS 86 for their donations and know that it will help to lift the spirits of those that view the art pieces.

Ice Cream Social Held at Jamaica Hospital’s Pediatric Unit

 June 8, the hottest day of the year, brought with it a pleasant treat for children in Jamaica Hospital’s Pediatric Unit. While the temperature reached 97 degrees outside, Sodexo Food Service’s mascot, Carey the Bear, went from room to room handing out ice cream sundaes to patients and their families.

Children had the option to decorate their vanilla ice cream with various toppings, ranging from crushed Oreo cookies, to hot fudge, caramel syrup, or strawberry syrup, to chocolate chips. 

“The ice cream social was enjoyed by all of our patients and their families,” said Sarah Simond, Child Life Specialist at Jamaica Hospital. “Having Carey the Bear there, especially, provided the children with a break from the grueling schedule of being hospitalized.”

Jamaica Hospital’s Dietary Department organized the ice cream social as a way to bring fun and excitement to the unit.

“The children and families are disappointed about missing end of the school year field trips and other events,” said Simonds. “Having a fun captivating event like Carey the Bear and an ice cream party makes them feel like they still can have a special day even though they’re hospitalized.”

The frozen treat, as well as the hugs and waves from Carey the Bear, gave the children something to talk about and left everyone with smiles.

 

 

Peninsula Hospital Welcomes New Medical Director of the Stroke Center

 Robert V. Levine, President and Chief Executive Officer at Peninsula Hospital Center recently announced the appointment of Jean-Robert Desrouleaux, M.D. as the new Medical Director of the facility’s Stroke Center. 

Dr. Desrouleaux joins an experienced interdisciplinary team of rehabilitation and recreation therapists, social workers, neuropsychologists, dieticians and other professionals who specialize in helping their stroke patients build a new life so that the patient can return home as quickly and capably as possible from the hospital’s Traumatic Brain Injury/Stroke Rehabilitation Unit.

“We are so pleased that Dr. Desrouleaux has joined our staff,” said Mr. Levine.  “Our TBI/Stroke Rehabilitation Unit is an extension of our NYS Department of Health Stroke Center designation and as the new Medical Director of the Stroke Center, Dr. Desrouleaux will play an integral role in our stroke services.” 

Dr. Desrouleaux completed his Neurology Training at New York University Medical Center where he served as Chief Officer in Neurology.  He received a Neurophysiology Epilepsy Fellowship at the Hospital for Joint Diseases – Manhattan and went on to positions at Mercy Hospital and Franklin Hospital Medical Center as the Director of their Stroke Centers as well as Co-Chief of the Neurology Division at Franklin.  His credentials also include membership on the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System’s Neurology Clinical Guidelines Committee. 

A native of Haiti, Dr. Desrouleaux is also currently the First Vice President of the New York chapter of the Association of Haitian Physicians Abroad and after the recent devastating earthquake in Haiti, Dr. Desrouleaux returned home several times to serve the people of Haiti. 

 

Brookdale Pediatrics Department Receives a Splash of Hope

The Department of Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology received several beautiful pieces of artwork from Splashes of Hope Inc. 

Splashes of Hope is a nonprofit organization that, through the use of artistic pieces, brings hope and comfort to those patients staying in the hospital.  The organization, which was founded in 1996 by Heather Buggee has been able to blossom and grow into an international organization, receiving mural requests from facilities throughout the US and the world. 

The artwork is on display in the AITU and treatment room at Brookdale Hospital, were done in various sizes, themes and locations to provide thoughts of happiness, comfort and relaxation. The murals will help to alleviate any anxiety that may come when patients have to be seen by the doctor or undergo a procedure. 

The artwork adds a wonderful touch to the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology department and we thank Splashes of Hope for their generous gift.

 

EPIC Naming Contest: Winners Announced

 The MediSys Health Network put out the call and many employees answered. With nearly 1,000 names submitted in the EPIC name contest, the committee has finally selected the winning name. 
 
The winning name, Genesis, was submitted by both Travis Williams, Financial Investigator at Jamaica Hospital’s Emergency Department, and Daryl Prescott, Associate Admitting Clerk at Brookdale Hospital. The EPIC Executive committee chose the name because it best reflected the nature of the new beginning, heralded by the electronic health record system. Due, however, to time constraints and a desire not to create confusion, leadership has decided not to use the name. EPIC will remain as EPIC, as the network proceeds forward with the first implementation currently going live at Jamaica Hospital this month.

The EPIC naming committee and hospital leadership is appreciative of its employees’ excellent participation and are pleased that there were two winners who submitted such a befitting name, even though it will not be used. The owners of the new IPads are pleased with their prizes and can take pride in having been recognized for their creative efforts.

“I was absolutely surprised to find out I won the naming contest,” said Mr. Prescott. “I chose the name Genesis because I felt the new system would be a new beginning for the hospitals. The name was honestly inspired by an episode of Star Trek.”

“Even though the hospital decided not to use Genesis, submitting the winning name was an accomplishment for me. I entered the contest not thinking I would win and the fact that I did, was satisfying enough.”

Mr. Williams was also delighted about being one of the contest winners.

“I was very humbled to hear that I won the contest, especially since I used my daughter's name,” said Mr. Williams.

EPIC is a state-of-the-art electronic health record system that will include patient tracking, assessment and coordination of care across systems, and record storage, as well as integrated coding of all clinical systems and related financial activity.

(In photo, from left to right: Dr. Robert Mendelson, Chairman of Cardiology; Theresa Aliperta, Associate Director of MIS; Ole Pedersen, Vice President of Public Affairs; Mr. Glenroy Prescott accepting on behalf of Daryl Prescott, and Travis Williams).

Peninsula Hospital’s Department of Opthalmology Raises Awareness about Eye Health

 Fay Schwimmer, Project Director for JASA Rockaway Park, recently invited members of Peninsula Hospital Center’s Department of Opthalmology to make a presentation about eye health awareness to the group. Opthalmology Technician, Raul Padilla, performed glaucoma and vision screenings for the JASA members in attendance and spoke to each member about the importance of their vision health. 

“Our hospital is fortunate to have technology that can go with us into the community,” says Liz Sulik, Director of External Affairs.  “This portable ophthalmology equipment helps our technician identify the early warning signs of glaucoma and vision difficulties so patients can get prompt and early treatment.  We enjoy these opportunities.”   

Celebrating Women of Valor

 State Senator John Sampson presented his 4^thAnnual Women of Valor awards, honoring phenomenal women in Brooklyn. The event was held on May 12th at the Brooklyn College Campus and the honorees were celebrated for doing an exceptional job in their perspective field.  Each year the award is given to several women in fields such as healthcare, government, education and law enforcement and this year Brookdale's own Doreen McIntosh was one of the award recipients. Each selected honoree possesses courage, innovation and drive that made them worthy of receiving the award.

Doreen McIntosh, ER nurse, treated a Canarsie woman that was seriously wounded from a gunshot and was miraculously saved at Brookdale Hospital, due in large part to Mrs. McIntosh's efforts.  On many occasions Mrs. McIntosh has helped save the lives of critically wounded patients during her 22 years of service in Brookdale's ER.  Mary Hayes, Director of Nursing for ER commented that “Doreen is an outstanding nurse who always goes above and beyond while caring for her patients.” 

All in all, the event was a memorable recognition of the outstanding strides made by women in the community.  Congratulations to Doreen and we wish her continual success as she continues to serve the patients at Brookdale Hospital.

13th Annual Golf and Tennis Event Hosted by MediSys

 On Monday, May 9, the MediSys Health Network hosted its 13th Annual Golf and Tennis Classic, where about 200 guests gathered at Old Westbury Country Club for a day filled with friendly competition and fabulous food.

Golfers and tennis players enjoyed a beautiful day on the course and courts, hoping to win one of the evening’s cash prizes for the highest scoring players. Later that evening, guests relaxed at a dinner reception, where remarks were made by Mr. Bruce J. Flanz, President and CEO of the MediSys Health Network and the event’s honorary chairman, Dr. Cono Grasso. In addition to dining on appetizing cocktails and delicious entrees, guests eagerly waited for the highlight of the evening—the drawing of raffle prizes. This year’s raffle prizes ranged from a Coach handbag to an Apple iPad2 to a golfer’s getaway at Doral Resort and Spa in Miami, to much, much more.

The event raised a net amount of $100,000 for Jamaica Hospital’s Hospice Unit and Flushing Hospital’s cafeteria renovation.

To view photos from the event, please visit http://jamaicahospital.org/pages/pub_aff/events.html.