MediSys Network News

Special Earthquake Information Alert

 As you are probably aware an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 struck the Mineral Virginia area with the effects being felt all along the eastern seaboard. The shock wave was felt at all of our MediSys facilities and was felt widely throughout the NYC region.

While distressing, this is a rather rare event and reports have indicated that there was little or no damage throughout the city and we have experienced no damage at our hospitals. We must remember in these situations, like other emergencies for which our staff are very well trained, our first and foremost priority is the safety and reassurance of our patients. 

As with all situations employees should remain calm, and reassure and assist patients and visitors. 

Directives of a vertical evacuation order, if necessary, will be provided by an overhead page and/or other official means and be authorized by a senior hospital official.

There will be additional information on this topic provided to our staff in the near future. Thank you for your cooperation. 

 

Jamaica Hospital Uses New and Innovative Approach to Treat Severe Asthma

 Jamaica Hospital has recently become one of only three hospitals in the entire state--the only one in Queens-- to offer a new minimally invasive procedure to individuals with severe asthma.

Bronchial thermoplasty, the new procedure, is the first non drug to ever be used to treat asthma. Typically, patients with severe asthma have excessive airway smooth muscle in their lungs, which, when triggered, causes the airways to further narrow, leading to the onset of an asthma attack. Bronchial thermoplasty uses thermal energy to permanently heat and shrink thickened muscle that surrounds the airways.

“This procedure is novel, in that, it is the first time asthma is being treated in a physical way,” said Dr. Craig Thurm, Director of Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Pulmonary Medicine. “Previously, patients with severe asthma could only rely on medications such as high dose inhaled steroids, bronchodilators, and xolair.”

The procedure is generally safe and is broken into three different sessions, each scheduled three weeks apart. The first and second sessions treat the lower lobes of lungs, while the third session treats the upper lobes. He also points out that patient’s symptoms may worsen in the days after the procedure but offers potential long term benefits. Bronchial thermoplasty is only offered to individuals with severe asthma, who are at least 18 years old and whose asthma is not well controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and long acting beta agonists, such as Advair, Dulera, and Symbicort, despite using them as instructed.

“It’s important to understand that bronchial thermoplasty is not likely to cure asthma,” said Dr. Thurm. “It works as a complement to other asthma therapies.”

Bronchial thermoplasty is beneficial in that it can reduce asthma symptoms and asthma attacks, as well as emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and days lost from work and school.

“We have a high incidence of severe asthma cases in our community,” explained Dr. Thurm. “There are a small group of patients that do not do well, despite our best efforts, including optimizing their medications. They continue to have symptoms and may end up requiring oral steroids, which can have many adverse side effects, such as osteoporosis. We are truly excited to have a new procedure to offer these patients.”