MediSys Network News

TJH Medical Services, P.C. Receives NCQA Recognition

TJH Medical Services, P.C, a private physician group affiliated with Jamaica Hospital, was recently recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Receiving level 3 recognition, the highest recognition possible, TJH demonstrated its commitment to improving the quality and efficiency of primary care through its full functioning use of electronic health records.

“TJH is dedicated to achieving the highest level of quality and patient satisfaction in everything we do,” said Pauline Marks, Executive Director of TJH Medical Services, P.C. “We are very pleased to achieve such distinguished recognition and will continue to work hard to ensure that a high level of primary and specialty care is provided to our patients.”

Marks also thanked and credited the entire TJH team for their hard work and dedication, especially Fabiola Cencioni, Administrator, TJH Medical Services, P.C. and Dr. Robert Mendelson, Medical Director of TJH Medical Services, P.C., Director of Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Cardiology, and Medical Director, Informatics Department, MediSys Health Network.

Obtaining this recognition was no easy feat, as the application process was intensive and the criteria were demanding. TJH had to meet NCQA’s national Patient Centered Medical Home standards, which included patient self-management support, care coordination, evidence based guidelines for chronic conditions and performance reporting and improvement. In addition, TJH’s quality and safety operations were assessed, and changes to their infrastructure and work processes were implemented.

TJH’s efforts adhere to the PCMH model and ensure that the improvement of patient health outcomes is achieved through better coordination and integration of patient care. The recognition was awarded from February 2012 until February 2015.

Hospital Departments Take Part in Helping to Raise Money for the Network

 For the past 13 years, the MediSys Health Network has held an annual Golf and Tennis Classic to help raise money for Flushing and Jamaica Hospitals. The highly anticipated part of the event has always been the raffle ticket drawing during the dinner reception. 
 
This year, the Development Department challenged each department to create a themed gift basked, valued at at least $150, to be raffled off at the May 14th event.
 
The response has been more than anyone expected.
 
In addition to JetBlue tickets, over 10 themed gift baskets were donated by departments at Jamaica or Flushing Hospital who took on the challenge. A few of the baskets include:

• Restaurant themed basket: Restaurant gift cards to London Lennies, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Panera Bread, Uncle Bacala’s, and Starbucks. The basket is also filled with Godiva chocolates, and other delectable treats.
• Vodka themed basket: 12 bottles of Georgi flavored vodkas, a cocktail shaker and mixers.
• Broadway themed basket: Two tickets to “Nice Work if You Can Get It,” a gift card to the Palm Restaurant, and an overnight stay at the Marriott Marquis.
• Day after Mother’s Day themed basket: Luxurious creams, lotions, and other cosmetics.
• BBQ themed basket: Barbecue cooking tools and gadgets, including a barbecue grill brush, meat thermometers, cooking mitts, and more.
• Beach themed basket: Cooler with wheels, beach towels, sunscreen, wine, and an assortment of beach toys. 
 
Additional prizes include an ipad3, tickets to Mets vs. Yankees game, a flat screen television, a Kate Spade bag, Kindle Fire, Visa and AMEX gift Cards and much much more.
 
The Raffle Committee was delighted with the creativity and competitiveness of the participating departments. According to the committee, “the level of enthusiasm displayed by the hospital’s various departments showed how much employees do care about getting involved and helping the hospital when possible.”
 
The money raised during the event will be used to renovate the cafeterias at Jamaica and Flushing Hospitals. Raffle sales, in particular, will be significant in helping raise money for the hospitals. Raffle tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100 and can be purchased from the Development/Public Affairs Department at each facility. Call 718-206-8613 or 718-670-8930 for more information

 

Flushing Hospital Opens Hospice Unit

 On Monday, April 23, Flushing Hospital Board Chairman, Michael Russo, along with family and close friends, gathered with hospital administration and staff to open the Maureen Russo Hospice Unit in honor of his late-wife.

After privately touring the unit, Bruce J. Flanz, President and CEO of Flushing Hospital, Michael Russo, and Dr. Anthony Vela, Medical Director of the Hospice Unit, welcomed guests and spoke briefly about the significance of the unit as well as the woman the unit was named after.

Michael Russo expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he’s received from family, friends, and Flushing Hospital.

“I’ve been involved in many business ventures over the years and have started several businesses,” he said. “Opening this hospice unit in honor of Maureen has been by far the most satisfying.” He continued: “Maureen cared for others her entire life and at the end of her life she had to be cared for. Hospice played a significant role in providing her with the physical, emotional, and social support she needed. It was fitting to create this unit in her name, so that others can have the final chapter of their lives filled with dignity, care, and support.”

The Maureen Russo Hospice Unit is a four-bed unit committed to ensuring that patients and their families receive a comfortable end of life experience. A team of highly-skilled and trained physicians, nurses, and social workers, will provide inpatient medical care to manage all symptoms commonly experienced by hospice patients, as well as offer a wide variety of social and support services, including bereavement services and grief counseling, family advocacy, spiritual support/pastoral care, and dedicated volunteer assistance.

“Hospice is a philosophy and approach to care, not just a place. It focuses on the need of the patient and their family,” said Dr. Anthony Vela. “The Maureen Russo Hospice Unit at Flushing Hospital will be a place to receive medical care in a comforting and caring environment and for patients and their families to spend quality time with each other.”

After remarks, attendees were invited to tour the hospice unit, which boasts extra large private patient rooms with brand new furniture, a convertible couch for overnight guests, a flat screen television, internet service, and additional home-like furnishings. The unit also includes a family room and a kitchen area, microwave, refrigerator, comfortable chairs, a big screen television, and a wide variety of reading material.

Springing Ahead with a New Look

 Though NYC fashion week ended last month, a new Spring look has débuted at Jamaica Hospital. The Department of Volunteer Services recently unveiled its new volunteer uniform to hospital leadership.

The new uniform, which consists of a short sleeve burgundy polo shirt, will be distributed to volunteers on their first day of service. Those individuals who have already started volunteering are expected to receive their new shirts immediately.

“The new uniform supports the requirement that Jamaica Hospital volunteers present an image that is consistent with their role as health care workers and that is acceptable to the level of interaction with patients, staff and the public,” explained Arlene Martin, Director of Volunteer Services. “All of our volunteers, despite their service areas, are required to wear the uniform and an identification badge.”

Previously, hospital volunteers wore a teal, shirt jacket with pockets.