On Wednesday, April 28^th the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Office of Minority Health hosted a webinar entitled “The Road to Equity: Examining Structural Racism Virtual Forum”. A  team from the MediSys Health Network participated in the event presenting on the topic “Integrating Equity Solutions Across Health Programs and Health Systems”.

This portion of the webinar focused on increasing understanding of the impact CMS programs and policies have on health and health care disparities in minority and underserved communities. The session also reviewed innovative ways health care systems and organizations can reduce disparities among those they serve.

The Speakers from MediSys were:

Sabiha Raoof, MD Chief Medical Officer and Patient Safety Officer, Chair of Radiology. MediSys Health Network

Trina Cornet, Esq. MPA, Vice President of Human Resources, Chief Labor and Employment Counsel, MediSys Health Network

Eugene Clark, MHA, Administrator Patient Navigation Department, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Stephanie Smith, RN, BSN, Director of Care Management, MediSys Health Network

Click the “Play” button to see the webinar or click Here to view on YouTube:

(The MediSys Team portion begins at 2hours and 58 minutes into the session).

The MediSys Health Network is pleased to announce that it has launched its Staff Wellness Station program at Flushing and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. The initiative was created by the Department of Psychiatry to support the mental health and overall well-being of all employees.

The goal of the Wellness Station program is to offer a personal and sensory-based experience to help team members relax and feel comfortable enough to express their thoughts and feelings about their experiences during these difficult times.

Each wellness station is staffed by community wellness coordinators, who are also creative arts therapists. These individuals utilize several stress-reducing modalities and offer a variety of relaxation tools and inspirational materials to help employees unwind. Some of the tools and materials used include: Tibetan singing bowls, essential oils, coloring sheets and affirmative cards with words of encouragement printed on them. There are also printed informational handouts and referral resources for those who want more assistance.

The wellness stations are open five days a week and employees are encouraged to visit them routinely so that they can achieve the best results.

Jamaica Hospital – Private Dining RoomMonday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM and Tuesday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Community Wellness Coordinator Karen Codd

Flushing Hospital – 3 North 1
Hours 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM – Monday – Friday
Community Wellness Coordinator Deb Brass

The Staff Wellness Stations are based at these locations and will be open during the following times of the day. Everyone is welcome to stop by for any length of time that they wish, within the hours of operation.

On Monday, October 19th,  Schneps Media, the publisher of many local newspapers in the metropolitan area, honored healthcare heroes at an awards ceremony held at the Revel Hotel in Long Island City.

The MediSys Health Network was one of the recipients of this prestigious award which was presented in recognition of the 6,500 employees who worked bravely, tirelessly, and with great personal sacrifice to treat thousands of patients during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was decided by the MediSys Network Leadership that instead of this award being given to any one individual, it should be presented to all of the employees for their hard work and dedication.

This event was held virtually in compliance with current requirements to keep indoor gatherings to a minimum number of attendees. An acceptance video was shown to attendees which included an introduction from MediSys President and CEO Bruce J. Flanz who thanked Schneps Media for recognizing the hard work and dedication of our team. After Mr. Flanz’s remarks, employees from Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital had an opportunity to share their appreciation as well.

To view the acceptance video, please click here:

At Jamaica and Flushing Hospitals, the month of June is typically filled with graduation ceremonies celebrating the academic and career milestones of residents and fellows.

In previous years, these celebrations were held in large events spaces with many people in attendance. However, this year due to Covid-19 restrictions, ceremonies could not be conducted in person, and instead were done virtually. Included in the virtual graduation were messages from Mr. Bruce J. Flanz, President and CEO, Dr. Sabiha Raoof, Chief Medical Officer and Lourdes Goldenberg, the Director of Graduate Medical Education. Most of the celebrations took place between June 9^th and the week of June 22nd.

At Jamaica Hospital Medical Center we had 70 graduates

• Dental General Practice Residency = 11 graduates
• Dental Pediatric Residency Program = 2 graduates
• Podiatry = 2 graduates
• Consultation Liaison Fellowship Program = 1 graduate
• Psychiatry Residency Program = 5 graduates
• Ophthalmology Residency Program = 2 graduates
• Hospice & Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program = 6 graduates
• Internal Medicine Residency Program = 25
• Pulmonary Fellowship Program = 2
• Family Medicine Residency Program = 10
• OBGYN Residency Program = 3 Categorical and 1 Prelim Resident

At Flushing Hospital Medical Center we had 50 graduates.

• • General Surgery Residency Program = 4 graduates
  • OBGYN Residency Program = 4 graduates
  • Pediatrics Residency Program = 9 graduates
  • Internal Medicine = 14 categorical and 11 Prelim Residents
  • Dental Residency Program = 8 graduates

In addition to the Residency programs listed above, there’s a Psychology Training Program where they graduate four residents each year.

As we bid farewell to the residents who graduate from all of our programs we also welcome a total of 170 residents and fellows.

We congratulate our graduates on their achievements and we wish them all great success.

Last month, the NYPD Patrol Borough South recognized the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Trauma Department for its many years of service to the community and to the NYPD.  A plaque of appreciation was presented to the hospital by Assistant Chief Ruben Beltran the new Commanding Officer of  Patrol  Borough Queens South and his predecessor Chief David Barrere. Both Chiefs lauded the hospital’s personnel for their unyielding commitment to serving the public and the men and women of the NYPD. Chief Barrere stated “I’ve been at this hospital for officers with ankle injuries and wrist injuries and I’ve also been here for officers with gunshot wounds to the head. There are officers who are walking around today and who are still serving as police officers because of the work you do here.”

Accepting the award on behalf of Jamaica Hospital were Bruce J. Flanz, President and CEO and Dr. Katherine McKenzie, Medical Director of the Trauma Department. Mr. Flanz stated “ I’ve been working at the hospital for 44 years and throughout that entire time the collaboration we’ve been doing with the police department is just second to none. Everybody, our entire team is privileged to serve you and what you do every day to keep us all safe is just amazing and words cannot adequately thank you and your team.” Dr. McKenzie commented that “It is not only our great privilege to care of police officers who become our patients but to also care for patients that are victims of crime and we frequently interact with the police department here in providing care for those patients.”

Jamaica Hospital Trauma Recognition In the News:

The Island of Puerto Rico continues to deal with constant tremors and aftershocks from the recent earthquakes that devastated the area. These recent events continue to have a profound effect on local residents.

The six MediSys Mental Health providers, who are part of the team of 26 professionals assembled by the Greater New York Health Association are now deployed and have begun to do their part to assist. The team has remained in contact with our hospital leadership and the Department of Emergency Management to provide daily updates on their efforts.

Their initial reports indicate that the mission is very well organized. The team shares that they depart from their hotel early each morning and head to their relief effort assignments on the Island.

One team, led by Dr. Martha Edelman has been assigned to camp settings in various locations. This team has also lent their support at a park that is currently being used as an informal school for the children.

The other team, led by Dr. Attilio Rizzo, has been deployed to different neighborhoods, especially in the mountainous areas, where they conduct door to door canvassing and provide home visits to those in need.

Both teams describe a great deal of destruction to homes and properties but feel that those they have encountered are very appreciative of their efforts. They report that morale is high and everyone is working well together.

We commend the MediSys team for the work that they are doing and the support that they are giving to the people of Puerto Rico.

The first baby of the New Year is always a special event at Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

The first MediSys Health Network babies posed beautifully for our photographer.

These are our first babies of the New Year:
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center
Baby Boy:  Jaevon Nasir Hamilton
weight 8 lbs 1 oz
length 19 inches
time 6:04  A.M. on 1/1/20
Mother: Sierra Sellers

Flushing Hospital Medical Center   
Baby Boy:  Alexis Anthony
weight 7 lbs 9.3 oz
length 19 3/4 “
time: 2:32 AM on 1/1/20
Mother: Maria Lluguilema Roland

Special thanks to the staff who assisted with these deliveries and congratulations to the families, we wish them a lifetime of happiness.

Last month, In honor of Antibiotic Awareness Week, the Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee (ASC) at Jamaica Hospital exhibited educational displays in the hospital’s main lobby.

The committee shared information about the rising threat of antibiotic resistance as well as the importance of appropriate prescribing.  Patients and staff were invited to play a game of “Antibiotic Jeopardy” to test their knowledge.

Antibiotic Awareness Week is an annual worldwide observance to increase awareness of global antibiotic resistance, improve the way healthcare professionals prescribe antibiotics and educate the public about the proper use of these medications.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2019 Antibiotic Resistance Threats report, more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the United States each year, and more than 35,000 people die as a result. Using antibiotics for the inappropriate treatment of viral infections, like the flu or common cold, will not cure those infections and can lead to unnecessary side effects and can contribute to the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.

A strategy to improve antibiotic prescribing and decrease resistance is to practice antimicrobial stewardship, which is defined as coordinated interventions designed to improve and measure the appropriate use of antimicrobials by promoting the selection of optimal antimicrobial drug regimen, dose, duration of therapy and route of administration.

The Antibiotic Stewardship Committee (ASC) was established at Jamaica Hospital in August 2015. This is an interdisciplinary committee comprised of the departments of pharmacy, medicine, pathology/microbiology, infection control, environmental services, surgery, and the division of infectious diseases. The ASC reviews antibiotic orders daily for potential de-escalation/escalation, therapy changes, discontinuation and assists in the management of patients with multidrug resistant infections.

Thank you to the staff who coordinated this event. Our patients, visitors and other staff members who stopped by the table will benefit from the information that was given out.

On Saturday, November 16^th Jamaica Hospital Medical Center celebrated the important milestone of serving the community for 128 years. The momentous occasion was commemorated at the hospital’s annual Rainbow Ball dinner-dance and fundraiser which took place at the Queens Museum. Over 600 guests were in attendance.

The Rainbow Ball is an opportunity for supporters of Jamaica Hospital to celebrate its accomplishments and raise funds for future projects. This year’s honorees were the men and women who are on the frontline every day protecting and caring for people in times of need, New York City’s First Responders. Representatives of the NYPD Patrol Borough Queens South, FDNY Division 13, FDNY – EMS Division 4, and Jamaica Hospital Pre-Hospital Care Department were recognized for their invaluable service to the community.

Hospital President and CEO Bruce J. Flanz commenced the evening by welcoming everyone and noting how proud we were to be honoring the first responders.

For the remainder of the evening, guests enjoyed a delicious dinner and danced to lively music. The fun carried on during the raffle and grand prize drawing where contestants had the opportunity to win a trip to Hawaii and other fantastic gifts.

In all the 128^th Anniversary Rainbow Ball was a great success and we thank those who continue to support Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in our endeavors.

On Tuesday evening October 15th, Angels on the Bay held their 24th annual Anniversary Ball at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach.

Angels on the Bay is a non-profit corporation, founded by the Russo family the proprietors of Russo’s On The Bay and members of the community to raise funds for children’s programs and health care services.  The organization’s primary goal is to help make a difference in the lives of children who are challenged by physical limitations, developmental disadvantages, and life-threatening diseases. To date, they have raised over $3.9 million dollars to help these causes.

This year, Flushing Hospital Medical Center and other hospitals within our region were awarded checks to support initiatives that provide care to pediatric patients.

Over the years, Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center have received a total of approximately $720,000 in donations from Angels on the Bay.

We thank Angels on the Bay for their generosity and support.   The MediSys Health Network looks forward to continuing our mission to improve the lives of our pediatric patients.