Last month, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Trauma Division collaborated with the NYPD 113^th Precinct and other community organizations for Prom Impact 2016. The purpose of the event was to give back to high school seniors who otherwise were unable to afford prom attire.Jamaica Hospital’s employees donated over 100 gorgeous prom dresses and additional prom wear.

Many teenagers and their parents lined up at the Edward Byrne Athletic League in Queens, NY to get their pick of gowns, suits, shoes and accessories.

Although the teens received their attire free of charge, there was a catch, each had to meet with Sheila Antwi; Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator, to receive education on prom safety and distracted driving. Each teen also signed a pledge to their parents that they will not be a distracted driver, consume alcohol or use drugs.

Thanks to the combined efforts of all who donated or participated, these young adults in our community will be fashionable on their prom night and equipped with tips for staying safe.

On May 16^th , the MediSys Health Network celebrated the 18^th anniversary of its annual Golf Classic fundraiser. Many look forward to the golf, tennis and wellness outing, which is a designated day of fun and relaxation- all for a good cause.  An impressive number of supporters which included 135 golfers blanketed the grounds of the Old Westbury Country Club.

Although the weather was a bit on the chillier side in the morning, it did not stop the excitement that radiated from our staff and guests.   Eager participants arrived equipped for the activity they chose.  Our yogis had their mats, tennis players had racquets in tow and the golfers had their clubs.  Everyone proceeded to an all-star continental breakfast which fueled them for the day ahead.

After several hours of play, rest and relaxation, the event shifted to a more formal note.  Guests retreated to the cocktail and dinner reception in the banquet room.  They were served from elegant food stations filled with delicious dishes.  MediSys Health Network President and CEO Mr. Bruce J. Flanz took a moment to extend a warm welcome to everyone and introduce the event’s honorary chairman; Dr. Cono Grasso, Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Jamaica Hospital.

The highly anticipated raffle drawing began soon after.  Many entered and kept their fingers tightly crossed for coveted prizes that included: Paul Simon and Billy Joel concert tickets, a $1000 shopping spree at Simon Malls, Apple electronics, zip line and go cart excursions as well as MLB (Major League Baseball) game tickets.

Overall the event was a great success. Proceeds will benefit several programs and initiatives at Flushing and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. We thank all staff who volunteered and all friends of MediSys Health Network who supported our fundraiser. We hope to see you again next year.

Sharon Scott RN nominated for Jamaica Hospital’s 2016 Novice Nurse of The Year.

Earlier this month Flushing and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center celebrated National Nurses Week 2016.  The observance begins May 6^th and ends on the 12th, on Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Nurses Week was established by the American Nurses Association as a time to recognize the important roles nurses play in healthcare.

Jamaica Hospital hosted a week-long series of events to honor nurses, which included: an ice cream social, grand rounds, lunch and formal dinner, as well as a staff appreciation day and awards ceremony.

Flushing Hospital participated in various activities that shed light on the many ways nurses work to save lives and improve the health of millions. Events included a luncheon attended by Council Member Peter Koo, who presented a Citation of Appreciation from the New York City Council.

On behalf of Flushing Hospital nurses Maria Smilios, Dir. of Nursing accepted a Citation of Appreciation from Council Member Peter Koo

Recognition of our nurses’ work was not limited to Flushing and Jamaica Hospital. The Queens Courier published an article featuring nurses Maria Smilios and Beth Palmas.  In the article ‘A Labor of Love for Queens Nurses’ Smilios from Flushing Hospital spoke about her passion for helping others and positively contributing to the lives of patients. Palmas a nurse at Jamaica Hospital also shared that she sees her job as an opportunity to be a role model and to maintain wellness. She declared, “Nursing is a labor of love” and she has never thought twice about being a nurse.

READ the article here:
Nurse Article

As medical professionals, we often operate in environments that are fast-paced and bustling. Amidst the frenzy, we sometimes forget that something as simple as communication can prevent and solve many of the issues we encounter. On Thursday, May 5^th, leadership and staff from Flushing and Jamaica Medical Center had the opportunity to learn from the patient’s perspective how crucial communication is to patient safety.

“Listen to your patients,” were the opening remarks from guest speaker Sorrel King, the mother of 18-month-old Josie King, whose death was attributed to a breakdown in communication and medical errors during her hospitalization at Johns Hopkins University.   Mrs. King has spoken all over the country educating medical providers about the importance of better communication.

In her speech, Sorrel King recanted the series of events that lead to the tragic day. Josie was admitted to Johns Hopkins after suffering severe burns resulting from a bathtub accident.   During her stay, it appeared that she was on the road to a quick recovery; however, what was planned to be her release from the hospital turned into her tragically passing away. The cause of death was severe dehydration and wrongful administration of a narcotic.

Each year 98,000 patients die from medical errors; it is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.  Sorrel King believes that these numbers can be reduced by changing the culture of the healthcare industry.  Incorporating initiatives such as a Good Catch program, CUSP (Comprehensive Unit-Based Safety Program) and Rapid Response Teams can help healthcare providers to develop an environment where patients, their loved ones and medical teams work together to ensure proper communication and reduce the risk of medical errors.

Jamaica and Flushing hospital have created and implemented several initiatives that support the collective goal of keeping patients and staff safe.  However, hospital staff and leaders continue to seek and develop additional programs to support the goal of becoming a high-reliability medical provider.

Every month, employees at Jamaica Hospital who go above and beyond to help coworkers, patients and visitors are nominated for the G.E.M award.  G.E.M stands for Going the Extra Mile and recipients are recognized for simple acts of courtesy, team spirit, kindness and professionalism.  This month’s G.E.M recipients are:

The percentage of residents registered as organ donors in New York is at an all-time low.  In fact, our great state ranks 50^th out of 50 states with regard to the percentage of residents registered as organ donors. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, LiveOnNY and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz are determined to change that and move New York up in the rankings.

LiveOnNY and Jamaica Hospital collaborated to promote National Donate Life Month and the Long Live New York campaign.  Both organizations petitioned residents in neighboring communities to the hospital to be the catalyst for change by enrolling in the New York State Donor Registry.

On April 20th, as a part of their community outreach campaign Jamaica Hospital and LiveOnNY hosted a flag-raising ceremony with special guest Queens Borough President Melinda Katz.  The event commemorated National Donate Life Month and recognized the selflessness of organ donors.  Margaret Valsechi, a volunteer for LiveOnNY shared the remarkable story about her son Stephen Valsechi who passed away a few years ago. Stephen was registered as an organ donor and after his death gave the gift of life to four organ donor recipients.

Margaret was followed by Queens Borough President Melinda Katz who applauded Stephen’s family for their advocacy and passion for informing others about the importance of organ donation.   The Borough President reminded the crowd of medical professionals, hospital staff and community members that it is crucial that they register, as they will be saving the lives of many.

Borough President Katz presented Jamaica Hospital with a proclamation in recognition of the hospital’s commitment to raising awareness. She also declared April 20^th as Organ Donor Day in Queens.  Those in attendance were jubilant about the announcement.

There are over 10,000 New Yorkers on waiting lists for a life-saving organ.  Every 15 hours someone in this state dies while waiting for an organ transplant.  There are many benefits to becoming an organ donor but the most important is, you can save the lives of up to eight people with your generosity. For more information about becoming an organ donor or to register to the New York State Donor  Registry, please visit www.LiveOnNY.org.

Every month, employees at Jamaica Hospital who go above and beyond to help coworkers, patients and visitors are nominated for the G.E.M award.  G.E.M stands for Going the Extra Mile and recipients are recognized for simple acts of courtesy, team spirit, kindness and professionalism.

This month’s G.E.M recipients are:

Dr. Michelle Espinoza – Palliative Care

We congratulate the honorees on a job well done and thank you for your dedication!

The practice of acupuncture originated in China and can be traced as far back as 2,500 years ago. According to traditional Chinese medicine, disease and illness occur when the energy (Chi) which flows throughout the body along pathways (meridians) is blocked or interrupted.  Inserting very thin needles into the skin at strategic points on the body will unblock that energy, allowing it to flow freely and restore balance.

Acupuncture is often used as a complementary treatment with traditional western medicine. It is commonly known to help relieve pain and nausea; however, the World Health Organization (WHO) has found that acupuncture is effective in providing therapeutic treatment for an estimated 28 health conditions.

Some of the conditions that can benefit from acupuncture treatments are:

• Depression
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Peptic ulcers
• Acute and chronic gastritis
• Adverse reactions to chemotherapy
• Stroke
• Renal colic

As with any form of medical treatment there are risks associated with acupuncture.  This treatment can be dangerous for patients who are taking blood thinners or have bleeding disorders. If needles are unsterilized you may run the risk of contracting an infection.  It is possible, although very rare for needles to break and cause damage to internal organs or  needles to be inserted too deeply into the upper back or chest causing lungs to collapse. It is advised that you seek treatment from a licensed acupuncturist as this will ensure that required guidelines are being followed.

Generally speaking acupuncture is safe and can be combined as a method of treatment with traditional medicine. Speak with your physician to further discuss the safety of acupuncture and how it can potentially benefit your health.

The Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU) at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has always provided patients with excellent care but in an effort to improve overall patient experience we have recently redesigned the unit and have included new amenities to increase comfort.

Visual enhancements such as rainbow walls and light diffusers decorated with hot air balloons flying through the clouds and other serene images have been added to the ASU. The visual effects were selected with the goal of easing patient anxiety while waiting. Additionally, the unit features relaxation therapy music to promote a calm setting.

What was once the primary waiting area is now reserved as a quiet zone for pre-operation patients to fill out paperwork as they wait for procedures.  This area was designed to ensure patient privacy and eliminate noise pollution within the unit. The lobby has been transformed into a designated area where family and loved ones can sit while waiting for patients.

Once admitted into the pre-operation area, patients will now have adjustable recliners in place of stretchers for comfort. Heated blankets are also available.

A separate pediatric area was created with amenities such as a television featuring child-friendly movies and coloring books. All children are offered a tricycle to ride into the operating room instead of walking. Prior to discharge they are also offered a take-home toy from the treasure chest.

Endoscopy patients coming to ASU for endoscopic procedures will now be transported in stretcher chairs. These chairs offer more comfort before, during and after procedures. They offer patients the option of remaining seated on the way to the operating room then transitioning into a stretcher during the procedure.

To ensure the ASU is meeting the language needs of our Spanish-speaking patients, Spanish-speaking volunteers are available to ensure comprehension of treatment options.

While there have been many improved physical and structural upgrades, the core of the new ASU lies in complete patient satisfaction. “We want you to feel like Jamaica ASU is a part of your family, ‘Jamaica Cares’ said nurse manager, Cheryl Gallotta. All nurses are trained with full holistic, relaxation and massage techniques to provide our guests with a positive experience.

The redesign of the Ambulatory Surgery Unit is one of several projects Jamaica Hospital has initiated to improve patient experience. We thank the staff of the ASU who have contributed to the development of the unit and are grateful for their hard work and dedication to providing our patients with quality care.

For more hospital events, highlights, health and  fitness tips, visit us on 

Facebook.com/JamaicaHospital  or Facebook.com/Flushing Hospital 

and follow us on Twitter @JamaicaHospital or @FHMC_NYC

Every month, employees at Jamaica Hospital who go above and beyond to help coworkers, patients and visitors are nominated for the G.E.M award.  G.E.M stands for Going the Extra Mile and recipients are recognized for simple acts of courtesy, team spirit, kindness and professionalism

This month’s G.E.M recipients are members of the Engineering Department who worked tirelessly during the blizzard of 2016 and Avion Blaize – Mammography Tech.

We congratulate the honorees on a job well done and thank you for your dedication!

For more hospital events, highlights, health and  fitness tips, visit us on 

Facebook.com/JamaicaHospital  or Facebook.com/Flushing Hospital 

and follow us on Twitter @JamaicaHospital or @FHMC_NYC