Celebrating National Nurses Week

Posted on May 17, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

In 1982 President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation making May 6th National Recognition Day for Nurses, and this was later expanded to a whole week by American Nurses Association in 1990.

The purpose of this week-long celebration is to educate the public on the important role nurses play in healthcare and in our lives. Every year a different theme is selected by the American Nurses Association that highlights a different aspect of what nursing does. The theme for the 2018 National Nurses Week is “Nurses: Inspire. Innovate, and Influence”.

This year, the Nursing Departments at Flushing Hospital and Jamaica Hospital held various activities in recognition of National Nurses Week. These activities included an international food festival, luncheons for the nursing staff, a poster presentation, educational workshops, and wellness and relaxation activities.

We appreciate our nurses and thank them for their dedication to providing the highest level of care to our patients each and every day.

Jamaica Hospital Completes Joint Commission Survey

Posted on September 18, 2017 by Michael Hinck

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) conducted its triennial survey of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center during the week of September 11, 2017.

JCAHO is a nationally recognized, independent, not-for-profit organization that is responsible for accrediting and certifying nearly 21,000 health care organizations in the United States. During their visit to Jamaica Hospital, which lasted from Monday, September 11th, to Thursday, September 14th, a team of six professional surveyors were tasked with inspecting every aspect of our operation to ensure that we are meeting all performance standards. Their findings were very positive and truly noteworthy.

During their closing remarks to the Jamaica Hospital leadership group, the survey team recognized Jamaica Hospital as a “top notch facility.” The lead surveyor expressed how much respect she has for the “hard, hard, hard work we do” and how she witnessed many “leading edge practices” in our organization. The nurse surveyor thanked Jamaica Hospital for “giving the survey team the gift of experiencing our culture” and added “it is not often that I witness an organization with such a commitment to service.” Perhaps the most impressive observation though was made by the physician surveyor, who, when remarking on how mission driven the hospital is, stated “this reaffirms my decision to go into medicine.”

While the results of the survey were overwhelmingly positive, as is the case with most recent surveys, JCAHO will return to conduct an additional one-day survey within the next 45 days.

Jamaica Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce J. Flanz was extremely happy with the survey results citing that “this survey validates how far we have come over the past three years to reach our goal of becoming a high reliability organization.” Mr. Flanz also wanted to thank the staff for all their hard work and added, “I am exceedingly proud of every member of our 3,500 person team on the main hospital campus and throughout our ambulatory care network who contributed to this outcome.”

Congratulations to all on a job well done.

Don’t “Brush off” Causes for Heart Disease

Posted on December 29, 2014 by Joann Ariola

The American Heart Association published a statement linking gum disease and heart disease. Although there isn’t scientific data to prove that regular brushing, flossing and, especially, treatment of gum disease will decrease the incidence of heart disease; the lack of proper mouth care is proven to cause a narrowing of the arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

There are credible reasons why dental health and heart health would be intertwined. For example, both heart disease and gum disease are an inflammation. When plaque builds on your teeth, it is an inflammatory process.

When a person has moderate to severe gum disease, their levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a protein that rises during a whole-body inflammation, increases. CRP levels are also used to assess a person’s risk of a heart attack.

The most important thing you can do to avoid gum disease and maintain good oral health is:

• Brush teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride
toothpaste.

• Clean between teeth daily with floss.

• Eat a balanced diet and limit snacking between meals.

• Visit your dentist regularly for oral examinations and professional cleanings.

Proper maintenance of your teeth and especially your gums will give you a healthy smile and may keep your heart healthy too.

If you would like to schedule an appointment at the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Dental Department, call 718-206-6980.

Flushing Hospital’s da Vinci Robot Welcomed by Flashing Lights and Tech Fanfare

Posted on November 10, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

Flushing Hospital’s da Vinci robot made a public appearance on October 30^thin the Flushing Hospital Medical Center lobby. The reception of the robot was overwhelmingly positive. There was a surge of excitement and curiosity as members of the community, physicians, reporters and elected officials became instantly intrigued at the sight of the da Vinci.

The main lobby of the hospital became abuzz with questions of “What does it do?” “How does it work?” The event provided a platform for doctors Roberto Cantu Jr., Neil Mandava, Alejandro Alcaide, Sanjeev Rajpal and Georges Sylvestre to answer these questions and educate guests on the types of surgeries that can be performed robotically and the benefits. Prostate, gynecological and urological surgeries are some of the procedures the da Vinci surgical platform is capable of performing. The benefits include increased dexterity during surgery and shorter hospital stays for patients.

Flushing Councilman Peter Koo demonstrated the dexterity of the robot by operating it firsthand. From left: Councilman Peter Koo, Flushing Hospital’s Dr. Alexander Kintzoglou, Dr. Robert Crupi and COO Robert Levine.

Guests were invited to operate the robot to complete a series of challenges using both a robot simulator as well as the actual da Vinci system. Flushing Councilman Peter Koo was marveled by the mobility of the da Vinci and stated “It’s like operating a video game.” The collective opinion of the event was as best stated by Senator Toby Stavisky” It’s exciting that Flushing Hospital is literally on the cutting edge.”

Watch NY1 reporters operate the da Vinci here:

Flushing Hospital is fully invested in providing a superior standard of patient care and the acquisition of the da Vinci robot “is very important for our community, which wants to know their local hospital has the state-of-the-art technology,” Flushing Hospital COO Robert Levine.

We would like to thank everyone who participated in making this event successful. To view some of the great reviews and coverage from the event; please click the following links.

http://queenstribune.com/flushing-hospital-unveils-new-surgical-robot/

http://www.qchron.com/editions/north/da-vinci-robotics-offers-new-choices/article_ab52be5a-939d-5a3b-9eda-4ceda4b00669.html

Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Recognized by Angels On the Bay

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

Last month, both Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center were recognized by Angels on the Bay for tirelessly providing much-needed care to children residing in the communities we serve.

Angels on the Bay is a non-for-profit organization that was founded in 1994 by Frank Russo with the goal of raising funds to benefit children and pediatric services in the area. On Tuesday, October 15, the organization held their annual benefit ball at Russo’s on the Bay where they presented checks to many worthy pediatric causes. Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital were both recipients of Angels’ generosity.

Flushing Hospital received over $28,000 this year . The hospital has received over $160,000 over the last five years. This year’s contribution will be used to purchase special cribs used to treat infants in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Over $17,000 was given to Jamaica Hospital this year to purchase equipment for the hospital’s Pediatric Emergency Department. Since 1995, Jamaica Hospital has received approximately $430,000 in contributions from Angels on the Bay.

Hospital Chief Operating Officers William Lynch and Robert Levine were present to accept the checks and offer their appreciation on behalf of Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital.

A New Care Model For Patients With Hypertension at Jamaica Hospital

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

To help individuals manage their high blood pressure, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has recently implemented group visits for hypertension at our MediSys Family Care Center in Jamaica, Queens.

The group model has become increasingly popular and provides many benefits for both patients and providers. Group visits offer participants a unique and supportive setting. Participants have the opportunity to learn from each other and gain the necessary self-management skills to improve their health. Group visits have shown to improve adherence to care, increase trust in their providers, lower hospitalization rates, and improved quality of life.

The hospital’s hypertension group visits consist of approximately four to six patients. The groups meet regularly for an extended visit that is led by a physician. Patients have the opportunity to learn about disease management from their physician and from each other.

Patients discuss a range of topics, including nutrition, exercise, and medications. Members are encouraged to engage in a free-flowing dialogue that is facilitated by the doctor. The doctor offers support, education, and counseling.

Although it is a group model, each patient receives individualized care. Each patient has their vital signs monitored, blood work reviewed and medications are altered as needed.

Group medical visits have been incorporated as one of our Patient Centered Medical Home PCMH initiatives. PCMH is a new model of care that focuses on delivering high-quality, well-coordinated primary care. It also emphasizes the importance of self-care in the management of chronic disease. Jamaica Hospital has achieved PCMH designation at several off-site care centers.

Jamaica Hospital is proud to be a pioneer in the evolution of healthcare and invites members of the community to experience the many benefits of group care. For more information on Jamaica Hospital’s hypertension group model, please call 718-206-7088.

Jamaica Hospital’s Dr. Lechuga Makes Television Appearance on QPTV’s Health Corner

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

When the popular show Health Corner which airs on Queens Public Television wanted a pediatric expert to speak about two very important topics; the Enterovirus and sports related concussions, they sought Jamaica Hospital’s Dr. Maria Lechuga, an attending physician in the Pediatric Emergency department since 1991.

Dr. Lechuga’s Interview with Health Corner’s Rosalyn Nieves

Dr. Lechuga was first interviewed by journalist Luchia Dragos about sports related injuries specifically concussions. The doctor informed viewers that a concussion is brain trauma secondary to an injury and the symptoms to look out for include disorientation,headaches and dizziness. Watch here: https://vimeo.com/107947984

Health Corner Update: Sports Related Injuries from Queens Public Television on Vimeo.

The second interview was conducted by reporter Rosalyn Nieves about the Enterovirus. The Enterovirus causes mild to severe respiratory illness in infants, children and teenagers. Symptoms may include coughing, sneezing, fever and difficulty breathing. The virus can be spread from person to person when the infected sneezes, coughs or touches surfaces that are later touched by others. The best preventative measure is to frequently wash your hands. Watch here: https://vimeo.com/108126925

Health Corner Update: Enterovirus from Queens Public Television on Vimeo.

We would like to thank Dr. Lechuga for sharing her expertise with the public and for a job well done.

Medisys Health Network Proudly Supports Pink

Posted on October 15, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

Each year in October, the color pink is used to symbolize international support for women with breast cancer and breast cancer awareness. All month long in honor of this cause, Medisys Health Network will proudly advocate and support the Pink campaign.

The network partnered with media companies such as Community News Group to promote their efforts in bringing awareness to breast cancer. Medisys Health Network participated as one of the major sponsors of the media group’s pink paper edition campaign. The media news group known for several publications such as the Times Ledger and the Bayside Times printed a special October edition on pink paper. Medisys also contributed a full page article which educated readers about risk factors, early detection; which is considered the best defense against breast cancer and treatment options.

Our approach in the fight against breast cancer is to facilitate the communities served by Flushing Hospital Medical Center and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by operating early detection programs, breast cancer screening and mammography services. We ask that you join our efforts in raising awareness by educating those around you about this disease and reminding them that early detection is the best defense against breast cancer.

Sixth Annual Child and Adolescent Symposium a Great Success!

Posted on October 7, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

The sixth annual Child and Adolescent Psychiatry symposium was held on September 18^th at the old Trump Pavilion. Guest speakers included, Leah Barrett from New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, Dr. Ulrich Vieux, Medical Director of Children’s Community Mental Health Services at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, Dr. Linda A. Reddy member of the American Psychological Association and the Task Force on Violence Against Teachers. The event was a success, over 140 physicians, healthcare professionals and community advocates were in attendance.

The general topic of discussion was violence in the school system: what do we know? Each speaker spoke passionately about their findings and kept the audience absorbed in the conversation. Dr. Vieux spoke on cultural sensitivity in relation to behavioral problems in youth. Ms. Leah Barrett reported that there has been an increasing trend in the students’ belief that owning a gun does not make them safer. Dr. Reddy presented the alarming fact that teachers are more likely to be victims of injuries than are students.

The speakers requested of everyone to keep in mind that all communities are affected by youth violence. Violence can come in the form of physical abuse from peers, cyber-bullying and verbal abuse. Steps a community can take to decrease violence in schools include serving as mentors at schools or youth organizations, promoting youth violence prevention strategies and promoting the strengths of young people.

The symposium was overall a great accomplishment. The department of psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center seamlessly coordinated an impressive and educational event .We look forward to next year.