Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Recognized by Angels On the Bay

angels on the bay FlushingLast 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.

angels on the bay JamaicaFlushing 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

Diabetes.meeting-1024x682To 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

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 on QPTV

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

MediSys-BoxEach 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!

SymposiumThe sixth annual Child and Adolescent Psychiatry symposium was held on September 18th 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.

Emergencies Can Happen Anytime. Are You Prepared?

Emergency preparednessEmergencies often occur when we least expect them. However, preparation for disasters can reduce the impact and essentially avoid danger. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Medisys Health Network Emergency Management departments encourages everyone to prepare their homes and work places for potential disasters.

As members of a healthcare network, we are expected to be ready to respond to emergency situations, as we are responsible for the safety and wellness of the patients and communities we serve. Our level of personal preparedness directly affects overall safety and rescue efforts.

In order to sustain normal medical operation and continued patient care in extreme conditions, it is advantageous to know the emergency guidelines of your facility.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when preparing for an emergency:

At Home:

  • Document and gather lifesaving supplies and health related information.
  • Agree upon a meeting place in case you are unable to reach loved ones.
  • Purchase battery operated flashlights and radios.
  • Collect one gallon of drinking water per person per day for at least three days.
  • Store ready-to-eat canned foods and a manual can opener.

At your place of work:

  • Check in with your supervisors to see if you can provide staffing coverage, visit www. medisys prepares.org or email medisysem1@jhmc.org to find out how you can help with disaster recovery efforts.
  • Follow websites that provide information and resources such as: www.medisysprepares.org, www.ready.gov, www.nyredcross.org and www.bti.cdc.gov.
  • Locate Emergency Response Guides or “ Yellow Books”, which are quick reference guides providing information about facility disaster plans, color codes and key phone numbers. These books are located in areas such as nursing stations.

In times of disaster, Medisys Health Care Network plays a vital role in providing the emergency medical services which fortify public health and safety. We rely on our employees to help in fulfilling our commitment to consistently deliver high quality medical services under extreme conditions. For more information on Medisys Health Network’s Emergency Management, visit www.medisysprepares.org.

Congratulations to The Best Trauma Group In All of New York

Trauma 2September has been a month full of awards, industry recognition and achievements for the Trauma Division of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Join us in congratulating the following team members, “that make up the best trauma group in all of New York State,” as proudly declared by Director Dr. Sebastian Schubl.

Taylor Klein and colleagues won a research grant from New York State’s Highway Safety Program in the amount of $50,890 to support our ongoing Pedestrian Struck Safer Streets Queens study. Injury Prevention and Community Outreach Coordinator Mark Dekki secured a grant for the second year in a row from the American Trauma Society to support our bicycle safety efforts.

Additionally, Doctors Richard Tom, Simon Tiu and Vanessa Ho brilliantly presented their study on Risky Behavior in Motorcycle Riders at the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma meeting in Philadelphia. Dr. Tiu also had his work on Risk Factors in PEG Placement accepted for the medical student section of the prestigious American College of Surgeons annual meeting. Dr. Ho had two medical manuscripts accepted for publication.

While the trauma division is often recognized for its notable lifesaving efforts, these accomplishments highlight the goal of the department to become a reliable and sought after resource for research, community outreach and education. As best said by Dr. Schubl, “There are many more projects and publications in the works. Thank you to everyone in the trauma division for their hard work”

Jamaica Hospital Recognizes National Healthcare Decisions Day

In an effort to highlight the importance of advance healthcare decision making, Jamaica Hospital joined other state, local and community organizations from across the country to recognize National Healthcare Decision Day, on Wednesday, April 16th.

During the event, members of Jamaica Hospital’s Palliative Care Department were available in the hospital’s cafeteria to help employees and members of the community better understand advance directives, which includes the creation of a living will and designating a healthcare power of attorney. The Palliative Care team also provided information and tools to help individuals discuss their wishes aboout this very important and sometimes difficult topic with family, friends, and healthcare providers.

“As a result of National Healthcare Decision Day, many employees and people in our community can now have thoughtful conversations about their healthcare decisions. They are also now prepared to effectively complete reliable advance directives to make their wishes known,” stated Dr. Aamira Tahir, Pallitive Care Department.

For more information about advance directives and other healthcare decisions, please call the Palliative Care Department at 718-206-6914.

Jamaica Hospital Increases Efforts to Connect with the Community

First impressions can be lasting, which is why Jamaica Hospital recently redesigned their website. In this day in age, everyone knows that the internet is used to research everything—including hospitals. When people visit www.jamaicahospital.org, they are now welcomed to a nicely colored and easy-to-navigate website.

The clean layout allows visitors to easily search patient and clinical services, employment opportunities, health information, general hospital information, and much more. They can also benefit from several new sections on the website, including the “employee section” and “find a doctor” feature.  An interactive campus map and a mobile version of the site will be available in the very near future.

“The internet is a valuable tool for hospitals,” said Michael Hinck, Director of Public Affairs. “There is a lot of web traffic to our site and having an updated and modern looking webpage is necessary. It has become very important for the hospital to improve its presence on the internet.”

In addition to redesigning their website, Jamaica Hospital just launched a social media campaign as well. The facility now boasts active Facebook and Twitter accounts, and will use the two platforms to better connect with the community. On these sites, information will be provided on a wide variety of health topics, such as asthma, obesity, diabetes, smoking, prenatal care, and hypertension. There will also be poll and trivia questions, lifestlye and parenting tips, and healthy recipes.

“Through these efforts, we really hope to engage more with the community and to become a valuable resource for them,” Michael added. “We want to strengthen ties with our community, as we look to replicate these efforts at  Flushing Hospital as well”

The redesign of Flushing Hospital’s website is now underway and their social media campaign is slated to kickoff later this year.

 

Jamaica Hospital Hosts Second Annual Earth Day Expo

On April 22, in celebration of National Earth Day, “ecoMediSys,” a committee dedicated to identifying and implementing ecological programs throughout the hospital network, held its second annual earth expo. Several tables were set up in Jamaica Hospital’s hospital lobby, where departments exhibited their ecofriendly efforts. Some of these efforts included recycling, using environmentally friendly products, and conserving energy. There was also an exhibit that highlighted the benefits of using mass transit and participating in ride share programs.

“As we continue to make strides to better the environment, to better our community, and to better our hospital, we realize that education is a crucial part of the process,” said Fred Beekman, Vice President of Ambulatory Care. “Our expo is a great way to educate our employees and the community about our ecological initiatives and we hope that they begin to make similar efforts to reduce waste, increase recycling, and conserve energy.”

The event also served to recognize Ray Fredericks, Jr., Assistant Director at Jamaica Hospital’s Print Shop. Several years ago, Ray spearheaded a paper shredding campaign to properly discard confidential documents. As a result, the hospital saved money and tons of paper was recycled. The success of the program was tremendous and the program was expanded to include all waste paper not just confidential documents.

Under Ray’s leadership, the program recycles over 150 tons of paper annually. This saves over 2,500 trees each year and greatly reduces the hospital’s carbon footprint. Given the number of years the program has been in operation, Ray and his team has essentially saved a small forest.

“Being recognized is very flattering,” said Ray. “What started as a way to be HIPPA compliant (the shredding of confidential information) has grown into an incredible eco-friendly and cost saving effort for the hospital.”

He added: “All of the staff from our Melville site, the Print Shop and the Mail Room who are involved in the coordination of scheduling, making the actual pick ups, processing the paper through the shredding process, should be acknowledged for their efforts as well. The success of this project is made possible through the teamwork of our staff and management team.”