Smoking-related illnesses are prevalent in the neighborhoods served by Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center.  As a response to this issue, both hospitals have partnered with organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association to develop initiatives that encourage residents of these communities to live a smoke-free life.

The Great American Smokeout created by the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association’s Turquoise Take Over were two of the largest anti-smoking events promoted at both hospitals last year.

In November, Jamaica Hospital’s Patient Navigation Department collaborated with the American Lung Association’s Lung Force to host Turquoise Takeover and raise awareness on lung cancer.  Both teams rallied passerby’s to participate in activities which educated them on the importance of smoking cessation.

Around the same time Flushing Hospital and the American Cancer Society promoted the Great American Smoke Out by displaying an information table in the main lobby.  Visitors and employees were given information on the best ways to quit and the reasons why quitting is beneficial to their health.  The hospital was able to engage with many smokers who were willing to sign up for its Freedom from Smoking Program.

The Freedom From Smoking Program includes eight sessions and features a step-by-step plan for quitting smoking and encourages participants to work on the process and problems of quitting, both individually and as part of a group.

For an online version of the American Lung Association’s successful program, visit http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/join-freedom-from-smoking/    and get started today. For information on the Freedom From Smoking Program at Jamaica or Flushing Hospital, please call 718-206-8494.

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

This past holiday season at Jamaica and Flushing Hospital was certainly one to remember.  Both hospitals received an outpouring of generosity and good will from employees, as well as community organizations and leaders.

At Jamaica Hospital, Senator Joe Addabbo took time from his demanding schedule to play Santa and distribute several large sacks filled with toys to children on the pediatric unit.  The toys were donated by P.S. 60 in Woodhaven, who organized a very successful toy drive.  Additionally, the children at the hospital were treated to an abundance of gifts from organizations such as the New York City Department of Corrections, hospital staff,   the Hempstead Bay Power Squadron and others.

Flushing community leader Martha Flores- Vasquez organized the Three Kings event at Flushing Hospital of which over 500 children and their parents were entertained by dancers, singers and given toys donated by Healthfirst and the 109th Precinct Community Council.

To top off the bounty of generosity received by hospital guests, the songs of the holiday season echoed throughout Jamaica and Flushing Hospital campuses courtesy of the Fa La La’s,  the Jamaica Hospital Carolers and the Waldvogels. The groups traveled from building to building and sang holiday hits such as “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” to get everyone into the spirit of the season.

All of these acts of kindness are greatly appreciated. We thank everyone for their contribution in making last holiday season very special and unforgettable.

First Baby Born JHMC

Although Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center did not have the honor of delivering New York City’s first baby of the New Year, the first babies born at each of the hospitals are still extra special to us.

On January first 2016, we helped welcome into the world baby boy Ian Eduardo, born to mother Kativska Cabrera Jimenez at Jamaica Hospital at 12:24 AM. He weighed 7lbs. 10oz.  Baby boy Lamb was delivered at Flushing Hospital Medical Center at 4:21 AM to mother Gabriella Lamb. He weighed 7 lbs. 13 oz.

First Baby Born FHMC

The first MediSys babies posed beautifully for our photographer. Special thanks to our staff that assisted with these deliveries.

Congratulations to the mothers and we wish them and their families a lifetime of happiness.

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

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

and follow us on Twitter @JamaicaHospital or @FHMC_NYC

Last month the Detectives’ Endowment Association of the City of New York presented an award to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in recognition of the high level of care given to police officers over the years. Many of whom have required  the expertise of our highly esteemed trauma team.

Jamaica Hospital’s NYS Designated Level 1 Trauma Center is renowned for delivering expert care in many specialties including emergency medicine, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery and intensive care. It is one of the busiest in the nation because of its close proximity to JFK and many major highways.

Detective John Timpanaro presented the award to Mr.Bruce J. Flanz, President and CEO of the hospital as well as members of the trauma center.  Detective Timpanaro thanked everyone for their dedication and commitment to treating New York City’s finest and the entire community.

Jamaica Hospital was also honored earlier this year by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and Police Commissioner William Bratton, who thanked staff for taking excellent care of the City’s police officers.

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

On Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Flushing Hospital Medical Center was visited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHCO). The Joint Commission accredits and certifies over 20,000 health institutions across the United States.

Joint Commission accreditation is recognized nationally as a symbol of quality and a reflection of an organization’s commitment to meet and excel in performance standards.

It was clear to Joint Commission surveyors that Flushing Hospital’s leadership has made patient safety their number one priority, as well as finding merit in the different programs to improve patient care and employee relations such as the Team Stepps training initiative, Good Catch program, as well as the Just Culture program.

Surveyors found relatively few areas that needed improvement and staff at all levels was complimented for their active engagement and participation during the process.

Overall, hospital initiatives received positive acclaim from the survey team, especially the seven-day-per-week Safety Huddle initiative, which was suggested for inclusion in the Joint Commission’s Best Practice Library.

Dr. Michael Epstein, leader of the survey team congratulated Flushing Hospital leadership and staff for moving the hospital toward becoming a High Reliability Organization.

Last month was National Diabetes Awareness Month and in observance of this important occasion Flushing and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center participated in several events to raise awareness. On November 19^th Jamaica Hospital created displays in the main lobby that educated guests and employees about   the general facts of the disease, as well as the importance of wound care, skin care and nutrition for diabetics.   The displays were fun and interactive. They included games such as “Diabetes Jeopardy” and other trivia- based activities.  Participants were entered to win grand prizes and others won giveaways on the spot.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center sponsored a Diabetes Champion Program.  It was a full, two day, program in which staff received in-depth education and training in diabetes pathophysiology, blood glucose monitoring, oral anti-diabetic medications, Insulin, medical nutrition, as well as the importance of exercise and patient education methods. A goal of the program was for the Diabetes Champions to continue to develop their skills and work towards becoming Certified Diabetes Educators. The role of a Diabetes Educator is to improve diabetes management among our patients by addressing their questions or concerns regarding the disease.

According to the American Diabetes Association, “nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Another 86 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.” Jamaica and Flushing Hospital are proud to be a part of the movement that raises awareness and educates the public about this growing and life threatening disease.  Both hospitals take their roles very seriously and are planning future initiatives to continue to educate the communities they serve about diabetes.

For more hospital 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

Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center both received very generous donations from the Queens-based pediatric charity organization, Angels on the Bay, whose mission is “to be the keepers of hope and the guardians of dreams to all children in need of a little miracle.” The money raised for Jamaica and Flushing is to assist both hospitals in our continued efforts to provide high-quality medical care to children in the community.

Flushing Hospital received the first of two annual donations from Angels on the Bay, totaling $40,000. Those contributions will be earmarked for the purchase of special equipment used to provide emergency and critical care for infants and toddlers. The $40,000 that Flushing Hospital will receive over the next two years brings the total donations made by Angels on the Bay to over $200,000.

Angels on the Bay also donated $75,000 to Jamaica Hospital over a three year period. The funds received will allow Jamaica Hospital to purchase echocardiography equipment for its pediatric department. Since 1995, Jamaica Hospital has received approximately $450,000 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.

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. In addition to Jamaica and Flushing Hospital, Angels on the Bay has supported numerous pediatric causes, raising millions of dollars for children in the area over the past two decades.

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

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

and follow us on Twitter @JamaicaHospital or @FHMC_NYC

Halloween is around the corner and choosing the right costume is always a great treat before the actual day. As adults, we look forward to seeing our kids adorably dressed up in fun and exciting costumes. With a few tips on choosing the right costumes, you can ensure an evening of fun and no fright.

When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, look for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or look for the label “Flame Resistant.” These fabrics will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. To minimize the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts. Costumes should also fit well so they do not drag on the ground and prevent trips and falls.

Some additional tips from safekids.org include:

• Purchase or make costumes that are light, bright and clearly visible to motorists. For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights.
• Children should carry flashlights to see and be seen. Bags or sacks also should be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.
• Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. High heels are not a good idea.
• Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over children’s eyes and obstructing vision.
• If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, provides adequate ventilation, and has eye holes large enough to allow full vision. Skip the mask and opt for face paint instead.
• Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be made of soft, flexible

Happy and safe Halloween!

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has partnered with the American Diabetes Association to bring a nutrition pilot program called “What Can I Eat?” to our community. This four week nutrition program is an interactive, group discussion class which reviews healthy food choices for diabetics.

Participants will be empowered to make healthy decisions at home, while grocery shopping, eating out, family occasions and all while staying on a budget. The class is open to adults with Type 2 Diabetes; however, loved ones are encouraged to join as well.

After a successful run in July and continued interest, the class is being offered again.

A participant from the last session reported “It was very informative, and I learned a lot. The class put me on a path to better health.”

Facilitators, Elena Toumaras, RD, CDN and Lindsay Chetelat, RD, CDN, will be offering the classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Family Medicine Center Conference Room (133-03 Jamaica Avenue) starting September 14th from 5:00-6:30 pm.

Anyone who is interested may attend an informational session to be held at the Family Medicine Center on Friday September 11th from 12:00-3:00 pm. You will learn more about the program and will also be able to register.

Space is limited so reserve your space ASAP! You can contact Elena at 718-206-7056 or [email protected]

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

On Tuesday June 23^rd NYPD Commissioner William Bratton met with Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s President and CEO, Bruce J. Flanz to express his personal gratitude as well as the appreciation of the entire police department for the excellent level of care that the hospital provides to members of the NYPD in times of distress and injury.

Mr. Bratton presented Mr. Flanz with a beautiful plaque, which will be displayed prominently at the hospital, as well as a personal letter recognizing the tremendous skill of the doctors, nurses and support staff of our facility. The Commissioner commended the hospital’s dedication to trauma care and noted how it is highly regarded by everyone within the ranks of the NYPD.

Accompanying Mr Flanz at this meeting held in the Commissioner’s office at 1 Police Plaza were John Arline, Dr. Angelo Canedo, Dr. Geoffrey Doughlin, Dr. Kenneth Fretwell, Charles Neacy, and Dr. Andrew Rubin.

For more hospital highlights, health and fitness information click below to visit us on Twitter and Facebook: