Last month, Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) cut the ribbon to its newest radiology suite which will house one of the most clinically advanced and fully automated, digital X-ray systems in health care.

The recently acquired Samsung GC85 system is equipped with features that provide several benefits to patients and radiologists. This new system improves patient experience by reducing examination time and minimizing excessive radiation exposure while obtaining enhanced imaging. Radiologists and technicians are capable of diagnosing patients with greater accuracy by utilizing applications that will streamline workflow through automation.

The GC85 system is also outfitted with a unit that is portable and dedicated to pediatric imaging.  It can operate in smaller imaging spaces such as a pediatric hospital bed or bassinet when caring for the hospital’s youngest of patients.

Gregory Donaldson, Associate Director of Radiology at FHMC stated, “The new advanced system will give us the opportunity to take enhanced images of our patients, both adult and pediatric. It is less imposing on the patient and allows for a better experience.”

Flushing Hospital Medical Center strives to provide quality health care to the community it serves. With a focus on safety, the hospital utilizes the latest and most innovative tools in healthcare to diagnose and treat patients.

Join us in congratulating Luis Oropeza and Gloria Flaherty; Transportation Services and Alicia Dawson; 4 South PCA, for their Good Catch!

Every month, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center recognizes employees for their contributions to patient safety.

Employees who go above and beyond to ensure the safety of our patients are recognized and awarded a Certificate of Excellence for their Good Catch.

Good Catch nominees receive recognition based on their actions in preventing the potential harm of patients. These actions may include correcting a medication order, preventing a patient fall or reporting a significant change in patient status.

By identifying problems before they became patient safety issues, Luis, Gloria and Alicia have helped Jamaica Hospital to improve our quality in patient care.

To our Good Catch recipients, thank you for being exemplary members of our team and contributing to our goal of being a High-Reliability Hospital.

To report a Good Catch, fill out the Good Catch Form and send by interoffice mail to Letha Walters, PI Department, Axel Building 4th floor or call ext. 8409 to leave a message.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s CenteringPregnancy® program was recently featured on the Health segment of NY1 News’ “Mornings on 1.”

Implemented at Jamaica Hospital in 2014 in conjunction with the March of Dimes, CenteringPregnancy® provides all the same patient-centered elements of traditional prenatal care but incorporates them into an interactive experience for pregnant women in a group setting.

CenteringPregnancy® is one of the most robust services offered by the hospital to women in the community. It has grown in popularity over the years because of its uniqueness and many benefits, which include a reduction in preterm birth rates, a reduction in maternal mortality rates and increased breastfeeding rates. The Centering approach to prenatal care has helped the hospital to address several health disparities faced by the population it serves, and provide vital resources to families.

NY1 News’ health reporter Erin Billups participated in a CenteringPregnancy® group session to obtain an in-depth view of the program, its advantages and how it helps to reduce health disparities.  She interviewed Dr. Tamara Magloire Director of Ambulatory Care, OBGYN, who explained the intricacies of the program and how Jamaica Hospital is doing its part to provide healthcare solutions on a local and national level.

The news segment can be seen here:

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 their hard work, team spirit, kindness, and professionalism.

This month’s G.E.M recipient is Dr. Sudheer Chauhan.

Congratulations  Dr. Chauhan, thank you for everything that you do in helping us to serve our community. 

On August 7^th, 2018, Flushing Hospital Medical Center hosted a breastfeeding informational table in its lobby in observation of World Breast Feeding Week and to celebrate receiving official designation as a Baby-Friendly USA® Hospital.

The event was attended by many hospital staff members, administrators, visitors and special guest, Congresswoman Grace Meng.  The Congresswoman presented a Certificate of Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives and the NYC Council on behalf of Council Member Peter Koo to honor the hospital’s achievement.

To receive Baby-Friendly® status, institutions must successfully implement the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” which include providing appropriate education to enable families to make informed decisions about infant feeding, encouraging mothers to hold their babies skin-to-skin immediately following birth, and offering expert lactation support throughout and beyond the hospital stay. Baby-Friendly® practices are designed to optimize mother-baby bonding and to protect, promote and support breastfeeding in the first few days of a new baby’s life.

Flushing Hospital has successfully fulfilled the requirements for Baby-Friendly® designation by implementing several breastfeeding initiatives within the hospital and in the communities it serves.

“We serve a diverse population of patients at Flushing Hospital with representation of many different ethnicities and cultures. We are proud to provide breastfeeding education in several languages at public libraries and offer classes and support groups at our facility, free of charge,” stated  Maria D. Smilios, Director of Nursing.

“Our goal is to educate expectant mothers on how breastfeeding is a key nutritional value for their newborns, and how it fortifies bonding between the new mom and baby,” shared Jimena Grimaldi, Lactation Consultant.

Flushing Hospital’s goals are in line with Healthy People 2020 breastfeeding objectives put in place by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services- to increase the number of infants that have ever breastfed to 81% and increase the number of infants breastfeeding at six months of age to 60.6%.

“Each year, Flushing Hospital delivers approximately 3,000 babies, and we strongly support the philosophy that every child has the right to the highest attainable standard of health, beginning with providing mothers with the resources needed on how to supply their babies with the best nutrition possible,” explained Smilios.

To read the Times Ledger article on our accomplishment visit – https://www.timesledger.com/stories/2018/32/flushinghospital_2018_08_10_q.html

Flushing Hospital Medical Center was recently awarded the Obstetrics and Gynecology Excellence Award™. This honor is given to exceptional hospitals across the country that have demonstrated superior outcomes in women’s healthcare services.

This accolade was bestowed upon Flushing Hospital by Healthgrades, a leading online resource used by millions of consumers each year who are seeking comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals.

The Obstetrics and Gynecology Excellence Award™ recognizes hospitals for superior outcomes during and after childbirth and in surgeries that treat diseases and conditions of the female reproductive system. Any obstetric and gynecologic surgery procedure involves risks and the possibility of complications that may become serious and even life-threatening in some cases.  Women have fewer complications from their obstetric and gynecologic surgery and are more likely to survive their stay at hospitals recognized with an Obstetrics and Gynecology Excellence Award.

To help consumers evaluate and compare hospital performance, Healthgrades analyzed patient outcome data for all patients from 2014 through 2016. The data was used to identify the highest performing hospitals in women’s health, and it revealed variations in quality between hospitals that received this award and those that didn’t.

Flushing Hospital was one of only two hospitals in Queens to receive this honor and one of only four in New York City. Dr. Hajoon Chun, Chairman of Ob/Gyn and Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine stated, “This honor highlights Flushing Hospital’s continued dedication to providing the highest quality care to the women in our community. Although we are a community hospital, we deliver the same quality of care that is attained at larger institutions. Our collaboration with many different quality initiatives in NYC and NYS promotes current evidenced-based care that is implemented in our facility.”

Last month, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of the Thomas Santucci Jr., MD Cardiovascular Interventional Suite, named in honor of the late and beloved cardiologist and former Chairman of the Department of Medicine.

Joining the hospital for the occasion were special guests of honor: the family of Dr. Thomas Santucci Jr., Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, Senator Joseph Addabbo and members of Jamaica Hospital’s Board of Trustees. Over 100 guests and the media were also in attendance.

Jamaica Hospital President and CEO, Mr. Bruce J. Flanz welcomed everyone as they buzzed with excitement, to the new, state-of-the-art cardiovascular care facility.

The suite covers 6500 square feet of space and includes two interventional labs, a six-bed recovery unit, a preparation area, as well as viewing, treatment and examination rooms. The facility is also equipped with the latest and most advanced technologies in cardiac and stroke care. Both labs feature Siemens Artis Zee Ceiling- Mounted Systems which provide high patient-positioning flexibility, affording doctors easier and full-body access to patients.

Mr. Flanz explained to guests that all features and amenities of the Cardiovascular Interventional Suite were carefully selected by the Cardiology Department with the goal in mind of meeting the growing needs of patients.

“There is a significant prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and obesity in our area, all of which contribute to the growing incidence of all types of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes,” shared Dr. Robert Mendelson, Director of Cardiology and Chairman of the Department of Medicine. It is anticipated that admissions for cardiac disease to Jamaica Hospital will increase by 12% in the next five years and stroke admission by 11% during that period.

In addition to treating patients who live within the hospital’s service area, the Cardiovascular Interventional Suite will provide emergency cardiovascular care to the many travelers who fly through JFK Airport.  Each year, approximately 2,500 people are transported to Jamaica Hospital from JFK and 10% of those emergency cases are the result of a cardiac issue or stroke.

“Given the high volume of cardiovascular and stroke cases received by the hospital, the new Thomas Santucci Jr., MD  Cardiovascular Interventional Suite will certainly be of great benefit to a significant number of people,” said Mr. Flanz.

The opening of the Thomas Santucci Jr.,  MD Cardiovascular Interventional Suite is the realization of a team who visualized a facility in which patients would receive the very best in cardiovascular care, close to home.  One of these visionaries was Dr. Thomas Santucci Jr. who would have been extremely proud of everyone’s efforts to make Jamaica Hospital a leader in cardiovascular care.

A special thank you to all departments involved in making our new, Thomas Santucci Jr., MD Cardiovascular Interventional Suite a reality, your hard work and dedication are greatly appreciated.

Each week, the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) highlights the many ways their member hospitals and health systems are transforming healthcare with their “Innovation Spotlight” campaign.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) is proud to have been highlighted as an “Innovator” in the fight against Type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that can permanently affect a patient’s quality of life.

The article praises FHMC for launching a community-based initiative, in accordance with the National Diabetes Prevention Program, to reduce diagnoses of type 2 diabetes in pre-diabetic patients.

FHMC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program has been successful in achieving full recognition by the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The initiative is designed to prevent chronic diseases, specifically the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

The program is a full year course created to educate patients on healthier eating, the importance of physical activity and ways to reduce stress. The goal of the program is to have participants lose 5% to 7% of their initial weight, which along with healthy lifestyle changes, has proven to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58%.

“We are proud to serve our patients and promote wellness in our community,” stated Eligio L. Infante, Patient Navigator.

HANYS notes that FHMC and many other New York area hospitals and health facilities are implementing new and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery despite fiscal constraints.

To read the entire article visit – https://www.hanys.org/tripleaim/case-studies/?a=vs&s=Flushing_Hospital_Medical_Center_FightsType2Diabetes

In an effort to improve the overall wellness of our community and employees, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has partnered with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation’s Shape Up NYC, to offer a variety of fitness classes to our employees and members of the community. Many of the classes are taught by Jamaica Hospital’s very own, highly-qualified staff.

Currently, Jamaica Hospital is offering five separate classes, including:

• Boot Camp – Every Monday at 10:30 a.m. (bilingual)
  Instructor Laura (beginning 8/13/18)
• Zumba – Every Monday at 5:15 pm
  Instructor Frances
• Serene Stretch Yoga – Every Tuesday at 5:15 p.m.
  Instructor Joan
• Gentle Yoga – Every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m.
  Instructor Deborah
• Zumba – Every Wednesday at 5:15 pm
  Instructor Frances
• Stretch and Release – Every Thursday from 5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
  Instructor Janis

All classes are free of charge and offered at Jamaica Hospital’s MediFit gym, located at 134-20 Jamaica Avenue, on the third floor of the hospital’s Axel building. For more information or to learn about more classes, please visit the following website: https://www.nycgovparks.org/programs/recreation/shape-up-nyc

In addition, the hospital, in collaboration with LI Greenmarket, operates a Farmers Market every Wednesday from 10:00 – 4:00 p.m. The Farmers Market offers a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables and accepts many forms of payment including WIC coupons, EBT and NYC Health Bucks.  Cooking demonstrations, free health screenings and exercise programs are also on-hand.

Dr. Ricardo Ricciardi is one of the first Urologists in New York City to be recognized for his efforts in providing a new and effective way to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that affects millions of men in the United States.

BPH — also called prostate gland enlargement — is a common condition that many men experience as they get older.  The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that surrounds the urethra. When the prostate becomes enlarged it can lead to BPH, which can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as frequent or urgent need to urinate and increased frequency of urination at night. In addition to urinary problems, men living with BPH also experience interrupted sleep, loss of productivity, and depression.  Over 40 million men in America are affected by BPH and 12 million are currently under the care of a physician for the condition.

Until recently, men living with BPH were offered two treatment options – medication or surgery. Medication is often the first-line of therapy for BPH, but relief can be inadequate and temporary. In addition, many men have reported various side effects including sexual dysfunction, dizziness and headaches.  Traditionally, the alternative treatment option has been surgery, but surgical options either require cutting, heating or removing prostate tissue to open the blocked urethra. While surgery has been effective in relieving symptoms, it requires a longer recovery period and can also leave patients with permanent side effects such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation.

Now, Dr. Ricciardi is offering the UroLift system, an FDA cleared, revolutionary treatment that provides rapid and durable relief from urinary symptoms associated with BPH. The UroLift system works by placing small, permanent implants into the prostate to lift and hold the enlarged tissue out of the way, relieving pressure on the urethra and allowing urine to flow. There is no cutting, heating, or removal of prostate tissue. This non-invasive procedure is done in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. Patients experience rapid improvement with minimal side effects and are able to resume their normal routines quickly and no longer require medication.

According to Dr. Ricciardi, “I am privileged to be able to offer my patients the UroLift procedure, which is truly a breakthrough in the treatment of BPH. This procedure provides so many benefits and can increase their overall quality of life without any side effects.”

Dr. Ricciardi has performed over 100 UroLift procedures and his practice has recently been named as a Center of Excellence in this form of treatment. This designation recognizes that Dr. Ricciardi has achieved the highest level of training with the UroLift System and has demonstrated a commitment to providing exemplary care to men suffering from symptoms of BPH.  Less than 70 urologists in the United States have received a Center of Excellence designation and Dr. Ricciardi is the only physician in New York City to receive this honor.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ricciardi, please call  (718) 206-7110.