If you are sick and need to go to the hospital, it is important to know that if admitted, your hospital is dedicated to safety, and has a proven track record of preventing further illness and injury to its patients.

Healthgrades, a trusted provider of information to millions of health care consumers across the United States, recently recognized the best-performing hospitals in the country, and both Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Flushing Hospital Medical Center received the Patient Safety Excellence Award, an accolade that recognizes hospitals that lead in the prevention of patient safety events.

This prestigious honor highlights both hospitals performance in safeguarding patients from serious, potentially preventable complications during their hospital stay.  Jamaica and Flushing Hospitals, both part of the MediSys Health Network ranked in the top 10% in the nation for patient safety.

To determine which hospitals receive the Patient Safety Excellence Award, Healthgrades reviews the results of 14 key patient safety indicators submitted by hospitals to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Some of the safety measures surveyed include pressure ulcers, catheter-related bloodstream infections, and postoperative sepsis rates.

Jamaica and Flushing are the only two hospitals in Queens and two of only four in New York City to receive this honor. The hospitals attribute their vastly improved safety rates to robust quality improvement policies and programs that were initiated over a decade ago and that are still being followed and improved upon every day.

According to MediSys Health Network President, Bruce J. Flanz, “Patient Safety is one of the top priorities at Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital. We are proud to be in a position to provide our patients with a safe and trusted environment to receive high-quality care. I would like to thank the many members of our staff who are committed to this effort.”

The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) recently awarded Tom Younghans, Vice President of the Trump Pavilion,  its 2018 Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award.  The award is given to administrators who show the highest level of dedication, professionalism, and leadership in long-term care.

This prestigious recognition is presented annually in memory of Eli Pick who for over 30 years was an Administrator who showed extraordinary care for the residents, their families and the community where his facility was located.

Award recipients are selected based on several key performance indicators which include their facilities’ ability to provide quality healthcare to patients.  Eligibility is determined by three years of skilled nursing facility survey data, including health, fire safety, and complaint surveys as well as top quartile performance on designated quality measures. Fewer than 11% percent of facilities nationwide qualified, and only 351 administrators in 45 states received the distinction.

Mr. Younghans stated “This recognition belongs to the entire Trump Pavilion team. Thank you all for your ongoing commitment to serve our residents and the community in a way that is second to none. I am so proud of each and every one of you.”

Through Amazon Smile, shoppers can have a portion of their purchases go toward a charity of their choice, at no cost to them.

You can support Jamaica or Flushing Hospital Medical Center while shopping by going to Smile.Amazon.Com and searching for “Jamaica Hospital” or “Flushing Hospital” under the list of charitable organizations.

On April 26, 2018, Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) was the sole hospital provider at the Immaculate Conception Center’s Health and Wellness Seminar in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens.

After months of planning, a full day of screenings and workshops were offered to educate the over 150 Priests who were in attendance.

The workshops focused on behavioral health, urology, hypertension, stroke prevention and diabetes management.  Blood pressure,  oral cancer, vision,  as well as hearing, were some of the health screenings provided at the event.

Ira Frankel Ph.D., Administrator of Psychiatry for Flushing Hospital’s Department of Mental Health participated in the mid-day panel discussion entitled: The Behavioral Health Conundrum: Finding the Cure for Everything Mental, Physical, and Spiritual that Afflicts Us.

During a speech, Father Bryan Carney, from Pastoral Care at FHMC, applauded the hospital for its ongoing commitment to providing quality services to his community. Robert V. Levine, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer responded, “Both the Bishop and Deacon of the Diocese came up to speak with me to thank FHMC for all our outstanding efforts in coordinating another successful Health and Wellness Seminar for all of their Clergy members. I commend all those involved in making this day such a great success.”

National Donate Life Month is observed each year in April as part of an effort to raise awareness of the need for organ donations and to encourage everyone to register as organ, eye and tissue donors. The observance is also a celebration of those who have saved lives by becoming donors.

On April 20^th, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and LiveOnNY, hosted a special flag raising ceremony to pay tribute to organ donor families and recipients. The event’s special guest of honor was Giraldo Vega, father of Anthony Ruben Vega.

Anthony became an angel in 2009 at the age of 11, after complications caused by hydrocephalus ended his life. His father shared how remarkable his son was, “Since he was a baby he loved to sing and dance.  He loved to perform and you could always expect a show.”

When Anthony passed away, Mr. Vega learned about other families’ need for organ donations and decided he needed to make a difference.   “If Anthony could save one life — one family from losing their son, daughter or family member — what better way to give a performance of a lifetime? Our decision to donate his organs not only saved one person’s life but three,” he informed reporters attending the event.

While the loss of his son has been difficult, Mr. Vega takes pride in knowing that Anthony’s legacy continues in the lives of others he helped to save.

Anthony’s story deeply resonated with Jamaica Hospital Executive Vice President and  COO, William Lynch, who has been a staunch supporter and advocate for organ donation. Mr. Lynch thanked the Vega family for giving the gift of life.  He went on to speak about lives that were saved earlier that week, thanks to an organ donor at Jamaica Hospital who donated a liver and two kidneys.  It is for this reason-the ability to save lives- that Jamaica Hospital encourages everyone in its community to register as organ donors.  One donor can save up to eight lives.

Recently, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that due to the coordinated efforts of organizations such as LiveOnNY and Jamaica Hospital over 5 million New Yorkers have enrolled in the New York State Donate Life Registry as donors.

Our hospital will continue to work tirelessly to raise awareness for organ donation and help further increase the number of registrants to the New York State Donate Life Registry. To learn more about becoming a donor, visit www. donatelife.ny.gov

Last week, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Allergist and Immunologist Dr. Lisa Roth participated in a NY1 News interview in which she shared helpful tips with viewers about this year’s allergy season.

Dr. Roth along with other experts in her field agree that the unseasonably chilly temperatures we have experienced, and a seemingly delayed spring are indicative of what could be a severe allergy season that yields high pollen counts.

In anticipation of the pollen surge, health departments nationwide, including the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) are encouraging healthcare providers to prepare allergy sufferers now for the upcoming season.

Data included in an advisory distributed by NYC DOHMH indicate, “In New York City, over-the-counter allergy medication sales typically increase in late April to early May, coinciding with peak concentrations of certain tree pollens.”  The advisory also shared that asthma-related emergency department visits tend to increase during this time of year, especially among children.

Dr. Roth has been preparing patients for allergy season in several ways, one of which is by helping them to identify their triggers through testing. “It is important to conduct allergy tests to determine the cause of their symptoms. Often people purchase over the counter drugs to treat symptoms but they may not be treating the correct cause for their discomfort,” she explained.   Once the cause is identified, Dr. Roth recommends treatment options that may include medication to control symptoms or immunotherapy.

Other ways Dr. Roth has been preparing patients for this year’s dreaded allergy season is working with parents of children with asthma, as elements in the environment during this time of year can exacerbate their symptoms. “ I remind parents that it is very important that their child’s asthma is managed well before pollen season begins.  I help them to develop or update written asthma management plans,” explains Dr. Roth.  Educating parents about symptom trigger avoidance is also a key factor in managing asthma during allergy season.

As for seasonal allergy sufferers, Dr. Roth recommends the following tips to prepare for the season and manage symptoms:  monitor pollen and mold counts, keep doors and windows shut in your home and car, begin taking medications prescribed by your allergist now to avoid inflammation, clean the air in your home with a HEPA filter, wash your face and hair as soon as you get home and wash linens and clothing frequently.

Watch the interview here:

On Thursday, April 19^th, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center celebrated its volunteers by hosting the Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner and Award Ceremony to honor all of those who donate so much of their time to the hospital.

Our volunteers were joined by several department heads at this special, fun-filled event, which was held in the hospital’s “D” Building auditorium. Those in attendance were treated to a delicious meal and a wonderful program where Arlette Cunningham, Manager of Volunteer Services, recognized multiple volunteers for their many years of service.

The program also included remarks by several individuals who expressed their gratitude to all our volunteers. Among the many who personally thanked the volunteers were Bruce J. Flanz, President and CEO, Bill Lynch, Executive Vice President and COO, and Dr. Sabiha Raoof, Chief Medical Officer and Chairperson of the Radiology Department. They, as well as others who spoke, expressed how much the work performed by our volunteers improve the quality of care we provide our patients.

Last year, volunteers contributed over 40,700 hours of service to Jamaica Hospital. That valuable work was performed in departments across the hospital by 125 individuals, ranging from young adults to seniors. In addition to all the men and women who were recognized for their volunteer services was one non-human. Frankie, Jamaica Hospital’s pet therapy canine, provides therapy services to our patients was also recognized.

Overall, Jamaica Hospital’s Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner and Award Ceremony was enjoyed by all.

Thank you again to all of Jamaica Hospital’s volunteers.

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 recipients are:

Natalya Dorum-Nursing

Thelma Facey -Environmental Services

Congratulations to you all. Keep up the excellent work in helping us to serve our community.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has recently been designated a Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence™ (DICOE) by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

This designation signifies that Jamaica Hospital has achieved the pinnacle of medical imaging care and implements the highest-quality imaging and diagnostic practices in many areas including, MRI, CT scan, nuclear medicine, mammography and ultrasound for both OB/GYN and breast care.

To achieve this distinction, Jamaica Hospital had to undergo a rigorous on-site inspection where all aspects of the Radiology Department’s operations were reviewed, including an inspection of the department’s equipment and technology as well as a review of its policies and procedures. Also included in the survey process was a roundtable discussion with staff that focused on how issues of communication and patient satisfaction are addressed.

In addition, the Radiology Department is now required to participate in the General Radiology Improvement Database (GRID) and the Dose Index Registry (DOI). The purpose of collecting and submitting data to these agencies is to “benchmark” our results against other facilities across the country.

Lastly, Jamaica Hospital radiologists and technologists also agreed to take a pledge to “Image Wisely” and “Image Gently,” which means they promise to use the least possible dosage to obtain the best images possible.

Jamaica Hospital, along with Flushing Hospital, are the only two Queens-based hospitals, and two of only a handful of hospitals in New York City to achieve this honor.

According to Radiology Chairperson, Sabiha Raoof, MD, “We are very proud to have achieved the Center of Excellence Designation, which demonstrates our hard work and exemplifies our high standards of offering the highest level of imaging quality, safety and care.”