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.

Recently, The Queens Chronicle newspaper released its annual “Celebration of Queens” edition which included a salute to healthcare in the borough. Both hospitals in the MediSys Health Network were prominently featured in this publication.

Articles in the Chronicle focused on many aspects of the healthcare delivery system and services available to the community.  One particular article aimed to highlight some of the most innovative services in the borough. Both Jamaica and Flushing Hospital were spotlighted in this article, showcasing two of our most advanced forms of care.

Flushing Hospital surgeon, Dr. Noman Khan was interviewed about the hospital’s state-of-the-art division of robotic surgery and the Da Vinci surgical system.  Dr. Khan outlined the many benefits this non-invasive surgical platform offers Flushing patients.  In the same article, Jamaica Hospital Cardiologist, Dr. Zoran Lasic spoke with a reporter about the hospital’s commitment to heart health.  During his interview, Dr. Lasic revealed that Jamaica Hospital will be opening a brand-new, technologically advanced, Cardiovascular Interventional Suite to better treat patients with cardiovascular disease.

In a separate article, David Evangelista, Director of Managed Care for the MediSys Health Network was asked to discuss how residents of Queens can better navigate the health care system and obtain the proper type of health insurance. David offered tips on what insurance options are available to individuals who do not receive benefits through their employer.

Thanks to everyone who participated in these interviews, which highlighted the expert services and programs offered at both hospitals.

To read the full interviews, please click on the links below:

http://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/getting-insurance-doesn-t-have-to-be-too-stressful/article_b164e54f-2269-55fa-bea8-4523993df6f4.html

http://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/boro-hospitals-on-the-front-lines-of-innovation/article_97a789ad-1351-56f2-ac74-28902eff37a5.html

On June 26^th, 2018, Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC)  collaborated with the Gift of Life Marrow Registry on hosting a Bone Marrow/Stem Cell “Swabbing” event in the hospital’s main lobby. The event was held to benefit Carolyn Inzirillo and all those waiting for a life-saving match. Tracey Kavanagh, RN, Department of Surgery, at FHMC was instrumental in organizing the day.

Carolyn Inzirillo has deep roots in the FHMC community, so it was an emphatic “YES!” when the hospital was asked to host a registry table. Both of Carloyn’s parents were FHMC employees before moving to Florida over 20 years ago.  Her dad, Mike Inzirillo, was a Supervisor in Respiratory Care and her mom, Debbie (Sostack)Inzirillo, was a graduate of the Flushing Hospital School of Nursing and worked at Flushing Hospital in the ICU and Emergency Department.

Carolyn is a first-grade teacher in Florida.  She is 34 years old and has been battling leukemia for four years.  Due to a relapse in February 2018, Carolyn now requires a lifesaving stem cell transplant. Unfortunately, her only sibling is not a match and currently, there are no matches in the National Registry.

“Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s on-going commitment to boosting the numbers of donors in New York State made us a natural fit to host this important event.”, stated Robert Levine, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at FHMC.

Healthy volunteers between the ages of 18-60 from all ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to join the registry to help someone in need.  A simple swab from the inside of your cheek is all it takes to determine if you are a match for Carolyn Inzirillo or someone else.  Visit www.giftoflife.org/cure4carolyn to request a free swab kit.  You can also call the Inzirillo’s family representative, Christine Sostack at 516-314-2893 if you have any questions.

This summer, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center was the only hospital in our region to receive a highly coveted Sing for Hope piano.

Each year, as part of their mission to transform lives through the power of the arts, the non-profit organization Sing for Hope collaborates with celebrated artists to specially design pianos.  These popular works of art are then distributed to select public spaces throughout New York City for everyone to play.

Jamaica Hospital received its piano “Wings for Hope,” in June.  Painted by AnnCharlotte Tavolacci, the inspiration behind the piano design was the artist’s encounter with a hummingbird during a difficult time in her life.  Knowing that the bird was a symbol of hope, eternal love and survival she felt inspired to make positive changes.   AnnCharlotte hoped that by painting the hummingbird on her piano and sharing her art with our community, others too would feel inspired.

The piano was stationed for two weeks outside the hospital’s main entrance. Its vibrant colors and fantastic design beckoned many employees and visitors to sit and play.

Clinical Nurse Manager, Cheryl Gallotta Dimassi, coordinated the Sing for Hope initiative at Jamaica Hospital.  She explained to reporters from the Queens Chronicle and NY1 news that receiving the piano was important as it served as an extension of the hospital’s efforts to provide our community with outlets that promote healing through art. “I’ve been working to get this for a year,” she said. “Music, in the right tone, the right level, is therapeutic.”

We thank everyone who played the piano and supported our efforts to provide therapeutic music for all to enjoy.  It was certainly a great treat to experience the talents of our fellow coworkers and members of the community.