While there is no single way to eliminate  healthcare-associated infections, improving hand hygiene compliance can have a significantly positive impact.  Eighty percent of infections are spread by dirty hands.  In fact, washing hands is often the single best defense against illness.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center‘s (FHMC) journey to become a high-reliability organization has made prevention of hospital-acquired infections one of its priorities.  To realize this goal, FHMC embarked on a campaign to improve hand hygiene, which began earlier this year and has resulted in some promising advancements.

The hand hygiene campaign used a multi-prong approach that involves increasing awareness, education and monitoring. Specific steps include placing alcohol-based hand sanitizers in easy-to-access locations, displaying posters that ask,” Have you washed your hands today,” education on the correlation between infectious rates and hand hygiene and active surveillance of employee adherence.

Administrators personally visited with staff on each unit to raise awareness for this important campaign. Hospital personnel were asked to take a pledge to actively engage in infection prevention through adherence to hand hygiene.  Currently, the hospital has a 92%  hand hygiene compliance rate.

Flushing Hospital will continue to make strides in infection prevention efforts and strive to sustain hand-hygiene practice improvements.  The organization will continue to motivate employees to be supportive of and committed to proper infection control practices. Jamaica Hospital has also required its staff to take the Hand Hygiene Pledge and has taken steps to raise awareness of the importance of washing hands to prevent infections and the spread of germs.

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 simple acts of courtesy, team spirit, kindness and professionalism. This month’s G.E.M recipients are:

*Frank Filloramo – Paramedic – Pre-Hospital Care
*Florence Johnson, RN – Radiology
*Jonathan Sanchez,ASL – Language Assistance Program

Dr. Raoof visiting patients during MAD Rounds with administrator James Villavicencio.

Dr. Sabiha Raoof; Chairwoman of Radiology for Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center was featured in last month’s edition of  the American College of Radiation’s  publication, the ACR  Bulletin.

Dr. Raoof was interviewed for an extended article titled “A Combined Approach”, which highlighted radiologists who are ‘working with their colleagues to improve the patient experience through initiatives big and small.’

The article delved into the importance of optimizing the patient experience, by simply finding out what patients want.  Methods used to obtain this type of information typically include extracting opinions and data from electronic surveys.

Dr. Raoof was recognized for her unique approach to finding out what patients want by meeting with them directly.  She initiated the MAD (Making a Difference) Rounds project at Jamaica Hospital, which was created along with the help of hospital leaders to ensure that patients receive the best quality care during their stay.   The project, later adopted at Flushing Hospital, involves the participation of nearly 100 clinicians and administrators who make rounds each day, asking patients how they are feeling and if they need anything. “The MAD team’s goal is to solve any issues a patient has immediately,”Dr. Raoof explained.  She went on to say “We want patients to feel empowered to ask questions and tell us how we can make their health care experience better.”

Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center are taking steps to becoming “High-Reliability Hospitals.” The MAD program is one of several initiatives that have been created to increase patient satisfaction.  Hospital leaders and staff are continuously exploring ways to make time spent at both campuses a positive experience for all.

June is a time to celebrate graduates, and Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Medicine has great reason to do so as their graduating class of Internal Medicine Residents has one of the highest pass rates in the tristate region and is among the highest in the entire country.

Based on a three-year rolling average (2013-2015), the medical residents at Jamaica Hospital have an average pass rate of 99%, well above the national average of 87%. In addition, of the top 20 internal medicine residency programs in the country, only three can boast more graduates than the 74 who have completed the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center over the past three years.

Dr. Thomas Santucci, Chairman of the Department of Medicine points to multiple factors that have contributed to the success of the program. “First, we place an emphasis on teaching from experience. Therefore, we implement monthly case-based exams, bedside teaching and daily interactive conferences. These interactive conferences include actual case presentations that give the residents the opportunity to ask questions and learn.”  Another reason for the program’s success is the department’s very selective recruitment process where they look for specific criteria before selecting prospective residents. Lastly, much of the credit goes to the fact that Jamaica Hospital Medical Center employs a full-time teaching staff of over forty attending physicians who are dedicated to educating our residents.

Dr. Richard Pinsker, Program Director, understands the importance of the residency program for Jamaica Hospital. “The quality of the education we provide our residents has a direct correlation to the level of care provided to our patients.  We are providing our residents with the necessary tools to offer high-quality care, which will result in better outcomes and a healthier community.”

Many residents who have been graduated from the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Jamaica Hospital have gone on to receive additional training or hold high positions in many prestigious institutions across the country, including Sloan Kettering, the Mayo Clinic, and the Cleveland Clinic, but according to Howard Rosen, Administrator for the Department of Medicine, “We are most proud of those graduates who continue to work at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and are now participating in the education of the next generation of doctors.”

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center encourages and supports a mother’s decision to breastfeed. The hospital’s most recent show of support was demonstrated at the opening ceremony of the new Mother’s Nursing Room on June first.

The two-station room is located on the ground floor of the main hospital and allows women more privacy to feed their babies in a clean and spacious environment. It is the Medical Center’s policy that any employee or member of the community who needs to express breast milk or breastfeed their infant will have access to this room. The room is accessible 24 hours a day. For entry, visit the admitting desk to get a key.

“The opening of the Mother’s Nursing Room at Jamaica Hospital is a smaller part of a larger public health initiative to feed infants by breastfeeding” says Marge Lilienthal, Nursing Director.

A further example of JHMC’s support of nursing mothers who return to work is the human resources policy which mandates extended breaks for breastfeeding mothers. In accordance with New York State Law, the Medical Center will increase the allotted break period by an additional five minutes for employees who need to express breast milk.

To get more information on the benefits of breastfeeding and how to breastfeed your newborn, a Lactation Consultant is available five days a week. Please call, 718-206-8645.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center now offers a free Diabetes Support Group program.  The initiative was implemented by the hospital’s Diabetes Team to raise awareness and offer patients and loved ones the tools needed to manage the disease.

The group meets on the third Wednesday of every month and is facilitated by team members Rehana Jamali; PharmD/Medication Safety Officer, Maria Savarese; Clinical Practice Nurse/ Diabetes Specialist and Michelle Hill; Outpatient Dietitian and Nutritionist. Topics such as Controlling Diabetes with Nutrition, the Importance of Glucose Monitoring and Management, as well as, Medication Management will be discussed.

“The group will provide a great opportunity to meet other individuals and family members with similar experiences,” said Dr. Jamali.  Participants will also have opportunities to “ask the expert” and receive helpful resources to better manage their diabetes.

The meetings are conveniently located in the auditorium of Flushing Hospital Medical Center, on the 5^th Floor.

Summer Schedule is as follows:

The Third Wednesday of Every Month-6:00pm – 7:30pm

Upcoming Topics –

June 15, 2016 –                 Controlling Diabetes with Nutrition

July 20, 2016 –                   Importance of Glucose Monitoring and Management

August 17, 2016 –              Medication Management

For more information or to confirm a reservation call 718-670-5000, ext. 8232.

Last month, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Trauma Division collaborated with the NYPD 113^th Precinct and other community organizations for Prom Impact 2016. The purpose of the event was to give back to high school seniors who otherwise were unable to afford prom attire.Jamaica Hospital’s employees donated over 100 gorgeous prom dresses and additional prom wear.

Many teenagers and their parents lined up at the Edward Byrne Athletic League in Queens, NY to get their pick of gowns, suits, shoes and accessories.

Although the teens received their attire free of charge, there was a catch, each had to meet with Sheila Antwi; Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator, to receive education on prom safety and distracted driving. Each teen also signed a pledge to their parents that they will not be a distracted driver, consume alcohol or use drugs.

Thanks to the combined efforts of all who donated or participated, these young adults in our community will be fashionable on their prom night and equipped with tips for staying safe.

On May 16^th , the MediSys Health Network celebrated the 18^th anniversary of its annual Golf Classic fundraiser. Many look forward to the golf, tennis and wellness outing, which is a designated day of fun and relaxation- all for a good cause.  An impressive number of supporters which included 135 golfers blanketed the grounds of the Old Westbury Country Club.

Although the weather was a bit on the chillier side in the morning, it did not stop the excitement that radiated from our staff and guests.   Eager participants arrived equipped for the activity they chose.  Our yogis had their mats, tennis players had racquets in tow and the golfers had their clubs.  Everyone proceeded to an all-star continental breakfast which fueled them for the day ahead.

After several hours of play, rest and relaxation, the event shifted to a more formal note.  Guests retreated to the cocktail and dinner reception in the banquet room.  They were served from elegant food stations filled with delicious dishes.  MediSys Health Network President and CEO Mr. Bruce J. Flanz took a moment to extend a warm welcome to everyone and introduce the event’s honorary chairman; Dr. Cono Grasso, Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Jamaica Hospital.

The highly anticipated raffle drawing began soon after.  Many entered and kept their fingers tightly crossed for coveted prizes that included: Paul Simon and Billy Joel concert tickets, a $1000 shopping spree at Simon Malls, Apple electronics, zip line and go cart excursions as well as MLB (Major League Baseball) game tickets.

Overall the event was a great success. Proceeds will benefit several programs and initiatives at Flushing and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. We thank all staff who volunteered and all friends of MediSys Health Network who supported our fundraiser. We hope to see you again next year.

Sharon Scott RN nominated for Jamaica Hospital’s 2016 Novice Nurse of The Year.

Earlier this month Flushing and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center celebrated National Nurses Week 2016.  The observance begins May 6^th and ends on the 12th, on Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Nurses Week was established by the American Nurses Association as a time to recognize the important roles nurses play in healthcare.

Jamaica Hospital hosted a week-long series of events to honor nurses, which included: an ice cream social, grand rounds, lunch and formal dinner, as well as a staff appreciation day and awards ceremony.

Flushing Hospital participated in various activities that shed light on the many ways nurses work to save lives and improve the health of millions. Events included a luncheon attended by Council Member Peter Koo, who presented a Citation of Appreciation from the New York City Council.

On behalf of Flushing Hospital nurses Maria Smilios, Dir. of Nursing accepted a Citation of Appreciation from Council Member Peter Koo

Recognition of our nurses’ work was not limited to Flushing and Jamaica Hospital. The Queens Courier published an article featuring nurses Maria Smilios and Beth Palmas.  In the article ‘A Labor of Love for Queens Nurses’ Smilios from Flushing Hospital spoke about her passion for helping others and positively contributing to the lives of patients. Palmas a nurse at Jamaica Hospital also shared that she sees her job as an opportunity to be a role model and to maintain wellness. She declared, “Nursing is a labor of love” and she has never thought twice about being a nurse.

READ the article here:
Nurse Article

As medical professionals, we often operate in environments that are fast-paced and bustling. Amidst the frenzy, we sometimes forget that something as simple as communication can prevent and solve many of the issues we encounter. On Thursday, May 5^th, leadership and staff from Flushing and Jamaica Medical Center had the opportunity to learn from the patient’s perspective how crucial communication is to patient safety.

“Listen to your patients,” were the opening remarks from guest speaker Sorrel King, the mother of 18-month-old Josie King, whose death was attributed to a breakdown in communication and medical errors during her hospitalization at Johns Hopkins University.   Mrs. King has spoken all over the country educating medical providers about the importance of better communication.

In her speech, Sorrel King recanted the series of events that lead to the tragic day. Josie was admitted to Johns Hopkins after suffering severe burns resulting from a bathtub accident.   During her stay, it appeared that she was on the road to a quick recovery; however, what was planned to be her release from the hospital turned into her tragically passing away. The cause of death was severe dehydration and wrongful administration of a narcotic.

Each year 98,000 patients die from medical errors; it is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.  Sorrel King believes that these numbers can be reduced by changing the culture of the healthcare industry.  Incorporating initiatives such as a Good Catch program, CUSP (Comprehensive Unit-Based Safety Program) and Rapid Response Teams can help healthcare providers to develop an environment where patients, their loved ones and medical teams work together to ensure proper communication and reduce the risk of medical errors.

Jamaica and Flushing hospital have created and implemented several initiatives that support the collective goal of keeping patients and staff safe.  However, hospital staff and leaders continue to seek and develop additional programs to support the goal of becoming a high-reliability medical provider.