The Nutritional Services Department at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center participated in several successful community outreach events during this holiday season.

In November, the hospital’s registered dietitians, Lindsay Chetelat and Alessandra Venditto collaborated with the New York City Department of Health to host an event at the Jamaica Farmers Market.  The event promoted the health benefits of eating fresh, seasonal produce.

Chetelat and Venditto shared recipes with participants and demonstrated ways to prepare fruits and vegetables for a healthy meal. Health Bucks were distributed to guests as part of an initiative to increase access to fresh produce within the five boroughs. Health Bucks are paper vouchers created by the Health Department’s District Public Health Offices. The vouchers provide opportunities for residents to buy fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables while supporting regional farmers.

In December, the Nutritional Services Department’s Clinical Nutrition Manager, Nelly Katan, assisted in the coordination of a NY1 News segment about ‘Eating Healthy during the Holidays.’ Dietitian Lindsay Chetelat shared several healthy eating tips with viewers which included sticking to the Plate Method, eating slowly and allowing yourself one treat.  The segment was well-received by many in our community.

To view the news segment, please watch here:

https://youtu.be/DhuPFcwEwfw

Both initiatives were a great success and are examples of some of the community outreach efforts conducted by the Nutritional Services Department in an effort to increase public education by engaging with residents in our neighborhood.  Members of the department work continuously to assist our patients in growing their knowledge about nutrition, wellness and healthy eating.  We look forward to their advancements in the New Year.

The  2016 Korean Health Fair was held at Flushing Hospital Medical Center and an astounding 155 participants from various parts of the community received medical screening in the following specialties:

• Internal Medicine
• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Ophthalmology
• Vascular Surgery
• ENT
• Podiatry
• Orthopedics
• Gastro Intestinal
• Pain Management
• OB-GYN
• Dental

Additionally, participants, both male and female, were able to receive Alzheimer’s and obesity screening.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center takes its commitment to community outreach seriously and is continuing to develop innovative ways to bring wellness to those who would not otherwise seek medical attention.

Dr. Harrison Mu FACS, Director of Neurosurgery at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgery, was recently recognized as a Healthcare Hero by the Queens Tribune.  The momentous achievement came on the heels of the previous announcement that Mu has been chosen to serve as an Honorary Police Surgeon for the NYPD by police Commissioner James O’Neill.

Dr. Mu specializes in brain and spinal injuries. He is best known for treating and saving the life of NYPD Officer Kenneth Healey in the highly public incident in which Healey was attacked by an assailant with a hatchet.

The Health Care Heroes were carefully selected from medical institutions and programs in Queens and Long Island. Each honoree was nominated based on their contributions in helping to shape the future of healthcare and implementing innovations or philosophies that will ultimately improve and save the lives of patients.

Dr. Mu’s philosophy is, “Every person is unique and every patient should be treated as such,” he said. “My approach to every patient is individualistic. It is my feeling to help you understand your situation first. And with this understanding, we can discuss the management options and formulate a plan within the context of medicine and within your value and goals.”

Congratulations on your achievement Dr. Harrison Mu and thank you for all your contributions to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and the communities we serve.

The MediSys Health Network’s 14^th Annual Behavioral Health Conference was a resounding success.

The amply attended conference took place last month at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. This year’s topic, Preventing Suicide: An Aspiration Goal and Practical Steps was  selected due to a recent federal government report indicating that the national suicide rate has increased 24% from 1999 to 2014.

The purpose of the conference was to increase recognition of suicide risk factors and taking steps to prevent them, as well as improving suicide prevention communications amongst individuals, families, providers and communities.

Following welcoming remarks by Seeth Vivek, MD, Chairman of Psychiatry and introductory remarks and comments by Mr. Bruce Flanz, President and CEO of MediSys Health Network, Anthony Maffia, LCSW, Vice-President, Psychiatry and Addiction Services, Mr. Robert Levine Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Flushing Hospital , the eager participants began their day.

This year’s keynote speaker was Carolyn Clancy, MD, Deputy under Secretary for Health for Organizational Excellence, Department of Veterans Affairs.  Dr. Clancy spoke on the topic of Towards Organizational Excellence: Predicting and Preventing Suicide.

Our special invited speaker, Lloyd Sederer, MD, Chief Medical Office, NYS Office of Mental Health spoke to the group on the topic,  Suicide and Depression: Reducing Disability and Death through Depression Management in Primary Care.

Hospital experts in their field, such as Dr. Daniel Chen, Vice Chairman, Psychiatry and Addiction Services, Ira Frankel, PhD, LCSW, Administrator, Psychiatry and Addition Services, Flushing Campus, Carmen James, Esq, Director of Risk Management, Flushing Campus conducted presentations and lively discussions throughout the day.

Dr. Ira Frankel, event organizer and his planning committee thanked all who attended and is looking forward to the 15^th Annual Behavioral Health Conference next year.

On November 19, 2016, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center celebrated the important milestone of serving the community for 125 years.  The momentous occasion was commemorated at the hospital’s annual Rainbow Ball dinner- dance and fundraiser which took place at Citi Field.

The venue was filled to the maximum capacity of 650 guests, consisting of hospital staff, community leaders and supporters of Jamaica Hospital.

Hospital President and CEO Bruce J. Flanz commenced the evening by welcoming everyone and sharing a brief history of the hospital since its humble beginnings in a rented four- bedroom house to the 408-bed institution it is today.

Mr. Flanz exuded pride as he spoke about the institution’s evolution over the last century and continuous commitment to providing quality health care.  He took a moment to highlight Jamaica Hospital’s ability to engage with the community and identify services needed to improve the population’s health.   One of the departments to provide a much-needed service over the years has been the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.

(L-R) Jamaica Hospital President and CEO Bruce J. Flanz and Chief of Orthopedic Surgery Nader Paksima MD

The department was recognized for providing highly specialized care to hundreds of thousands of patients and producing some of the nation’s best surgeons from its residency program.  Department head and Chief of Orthopedic Surgery, Nader Paksima MD., accepted an award on behalf of the stellar team. Proceeds from the Rainbow Ball were earmarked to benefit the Department of Orthopedic Surgery to help them continue their outstanding work.

(L-R)Honorees Ryan Eller; President Resorts World Casino and John O’Keefe; Senior Vice President of Operations, Underpinning and Foundation Skanska Inc.

Additional awards were presented to the honorees for the evening, Ryan M. Eller; President of Resorts World Casino and John O’Keefe; Senior Vice President of Operations, Underpinning and Foundation Skanska Inc.  Both were honored for displaying a strong commitment to Jamaica Hospital as well as communities in which the organizations operate.

In all the 2016 Rainbow Ball was a fantastic night of celebration.  Thank you to all who have contributed in making the event a success and to those who have supported Jamaica Hospital in its endeavors over the years.

Infection control is a top priority at Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center. Both hospitals exercise measures that are as simple as enforcing good hand hygiene among staff or as complex as implementing high-level disinfectant and sterilization processes.

One of the most efficient means of reminding everyone of the importance of infectious disease control is through education. During International Infection Prevention Week Jamaica and Flushing Hospital hosted events in their main lobbies to educate employees and the community about the many different germs and infections that could be found in a healthcare setting and ways to prevent them from spreading.

Jamaica Hospital’s Infection Control Department invited guests to play trivia games, participate in raffles and most importantly learn about viruses such as Zika and bacteria such as MRSA and C-Diff. The group displayed boards that taught passersby about ways to reduce transmission.

At Flushing Hospital, Director of Infection Prevention; Dr. Javeria Shakil and her team hosted an informational table to raise awareness of the importance of proper hand hygiene. They informed guests that while there is no single way to eliminate healthcare-associated infections, practicing good hygiene can have a strong impact. In fact, eighty percent of infections are spread by dirty hands and washing them is often the best defense at preventing the spread of germs and bacteria.

Jamaica and Flushing Hospital will continue to make strides in infection prevention solutions and strive to sustain hand hygiene initiatives. Both organizations are committed to motivating staff to comply with proper infection disease practices.

Special thanks to the Infection Control Departments of both hospitals for their continued efforts.

October 6 2016, was Organ Donor Enrollment Day.  The observance was created to inform New Yorkers that the need for organ donors has never been greater and encourage them to take action by enrolling into the New York State Donate Life Registry.   This call to action is very important because there are currently 10,000 New York residents waiting for an organ donation and each year many die while waiting.

Several health organizations including Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center support this initiative by participating in a statewide campaign to register as many organ donors as possible at their locations.

In previous years both hospitals have conducted outreach efforts on their respective campuses. However this year, in addition to operating hospital-based enrollment stations, Flushing and Jamaica Hospital collaborated with York College and Queens College by hosting donor registration events in their student lobbies.

Organizers from LiveOnNY and hospital staff led teams of volunteers at all locations to speak with potential donors about the importance of becoming an organ donor and that for every one person who registers, up to eight lives can be saved.

Mary Fischer, a CNA at Flushing Hospital knows all too well the importance of organ donation, her daughter Lauren was the recipient of a bi-lateral lung transplant just a few months ago. Lauren accompanied her mother at Queens College as living proof that organ donation is vital to those who need it to live a healthy life.

Overall Organ Donor Enrollment Day was a success as Jamaica and Flushing Hospital accomplished the goal of making a difference and giving the gift of life to many New Yorkers.

Last month, MediSys Health Network celebrated the grand opening of the New York Surgical Specialists center by hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony.  The new multi-specialty practice located on Union Turnpike in Fresh Meadows, sits in the heart of one of the most highly-trafficked streets in Queens. The beautifully decorated 3700 Sq. Ft facility evidently designed with the comforts of the patient in mind, boasts a modern aesthetic and several state-of-the-art amenities.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was hosted by the practice’s head surgeons, Michael Stracher MD, Sanjeev Rajpal MD, Juan Sandoval MD and Frederick Gulmi MD. MediSys Health Network’s President and CEO Bruce J Flanz welcomed guests and gave opening remarks. He was later joined by Mournir Doss; Executive Vice President and CFO who spoke about the vision the network’s leadership had for New York Surgical Specialists and the hard work that brought it to fruition. He expressed his appreciation to project managers Rosemary Brandt and Tracey Agostini for facilitating and overseeing many aspects of the process.

Guests were granted office tours during which they learned about the sophisticated technologies, such as the Artemis Robot which will be utilized by the surgeons. The facility’s waiting area was furnished with comfortable seating, colorful pieces of art and a centrally located reception area. The eight examination rooms were impeccable and expansive.

New York Surgical Specialists is open for business and offers patients a wide range of surgical services that include general, bariatric, urological, gynecological and orthopedic surgery. The surgical group is one of few in Queens to provide patients with surgeons who specialize in laparoscopic and robotic surgery in addition to traditional surgery. Most surgical procedures will be performed at Flushing Hospital Medical Center.  New York Surgical Specialists’ friendly and professional staff is available to facilitate and expedite patient referrals and can be reached by calling, 718-408-NYSS (6977).

Last month, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center celebrated breaking ground for what will be the newly renovated Ferrara Family Center for Hospice Care.  The event was held in the Trump Pavilion Garden Room North and was filled to capacity by staff, elected officials, media and supporters of the hospital.

The ground breaking ceremony commenced with remarks from Jamaica Hospital President and CEO Bruce J. Flanz who excitedly welcomed everyone and shared a brief history of the renovation project from inception to reaching the milestone that was achieved on that day.  Mr. Flanz’s excitement proved infectious as others including elected officials Senator Joseph Addabbo and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz later followed his speech expressing the same sentiment while applauding the hospital for its commitment to providing quality care to the community over the years.

The highlight of the event took place when the Borough President, along with Mr. Flanz and board member Neil Foster Phillips introduced hospital trustee Mr. Joseph Ferrara, the namesake for the unit. Mr. Ferrara went on to explain how important this day was for him and for the advancement of the hospital’s community initiatives. “It’s a necessary thing,” he said. “The community deserves this.”

Ferrara praised the high level of care and dedication offered by the Hospice Care Unit’s multidisciplinary staff led by Dr. Alan Roth; Chairman of Family Medicine and Chief of Palliative Care Medicine and Angelo Canedo PHD; Vice President of MediSys Health Network: by sharing his personal experience of the support received when his wife passed away. “I met many wonderful and caring people”, he said.

Guest speaker and former Jamaica Hospital employee Edward Schraeger also shared his story “I was fortunate enough to have a place like Jamaica to bring my relatives. Without Jamaica, I honestly don’t know what we would’ve done,” Schraeger said. “It warms my heart to see this program will continue to flourish.”

Hospital leadership later presented Mr. Ferrara with a sledge hammer with a gold- covered head and a plaque as a commemoration of his generosity. He found it a great honor for his family to be a part of the momentous occasion.

The Ferrara Family Center for Hospice Care is slated to begin construction this fall. The unit’s redesign will offer patients and families many upgraded amenities that promote serenity, privacy and will allow them to feel more at home. Some of the new upgrades will include private and spacious suites for patients, family meeting rooms and a relaxing family lounge that offers loved ones a space to gather decompress or reflect.

“The needs of our patients and community are at the top of our list of priorities; our commitment to patient satisfaction is reflected in every amenity and feature we will offer at the Ferrara Family Center for Hospice Care,” concluded hospital CEO and President Bruce J. Flanz.  “We want to ensure that compassion and comfort are received at all times,”stated Mr. Flanz.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvJkZr59kYI

On Wednesday, September 14, 2016, Flushing Hospital Medical Center hosted its annual Celebration 2016 Dinner Gala, at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach.

Each year, the Celebration event receives overwhelming support from the hospital’s administrators and staff, as well as members of the community.

This year, President and CEO, Bruce J. Flanz welcomed nearly 400 guests to the venue and spoke with great pride about this year’s honorees. The honorees were chosen because of their devotion and contributions to Flushing Hospital.

This year’s nominees included Mr. Sang Ki Han, President, The Korean Channel and Trustee at FHMC, Alexander Kintzoglou, M.D., Chairman of the Department of Medicine, as well as, Barbara Hill-Boyd, Director, Patient Advocacy.As each honoree’s name was announced, those in attendance stood up and cheered in celebration of their achievements.

Each honoree spoke with passion about the place Flushing Hospital holds in their hearts. Honoree, Barbara Hill-Boyd said it best when she stated, “When I think about my time at Flushing Hospital, the word gratitude comes to mind; gratitude for my co-workers, my supervisors, the patients and their families. You have all touched my life in so many wonderful ways.”

Overall the event was a great success. The leadership and staff at Flushing hospital thanks everyone who has supported the hospital and continues to do so over the years.