On Monday, May 19^th, Jamaica and Flushing Hospitals held their 16^th Annual MediSys Golf Classic at the Old Westbury Country Club. The event was attended by 118 golfers and nine tennis players.

After a day of golfing and tennis, participants attended a cocktail/dinner reception, where remarks were made by Mr. Bruce J. Flanz, President and CEO of the MediSys Health Network and the event’s honorary chairman, Dr. Cono Grasso, Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology. Prizes were awarded to the highest scoring players/foursomes and a wide variety of raffles prizes were given away.

The highly anticipated raffle drawings included about $13,000 worth of prizes donated by various benefactors, as well as several departments at Jamaica and Flushing Hospitals. Some of these prizes included a waterproof digital camera, AMEX gift cards, an Apple TV gift package, Mets tickets, an iPad mini, a Geek/Techie basket of gadgets, which included a BestBuy and iTunes gift card and iPhone accessories, and much more. The grand prize was two Jet Blue tickets, a TUMI luggage gift card, and a Visa gift card.

Over $170,000 was raised, which will be used to benefit Jamaica Hospital’s Gastroenterology Department and Flushing Hospital’s Cardiac Care Unit.

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day was May 8^th, and to celebrate, Jamaica Hospital’s Advanced Center for Psychotherapy hosted its annual children’s art exhibit. This year’s theme was, “If you could change something in your life, what would it look like?”

With original pieces created by children and adolescents, the art exhibit was created as a way to initiate conversations between adults and children about how they can make positive changes in their lives.

“This year the focus is on positive mental health as it is essential to a child’s early development,” said June Wasserman, PhD  and coordinator of Child and Adolescent Services at the Advanced Center for Psychotherapy.

The art work will be displayed in the lobby of the Advanced Center for Psychotherapy for the month of May, National Mental Health.

For the past 116 years, social workers have committed themselves to improving social conditions and the quality of life opportunities for everyone. Every March, National Professional Social Work month highlights the contributions social workers make to society and raises awareness about the profession. This year, the theme is “All People Matter” and to celebrate, the MediSys Health Network organized several events.

Jamaica Hospital held a bake sale to raise money for The Rose Marmo Fund, created in honor of a social worker who worked at Jamaica Hospital for 35 years. Almost $500 was raised and the money will be used to assist patients with the things they need for a safe discharge.

Additionally, the facility organized an educational workshop for patients, visitors, and employees. Attorneys from The Family Center were available to assist individuals with questions regarding health care proxies and to help them complete the necessary forms.

“We wanted to educate the public on the importance of medical decision making,” explained Sheryl Mersten, Director of Case Management/Social Work at Jamaica Hospital. “As medical social workers, we are advocates for our patients and are constantly communicating between them, their loved ones, and staff. Social workers, therefore, become a critical part of the healthcare team.”

The facility ended the month long celebration with a social work appreciation luncheon. Social workers Meghan Wolfman, Karen Rothman, and Michelle Blearie-Samuel were honored by the department and received awards.

At Flushing Hospital, administration and department heads were sent an email informing them about National Social Work Month and thanking the hospital’s social workers for their unyielding dedication to their patients. Also, the Assistant Director of Case Management and Social Work, Christine Wildman, organized a breakfast to honor their social workers, while several hospital employees nominated Roy Naipaul for this year’s National Association of Social Workers/Queensboro Council for Social Work Queens Social Workers Award.

“All people have dignity and deserve respect,” said Denise James, Director of Case Management/Social Work at Flushing Hospital. “Social workers are an immediate lifeline in crisis—providing access to resources and new life options—and deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated for their hard work and dedication.”

The MediSys Health Network employs over 30 social workers, and we extend our gratitude to each and every one of them. Thank you.

Healthy Living Mural at JHMC

The Department of Psychiatry at Jamaica and Flushing Hospitals recently celebrated Creative Arts Therapies week by displaying the artwork made by their patients. From March 17 to March 21, Jamaica Hospital showcased an exhibit titled “Me” in the hospital lobby, while Flushing Hospital’s “Wishing Tree of Life and Hope” and “Healthy Living” murals were displayed on easels in the lobby.

The “Me” exhibit featured over 20 pieces, all depicting the personal expressions of how patients viewed themselves. The artwork includes self-portraits and landscapes.

Each of Flushing Hospital’s murals spanned 30”x40” and were created by patients from the Chemical Dependency Unit and inpatient psychiatry unit. The “Wishing Tree of Life and Hope” mural consisted of a tree full of leaves. Every leaf highlighted a personal value that patients found helpful in their recovery from drug use. The “Healthy Living” mural was a collage of images that patients felt defined healthy living. Some of the images included healthy food, exercising, and sleep.

Over 300 individuals, including Councilman Ruben Willis, visited the

Wishing Tree Mural at FHMC

exhibits and in some cases, wrote words of encouragement and support for creative arts therapy and acknowledged the benefits it provides patients.

“Creative Arts Therapies Week supports creative expression as a cornerstone of mental health and a happy, fulfilled life,” said Elim Mak, Creative Arts Therapist at Flushing Hospital. “Art therapy allows our patients to tap in or reconnect with their creative inner selves. It is a life-affirming intervention because we humans are, by nature, an imaginative and creative species.”

According to American Art Therapy Association, art therapy uses art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, and foster self-awareness. It also manages behavior and addictions, develops social skills, improves reality orientation, reduces anxiety and depression and increases self-esteem.

“Arts therapy is an essential part of treatment for mental health patients because the process of making art is therapeutic,” said Michelle Hololob, Creative Arts Therapist at Jamaica Hospital. “When a person doesn’t have words or when words are too painful, art becomes inspiration.”

“Additionally, every population can benefit from art therapy,” said Heather Grey, Creative Arts Therapist at Jamaica Hospital. “We provide all of our patients with a safe space. Our rooms are warm, friendly, inviting, and display remnants of home.”

"Me" Exhibit at JHMC

Mental health patients admitted to Jamaica or Flushing Hospital participate in creative arts therapy through group sessions. They also receive medication therapy, psychotherapy, and emotional support. The hospitals’ collaborative and comprehensive approach to treatment provides patients with the best chance at functioning in society.

The “Me” exhibit was featured in the Queens Chronicleand the New York Daily News.

On Friday February 21,  Bruce J. Flanz, President and CEO of the MediSys Health Network was an invited guest participant in a panel discussion on the state of healthcare in Queens.

The discussion was part of a larger Black History Month celebration, sponsored by local newspaper, The Press of Southeast Queens, and was held at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in downtown Jamaica. Over 200 individuals were in attendance, including Borough President Melinda Katz and other local elected officials. Many of the other attendees were influential, community-minded officials from various faith-based organizations, community boards and civic associations.

Mr. Flanz addressed the healthcare issues facing Jamaica Hospital as well as the community as we transition to a new healthcare delivery system.  He spoke about the industry movement to better manage the health of the community through education and preventative care, rather than only treating patients when they are sick and at our doors – a term known as Population Health Management.

During his presentation, Mr. Flanz explained that only 10% of an individual’s overall health can be attributed to the health care they receive. The remaining 90% is based on genetics and lifestyle. Through improved diet and exercise habits, a reduction in “bad behaviors” such as alcohol consumption and smoking, and an increased effort to maintain regular health check-ups, together, we can build a healthier community.

The crowd was very appreciative and enlightened by Mr. Flanz’s comments and many in attendance are now looking to work with Jamaica Hospital to improve the health of the community.

Last year, Jamaica and Flushing Hospitals made tremendous strides in creating and implementing ways to improve and deliver safe quality care to patients. Specifically, the hospitals began TeamSTEPPS (Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety), a teamwork system designed by the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Department of Defense to develop staff leadership and communication skills.

Approximately 150 clinical and non-clinical employees were trained in 2013 as TeamSTEPPS trainers. These staff members attended a two-day training program, where they learned how to integrate teamwork principals into all areas of healthcare. To date, 800 clinical and non-clinical employees have been trained by Jamaica Hospital’s TeamSTEPPS trainers and 500 clinical employees have been trained at FHMC. The goal for 2014 is to train 80%-100% of all hospital employees. This year JHMC will be scheduling several TeamSTEPPS workshops and train the trainer sessions. FHMC will also continue training all clinical staff, starting with a training session that is scheduled for the end of March for the entire OR staff.

“Research has shown that there are several benefits to TeamSTEPPS,” said Tianna Masko, Assistant Director, Learning and Organizational Development, MediSys Health Network. “By truly incorporating TeamSTEPPS into our culture, we will produce highly effective teams, increase team awareness, resolve conflict better, and improve information sharing.”

“As a result, we improve patient safety and quality care and we make our healthcare organization the very best there is,” she added.

On January 29, the trauma and surgery team were presented with an informational session on sepsis during their Grand Rounds. Over 50 physicians, residents, physician assistants, and other medical staff were educated on sepsis, the prevalence of the condition, and their role in identifying and treating sepsis.

According to Thomas Heyman, guest speaker and Executive Director of Sepsis Alliance, “sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that kills more than 250,000 American’s each year—more than breast, lung, and prostate cancer combined.”

Sepsis is a toxic response to infection. Any kind of infection can cause sepsis, especially pneumonia, urinary tract infections and infections in the belly.  Anyone can be affected by sepsis, though the very young and elderly are at higher risk for developing the condition.

Additionally, individuals with certain chronic diseases and those who are on medications that affect the infection fighting system are at a higher risk as well.

“We understand the severity of sepsis and are making great strides to educate our staff about the importance of immediate treatment,” explained Dr. Sebastian Schubl, Director of Trauma at Jamaica Hospital. “It is understood that immediate treatment can cut the number of deaths from sepsis in half.”

Jamaica Hospital treats hundreds of sepsis cases a year. Patients are treated with antibodies that help fight the infection and intravenous fluids that help make sure enough blood and oxygen gets to cells and tissues.

“We’re thankful for the Sepsis Alliance and their continued commitment to raising awareness of sepsis through education. Having the organization present at Grand Rounds was very beneficial to our team.”

The first baby of the New Year is always a special event at both of our hospitals. Although we did not have the honor of delivering New York City’s first baby this year, our New Year babies are still very special to us and worthy of recognition.

The first MediSys babies were welcomed by their mothers, families, and our dedicated staff. Shortly after their arrival, they posed beautifully for our photographer.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center welcomed:

Baby Girl: Jayla
Weight: 8 lbs 1 oz
Length: 20 inches
Delivery time: 10:57 AM
Mother: Timeka Dorch

Flushing Hospital Medical Center welcomed:

Baby Girl: Niha
Weight: 6 lbs 5 oz
Length: 18 inches
Delivery time: 12:55 AM
Mother: Shamima Khan

Congratulations to these babies. We wish them and their families a lifetime of happiness.

A recently published article in the Journal of Neurosurgery was co-authored by
Dr. Jamshid Ghajar, Chief of Neurosurgery at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. This clinical article titled “Marked reduction in mortality in patients with severe traumatic injury” is based on research done by Dr. Ghajar and other researchers based on work that was performed at several hospitals including Jamaica Hospital.

According to statistics compiled by the US Centers for Disease Control and prevention, at least 1.7 million people in the United States sustain some form of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) each year. In most cases (75%), the TBI is mild but in some cases it cases it can be quite severe. TBIs occur most often in very young children (0-4 years of age), adolescents (between15 and 19 years old), and older adults (65 years of age and older). Approximately 52,000 people with TBI die and 275,000 are hospitalized. TBIs are a contributing factor in nearly one-third of all injury-related deaths in our country.

Between 2001 and 2009, the number of deaths from severe traumatic brain injury dropped significantly at 22 trauma centers in New York State. The researchers found that the rate of deaths from severe TBI in the trauma centers dropped from 22% to 13% over the 9 year period. This reduction in deaths corresponds to increased adherence by hospital staff to “Guidelines for Management of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury,” which are produced by the Brain Trauma Foundation, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and Congress of Neurological Surgeons. The findings are reported and discussed in this article.

Summarizing the importance of the study, Dr. Ghajar, president of the Brain Trauma Foundation said “Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability in young people. Developing evidence-based guidelines and putting them into practice to improve outcomes are key priorities for the Brain Trauma Foundation. This remarkable reduction in deaths in New York State exemplifies our continued commitment to evidence-based guidleines.”