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.”

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center recently received the Path to Excellence Award from the National Research Corporation for most improved facility.

Path to Excellence recipients were selected by The National Research Corporation (NRC) based on high marks that they received in quality of care by their patients. Jamaica Hospital was selected as a “Most Improved Organization” from an extensive database of NRC hospitals with 300 or more patient beds. The award was a result of the hospital’s dramatic rise on patient satisfaction surveys over a one year period, between the third quarter of 2012 and the second quarter of 2013.  Jamaica was one of two hospitals that displayed the largest increase in the percentage of patients rating the organization a nine or a ten. Over that time period, Jamaica Hospital’s scores rose over 11 points.

“The Path to Excellence Award recognizes the hard work by so many people within our organization,” stated Bruce J. Flanz, President and CEO of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. “Over the past year, we have dedicated ourselves as an organization to improving our quality of care. We have implemented many programs and initiatives in an effort to provide the best healthcare possible for our patients and families.”

“National Research congratulates Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for their outstanding achievements,” said Susan Hendricks President and Chief Operating Officer of National Research. “We understand that driving improvement changes across an organization takes an incredible amount of resources and dedication – and Jamaica Hospital has done exactly that.”

Flushing Hospital celebrated the completion of its brand new state-of-the-art Ambulatory Care Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 26^th, 2013.

The soon-to-open Ambulatory Care Center is conveniently located on the corner of 45^th Avenue and Burling Street, on the ground floor of the hospital’s Medical Science Building.  Fulfilling its mission to provide superior service to our patients and our community in a caring environment, the Ambulatory Care Center offers a variety of services including: medicine, pediatrics, surgery and many other sub-specialties. 

The new 8,900 square foot improved layout boasts 32 modern examination rooms and  separate adult and pediatric registration areas that allows for a more comfortable environment.  With the implementation of the new Electronic Health Record system and the on-site retail pharmacy, patients will be able to access their records and fill their prescriptions with ease.

Supporting and celebrating with Flushing Hospital President & CEO, Bruce J, Flanz, were members of the hospital’s administrative team, medical staff, and Board of Trustees. Also on hand to cut the ceremonial ribbon was Senator Toby-Ann Stavisky and Councilmember Peter Koo.  Members of the local media present to capture the festivities as Flushing Hospital looks toward the future.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Food and Nutrition Department recently announced that it has changed it’s menu in an effort to promote healthy eating habits.

“We are very proud of the new menu! Besides having a new look and all new recipes,the new patient menu is much healthier. We focused on promoting and increasing the consumption of whole grains, low fat dairy, fruits and vegetables and decreasing sodium intake. No item on the current menu is fried or contains trans fat!”  stated, Kelly McGuire, Manager, Clinical Nutrition at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, who added, “When making the change, we were also conciencious of quality – so we made every effort to make sure the new, healthy options also taste good”

In addition to the upgrade, the new menus are currently being translated into Spanish, Chinese and Korean to reflect the ethnically diverse population that Flushing Hospital serves.

The new patient menu is just the latest example of how Flushing Hospital is meeting the needs of its community. Each change that is made in every Department of FHMC is geared toward making the patient experience a positive one guiding the to welness.

Influenza vaccination season has officially begun. The Occupational Health Department is offering the flu vaccination free of charge to employees, volunteers, students, contract personnel and independent licensed practioners who are affiliated with the MediSys Health Network.

Flu vaccination protocols for health care workers have become a widely discussed topic over the past few years. Several state and federal agencies have issued guidelines and will be closely monitoring their implementation. There is now mandatory reporting for New York State Department of health and CDC/CMS. The Joint Commission expects that 90% of Hospital personnel will receive the flu vaccine every year.

Employees from all hospital departments, both at the main campus as well as the off-campus locations, are expected to participate in the organization-wide Flu vaccination campaign by October 31st. Any staff member who decides against the vaccination must sign a refusal form. If the vaccine is given by an outside agency or by a private physician, written proof must be submitted to the Office of Occupational Health.

For those people who refuse to receive the flu vaccine, we remind them that unvaccinated personnel will be required to wear a surgical mask while in areas where patients may be present from November 1st throughout the period when influenza remains prevalent in our region.

For further information regarding the flu vaccination program at Flushing Hopsital please contact the Occupational Health Department at 718-670-5360.

Dr Riccardo Ricciardi, Director of Urology at both Flushing Hospital and Jamaica Hospital was recently interviewed at his Flushing Hospital office about kidney stones and the higher prevalence of developing them during the hot summer months.

The interview, which was conducted by Erin Billips, Health Care Reporter for NY 1 News, aired on the news channel’s rotation, beginning on Monday, August 12th.  During the interview, the reporter spoke with Dr Ricciardi as well as one of his current patients about the importance of drinking plenty of water when it is extremely hot. He explained that the body loses excess fluids through sweating, which can cause dehydration and increase the likelihood of developing what can be very painful kidney stones.

In addition to helpful tips to avoid kidney stones, Dr. Ricciardi also shared information on the various treatment options offered at Flushing Hospital Medical Center for people suffering with them, including Shockwave Lithotripsy.

To see the segment in its entirety, click here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiQpWlbWaZA&feature=youtu.be

The news segment was one example of the many important services available at Flushing Hospital Medical Center and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. If you have an idea to publicize a new or existing service, please contact the Public Affairs Department at 718-206-6020.