On Thursday, January 13th, New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi visited Jamaica Hospital Medical Center to learn about the MediSys Health Network’s efforts in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several topics were highlighted in a meeting with network leadership including:

• How Jamaica and Flushing Hospital (both located at the epicenter of pandemic) treated a massive influx of COVID-19 patients in March and April 2020.
• How both hospitals have successfully met the needs of their communities over the past 22 months.
• How the network is managing the current Omicron surge and the challenges it has presented.
• How both hospitals are utilizing resources, consolidating services and load-balancing patients.
• How the network continues to simultaneously combat the pandemic and care for communities with other trauma and emergent health needs.

During the meeting, leadership also shared details of other covid-related initiatives created by the network including the implementation of the emergency management task force, mass vaccination efforts, community engagement programs, as well as employee wellness and support programs.

The Commissioner listened intently to the presentations, asked questions, and offered to support the network in meeting any challenges.  

Overall, the meeting was a great success.  Dr. Chokshi commended the MediSys Health Network on its hard work in caring for Queens communities.  He stated, “As a proud Queens resident, I am grateful to have learned about the incredible work happening in my backyard. I appreciated the chance to learn about your lifesaving work—both during the Omicron surge and throughout the pandemic—and discuss how we can better serve our Queens communities. Thank you for all of your work.”

We thank NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi for visiting the MediSys Health Network and are humbled by his kind remarks. We truly appreciate his leadership and the support of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene during this time.

The first baby of the New Year is always a special event at each of our two hospitals. The first MediSys babies posed beautifully for our photographer. Special thanks to the staff who assisted with these deliveries.

Congratulations to the families, we wish them a lifetime of happiness.

These are our first babies of the New Year:

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Baby Girl:  Ocean

Weight: 7 lbs 1.9 oz

Length: 18 inches

Time: 5:17 PM. on 1/1/2022

Mother: Rakiva J. Obryant

Flushing Hospital Medical Center

Baby Girl: Saiteros Paguay

Weight: 6 lbs 1 oz

length 18 ½  inches

Time: 7:09 AM on 1/1/2022

Mother: Jessica Saiteros Paguay

According to statistics reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in March 2021, over 3 million babies were born in the United States in 2019. Among this group, only 3,136 were triplets.

Very few of these births occurred spontaneously (without the assistance of fertility treatments). This is because the chance of triplets being conceived naturally occurs in 1 in every 10,000 pregnancies.

Spontaneous triplets are uncommon, and with birth rates declining across the country, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center was not anticipating that it would be setting a record for the facility by delivering two sets of triplets, both naturally conceived, two days apart.   “The chance of this happening is rare.  So, when we learned that two of our moms were expected to deliver triplets very close to each other, we were excited. We also knew there would be a lot of hard work and careful planning ahead,” said Dr. Janice Krystal Ascencio, Women’s Health ACC Medical Director.

Having triplets or any form of multiple pregnancy is considered high risk. There are often health problems that can develop and lead to preterm labor and birth. Therefore, it was important for the babies’ healthcare team at Jamaica Hospital to begin specialized care early in the mothers’ pregnancies.

“We encountered a few complications during both pregnancies, shared Dr. Ugochi Akoma, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist and Director of Perinatal Diagnostic Centers & Obstetric Ultrasound at Jamaica Hospital. “Both moms at some point in the early third trimester had to be monitored closely for concerning cardiac symptoms.  Moms who are pregnant with multifetal pregnancies have a higher risk of developing a cardiac condition called peripartum cardiomyopathy which fortunately was not diagnosed.”

There were also concerns about the babies’ health. Doctors diagnosed one of the triplets with fetal growth restriction, a condition that causes babies not to grow and develop according to gestational age standards. In the other set of triplets, two of the babies shared one placenta. There are several problems that could occur when this happens, the most significant is a conditon called twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Caring for the moms and babies was a well-coordinated effort between multiple departments.  There were frequent meetings and mock drills conducted that involved OB/GYN, NICU, Nursing, Pediatric, Cardiology, Respiratory, BioMed, Anesthesia, Medicine, Social Work and Blood Bank professionals. “We worked together as one team and our collective goal was to ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery for both families,” said Dr. Akoma.

At the center of this healthcare team were the moms. Making sure that their voices were heard, and that they felt empowered throughout their journeys was made a high priority.  Jamaica Hospital provided a supportive environment in which strong bonds were formed between the patients and their healthcare providers.  The moms also developed a relationship with each other, becoming close friends.

Months of preparation and planning resulted in two successful deliveries.  On November 9, 2021, the Cruz family welcomed their baby girls into the world.  The Hoyos family celebrated the birth of their little girls two days later. Both sets of triplets were born during the 32nd week of the pregnancy. After delivery, the babies were transferred to the hospital’s Level 3 NICU where they received around-the-clock care.

Six little miracles made their debut at Jamaica Hospital in time for the holiday season, giving all involved in this journey a reason to be thankful. “Our team is humbled to have had the privilege of caring for and delivering these babies. There was lots of hard work but there was just as much joy,” stated Dr. Akoma.

On Saturday, October 23^rd Jamaica Hospital Medical Center hosted its first Community Wellness and Fall Fest at the Hollis Avenue Playground.

Several hundred people from the community attended and participated in the activities offered including health screenings, a youth basketball clinic, pumpkin painting, arts and crafts, Yoga and Zumba. Healthy snacks and other giveaways were also provided.

In addition to the activities that took place at the playground, Jamaica Hospital offered free Covid vaccines and flu shots to everyone eligible at our Hollis Tudors MediSys Health Center.

Several hospital departments participated in the event, they included: Family Medicine, Nursing, Dental, Psychiatry, Trauma, Public Affairs, Motor Transport, and Ambulatory Care. Also participating at this event were the New York City Fire Department, New York City Police Department, New York City Department of Transportation, Healthfirst, the New York Art Therapy Association, Reach Out and Read, and the Queens Borough Public Library.

Thank you to all who participated and volunteered their time to make this event a huge success.

On October 18, 2021, the MediSys Health Network hosted its 22^nd Annual MediSys Golf Classic to benefit Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

The event was the first to be held in over two years due to COVID restrictions.

The MediSys Golf Classic took place at the Old Westbury Country Club, where guests were greeted by friendly faces and welcomed to enjoy luxurious amenities.

There was a vibrant energy shared among attendees as all were excited to gather and have a wonderful time. One hundred and twenty-six golfers took to the green while others received massages or participated in health and wellness activities such as yoga.

After hours of a little friendly competition and relaxation, guests convened to dining areas where they were treated to an array of delicious cuisines.

MediSys Health Network President and CEO Bruce J. Flanz took this opportunity to welcome everyone back and thank employees for their hard work during the pandemic.  Mr. Flanz also thanked supporters of Jamaica and Flushing Hospital for their dedication.

Following Mr. Flanz was Dr. Cono Grasso, the event’s honorary chairman, who shared a few jokes before announcing the winners of various golf competitions. Raffle prize winners were also announced.  This year’s grand prize included a $1,000 American Airlines gift card along with a $1,000 Visa gift card for the winner to enjoy on an adventure of their choosing.  Other prizes consisted of a shopping spree, a hotel getaway package, a restaurant package, electronics and more.

Overall, the 2021 MediSys Golf Classic was a great success. This year, there were more guests than in previous years; however, the best part of the evening was being able to gather once again for a good cause.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center had the pleasure of welcoming back Dr. Wayne Jonas to its campus for Grand Rounds and a series of meetings to discuss advancements made by the hospital’s Integrative Health program.

Dr. Jonas is a board-certified practicing family physician, an expert in integrative health, and a widely published scientific investigator. He has held several leadership positions in numerous organizations, including serving as Director of the Medical Research Fellowship at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research; Director of the Office of Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health; Director of the World Health Organization Center for Traditional Medicine; and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Samueli Institute.

In addition to these accomplishments, he is also a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Medical Corps of the United States Army.

Dr. Jonas currently serves as the Executive Director of the Samueli Foundation’s Integrative Health Programs, an effort supported by Henry and Susan Samueli to empower patients and doctors by providing solutions that enhance health, prevent disease, and relieve chronic pain. Their continued support has helped to establish and sustain many integrative health initiatives at Jamaica Hospital.

During his visit, Dr. Jonas hosted a series of engaging presentations for providers, staff, and a host of virtual participants. In his first presentation, entitled Healing in the Time of COVID, Dr. Jonas discussed where health comes from and how medical care can access it; how the COVID pandemic has impacted health and health care; new models of whole-person care emerging for transforming medicine after COVID; and new tools that providers can use now to enhance healing and transform their practice.

Dr. Jonas’ succeeding presentation entitled Placebo Research in Practice, explored three core mechanisms of the placebo response and how they manifest in practice; seven clinical practices behaviors that utilize placebo mechanisms; implications for person-centered vs. evidence-based decision making; and tools for incorporating enhanced placebo healing in routine practice.

Throughout the course of his visit, Dr. Jonas imparted a great wealth of knowledge that will help Jamaica Hospital provide quality integrative healthcare to the communities we serve. We thank Dr. Jonas and the Samueli Foundation for their continued support of our Integrative Health program and look forward to working together in future endeavors.

On Thursday, August 4^th, the MediSys Health Network hosted award ceremonies at Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center to celebrate being the recipient of numerous Healthgrades awards.

Both events commenced with opening remarks from MediSys Health Network President and CEO Bruce J. Flanz followed by Dr. Sabiha Raoof CMO and Chairperson of Radiology. In their speeches, Mr. Flanz and Dr. Raoof reflected on navigating the COVID -19 pandemic and thanked hospital employees for their steadfast commitment to providing patients with quality health care in unprecedented times.

Jennie Mandelbaum, Healthgrades’ Associate Director of Quality Solutions, was later introduced to guests. She enthusiastically congratulated each hospital on earning multiple nationally recognized awards and explained the significance of obtaining notable recognitions from Healthgrades.

Healthgrades is the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. The platform assists patients in finding the best doctors and hospitals for their needs.  Each year, Healthgrades analyzes nearly 4,500 hospitals in the United States and evaluates their performance in providing quality care for multiple conditions and procedures.

Based on its overall performance, Jamaica Hospital ranked among the top 5% of facilities in the nation for overall clinical excellence and was selected as a 2021 America’s 250 Best Hospitals award recipient. This is the second consecutive year that Jamaica Hospital has received this award.

The hospital was also presented with America’s 100 Best Coronary Intervention and America’s 100 Best Stroke Care awards, as well as 2021 Excellence awards for cranial neurosurgery, neurosciences, gynecologic surgery, and pulmonary care.

Watch the Jamaica Hospital award ceremony highlights here

Flushing Hospital received recognition as a top performer in delivering outstanding patient care for several specialties and procedures.  The hospital was awarded the Healthgrades 2021 America’s 100 Best General Surgery, the 2021 Pulmonary Care Excellence Award, and the 2020 Excellence awards for Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Labor and Delivery.

Watch the Flushing Hospital award ceremony highlights here

“We applaud the recipients of the Healthgrades America’s 50, 100 and 250 Best Hospitals for their long-standing commitment to quality and superior clinical outcomes. As hospitals across the country continue to fearlessly treat patients during the time of COVID-19, it has never been more important to recognize those organizations that are delivering the highest quality care,” stated Dr. Brad Bowman Chief Medical Officer at Healthgrades.

Congratulations to Jamaica Hospital’s C.A.R.E (Compassion Advocacy Respect and Engagement) award recipients.

The hospital’s Person-Centered Care Department created the C.A.R.E award program to recognize employees who received positive remarks (written and verbal) from patients or their loved ones after receiving high-quality and compassionate care.

Criteria for the award require that recipients exemplify G.R.A.C.E:

G- Gracious: Having a courteous and kind demeanor.

R- Respect: Treating others the way they want to be treated.

A- Assisting: Anticipating needs and concerns (example wayfinding).

C- Communication: Talking to patients and family members according to their health literacy.

E- Empathy: Using the patient’s perspective, making the patient feel understood, ensuring that their feelings are validated.

We congratulate the following employees, and thank them for their contributions to making Jamaica Hospital a high-reliability hospital that focuses on patient-centered care:

1. Richard Hernandez CNM
2. Anita Sookoo RN
3. Elizabeth Philip RN
4. Maria Labra RN
5. Tiara Lagrasta RN
6. Diane Aitcheson
7. Merle Pike, RN
8. Karla Johnson RN
9. Yangdon Tenzin RN
10. Danny Agpalo PCA
11. Elizabeth Dufort RN
12. Laurence Benn RN
13. Kim Gazze RN
14. Yuping Guo RN
15. Irina Khayumova RN
16. Ronnie Ramah CNM
17. Brenda Williams RN
18. Ma Ruth Rosalyn Jose, RN
19. Roxanne McQueen RN,
20. Nadine Sorrell RN
21. Jingky Benedicto, RN

In its most recent effort to alleviate stress among employees and promote a healing environment, the MediSys Health Network has collaborated with Studio Elsewhere, a bio-experiential technology company, and the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA) to bring custom-designed Recharge Rooms to Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

The Recharge Rooms sponsored by GNYHA provide stress-reducing, multisensory and immersive experiences that utilize synchronized lighting, scent, and psychoacoustic sounds to simulate nature’s restorative landscapes. Here, employees can transcend to any one of 10 relaxing escapes such as watching the waves crash on a beach or enjoying a campfire by a lake, simply by voice activating each simulation.

In addition to viewing tranquil nature projections, employees can enjoy the ambiance of flickering faux candles, aromatic oil diffusers, beautiful silk-leaf plants, and comfortable lounge chairs. Each item was purposely selected to aid with relaxation and lowering elevated stress levels.

Information on ways to contact a mental health counselor if needed and resources that promote mental wellness are also available in each room.

The Recharge Room will officially open at Jamaica Hospital on Monday, July 26^th.  All MediSys employees are encouraged to visit, take a break and de-stress.

The room is located on the 2^nd floor of the A/B building, just outside the elevators.  The space can comfortably accommodate two people at a time. It is accessible 24/7 and no appointments are necessary. The suggested use time for each visit is approximately 10-15 minutes so that others can have access.

Please enjoy a sneak peek of the Recharge Room here:

The opening of the Recharge Room at Flushing Hospital has been postponed. Updates will be provided to employees as soon as they become available.