Silvina De La Iglesia and our new Video Remote Interpretation System

Jamaica and Flushing Hospital Medical Center are located in one of the most linguistically diverse regions in the world.  According to a recent census, there are over 138 languages spoken in Queens.

Servicing a community that is so uniquely diverse is a responsibility that we take pride in.  This is why Jamaica and Flushing Hospital makes providing efficient ways to communicate with our patients and their families one of our highest priorities.

Effective language communication is critical in our daily operations as healthcare providers.  Proper communication reduces the risk of medical errors and improves the quality of our patients’ experience.  There are several systems and resources set up throughout both institutions to ensure that language needs are being met.

We have many language tools that we utilize, including our Point-To chart, our on-site qualified medical interpreters (which can be located in the Language Bank Manual),  and the over-the-phone interpreters, the Language Line and Pacific Interpreters.

However, the Language Assistant Program headed by Silvina De La Iglesia has added an innovative tool- the Video Remote Interpretation system (VRI), to service our Deaf or hard or hearing community.

The Video Remote Interpreting system is primarily used for American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation.  The system is mobile and used on iPads. The devices are kept in the emergency room office or in the Language Assistance Program department at Jamaica Hospital. They are on the way shortly to Flushing Hospital.  Silvina, an advocate for language service accessibility in healthcare facilities wants to encourage staff to become familiar with the new technology.

Silvina demonstrates the VRI and discusses both hospitals’ sensitivity to cultural diversity and language on Univision News

“The system is very easy to use. It’s like using an app on the iPad. It helps us to remain compliant with regulations that require interpreters be available to patients within 20 minutes of arrival to the hospital and within 10 minutes to the ER,” stated Silvina. The technology uses video conferencing –think Face Time, to connect a qualified ASL interpreter to the patient.  The interpreter then conveys the conversation to hospital staff, enabling effective communication.

Welcome Jonathan Sanchez, our new ASL Interpreter/ Coordinator

The Language Assistance Program plans to increase and expand interpreting resources and services provided by Jamaica and Flushing Hospital.  The department recently hired a new ASL Interpreter/ Coordinator Jonathan Sanchez to help fulfill departmental goals.  “My goal is to solidify and promote Jamaica and Flushing Hospital as institutions where our community takes comfort in knowing that we will be able to help and communicate with them in many languages, spoken or signed.”

Silvina was recently featured in the newspaper El Diario and appeared along with our patient navigators on the evening news for Univision TV. She spoke about the hospitals’ sensitivity to language differences and the progressive steps we are taking to meet the demands of our diverse community.

Silvina ‘s Interview with El Diario can be read here: http://www.eldiariony.com/cuando-de-salud-se-trata-a-cada-quien-su-idioma

For more hospital highlights, health and fitness information, visit us on: Facebook.com/ Jamaica Hospital, Facebook.com/ Flushing Hospital and on twitter @JamaicaHospital and @FHMC_NYC.

Through the generosity of Splashes of Hope and Astoria Bank, Flushing Hospital Medical Center is the proud recipient of two painted murals in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit.

“We are overjoyed about the murals. The NICU, often times, can be perceived as a sterile environment to parents and staff. These murals provide a warmer feeling of hope and happiness,” stated Maria DeMarinis- Smilios, Director of Nursing. “One mural has the inscription ‘Miracles Are Grown Here,’ how true!”

In addition to the murals, JASA, a senior centered organization in Bayside, NY, crocheted hundreds of caps for the babies in the NICU.

These caps are an important part of the babies’ progress. They help prevent body heat loss, via the head. The knitted caps also give parents  a sense of normalcy while their babies are connected to medical equipment and being treated in the  NICU.

If you would like to learn more about Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s NICU, please visit our website at www.flushinghospital.org

For more hospital highlights, health and fitness tips, join Jamaica and Flushing Hospital on Twitter and Facebook.

This summer the Dental Department at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center celebrated a milestone by graduating its 40^th residency class.  The department began the residency program in the 1970’s; an era known for many facets of change. Since then graduates from the program have gone on to become leaders in the industry, serving as deans at dental schools, presidents of dental associations and practicing dentists at Jamaica Hospital.

One of the physicians that has remained with Jamaica Hospital since his graduation in the 1970’s is Dr. Paul Spenadel. The doctor today is a spry 90 years old and is still practicing- without missing a beat.  Dr. Spenadel is known as “The Godfather” to the Dental Department because of his many years of dedication and commitment.

We sat with the doctor to get his perspective: past and present on the dental Industry. He discussed the changes he has experienced during the evolution of dentistry, “The tools and materials used in our industry have changed but the basic principles have remained the same. We encourage residents to practice and uphold ethical standards of conduct.” When asked what kind of advice he would share with aspiring dentists, Dr. Spenadel replied, “Be the best dentist you can be and serve your patients well.”

Dr. Paul Spenadel continues to serve our community as a voluntary attending and treats geriatric patients. He actively provides supervision to dental residents and educates them on how to properly provide services for older adults.  Dr. Deborah Pasquale, Chairperson of the Dental Department shared her fondness for Dr. Spenadel, “He was one of my favorite attendings when I was a resident here at Jamaica Hospital in 1991/1992. He is so kind and helpful and easy to work with. He makes us and the patients feel at ease. He has a wealth of knowledge to share.”

The Dental Department continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of its patients.  Dr. Pasquale expressed her excitement for future plans, “I am very excited about the future of our department and the residency program. We are making great strides in our attempt to offer more services to our community. We are at the final stages of incorporating dentistry in the OR on a permanent, regular basis to our services, as well as a sedation suite in our dental clinic. These will benefit our pediatric, special needs and phobic dental population and give our residents experience far beyond their dental school training.”

For more hospital highlights, health and fitness tips, join Jamaica and Flushing Hospital on Twitter and Facebook.

The United States has one of the highest rates of premature births among industrialized nations and locally, Jamaica Queens has one of the highest rates in New York City. While there are differences in geographic significance, one problem remains the same- the numbers are alarming.  Research attributes high rates in pre-term labor to socioeconomic factors such as income and education.  Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and the March of Dimes have partnered to find solutions to this growing health problem and address the contributing factors.

On July 16^th both organizations officially launched the Healthy Babies Are Worth the Wait program. Jamaica Hospital is one of two hospitals selected by the March of Dimes to execute the comprehensive initiative.  The hospital was selected based on their unique program offerings such as the Centering Program and fulfilling the requirements of a rigorous screening process.

Jamaica Hospital plans to enhance the Centering Pregnancy program by using an innovative approach to educate patients in a group-based setting that infuses mobile technology with traditional prenatal care.  The hospital has partnered with SocialWellth to create interactive digital applications with specific content about preterm labor prevention. All Centering patients will be given tablets loaded with these applications as a tool to help guide them throughout their pregnancies.

Mitchell Cornett, administrator of Jamaica Hospital’s Ob/Gyn department   expressed his excitement for the program launch in a recent interview, “Jamaica Hospital is thrilled to be a partner in the March of Dimes’ Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait Program.”  “We are equally excited that we have successfully initiated group prenatal care. Mothers participating in the program are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for their babies. By including the multifaceted concept of Centering Pregnancy as a growing part of our prenatal care services, Jamaica Hospital is fulfilling its goal of increasing the rate of full-term deliveries in the communities we serve.”

Mr. Cornett and Dr. Tamara Magloire, as well as other members of the Jamaica Hospital Ob/Gyn department serve on the advisory board of the Healthy Babies Are Worth the Wait program and have been influential in establishing the relationship between the hospital and the March of Dimes.  They have done a remarkable job in bringing recognition to Jamaica Hospital as a resource and institution that offers a solution to the high rates of premature labor in New York City.

To see the press coverage of the Healthy Babies Are Worth The Wait launch, please click the links below:

http://www.ny1.com/nyc/queens/news/2015/07/16/two-local-hospitals-join-a-campaign-to-help-reduce-the-number-of-premature-births-in-queens-.html

http://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/march-of-dimes-takes-on-premature-birth/article_7512c0b0-0d28-5365-9ffc-36fcb8ab3719.html

For more hospital highlights, health and fitness information click below to visit us on Twitter and Facebook:

On Tuesday June 23^rd NYPD Commissioner William Bratton met with Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s President and CEO, Bruce J. Flanz to express his personal gratitude as well as the appreciation of the entire police department for the excellent level of care that the hospital provides to members of the NYPD in times of distress and injury.

Mr. Bratton presented Mr. Flanz with a beautiful plaque, which will be displayed prominently at the hospital, as well as a personal letter recognizing the tremendous skill of the doctors, nurses and support staff of our facility. The Commissioner commended the hospital’s dedication to trauma care and noted how it is highly regarded by everyone within the ranks of the NYPD.

Accompanying Mr Flanz at this meeting held in the Commissioner’s office at 1 Police Plaza were John Arline, Dr. Angelo Canedo, Dr. Geoffrey Doughlin, Dr. Kenneth Fretwell, Charles Neacy, and Dr. Andrew Rubin.

For more hospital highlights, health and fitness information click below to visit us on Twitter and Facebook:

Staff from the Department of Psychiatry

On May 20^th Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry observed Child Mental Health Awareness Day.  In recognition of the nationwide event, members of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry division provided free screenings for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and depression to the community.

Over one hundred people attended the event in anticipation of receiving assistance or information for their loved ones. Screening children is very important if they exhibit symptoms of mental health disorders and the sooner they receive treatment, the better.  They will be more likely to manage their diagnosed disorder in the future.

The event follows a series successful community outreach efforts conducted by the department of psychiatry this year. Several initiatives were implemented to educate communities.

Some of the other initiatives included:

• Partnering with the New York State Psychiatric Association and the Queens District Branch of the American Psychiatric Association to host the Veterans Mental Health Primary Care Training Initiative.
• Raising awareness on the benefits of using creative arts therapy to treat mental illnesses by transforming the main hospital lobby into an impressive art gallery exhibition. The exhibit featured the anonymous art work of patients who were participants in creative arts therapy.

The rate of people diagnosed or suffering from mental illness in the United States has steadily increased in recent years.  It is estimated that one in five U.S. residents have a diagnosable mental health disorder.  Often these people do not seek treatment as they are embarrassed by the stigmas attached to mental illness. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is continuing its outreach efforts to educate the community about the impact that mental health issues can have if left untreated and that treatment is available.

For more hospital highlights, health and fitness information, follow or like Jamaica and Flushing Hospital on Twitter or Facebook

Dr. Giglio, Flushing Hospital’s New Chairman of Emergency Medicine

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is happy to announce the addition of James F. Giglio, MD as the new Chairman of Emergency Medicine.  Dr. Giglio joined Flushing Hospital on April 27, after serving 17 years as the Chief of Emergency Medicine for New York Presybertian Hospital’s Columbia and Allen campuses.

Dr. Giglio brings many years of Emergency Room experience and is very excited to be in his new role of serving one of the most culturally rich and ethnically diverse communities in the entire nation.  Flushing Hospital treats over 40,000 patients in its Emergency Department every year. Many of those patients have roots from around the world and they bring their languages and customs with them when they come to Flushing Hospital’s ER. Dr. Giglio believes that is the job of the ER doctors to understand and respect everyone’s beliefs and traditions and to treat each patient as an individual.

Dr. Giglio’s philosophy comes from years of experience working in the emergency room. In that time, he has seen a dramatic change in how care is delivered. “In the past, ER doctors had a singular role – to save lives, and the long ER waits and impersonalized care that was associated with this way of providing treatment was accepted,” states Dr. Giglio, who added, “That way of thinking needs to be flipped upside down.  I believe that just as important as providing life-saving care is doing it in a compassionate and respectful manner, where every person who visits our ER feels like they are our only patient.”

What made Flushing Hospital the right fit for Dr. Giglio is both share a desire to improve the health of the community. Many of the people who come to Flushing Hospital don’t have a primary care physician and need assistance finding the best resources to maintain and improve their health.   Flushing Hospital has added many services and initiatives to educate the community and provide them with the tools to live a healthier lifestyle.  “Improving the wellness of our community is one of our highest priorities for Flushing Hospital and those efforts should start in the ER” states Dr. Giglio

While compassion and individualized care are priorities for everyone in Flushing Hospital’s ER, running an efficient department that provides well-coordinated care with the hospital’s entire network of services is equally important. To ensure that every aspect of patient care is addressed, Dr. Giglio plans to take a very “hands-on” approach to running the Emergency Department.  Dr. Giglio states, “I can’t wait to get to know the community, take care of the emergency care needs, and offer them help to better manage their health so together we can build a healthier Flushing.”

Two Thousand Fifteen marks the 110th year anniversary of the former Flushing Hospital School of Nursing. Dozens of nursing graduates came together to celebrate the esteemed school and share their nostalgic stories.

The attendees, many of whom made their career at Flushing Hospital, marveled at how the hospital has grown over the years. Some, now supervisors in various clinical specialties, spoke about the invaluable nursing education they received from the institution that centered on compassionate patient care. “We were well prepared when we graduated, eager to make a difference,” said Maria DeMarinis-Smilios, Director of Nursing.

Lynn Slitzan, a Nurse Practitioner in Obstetrics and Gynecology, spoke to the attendees saying, “The Flushing School of Nursing put out an excellent product, many great registered nurses!”

The event drew kind words from Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Robert Levine, “It’s great to celebrate this anniversary with you. You are valued members of the Flushing Hospital family.”

There are, currently, 30 nurses who still practice at FHMC. They are a group of dedicated individuals, not only to the hospital, but to the community. The milestone was commemorated with a group photo of the smiling faces that have made a difference!

For more hospital highlights, health and fitness tips, follow and like Flushing and Jamaica Hospital on Twitter and Facebook.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is excited to announce the launch of a new program called Seniors Coaching Seniors. Seniors Coaching Seniors is a UHF grant funded program that helps connect volunteers and recently discharged patients aged 65 years and over.  These volunteer coaches provide telephone support and guide their peers through their doctor’s recommendations.  All coaches are trained by the Department of Care Transitions Clinical Team, including a registered nurse and licensed social worker.

We encourage all staff to spread the word to eligible patients. Let them know a Volunteer Coach will be reaching out to them after discharge to assist them. We’re also looking for volunteers age 65 and over to participate in the program.

For more information please contact:

Lisa Sigismondi, LCSW

718-206-8501 [email protected]

or

Winnie Wong, RN

718-206-8591 [email protected]

For more hospital highlights, health and fitness tips follow Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital on Twitter and Facebook.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines^®–Target: Stroke Honor Roll-Elite Quality Achievement Award at the association’s International Stroke Conference 2015. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment and success ensuring that stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized and research-based guidelines.

The hospital is one of 559 hospitals to be recognized. To receive the Target: Stroke Honor Roll-Elite award, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke. Flushing Hospital has also met specific scientific guidelines as a Primary Stroke Center, featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department.

These quality measures are designed to help hospital teams provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients.

“We are pleased to recognize Flushing Hospital Medical Center for their commitment to stroke care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, M.D., M.P.H., national chairman of the Get With The Guidelines steering committee and Executive Director of Interventional Cardiovascular Programs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. “Studies have shown that hospitals that consistently follow Get With The Guidelines quality improvement measures can reduce length of stay and 30-day readmission rates and reduce disparities in care.”

For more hospital highlights, health and fitness tips: Follow and like Jamaica and Flushing Hospital on Facebook and Twitter.