January 2008

 

Downtown Hospital Vein and Wound Care Centers

 

Downtown Hospital is pleased to announce the recent opening of the Vein Center.  New technologies have replaced conventional stripping operations that were often accompanied by large incisions.  The Vein Center now offers laser closure (ELVT), sclerotherapy, microphlebectomy, and cutaneous laser treatment for varicose veins of all sizes.  For an appointment, physicians and patients may call (646) 898-4725.

 

In addition, the Hospital also announces the formation of the Wound Care Center.  Poor circulation, diabetes, immobility, and venous insufficiency often result in wounds that do not respond to ordinary treatment.  Problem wounds may complicate the treatment of other conditions such as heart, lung, and kidney disease. Downtown Hospital has developed proven, successful treatment plans to fit the needs of all such patients.  The Center's multidisciplinary team consists of general, vascular, and plastic surgeons, podiatrists, and advanced practice nurses.  Physicians and patients can call (646) 898-4750 for appointments and referrals.

 

New Hospital Imaging Unit

 

The Nuclear Cardiology and Nuclear Medicine Unit of Medical Diagnostics is pleased to announce the acquisition of a new GE Infinia™ imaging system that collects both anatomical and physiological information during a single exam.  The 6,200 lb unit was hauled up to the 8th floor by crane on December 16, 2007, with the help of the Hospital Engineering Department.  This state-of-the-art unit will enable high resolution imaging of a patient up to 440 lbs. in weight and 6'5" in height.  Please call (212) 608-7422 or extension 4848 for an appointment or to make inquiries.

 

February 2008

 

A Message from Jeff Menkes - President and CEO

 

While Downtown Hospital has always been here to respond during moments of communal and individual healthcare crises, the Hospital also continues to adapt to meet the evolving needs of Lower Manhattan.  New centers dedicated to Joint Reconstruction, Vascular Care, Wound Care, as well as the Acute Care for Elders Unit, are current efforts to respond to the needs of our community.  The Hospital has recently been designated by the Department of Health as a Stroke Center, enabling us to provide timely care for those whose lives are threatened by a stroke.

 

Future plans include the construction of the Wellness and Prevention Center.  Financing for this venture has been provided by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, and will enable the Hospital to offer our patients the latest medical procedures and technology in order to maintain their good health.

 

New York Downtown Hospital is proud to be part of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System (NYPH).  This affiliation allows us to provide a seamless coordination of patient care and to import the vast talent of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital to the Downtown community.

 

Vascular Lab Accreditation

 

Downtown Hospital's Vascular Lab recently received accreditation from the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL).  ICAVL provides a voluntary method for laboratories to demonstrate their level of expertise.  Today's health care organizations are held to high levels of accountability -- by peers, by the public, and by Medicare and other payers.  ICAVL accreditation is a means by which noninvasive vascular laboratories can demonstrate the level of patient care they provide.

 

April 2008

 

A Message from Jeff Menkes - President and CEO

 

I am extremely proud to report that the Joint Commission survey has concluded and that New York Downtown Hospital was awarded a full accreditation.  Our success was truly a team effort.  From those who provide medical care to those who maintain our facility, each member of the Hospital team worked together to ensure this well-deserved achievement.

 

Both the physician and nurse surveyors were particularly impressed with the way Downtown Hospital responds to the cultural diversity of our patient population, especially with the Chinese population; and our ability to speak their language and be culturally sensitive.  But the highest compliment which they shared with us at the exit conference was that, should they personally need medical care, they would come to our Hospital.

 

May 2008

 

Kress Event

 

On May 8, 2008, the Kress Vision Program celebrated its 20th year of providing eye care at no charge to needy clients.   Members of the Hospital's healthcare team gathered for Grand Rounds presented by Cydney Strand, RN, M.B.A., Senior Clinical Educator at Lighthouse International, New York, who addressed the issue of vision optimization as a component of effective palliative care.  This was followed by a presentation on the history and contributions of the Kress Vision Program and a celebration for the Hospital community at 3:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria.  Representatives from City government and from a number of educational and charitable organizations were present for the afternoon event.

 

June 2008

 

Congratulations to Radiology Department

Thomas Powazinik, Director of the Department of Radiology, reports that on March 16, 2008, New York Downtown Hospital received notification that its Mammography Service has passed all American College of Radiology (ACR) re-accreditation criteria.  Downtown Hospital has received a full 3-year Mammography accreditation with the American College of Radiology.  The ACR will be forwarding notice of our re-accreditation to the FDA and we will shortly receive a full three-year renewal of our FDA certification.

 

Hospital Recognized by ACOG

 

Downtown Hospital was recently awarded a "Blue Ribbon" in recognition of its work in breast cancer prevention.  Of more than 200 presentations at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) annual meeting, this work was selected for distinction.  In 2007, the highest ranking presentation at the meeting was also from the Downtown Hospital Department of Ob-Gyn.   The research will be published soon, and is the basis of a $1.5 million grant application for breast cancer prevention at Downtown Hospital.  A previous NIH funded investigation published in 2005 was the foundation of this effort.

 

Downtown Hospital Aids Chinese Earthquake Victims

 

Many people from our community have friends and relatives in Sichuan Province.  In solidarity with them, and in response to this humanitarian crisis, New York Downtown Hospital participated in the relief effort.

 

Starting May 22nd, collection boxes were placed around the Hospital to collect contributions from our employees and guests to support the rescue and recovery mission going on in China and to alleviate the growing shortages of food and shelter.

 

This collection ended on Monday, May 26th, 2008. Donation checks were presented to the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and the American Red Cross at a ceremony on Tuesday, May 27th in the Board Room.

 

The employees of Downtown Hospital have always responded generously to the needs of our human family. Downtown Hospital is pleased to announce that we have collected a total of $12,909 for the China Earthquake fund.

 

Save the Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2008

 

New York Downtown Hospital is proud to announce its 6th Annual International Emergency Preparedness Symposium.  Each year, the Hospital brings together emergency preparedness specialists from all over the world to share their expertise to better prepare health care professionals, emergency response personnel, and community leaders for future emergencies.  This annual event is conducted at the Goldman Sachs Training Center at 32 Old Slip in Lower Manhattan.  The 2008 Symposium will take place from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Space is limited - early registration is encouraged.  To register, please send your name and title, institution, address, daytime phone number, and email address to Ms. Josephs at mendez.josephs@downtownhospital.org