Contact:

Jennifer Rampersad

Communications

(718) 281-8529

jrampersad@stmaryskids.org

Bayside, NY – February 24, 2009 – Laugh all you want, it’s good for you!! Patients and staff of St. Mary’s Hospital for Children are trying a new remedy that is sure to help them feel better, and put a smile on their faces. Staff members from St. Mary’s, one of the region’s largest providers of intensive rehabilitation, education, and specialized care for children with special needs, are spreading a little laughter around the Bayside hospital as part of a new healing therapy program called the “Laughter Club.”

Contact:

Jennifer Rampersad

Communications

(718) 281-8529

jrampersad@stmaryskids.org

Bayside, NY – February 12, 2009 – Edwin Simpser, MD, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Medical Officer of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, presented Grand Rounds at Hadassah University Hospital Mount Scopus in Jerusalem during his recent visit to Israel.

Contact:

Jennifer Rampersad

Communications

(718) 281-8529

jrampersad@stmaryskids.org

Elmhurst, NY – February 17, 2009 – To meet the growing demand for high quality home care services, St. Mary’s Community Care Professionals, Corp (CCP), a licensed home care service agency for children and adults, has expanded its services, with new offices in Elmhurst, Queens.  Part of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, St. Mary’s CCP accommodates patients of all ages who require specialty rehabilitation, nursing, and support services throughout the five boroughs of NYC, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and beyond.  

Contact:

Jennifer Rampersad

Communications

(718) 281-8529

jrampersad@stmaryskids.org

Bayside, NY – January 27, 2009 – On Thursday, January 27^th, colleagues of Turner International, LLC, shared their in-depth knowledge of the construction and development business with the children of St. Mary’s, during the kick-off of the newly launched “Building for Children,” mentoring program created by Nick Billotti, President & CEO of Turner, one of the largest construction management companies in the United States.  

Contact:

Jennifer Rampersad

Communications

(718) 281-8529

jrampersad@stmaryskids.org

Bayside, NY – March 1, 2009  – St. Mary’s Hospital for Children, the New York region’s largest provider of post-acute care for children, announced today that they are launching an aggressive community outreach and education campaign to prevent traumatic brain injuries.  St. Mary’s doctors and staff work closely with children who suffer from brain injuries, and is undertaking the campaign as part of National Brain Injury Awareness Month.

Contact:

Melissa Weisstuch                               

Vice President, Marketing

(914) 681-2380          

mweisstuch@wphospital.org

White Plains, NY – March 30, 2009 – Prom nights will soon be here and, in this economy, a quality prom dress need not cost a fortune. With this in mind, White Plains Hospital Center’s (WPHC) Piggy Bank Thrift Shop— sponsored by the Auxiliary of WPHC—will be running a special sale on prom dresses and jewelry and accessories for the special night throughout April. Located at 261 South Central Avenue, Hartsdale, the Piggy Bank Thrift Shop offers customers 25% discount on a wide range of prom dresses—all in excellent condition (slightly used and some new) and a 20% discount on all jewelry and accessories. Customers can choose from top quality vintage dresses, evening gowns, retro styles and trendy dresses.

Contact:

Leanna M. Cherry

Publications Specialist

(516) 663-2234

lcherry@winthrop.org

Mineola, NY -- March 27, 2009 -- Winthrop-University Hospital is pleased to announce the promotion of Nicholas A. Casabona to Chief Information Officer. Since joining the Winthrop team in 2001 as Director of Information Technology, Mr. Casabona has led Winthrop’s Information Technology (IT) Department to the cutting edge of health information technology. A technology executive with experience in all aspects of information integration, Mr. Casabona has overseen the Hospital-wide implementation of advanced IT systems such as the Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) and Siemens Medication Administration Check (MAK).

Contact:

Maureen Curran Kleinman

Marketing and Communications

(201) 291-6310

mcurran@valleyhealth.com

Ridgewood, NJ -- March 23, 2009 -- The Valley Hospital is pleased to announce that its Center for Sleep Medicine recently earned accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Accreditation by the AASM is the gold standard by which the public and the medical community can evaluate sleep medicine services and demonstrates that Valley’s Center for Sleep Medicine continues to meet the highest standards of quality patient care.  Recognizing that accreditation is a hallmark of quality care, many insurance providers now cover sleep services only if they are performed in an AASM-accredited facility.

STD Awareness Month Event at Caribbean House Health Center

When: Monday, April 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Caribbean House Health Center, 1167 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn 11225

What: Stop by the center for workshops and a free health screening. Pregnancy tests, blood pressure, glucose checks and HIV counseling and testing will be offered.

 For More Information: Call (718) 778-0198 or email info@chnnyc.org

 More about Caribbean House Health Center

Men's Clinic at Helen B. Atkinson Health Center

When: The fourth Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

What: Primary healthcare services for men in a male-centered environment.

 For More Information: Call (212) 426-0088 or email info@chnnyc.org

 More about Helen B. Atkinson Health Center

CHN No-Cost Teen Health Clinics

When: Mondays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Wednesdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Bronx Health Center - 975 Westchester Avenue, Bronx 10459

For More Information: Call (718) 320-4466 or email info@chnnyc.org

CABS Health Center

When: Tuesdays 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Where: 94-98 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn 11206

For More Information: Call (718) 388-0390 or email info@chnnyc.org

Dr. Betty Shabazz Health Center

When: Tuesdays 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

Where: 999 Blake Avenue, Brooklyn 11208

For More Information: Call (718) 277-8303 or email info@chnnyc.org

Helen B. Atkinson Health Center

When: Wednesdays 2 p.m.-6 p.m.

Where: 81 W. 115th Street, New York NY 10026

For More Information: Call (212) 426-0088 or info@chnnyc.org

What: STD screenings, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, HIV counseling and testing, birth control, health information, and condoms. All services are confidential and parental permission not needed. No cost to teens under 19.

Community Healthcare Network

Community Healthcare Network (CHN) is a not-for-profit organization that includes 10 health centers that provide access to affordable, culturally-competent and comprehensive community-based primary care, mental health and social services for diverse populations in underserved communities throughout New York City. CHN is accredited by The Joint Commission. Our services are completely confidential and as a Federally Qualified Health Center CHN does not turn anyone away. CHN serves more than 65,000 individuals a year who would otherwise have little or no access to critical health care. 

 

Contact:

Melissa Weisstuch                              

Vice President, Marketing

(914) 681-2380       

mweisstuch@wphospital.org

White Plains, NY – March 24, 2009 – Siegrid Buhlheller, a 49-year-old White Plains wife and mother of two children—who recently suffered a life-threatening cardiac arrest— today thanked the individuals responsible for saving her life: the White Plains police, EMTs and the medical staff of White Plains Hospital Center’s (WPHC) state-of-the-art Emergency Department (ED).  

Caption:

Mr. and Mrs. Siegrid and Berthold Buhlheller (center at podium) are reunited with some of the fast responders and medical staff at White Plains Hospital Center (WPHC).. Mrs. Buhlheller survived a life-threatening cardiac arrest on February 25 as a result of the quick response and on-the-scene care of the local police and EMTs and the medical staff at WPHC where, as part of her acute care, she underwent a therapeutic hypothermia treatment used to cool the body temperature of cardiac arrest patients.

Contact:

Mary Creagh

Public Affairs

(845) 947-3187

creaghm@helenhayeshospital.org

Research examines development of new therapeutic approaches to treat paralysis and other movement disorders

West Haverstraw, NY – March 24, 2009 –  Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw and The Wadsworth Center in Albany are recruiting volunteers who have had spinal cord injury to participate in a study of spinal reflex training. The results of this study will help us, in the future, to develop a new therapeutic treatment for better functional recovery after spinal cord injury or other damage to the nervous system. Both institutions are part of the New York State Department of Health. 

For additional information on how to join this research study, please contact Aiko Thompson at thompsona@helenhayeshosp.org or Laura Tenteromano at  845-786-4854. 

Contact:

Maureen Curran Kleinman

Marketing and Communications

(201) 291-6310

mcurran@valleyhealth.com

Ridgewood, NJ -- March 23, 2009 -- For the fifth year in a row, Valley Health System, which includes The Valley Hospital, Valley Home Care and Valley Health Medical Group, has been named to the list of the Best Places to Work in New Jersey. The award program, created in 2005, is produced by NJBIZ, New Jersey’s only weekly business publication, and sponsored by Gibbons P.C., Sobel & Co., LLC, Extensis, iCIMS and Novo Nordisk. Valley Health System will be recognized and honored at the Best Places to Work in New Jersey evening awards ceremony on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at the Hilton East Brunswick.

Contact:

Maureen Curran Kleinman

Marketing and Communications

(201) 291-6310

mcurran@valleyhealth.com

Ridgewood, NJ – March 4, 2009 – Peter Diestel, a resident of Allendale, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. In addition to his new role, Peter will continue to serve as Senior Vice President – Administration. In his expanded role Peter will oversee all the day-to-day operations of The Valley Hospital.  Peter joined Valley in 1994 as Vice President - Administration and has overseen many clinical, administrative and support departments, as well as key functions, such as technology and space assessment and the operations group. He also served for a number of years as Vice President - Practice Management for Valley Health System and as President of Valley Health Medical Group. 

More recently Peter was instrumental in establishing the highly successful Ridgewood Academy for Health Professions, which has been designated as a “Model Academy” by the National Career Academy Coalition .  The Academy, a collaborative program developed by Ridgewood High School in partnership with The Valley Hospital and Bergen Community College, is geared toward students interested in pursuing a career in the health and medical fields. Peter received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Vermont and a Master of Public Health from The Columbia University School of Public Health. 

In recognition of American Diabetes Alert Day, Nyack Hospital will host an “Ask the Educator” booth on Tuesday, March 24, from Noon-5:00 pm in the Hospital’s Main Lobby.  Certified Diabetes Educators from Nyack Hospital will be on-hand to answer any questions regarding this condition, as well as provide educational materials.  

Contact:

Mary Creagh

Public Affairs

(845) 947-3187

creaghm@helenhayeshospital.org

Upcoming Event: Helen Hayes Hospital to Host Adapted Sports and Recreation Expo – Saturday, April 25, 2009

Helen Hayes Hospital will host its second annual “Adapted Sports & Recreation Expo” on Saturday, April 25, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the physical rehabilitation hospital in West Haverstraw. The event is free of charge and is open to all individuals with physical disabilities, as well as their family, friends and caregivers. For additional information or directions, please call the Helen Hayes Hospital Public Relations Office at 845-786-4225, or visit the hospital’s web site at www.helenhayeshospital.org.

The MS Center at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck announces that tickets for its 12th Annual Luncheon, Fashion Show and Auction will be available for purchase on March 15^th. This year’s Spring Fashion Fling for MS will be held at the Marriott Glenpointe Hotel in Teaneck, NJ on Sunday, April 26th, 2009 from 11:30AM-3:30PM. The MS Center is thrilled to have Mr. Chris Cimino, Meteorologist, WNBC-TV, as this year’s Honorary Chairperson. Guests will be treated to a four-course luncheon and fashion show, with fashions provided Lord & Taylor. One of the highlights of the afternoon will be the auction where there are more than 150 fabulous prizes.  Local businesses and friends of the MS Center donate all prizes and 100% of monies raised at this event go directly to patient care and research.

For more information on this sensational Fashion Show please contact Lisa Futterman, the Center’s Director of Development at 201-837-0727, ext. 3899 or email Futterman@holyname.org. Please send all donations to MS Center at Holy Name Hospital, 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666. 

Contact:

Jodi-Ann Bailey

Public Affairs Associate

(718) 780-5367

jsb9010@nyp.org

Surgery is most frequently the front-line treatment for malignant tumors; however, not every patient is considered a good candidate for surgery, due to frailness, age, or other factors. For these patients, New York Methodist Hospital’s Department of Radiology has recently begun offering cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), two minimally invasive treatments for cancer. These techniques are often combined with other treatment options, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Contact:

Jodi-Ann Bailey

Public Affairs Associate

(718) 780-5367

jsb9010@nyp.org

Brooklyn, NY – February 25, 2009 – New York Methodist Hospital’s (NYM) Center for Allied Health Education will open a School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography in September of 2009. The program will entail two years of coursework, with learning concentrations in general sonography and cardiac sonography. Graduates will receive a certificate in diagnostic medical sonography.

Photo Caption: Diagnostic Medical Sonography students examine an ultrasound image.

Contact:

Jodi-Ann Bailey

Public Affairs Associate

(718) 780-5367

jsb9010@nyp.org

Brooklyn, NY – February 2, 2009 – The National Research Corporation (NRC) has announced that New York Methodist Hospital is a 2008-09 Consumer Choice Award winner. This marks the third year in a row that the Hospital has received the award for providing the highest quality service in the community as determined by consumers. The award recognizes hospitals with outstanding service and quality in 250 markets across the U.S.

Contact:

Alisa White Holland

Communications

(914) 787-5004

aholland@lawrencehealth.org

Bronxville, NY – February 23, 2009 – Lawrence Hospital Center has been recognized for achieving the Stage 6 designation of the HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Adoption Model.  The distinction honors Lawrence for its accomplishments regarding the implementation of technology solutions to enhance patient safety and quality of care. To date, Lawrence is 1 of only 30 hospitals nationwide to have achieved Stage 6 designation from HIMSS Analytics.  And, it is in the top 2 percent of the more than 5,000 hospitals nationwide surveyed by the research company.

HIMSS Analytics devised this model to track progress at hospitals and health systems toward creating a paperless patient record environment.  Lawrence’s Hospital Information System, Meditech, is a fully integrated information system, in which all of its applications talk to each other including the Electronic Medical Record, Bedside Medication Verification and Physician Order Entry.  Additionally, the PAC’s imaging program is currently a bidirectional interface with patient demographic information and orders flowing to PAC’s.  The results are then sent to the EMR via a dictation system.

Lawrence Hospital Center launched the effort to convert its paper records to an electronic system on January 1, 2005.  Today, the EMR is being used throughout the hospital and in our physician’s offices.

2009 marks the year long observance of Lawrence Hospital Center’s Centennial Celebration.  Real estate mogul William Van Duzer Lawrence founded the Community Hospital in Bronxville in 1909.  He did so after his son Dudley nearly died while on his way to a hospital in neighboring New York City.  Lawrence Hospital Center officially opened its doors 100 years ago in May 1909.  It was a festive occasion that lasted the entire Memorial Day Holiday weekend.  Lawrence had 30 beds then and in its first year served 278 patients.  In honor of this important milestone, Lawrence Hospital Center will host a number of special events including a birthday party on June 7th for anyone born at Lawrence.  Additionally, there will be a Centennial Gala fundraiser in October.  For more information, contact Alisa Holland at 914-787-5004.

Focusing on community outreach and service, the Korean Medical Program has launched a fundraising initiative, Walk for Mom, an annual walkathon designed to improve awareness among Korean-American women about breast health.

The focus of the Walk for Mom program is to teach Korean-American women about the importance of annual mammograms, routine breast self examination, and clinical exams. The Walk for Mom program has also adopted a goal of generating funds to provide free breast cancer screenings including clinical exams, mammograms, ultrasound and follow up care and/or surgery to uninsured, low-income Korean-American women.

Sponsorship opportunities are available on various levels.  For more information on the Walk for Mom or on how you can become a program sponsor and make a difference in the lives of many, please call the Korean Medical Program at 201-833-3399.

Contact:

Karen Huxtable

Manager, Public and Media Relations

(607) 547-4581

karen.huxtable@bassett.org

Diane L. Wells

(607) 547-6354

diane.wells@bassett.org

Cooperstown, N.Y.  – The Bassett Cancer Institute is putting a new RV-type medical coach, custom built by Medical Coaches, Inc. of Oneonta and equipped with high-tech cancer screening technology, on the road to travel throughout Bassett’s eight county service region and adjacent counties. By bringing these services to disadvantaged and underserved populations in rural areas, Bassett is hoping to reduce the number of cancer deaths that occur every year.  

Contact:

Nicole Russell

Public Relations Coordinator

(201) 833-3284

n-russell@mail.holyname.org

Katherine Emmanouilidi

Manager, Marketing and Public Relations

(201) 833-7092

emmanouilidi@holyname.org

Teaneck, NJ – March 18, 2009 – Holy Name Hospital is a state designated Medical Coordination Center (MCC) for Bergen County, one of only nine designated centers in the New Jersey.  “Our proximity to New York City, dense population, and the potential for hazards in our area,” said Thomas Rose, MCC Coordinator at Holy Name Hospital, “make Holy Name an essential part of the MCC network.” 

Caption:  Thomas Rose, Medical Coordination Center Coordinator at Holy Name Hospital, Sheryl Slonim, Senior Vice President Patient Care Services at Holy Name Hospital, Joseph Tricarico, Assistant to the Commissioner for Health Preparedness, Michael Maron, President and Chief Executive Officer of Holy Name Hospital. 

Contact:

Maureen Curran Kleinman

Marketing and Communications

(201) 291-6310

mcurran@valleyhealth.com

Ridgewood, NJ – March 2, 2009 – After undergoing robotic prostate cancer surgery in August at The Valley Hospital, Ramsey resident Patrick Begley, 67, received an excellent prognosis from his urologists, Timothy J. Mackey, M.D., and Saurabh Agarwal, M.D., of Midland Park. Although the cancer encompassed almost 40 percent of his prostate, it had not spread beyond the prostate. His physicians do not expect a recurrence of the disease.

Caption:  Ramsey resident Patrick Begley (center) recently underwent robotic prostate cancer surgery at The Valley Hospital. He is shown here with urologists, Timothy J. Mackey, M.D., (left) and Saurabh Agarwal, M.D.