Contact:

Jodi-Ann Bailey

Public Affairs Associate

(718) 780-5367

jsb9010@nyp.org

Brooklyn, NY – July 30, 2009 – Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the pumping mechanism of the heart becomes less efficient. The heart is no longer able to pump enough blood to supply the body with sufficient nutrients and oxygen. CHF, which develops over time, is usually secondary to illnesses such as coronary artery disease and hypertension that weaken or damage the heart. Statistics show that an estimated five million Americans have heart failure.

In about 30 percent of patients with CHF secondary to weakening of the heart muscle, an abnormality in the heart causes its two lower chambers to stop beating simultaneously, making the heart even less efficient. This abnormality is known as ventricular dyssynchrony, which can lead to more shortness of breath, problems with exercising and a higher risk of sudden cardiac death in patients with CHF.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy, which is now available at New York Methodist Hospital (NYM), is designed to correct ventricular dyssynchrony. “Numerous studies have shown that this device can decrease the risk of mortality from sudden cardiac death and improves heart function and quality of life in patients with moderate to severe heart failure,” said Gioia Turitto, M.D., cardiologist and director of electrophysiology at NYM. CRT improves the symptoms of heart failure in about 50 percent of patients who have been treated extensively with medications but still have severe or moderately severe heart failure symptoms.

Caption:

Gioia Turitto, M.D., director of electrophysiology, left, and David Benson, M.D., associate director of the electrophysiology laboratory.  

Contact: 

Elizabeth Howell

Development and Public Relations

(212) 545-2404

ehowell@chnnyc.org

34 women got a mammogram at the kick-off to the monthly Mammogram Mondays program at CHN's Helen B. Atkinson Health Center in Harlem.

Captions:

The mobile mammogram vehicle parked in front of CHN's Helen B. Atkinson Health Center.

Mammogram Monday patient Denise Davis poses for a picture with Helen B. Atkinson Health Center Director Emmanuel Durham, and Mammogram Monday Program Manager Alexis Greene before getting a mammogram.

"Many of CHN's patients took full advantage of the convenience of having their annual mammogram in the same place they see their primary care providers," said Program Manager Alexis Greene.

The first Monday of each month the mobile mammogram unit, provided by the Italian-American Cancer Foundation, will be parked in front of CHN's Helen B. Atkinson Health Center.

The program provides mammograms to women ages 40 and older regardless of insurance status. Women must be a New York City resident.  

Van events are provided in conjunction with Multi-Diagnostic, American-Italian Cancer Foundation, United Way of New York City and Fidelis Care New York. 

Contact:

Elizabeth Howell

Development and Public Relations

(212) 545-2404

ehowell@chnnyc.org

Teens attending the More than Just Sex conference were the first to premier a new series of sexual health DVDs written, produced and acted by Community Healthcare Network teens while also learning ways to take control of their lives and plan for their future.

The conference held at St. Francis College was attended by almost 300 and planned by Community Healthcare Network's Teens P.A.C.T. program.

Highlights of the conference include: 

·         Brooklyn-based motivational speaker Kheperah talking to teens about youth empowerment and positive alternatives to risky behavior. 

·         Workshops designed to help teens take control of their lives, their sexual health and their future.

·         The premier of videos focused on sexual orientation and peer pressure that were created by teens for teens.

The conference was planned by Community Healthcare Network's Teens P.A.C.T. (Positive Actions and Choices for Teens) program dedicated to preparing young people for success through empowerment, understanding, and the provision of realistic, relevant and accurate information. Teens P.A.C.T. provides young people with opportunities to establish relationships and explore attitudes and beliefs in a community of guidance, support and acceptance.

Contact

Elizabeth Howell

Development and Public Relations

(212) 545-2404

ehowell@chnnyc.org

Community Healthcare Network opened its tenth federally qualified health center and second location in Queens this spring.

"We are pleased to provide comprehensive primary care to more people in Queens," said CHN President and CEO Catherine M. Abate. "During a time when many are bypassing needed medical care because of financial constraints, our new location, and all CHN centers, remove the financial barriers to accessing quality healthcare." 

The Long Island City Health Center, located at 36-11 21st Street, provides primary care, including pediatrics and family planning services, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

In opening the center, CHN has partnered with New York-Presbyterian Hospital to provide internal medicine and pediatric physicians from Weill Cornell Medical College.
 
"Partnering with New York-Presbyterian Hospital is a result of our shared mission to improve and maintain the health and well-being of the community," Abate said. "Together we will be able to bring the latest advances in medical care to all New Yorkers."

Learn more about CHN's Long Island City Health Center

Contact:

Cynthia Bacon

Public Affairs and Marketing

(718) 670-2515

crm9002@nyp.org

Scott Sieber
Media Relations Manager
(718) 670-1579
scs9013@nyp.org

Flushing, NY – July 28, 2009 – Diabetes affects nearly 24 million people in the United States. The most widespread form is type 2 diabetes, accounting for about 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

The research team at New York Hospital Queens is offering the community a chance to participate in a new type 2 diabetes study. The study, called TINSAL-T2D (Targeting Inflammation using Salsalate in Type 2 Diabetes), looks at the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication (similar to aspirin) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The study medication has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat arthritis, but it has not yet been approved for diabetes.

To be eligible for this study, participants must have type 2 diabetes, be between 18 and 75 years old, and be on a stable dose of oral anti-diabetic medication and the diabetes is still not well controlled.

For more information, or if an individual would like to learn if he or she meets the study criteria to participate, contact New York Hospital Queens at 718-670-2914.

Contact:

Amy Massimo

Director, Public Affairs

(845) 348-2773

massimoa@nyackhospital.org

Nyack, NY -- For the fourth year in a row, The Kennedy Funding Invitational Tennis Tournament brought world class tennis to Rockland County and continued to support the fight against breast cancer.  The Breast Center at Nyack Hospital is a beneficiary of the tournament, which raised $500,000.

Once again, the Kennedy Funding Invitational was held at the Dellwood Country Club located in New City, and attracted top professionals to participate.  The tournament was founded in 2006 by fellow friends and local tennis enthusiasts Kevin Wolfer, Mitch Klein and James Miller.

This year, the Kennedy Funding invitational was highlighted by the Celebrity Exhibition Match featuring tennis great Andre Agassi, who defeated former tennis pro Justin Gimelstob.  Both players showed everyone in attendance a fantastic display of tennis skill, while providing many lighter, entertaining moments on the court. 

No stranger to the impact of breast cancer on a family, Agassi spoke about his mother and sister who are both breast cancer survivors.   Regarding philanthropy, he remarked, “If you say you care, you have to do something.”

John Isner captured the men’s trophy, defeating last year’s champion Somdev Devvarman.   Melanie Oudin defeated local favorite Lauren Cash for the women’s tournament trophy.   

Nyack Hospital

Nyack Hospital is a 375-bed community acute care medical and surgical hospital located in Rockland County, NY.  Founded in 1895, it is a member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System. For additional information, please visit our web site at www.nyackhospital.org.

Contact:

Maureen Curran Kleinman

Marketing and Communications

(201) 291-6310

mcurran@valleyhealth.com

Ridgewood, NJ – July 21, 2009 – Surgeons at The Valley Hospital Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery have announced the successful completion of a series of single port Lap-Band gastric banding procedures that result in reduced scarring and a shorter recovery time for patients. Valley is believed to be the only hospital in New Jersey that performs the single-port Lap-Band procedure entirely through the patient's belly button.

"This is a major step toward reducing recovery time for our bariatric patients," said Center Director Mark Bessler, M.D. "By reducing the operative site to one single incision in the belly button we are also able to significantly improve cosmetic results for our patients. After surgery, the scar is almost completely hidden."

Caption: 

From left to right: Daniel Davis, D.O.; Marc Bessler, M.D.; Akuezunkpa Ude, M.D.; and Beth Schrope, M.D., Ph.D.

Contact:

Cynthia Bacon

Public Affairs and Marketing

(718) 670-2515

crm9002@nyp.org

Scott Sieber
Media Relations Manager
(718) 670-1579
scs9013@nyp.org

Flushing, NY – July 21, 2009 – New York Hospital Queens President and Chief Executive Officer Stephen S. Mills recently joined with Queens College President James Muyskens, Ph.D., to unveil artwork donated by the college’s Godwin-Ternbach Museum for display throughout the hospital.

Caption:

Queens College officials visit New York Hospital Queens to present one of 22 pieces of artwork donated by the college’s Godwin-Ternbach Museum. Pictured from left to right, Thomas Cracovia, executive director, Continuing Education Program, Amy Winter, director and curator, Godwin-Ternbach Museum, James Muyskens, Ph.D., president, Queens College, Stephen S. Mills, president and Chief Executive Officer, New York Hospital Queens, Patricia Woods, Ph.D., chief learning officer and director, New York Hospital Queens College, Diane Gahagan, director, Educational Programs and Workforce Development, Queens College.

Contact:

Cynthia Bacon

Public Affairs and Marketing

(718) 670-2515

crm9002@nyp.org

Scott Sieber
Media Relations Manager
(718) 670-1579
scs9013@nyp.org

Flushing, NY – July 21, 2009 – New York Hospital Queens pediatrician Joseph Abularrage, M.D., F.A.A.P., chairman, department of pediatrics, was recently elected as treasurer to the American Academy of Pediatrics, New York Chapter 2 division, serving Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), New York Chapter 2 division is a non-profit organization that is tasked with improving the health and welfare of all infants, children, adolescents and young adults in the State of New York. As treasurer, Dr. Abularrage will be responsible for the care and custody of all funds and securities of the 1,500-member chapter.

Contact:

Cynthia Bacon

Public Affairs and Marketing

(718) 670-2515

crm9002@nyp.org

Scott Sieber
Media Relations Manager
(718) 670-1579
scs9013@nyp.org

Flushing, NY – July 21, 2009 – Year after year, heart disease kills more men and women than any other disease in this country. To combat this pervasive illness, New York Hospital Queens (NYHQ) recently held an open house at its Cardiac Health Center in Fresh Meadows to empower residents with unique, and ultimately life-saving information about treatment and/or prevention of heart disease.

More than 100 guests were treated to educational lectures and demonstrations on heart health. Topics included stress management, living with diabetes, cardiac surgery options, as well as new approaches for cardiovascular rehabilitation by combining traditional and alternative medicine. The event featured live demonstrations from instructors of tai chi, yoga, healthy cooking and Reiki – a Japanese technique designed to provide relaxation and healing by improving sense of balance.

Caption:

The Cardiac Health Center’s tai chi class demonstrates their technique before the packed open house.

The Cardiac Health Center provides specially designed programs for people who have had a heart attack, heart surgery, balloon angioplasty or stent placement, as well as other types of heart disease. The center also has many health and wellness programs that are open to the public.

New York Hospital Queens is a member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System and an affiliate of the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

Contact:

Cynthia Bacon

Public Affairs and Marketing

(718) 670-2515

crm9002@nyp.org

Scott Sieber
Media Relations Manager
(718) 670-1579
scs9013@nyp.org

Flushing, NY – July 21, 2009 – Terence M. Brady, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.C.C.P., chairman, department of medicine, New York Hospital Queens, was honored at the 10th annual “Excellence in Teaching” awards recently by Weill Cornell Medical College.

Dr. Brady, who is also an assistant professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, was elected by medical students to receive the prestigious award for his “outstanding contributions as an educator in the medicine clerkship.”

Caption:

Terence Brady, (c.) M.D., is awarded the “Excellence in Teaching” award by Antonio Gotto Jr., (l.) M.D., Dean of Weill Medical College of Cornell University, and Ankit Patel, (r.) M.D., Ph.D., student representative for the Board of Overseers Student Affairs and Education Committee.

Contact:

Cynthia Bacon

Public Affairs and Marketing

(718) 670-2515

crm9002@nyp.org

Scott Sieber
Media Relations Manager
(718) 670-1579
scs9013@nyp.org

Flushing, NY – July 20, 2009 - Emmanuel N. Moustakakis, M. D., has been named director, coronary care unit at New York Hospital Queens by Chong H. Park, M.D., director, division of cardiology.

Dr. Moustakakis, an interventional cardiologist, has completed fellowships in interventional cardiology and cardiovascular medicine at North Shore University Hospital/Long Island Jewish Health System in Manhasset.  In addition to coronary and peripheral interventions, he completed additional training in percutaneous atrial septal occuluder placement.

He was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and received his medical degree from the University of Texas – Houston Medical School.  He completed his internship and residency at New York University School of Medicine/Bellevue Hospital Center.

He has held undergraduate and graduate research positions at Stanford University School of Medicine’s division of cardiovascular medicine, the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and the division of cardiology at New York University School of Medicine. 

Dr. Moustakakis is board-certified in cardiovascular diseases and nuclear cardiology, and is fluent in Greek.

New York Hospital Queens is a member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System and an affiliate of the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

Contact:

Cynthia Bacon

Public Affairs and Marketing

(718) 670-2515

crm9002@nyp.org

Scott Sieber
Media Relations Manager
(718) 670-1579
scs9013@nyp.org

Flushing, NY – July 20, 2009 – Paul C. Lee, M. D., has been named chief, thoracic surgery and vice chairman, cardiothoracic surgery department at New York Hospital Queens, by Samuel J. Lang, M.D., chairman, cardiothoracic surgery.

Dr. Lee is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and of the American College of Chest Physicians, and joined NYHQ in 2003 as an attending thoracic surgeon.  He is an associate professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, and an associate attending surgeon in the department of cardiothoracic surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Contact:

Katherine Emmanouilidi

Manager, Marketing and Public Relations

(201) 833-7092

emmanouilidi@holyname.org

Nicole Russell

Public Relations Coordinator

(201) 833-3284
n-russell@mail.holyname.org

Teaneck, NJ – July 15, 2009 – Holy Name Hospital has received Magnet designation for excellence in nursing services by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®. Magnet status is one of the highest levels of recognition a hospital can achieve and is valid for four years. The ANCC is the largest and most prominent nursing credentialing organization in the United States. 

The 11 ANCC commissioners found unanimously in favor of Magnet for Holy Name Hospital and reported no deficiencies. "Magnet recognition validates something we have always known," states Michael Maron, President/Chief Executive Officer, Holy Name Hospital. "We have some of the best nurses in the country."

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. – July 15, 2009 – Bertine C. McKenna, Ph.D., executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO) of Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, has been awarded this year’s American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Senior Level Healthcare Executive Annual National Award. She was presented with the award June 24 at an awards dinner as part of HANYS’ (Healthcare Association of New York State) Annual Membership Conference, at the Sagamore Hotel, Bolton Landing.

Dr. McKenna has been a highly motivated leader at Bassett, significantly enhancing safety, service excellence, performance improvement, physician relations and financial management. As a result of her efforts, Bassett has received Magnet recognition, and many awards for quality and operational excellence. Dr. McKenna led Bassett to be the first hospital in the state chosen for the Institute for Healthcare Improvement 5 Million Lives Campaign "Boards on Board" initiative and was instrumental in the post-Katrina development of a sister relationship with West Jefferson Hospital in New Orleans. She has even extended her leadership to reach overseas, taking on a central role in the establishment of a women’s hospital in West Africa. In addition, Dr. McKenna participates in the HANYS COO Forum and the Empire State VHA COO group.

Contact:

Maureen Curran Kleinman

Marketing and Communications

(201) 291-6310

mcurran@valleyhealth.com

Ridgewood, NJ – July 15, 2009 – More people would recommend The Valley Hospital to their friends and family than any other general acute care hospital in New Jersey, according to the latest government-released Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) figures.

The figures, released in July, show that 84 percent of Valley patients said they “would definitely recommend the hospital.”  By comparison, statewide, only 62 percent of New Jersey patients would recommend their hospital to others. The survey also indicated that 76 percent of Valley patients ranked their overall satisfaction with the hospital as a nine or a 10 on a 10-point scale. Statewide, only 58 percent of patients in New Jersey rated their overall hospital satisfaction that favorably.

Notably, Valley ranked highest among hospitals in Bergen and Passaic counties for eight of 10 measures of patient satisfaction:  communication with nurses, communication with physicians, responsiveness of the hospital staff,  pain management, communication about medicines, cleanliness of the hospital environment, overall satisfaction with the hospital, and willingness to recommend the hospital.

“I am delighted that our patients consistently give us such high marks, which are a reflection of the skill, dedication and expertise of our staff and physicians,” said Audrey Meyers, Valley’s President and CEO.

The HCAHPS survey --  is conducted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the national Hospital Quality Alliance.  Results are released on a quarterly basis. To see the latest survey results, visit www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov.

Contact:

Wendy L. Goldstein

Director, Public Affairs

(516) 663-2234

wgoldstein@winthrop.org

Mineola, NY – July 13, 2009 – When members of Winthrop-University Hospital administration recently traveled to the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) Annual Conference, they had something special to look forward to.

During the June 24-26 meeting at The Sagamore on Lake George, NY, Winthrop was presented the 2009 HANYS Pinnacle Award for Quality and Patient Safety

(Large Hospital Category) from the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS). The award was in recognition of the hospital’s program that changed medication ordering processes leading to a very successful implementation of a Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) system that dramatically enhanced patient safety and improved the quality of patient care.  On hand to accept the award were John F. Collins, President and CEO of Winthrop, and Maureen Gaffney, RPAC, RN, Winthrop’s Chief Medical Information Officer.

Photo Caption:

John F. Collins, President and CEO of Winthrop, and Maureen Gaffney, RPAC, RN, Winthrop’s Chief Medical Information Officer, proudly display the 2009 HANYS Pinnacle Award for Quality and Patient Safety.

Contact:

Jodi-Ann Bailey

Public Affairs Associate

(718) 780-5367

jsb9010@nyp.org

Brooklyn, NY – July 8, 2009 - Uterine fibroids (also called myomas or leiyomas) are benign growths in or on the walls of the uterus that often appear during a woman’s childbearing years. They are usually discovered incidentally during a pelvic examination or prenatal ultrasound exam. Uterine fibroids seldom require treatment because they rarely cause any symptoms. However, some women with uterine fibroids may experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination or constipation.

For women with discomfort or troublesome symptoms associated with uterine fibroids, there are multiple surgical procedures and medical therapies available to remove or shrink them. Women should consult their gynecologists to determine the best course of action. For some women, the only definitive surgical treatment may be hysterectomy (the removal of the uterus). However, hysterectomy a major surgical procedure and it ends a woman’s ability to have children. Women who are still considering bearing children may elect to have a myomectomy, where only the fibroids are surgically removed, leaving the uterus in place.

Caption:

Leonard Berliner, M.D., chief of interventional radiology at NYM.

Contact:

Maureen Curran Kleinman

Marketing and Communications

(201) 291-6310

mcurran@valleyhealth.com

The Valley Hospital has once again been named one of the nation’s 100 Most Wired Hospitals, according to the results of the 2009 Most Wired Survey and Benchmarking Study released in the July issue of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine. Valley is the only northern New Jersey hospital to receive this distinction, and one of only eight organizations nationwide to have made the list eight times.

“The Valley Hospital is proud to have once again made the 100 Most Wired list.  Valley is committed to providing excellent clinical care and service.  We continue to invest in technology that helps us improve the quality and delivery of patient care” said Peter Schwartz, Vice President of Information Systems and Chief Information Officer for The Valley Hospital.

“As the health reform debate continues, it’s clear that IT will play an even more important role in the health system of tomorrow,” says Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA).  “Most Wired hospitals help illustrate IT in action—improving efficiency, quality and safety of care while helping to control costs.” 

Contact:

Maureen Curran Kleinman

Marketing and Communications

(201) 291-6310

mcurran@valleyhealth.com

Ridgewood, NJ – July 8, 2009 - The nation’s leading independent healthcare ratings organization has ranked The Valley Hospital among the top 5 percent in the nation for women’s health quality outcomes, recognized by the 2009/2010 Women’s Health Excellence Award.  Valley also earned the Maternity Care Excellence Award, ranking the hospital in the top 10 percent in the nation for maternity care.  The Valley Hospital is the only hospital in Bergen County, and one of only 15 hospitals nationwide to earn both the Women’s Health and Maternity Care Excellence Awards for 2009/2010.

“We are very pleased to receive these recognitions,” said Audrey Meyers, President and CEO of The Valley Hospital. “I think it’s a wonderful reflection of the standard of care we provide to all our patients and a testament to the priority Valley staff and physicians place on achieving the highest-quality clinical outcomes, while delivering the most compassionate care.”

Contact:

Jodi-Ann Bailey

Public Affairs Associate

(718) 780-5367

jsb9010@nyp.org

Brooklyn, NY – July 1, 2009 - New York Methodist Hospital (NYM) recently held a special luncheon to honor a select group of individuals who, through their contributions, have given the “gift of life” to countless individuals in need. One Saturday, June 13, 2009, 150 blood donors were recognized by the Hospital for their invaluable contributions to New York Methodist’s blood donor program. Each donor was honored for giving between one and nine gallons of blood, and an additional five donors were honored for giving at least eight platelet donations in the last year.

Contact:

Scott Sieber
Media Relations Manager
(718) 670-1579
scs9013@nyp.org

Fresh Meadows, NY – June 30, 2009 – New York Hospital Queens yesterday cut a ribbon to mark the opening of its new 7,200-square-foot Center for Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Medicine in Fresh Meadows.

The facility, located at 163-03 Horace Harding Expressway, 2nd floor, Fresh Meadows, houses expanded services for the hospital’s Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation. Here, patients will find services for all musculoskeletal care, including orthopaedics, physiatry and rehabilitation, all in one convenient and accessible location on the Horace Harding Expressway just off the Long Island Expressway. The new patient care center houses the practices of three board certified orthopaedic surgeons, a digital x-ray machine, a full range of physical therapy services and occupational therapy services.

Caption:

From left to right, hospital leadership cut the ribbon on a new 7,200-square-foot Center for Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation Medicine on Horace Harding Expressway in Fresh Meadows. Pictured are George F. Heinrich, M.D, chairman, board of trustees, Jeffrey Rosen, M.D., chairman, department of orthopaedics and rehabilitation, Assemblywoman Grace Meng, William Gibbs, M.D., medical director, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and Stephen S. Mills, president and CEO.

For more information on the New York Hospital Queens Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Medicine, physicians, physical therapists and members of the community may contact the center at 1-866-670-OUCH.