Contact:

Phyllis Fisher                                                  

212-606-1197             

FisherP@hss.edu                   

Tracy Hickenbottom

212-606-1197

HickenbottomT@hss.edu

New York, NY – Patients with orthopedic and autoimmune conditions expect Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)--because of its leadership role--to deliver the highest quality care.   To further accomplish this mission, HSS is announcing today the creation of a Quality Research Center with an innovative structure for applying research methodologies to health-care quality issues. 

Physicians, nurses and biostatisticians throughout the institution will now, through this new initiative, work together on conducting research in areas that impact on quality of patient care and patient safety.  The research generated from the Center will enable HSS to improve best practices to benefit its patients and also allow HSS to provide evidence-based data that can be published and disseminated to other institutions.

Contact:

Jodi-Ann Bailey

Public Affairs Associate

(718) 780-5367

jsb9010@nyp.org

Brooklyn, NY – April 28, 2010 – Through their tireless efforts 760 volunteers gave more than 65,000 hours of service to New York Methodist Hospital (NYM) during the past year. In honor of their invaluable contributions, the Hospital recently held its Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. The theme for the evening was “Celebrating People in Action.”

Nyack Hospital’s Continuing Medical Education Committee will host another series of its popular Mini-Medical School during May and June.  This special series is designed for anyone looking to learn more about the latest advances in medicine or young people and students thinking about medical careers.

Each lecture is presented by a member of Nyack Hospital’s team, and a question and answer session will follow.  The following programs are available:

·    May 3 – “Putting a Face on Cancer:  How Medical Imaging is Helping Us Win the War” presented by Radiologist Evan Kaminer, MD

·    May 10 – “Preparing for Home Emergencies” presented by Frank Deschino, NREMT-P

·    May 17 – “Acupuncture and Other Integrative Medicine” presented by Naomi Pelzig, MD

·    May 24  – “Obstructive Sleep Apnea – Snoring & Sleepy?” presented by Pulmonologist Benjamin Chang, MD

·    June 7 – “MRSA Infections” presented by Azfar Chak, MD

·    June 14 – “Yoga:  A 5,000 Year Old Practice and its Relevance in Today’s World” presented by Robin Laufer, MS Ed, RYT 500.

Lectures are held from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Nyack Hospital.  A one-time registration fee of $10 will allow anyone interested to attend all six lectures or just the ones of interest. 

To register please send your non-refundable $10 check made payable to: Nyack Hospital CME Fund to: Medical Staff Administration Office, attn: Donna Anderson, Nyack Hospital, 160 North Midland Avenue, Nyack, NY 10960. Please make sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number.   For further information about these programs, please call 845.348.2115. 

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:

Jodi-Ann Bailey

Public Affairs Associate

(718) 780-5367

jsb9010@nyp.org

Brooklyn, NY – April 28, 2010 – Through their tireless efforts 760 volunteers gave more than 65,000 hours of service to New York Methodist Hospital (NYM) during the past year. In honor of their invaluable contributions, the Hospital recently held its Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. The theme for the evening was “Celebrating People in Action.”

“Volunteers at New York Methodist are the balance we need in an increasingly high tech environment,” said Mimi Makovitzky, director of educational and volunteer resources at NYM. 

The New York Methodist Auxiliary Award for Outstanding Pre-Nursing College Student was awarded to Irina Rokun , a resident of Bensonhurst.  Ms. Rokun, who has given almost 500 hrs to NYM, volunteers both on the Hospital’s medical surgical unit and in the Division of Cardiology, where she assists with research.

Photo Caption:

Back row (from left), Aaron Chalal, Ilene Adams, Mark J. Mundy, president and CEO of NYM. Front row (from left) Rifka Klaristenfeld, Monique Montenegro and Irina Rokun.

The Helen Hayes Hospital Adapted Sports and Recreation program, in conjunction with the Nyack Boat Club, will be hosting their fifth annual Adapted Sailing program this May. The program offers individuals with physical disabilities the opportunity to learn to sail using adaptive equipment. Experienced sailors from the Club’s Sonar Fleet 23, along with therapists from the physical rehabilitation hospital, will provide an introductory skills workshop and an afternoon of sailing on the Hudson River. The event takes place beginning May 6 and concludes with the Regatta on May 15. Pre-registration is required. 

The May sailing workshop is free of charge. There is a nominal fee for those who wish to attend the Saturday evening dinner. For additional information and registration, contact 845-786-4950, or visit www.helenhayeshospital.org/special_services/adapted_sports_recreation.htm

Contact:

Maureen Curran Kleinman

Marketing and Communications

(201) 291-6310

mcurran@valleyhealth.com

Ridgewood, NJ – April 26, 2010 – Five years ago, when The Valley Hospital launched northern New Jersey’s first hospital-based doula program, many physicians and nurses were unsure that having another person in the delivery room during childbirth was a wise idea.

“We overcame skepticism by showing how a birth doula can enhance a woman’s childbirth experience and help to create a positive atmosphere within the delivery room,” says Cindy Ferestien, RNC, supervisor of Valley’s Center for Women, Children, and Family Education. “Every labor is different, but everyone wins when a mother is educated, prepared, and empowered to be part of the health care team. A doula balances the natural and technical.”

Caption:  Expectant couple Trina and Bob Bucaro, of Wallingon, NJ,  are shown surrounded by Valley Hospital doulas ( from left to right): Christine Fitzgerald; Sharon Gray; Cindy Ferestien, RNC, supervisor of Valley’s Center for Women, Children, and Family Education; Marie Muller-Noonan; and Roseanne Ebert.

Nyack Hospital will host the Annual Northeastern Anesthesia and Nyack Hospital Medical Staff Golf Classic on Tuesday, June 1 at Manhattan Woods Golf Club, West Nyack, NY.  Named one of Golf Digest’s “Best in State,” Manhattan Woods offers golfers unparalled views overlooking the New York City skyline, serving as the perfect escape.   The course was designed by Gary Player, and features a parkland-style of hills and wetlands, along with thick fescue grasses bordering the fairways.  

The day begins at 11:00 am with a delicious lunch buffet, followed by a 12:15 shotgun start tee-off.  After enjoying a round, all golfers are invited to attend the awards dinner.  Tickets are $750 per golfer, which includes lunch, 18 holes of golf with caddies and carts, awards dinner and more!

Proceeds from the Golf Classic will benefit the purchase of an additional CT scanner for the hospital.

Underwriter and sponsorship opportunities are available. For additional information or to sign up, please call 845.353.3333.

Contact:

Amy Massimo

Director, Public Affairs

(845) 348-2773

massimoa@nyackhospital.org

Nyack, NY – April 26, 2010 - A clinical study is underway at Nyack Hospital to evaluate the use of telemonitoring to monitor medication adherence in discharged heart failure patients. The purpose of the study is to assess the use of cellphone-based telemonitoring to help patients transition from the inpatient to outpatient setting.

“Hospital readmission of patients within 30 days of discharge is a major issue,” explains Nicholas Tsirkas, Director of Clinical Research at Nyack Hospital. “According to Medicare claims data, 19.6% of Medicare beneficiaries who had been discharged from a hospital were re-hospitalized within 30 days, and 34.0% were re-hospitalized within 90 days.”

Contact:

Alisa White Holland

Communications

(914) 787-5004

aholland@lawrencehealth.org

Do you have a patient who wants to learn how to improve his/her eating habits? Is there someone who could benefit from one-on-one nutrition counseling? If so, help is available at Lawrence Hospital Center’s Outpatient Nutrition Counseling Program. This summer, the program will offer special classes for those who want to learn how to improve their quality of life and eating habits. Classes cost a nominal fee and include a cooking demonstration or hands-on activity; group discussion; and visual aids. Additionally, grocery store tours are available as well as a 10-week group weight-loss program. For referral information or details about the Lawrence Hospital Center Outpatient Nutrition Counseling program contact Katie Neumayer, RD at 914-787-5060.

Contact:

Eric Sommer

(718) 250 8325

eds9032@nyp.org

April 23, 2010 – The New York metropolitan area, particularly those neighborhoods served by The Brooklyn Hospital Center, has the second largest population of Haitians in America. So when a 7.3 earthquake struck Haiti this January, the reverberations were felt here strongly. As a recent poll indicated, three-fifths of all Haitian Americans had either lost a loved one or had a loved one that had been injured or made homeless by the tragedy.   

TBHC responded quickly. Less than 48 hours after the earthquake, Drs. Valerie Brutus, Stephen S. Carryl and Louisdon Pierre flew to Haiti to perform emergency surgeries on disaster victims at the Adventist Hospital in Port-au-Prince’s Diquini neighborhood. TBHC’s director of Neonatal Intensive Care, Dr. Patrick Leblanc, made several trips to Haiti since the earthquake, supervising with Dr. Pierre the building of a NICU and PICU at Adventist.

Captions:

Dr. Patrick Leblanc, director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at The Brooklyn Hospital Center, hands out to treats to kids living in a tent set up in the front yard of the hospital. Several of these children were orphaned or lost a limb the earthquake.

Haitian child being treated in a NICU created by Drs. Leblanc, Pierre and Kioko as well as biomedical technician Harrold Joseph. 

Contact:

Eric Sommer

(718) 250 8325

eds9032@nyp.org

Brooklyn, NY – April 23, 2010 – Pierre Dejean arrived at The Brooklyn Hospital Center early one August morning without the mixture of hope and anxiety that often accompany a trip to a medical facility.  A financial services consultant, he came only to discuss a routine business matter with the Hospital Center’s senior staff.

But it wasn’t far into the meeting when Pierre started feeling sweaty and queasy. “I wasn’t in pain so I initially ignored the symptoms,” Pierre explained. “But Dr. Becker [Richard B. Becker, MD, TBHC’s president and CEO] could see something was seriously wrong. He asked me to loosen my tie and open my shirt and then called for a wheelchair, which actually came before I finished unbuttoning my shirt.” 

An exercise buff who just a week earlier had been riding along the wooded bike trails of Cape Cod, Pierre never thought he would transition from consultant to patient right there in the TBHC boardroom. His blood pressure and cholesterol levels had always been normal and he had no significant family history of heart disease. 

Contact:

Barbara Franzese Cron
Manager, Marketing Communications
(201) 530-7904
cron@mail.holyname.org

Teaneck, NJ – April 22, 1010 – Holy Name Medical Center has been recognized with an Excellence through Insight award for emergency department satisfaction in 2009 by HealthStream® Research, the research business group of HealthStream, Inc. To qualify for the honor, a hospital must secure patient satisfaction scores in the 75th percentile of higher; Holy Name has exceeded that standard by demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence and patient care, scoring no lower than the 96th percentile since April 2009, with scores in the 99% percentile during the second and fourth quarters of that year.

Patients were randomly selected and interviewed by HealthStream® researchers, whose survey covered a wide range of Emergency Department attributes. Holy Name Medical Center received top scores for the following criteria:

"Doctors – overall rating"

"Patient care staff – overall rating"

"Perceptions of safety about receiving the proper care"

"How much the patient was helped by this visit/stay"

"Staff doing everything they could to help with pain"

"Coordination of care and services"

"Amount of time spent in the ED"

"Informing patients of delays in care/treatment"

Contact:

Leanna Cherry

Publications Specialist
(516) 663-2234
lcherry@winthrop.org

Mineola, NY – April 2010 – Winthrop-University Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Solomon A. Torres, LNHA, FACHE, to the position of Vice President, Administration. In this role, Mr. Torres provides administrative leadership for several key clinical areas of the Hospital including Surgery, Cardiology, Thoracic and Cardiovascular (TCV) Surgery, Orthopaedics, Urology and Anesthesia.

As a senior healthcare executive with over 25 years of experience in a wide range of academic medical centers and community hospital operations, Mr. Torres is a welcome addition to the Winthrop administration. His extensive knowledge of senior management of hospitals, academic departments, physician practices plans and business development make him a valuable asset to Winthrop.

Contact:

Leanna Cherry

Publications Specialist
(516) 663-2234
lcherry@winthrop.org

Mineola, NY – Garry J. Schwall, MBA, RPA, has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Winthrop-University Hospital. Among his diverse responsibilities as COO, Mr. Schwall is responsible for the day-to-day leadership for the operations of Winthrop and overseeing the general business management of the hospital.

An integral member of the Winthrop leadership team for more than a decade, Mr. Schwall most recently served as Vice President of the Heart Institute. In this role, Mr. Schwall worked closely with the Hospital’s medical faculty and senior management team to implement and support current and emerging clinical programs designed to provide Winthrop patients with the latest diagnosis and treatment options. Mr. Schwall also provided directional leadership for several Winthrop departments including General Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, and Anesthesiology, as well as the Urology Division, the Institute for Neurosciences and Winthrop’s renowned CyberKnife Radiosurgery Center.

Contact:

Maureen Curran Kleinman

Marketing and Communications

(201) 291-6310

mcurran@valleyhealth.com

Scott Shapiro

HealthGrades

(720) 963-6584

sshapiro@healthgrades.com

Ridgewood, N.J.  – April 21, 2010 – An independent study of women’s care at nearly 5,000 hospitals found The Valley Hospital to be in the top 5 percent in the nation, the hospital announced today.  Valley is one of only three hospitals in New Jersey to achieve this recognition for 2010.

Released by HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization, the HealthGrades Seventh Annual Women’s Health in American Hospitals study analyzed nearly seven million hospitalization records to identify top-performing hospitals.

“We are very pleased to once again receive this recognition,” said Ann Marie Leichman, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at 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:

Cynthia Bacon

Public Affairs and Marketing

(718) 670-2515

crm9002@nyp.org

Flushing, New York, April 20, 2010 -- Saturday, April 17 was the day that bride-to-be Atina Punch, 22, of Queens Village, had planned to say “I do” before a church full of friends and family as she began married life with her fiance, William Green, 23.

However, a ruptured appendix got in the way of her long-planned church wedding and reception in Long Island. Her medical condition did not get in the way of her walking down the aisle. The aisle just happened to be 60 miles to the West in the hospital chapel at New York Hospital Queens. The patient had emergency surgery and her condition was improving in the days leading up to her wedding day, but her doctor determined she required more recovery time.

“I know that from the time when you are a little girl, you start to dream about what your wedding day would be,” said Christine Buividas, R.N., the nurse manager for the unit caring for Ms. Punch. “She was so sad when she heard the news she wasn’t going to be able to leave the hospital.”

Contact:

Amy Massimo

Director, Public Affairs

(845) 348-2773

massimoa@nyackhospital.org

Rockland County, NY and Lake Forest, Ill. – April 20, 2010 – Nyack Hospital today announced a new program that is helping it stay ahead of state and federal compliance measures when managing its pharmaceutical waste.

The need to understand safe and compliant methods of disposal is more important than ever. In 2009, at least 10 states passed or were discussing pharmaceutical waste legislation. In January, Illinois adopted the Safe Pharmaceuticals Disposal Act, and California has “no-flush” laws in place. Legislation in New York is pending while the New York State Attorney General and the Department of Environmental Conservation increase investigations of current hospital programs and policies. In 2009, five bills were also introduced at the federal level to regulate drug disposal. 

Contact:

Barbara Franzese Cron
Manager, Marketing Communications
(201) 530-7904
cron@mail.holyname.org

Teaneck, NJ – April 20, 2010 – In observance of Earth Day, Holy Name Medical Center in concert with GreenFaith Interfaith Partners for the Environment, will be distributing free compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), along with energy conservation and environmental health information, to all the Medical Center’s employees and volunteers on Thursday, April 22.

GreenFaith is conducting “The Healthy People, Healthy Planet Tour” for faith-based institutions who want to help their communities save energy and money, while protecting personal health and the environment. GreenFaith cites the increasing incidence of asthma, the most frequent cause of absenteeism among school-age children. At Holy Name, projects that promote sustainability, responsible stewardship of resources and social justice are essential to the Medical Center’s mission and that of its sponsoring organization, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace.

Contact:

Maureen Curran Kleinman

Marketing and Communications

(201) 291-6310

mcurran@valleyhealth.com

Ridgewood, NJ – April 19, 2010 – The Valley Hospital’s Neuroscience Center of Excellence has added a significant advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke, brain aneurysms, brain and neck tumors, and other neurological conditions with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art neurointerventional biplane angiography system.

The biplane system produces highly detailed three-dimensional views of blood vessels leading to the brain and deep within the brain and their relationship to the tissues of the head and neck. The system is housed within a specially designed hybrid operating suite. Valley is the first hospital in Bergen and Passaic counties to offer the neurointerventional biplane system.

Caption:  Shown in the specially designed operating suite with the neurointerventional biplane angiography system are (left to right):  Neurosurgeon Jobyna Whiting, M.D.; Sean D. Lavine, M.D., Director of Neurointerventional Services; and Daniel Walzman, M.D., Associate Director of Neurointerventional Services.

Free Events Will Feature Presentations by Leading Gynecologists Affiliated with Hospital

30 Days Free Membership at 3 Local Curves® Facilities to be Offered

White Plains Hospital Center will team up with Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Curves® International, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and About.com to present a unique Women’s Health Initiative Program in late April and early May.  In celebration of National Health Week (May 9-15), the program will consist of prevention and wellness events designed to educate women about the importance of diet, exercise and annual gynecological exams. 

The leading gynecologists affiliated with the Hospital will provide expert guidance on women’s health at two local Curves® and at White Plains Hospital Center’s Physical Therapy Center at Rye Brook.  They are: Herb Gretz, M.D.; Linus Chuang, M.D.; Juan-Carlos Rojas, M.D. 

As an incentive to attend, Curves® will offer non-members 30 days of free membership at each of the three participating clubs.  In addition, Curves® members will have a chance to win 30 days free membership by being entered into a drawing.

The schedule of the presentations is as follows:

Monday, April 26

6:30-7:30pm

White Plains Curves

96 Virginia Road

Monday, May 3

6:30-7:30pm

New Rochelle Curves

1333 North Avenue

Friday, May 7  

10:30-11:30am

White Plains Hospital Center’s

Physical Therapy Center at Rye Brook

111 South Ridge Street

Contact:

Jodi-Ann Bailey

Public Affairs Associate

(718) 780-5367

jsb9010@nyp.org

Brooklyn, NY – April 15, 2010 – Many advanced cancers, including those originating in the breast, lung and prostate, may metastasize (spread) to the spine.  A new, innovative treatment that has been proven to be effective against cancer that has spread to the spine is now available at New York Methodist Hospital (NYM).  The new procedure, which was developed at the Hospital, builds on a standard treatment–kyphoplasty–in which a neurosurgeon injects a cement-like material in the spine to eradicate pain.

“We mix Samarium, a radioactive material that kills cancer cells, with the cement-like material that’s injected into the spine,” said Hani Ashamala, M.D., acting chairman of radiation oncology at New York Methodist and one of the creators of the new technique. “This way, there are two benefits: pain control and cancer control.”

Photo caption: Martin Zonenshayn, M.D., chief of neurosurgery, with Hani Ashamalla, M.D., acting chairman of radiation oncology. 

Contact:

Barbara Franzese Cron

Manager, Marketing Communications

(201) 530-7904

cron@mail.holyname.org

Teaneck, NJ – April 14, 2010 – Holy Name Medical Center's One North progressive care nursing unit and the Medical Center's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) have received the Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence® from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). The award was created by the AACN to challenge acute and critical care nurses to improve patient care on progressive care and critical care units, and reward commitment to high quality standards and exceptional care.

The Beacon application process and the award itself provide the critical care community with a quantitative and qualitative way to view their achievements in professional practice, patient outcomes and the health of the work environment, and a means to measure themselves against quality standards based on evidence-based national criteria.

Contact:

Nicole Russell

Public Relations Coordinator

(201) 833-3284

n-russell@mail.holyname.org

Teaneck, NJ – April 14, 2010 – Holy Name Medical Center has named Dan Leber of Fort Lee and owner of Volk/Leber Funeral Homes in Teaneck and Oradell, NJ as Committee Chairman for the Founders Circle. The Founders Circle is the annual leadership giving society for the Holy Name Health Care Foundation.

Mr. Leber has had a long-standing relationship with Holy Name serving as a Trustee of the Medical Center, a member of the Foundation's Development Committee, and a member of the Medical Center's Facilities Committee.

"I'm honored to have been appointed to this important post and excited to engage present and future supporters of Holy Name Medical Center," said Mr. Leber. "My commitment to Holy Name has been tremendously rewarding, stretching back to 1994 when I first became involved with the Holy Name Health Care Foundation. I believe in their healing mission and know first-hand of their award-winning patient care. I know others will join me."

Contact:

Amy Massimo

Director, Public Affairs

(845) 348-2773

massimoa@nyackhospital.org

Nyack, NY – April  12, 2010 – Nyack Hospital has been named a National Finalist by PLANSPONSOR Magazine, a trade publication for organizations and professionals in the employee benefits industry, as Plan Sponsor of the Year.  The Hospital was nominated for this award as a 403(b)/Non- Profit Organization.

PLANSPONSOR’s Plan Sponsor for the Year Awards for Excellence honor organizations that have worked tirelessly to help build more financially secure retirement plans for their employees. Nyack Hospital and its fellow nominees were recognized for challenging themselves to focus on the workforce and possessing the wisdom to create, sustain and expand benefit programs.

Contact:

Mary Creagh

Public Affairs

(845) 786-4225

creaghm@helenhayeshospital.org

West Haverstraw, NY – April 8, 2010 – The Helen Hayes Hospital Clinical Laboratory has been awarded accreditation by the Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of a recent on-site inspection.

The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, initiated in the 1960’s, is recognized by the federal government as being equal to or more stringent that the government’s own inspection program. During the accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, the laboratory’s equipment, facilities, safety program and record, as well as the overall management of the laboratory. This stringent inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for the laboratory’s patients.

“This accreditation represents our commitment to providing the highest level of services to our patients,” states Steven Spitalnik, M.D., Laboratory Director. “The staff of our Clinical Lab also works closely with referring healthcare professionals, to ensure that they receive accurate and timely reports.”

The College of American Pathologists is the world’s largest association composed exclusively of board certified pathologists and is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance.

Helen Hayes Hospital is one of the nation’s leading specialty physical rehabilitation hospitals, restoring mobility and function to individuals recovering from traumatic injuries and chronic disabling illnesses.

Contact:

Mary Creagh

Public Affairs

(845) 786-4225

creaghm@helenhayeshospital.org

West Haverstraw, NY – April 8, 2010 – Val S. Gray, Chief Executive Officer of Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw, has announced the appointment by Governor David Paterson of two members to the physical rehabilitation hospital’s Board of Visitors.

Gov. Paterson has appointed Wellington Y. Liu, MD of New York City to the hospital's Board of Visitors, for a term to expire on December 31, 2015.

Dr Liu is an internist with Matrix Medical Network, which provides high-risk member management services to health plans throughout the country. He also currently serves as clinical instructor in medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, as associate cardiologist with Medical Associates of Wall Street, as an associate attending in the Department of Medicine at St Vincent's Hospital and as the Medical Director of the Kateri Residence.

Dr Liu received his medical degree from the Tufts University School of Medicine and his undergraduate degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He completed medical residencies and internships at Beth Israel Hospital in New York and a cardiology fellowship at Bronx Municipal Hospital, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Liu is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases and is also board certified by the National Board of Medical Examiner. 

Gov. Paterson has also renewed the appointment of Martin C. Wortendyke for a term to expire on December 31, 2014. Mr. Wortendyke, of Upper Nyack, New York is the owner of Cal Mart Enterprises, Inc., one of the region’s largest construction firms, and is also the owner of the West Nyack Car Wash and the Wortendyke Brothers Realty Company. A native of Rockland County, Mr. Wortendyke is very active in community affairs.

Helen Hayes Hospital

Helen Hayes Hospital is the largest and most comprehensive physical rehabilitation hospital in New York State, helping to restore mobility and independence to individuals with physical disabilities and chronic disabling diseases. The hospital is operated by the New York State Department of Health and is affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System.

Teaneck, NJ – April 8, 2010 - Holy Name Medical Center's MS Center will hold its 13th Annual Spring Fashion Fling on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 11:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m. at the Marriott Glenpointe Hotel in Teaneck, NJ. NORDSTROM of Garden State Plaza is this year's Fashion Sponsor while Chris Cimino, WNBC-TV Meterologist, will once again serve as Honorary Chairperson of the event.

"Each year our Annual Spring Fashion Fling raises significant funds for Holy Name's MS Center," said Kevin McCarthy, Vice President of Development and Executive Director of the Holy Name Health Care Foundation. "We're especially excited this year to have Nordstrom as our fashion sponsor. Their support of Holy Name and the mission of the MS Center are critical to the success of the event and will certainly help to provide a beautiful fashion show."

Tickets are $100 each and include an elegant luncheon and fashion show, along with a large-scale raffle-auction and 50/50. All monies raised go directly to patient care and research at Holy Name MS Center. Individuals may also sponsor a table or an advertisement in the journal. Table sponsorship ranges from $1,500 to $10,000 and includes tickets, signage on the table and a full-page ad in the program journal that will be distributed to all guests. Program journal prices range from $50 to $500 and tickets for the Super 50/50 Cash Raffle are $50.

The MS Center at Holy Name Medical Center is the premier provider of multiple sclerosis-related healthcare in northern New Jersey, offering a wide range of services to individuals with MS and their families, including diagnosis and testing, treatment, support, education, and the opportunity to participate in research studies. All proceeds from the Annual Spring Fashion Fling go directly to patient care and research at the MS Center.

For more information on Holy Name MS Center's Spring Fling Fashion Show or to purchase tickets please call 201.833.3000 ext. 3899 or visit www.holyname.org/mscenter.

Contacts:

Kathleen Robinson

NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System

(212) 821-0560

krobinso@med.cornell.edu 

David V. Pomeranz

The Hebrew Home at Riverdale

(718) 581-1780

dpomeranz@hebrewhome.org 

New York, NY – April 7, 2010 – The Hebrew Home at Riverdale has joined the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System as an affiliate member. Formalized on February 1, 2010, the new affiliation reinforces and builds on the longterm relationship between The Hebrew Home and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

"The Hebrew Home is very excited about establishing a partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System," says Daniel Reingold, President and CEO of The Hebrew Home at Riverdale. "This relationship will help further create a seamless, efficient and superb continuum of care for New York's senior population."

For information on course content, continuing education units, and registration, please go to www.nyp.org/nursing/news/cme

Continuing Education Courses

Interpreting Research and Evidence into Practice: Building Partnerships Among Healthcare Disciplines, Consumers, Media, and Policy Makers

When:             April 21 and 22, 2010

Where:             The Methodist Hospital

Dunn Tower, Rio Grande Conference D1-059

6565 Fannin Street

Houston, TX 

Making Your Hospital Diabetes Friendly: Tools of the Trade

When:             May 18, 2010

Where:             The Rockefeller University

1230 York Ave @ 66th Street

The Weiss Research Bldg.

3 Floor Room 305

New York, NY

4th Annual Update for Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Neonatal Nurses

When:             June 14, 2010

Where:             The Rockefeller University

1230 York Ave @ 66th Street

The Weiss Research Bldg.

3 Floor Room 305

New York, NY

Certification Review Courses

OCN (Oncology) Certification Review Course  

When:             September 23 and 24, 2010

Where:             New York-Presbyterian Hospital

Vivian and Seymour Milstein Family Heart Center

Myrna L. Daniels Meeting Room – 1^st Floor

173 Fort Washington Avenue

(between Herbert Irving Pavilion and Milstein Hospital Building)

New York, NY

CNOR (Operating Room) Certification Review Course

When:             October 23 and 24, 2010

Where:             NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/

Weill Cornell Medical Center

435 East 70th Street - Nursing Education

Sub Basement Room 25

New York, NY

Contact: 

Maureen Curran Kleinman

Marketing and Communications

(201) 291-6310

mcurran@valleyhealth.com

Ridgewood, NJ – April 5, 2010 – The Oncology Clinical Trials Department at The Valley Hospital has been named one of the top three performing institutions in the country for thoracic clinical trials by the American College of Surgeon’s Oncology Group (ACOSOG).  The Oncology Clinical Trials Department is located at Valley’s Daniel & Gloria Blumenthal Cancer Center in Paramus.

Top performing sites are selected based on several criteria that evaluate the quality of their patient selection, data submission and other factors. Valley’s Oncology Clinical Trials Department was recognized as a top performer at ACOSOG’s annual meeting in Chicago in March. 

The American College of Surgeons Oncology Group is a clinical trial cooperative group supported publicly by the National Cancer Institute.

Caption:

Seated, left to right: Mara Grbic, Research Coordinator; Cheryl Parish RN,  Manager, Oncology Research;  and Robert Korst M.D.,  Director of Thoracic Surgery and Medical Director of the Blumenthal Cancer Center. 

Standing, Left to Right:  David Chang,  Ph.D., Research Scientist;  Janet Ashbahian, Tissue Banking Technician; Eva Brodkin RN, Research Coordinator; Jennifer Deraney RN, Research Coordinator; Susan Mock RN,  Research Coordinator;  Nancy Librera, Assistant Vice President Oncology Services; Janet Farley, RN, Research Coordinator; and Anna Baiata, Regulatory Document Specialist.

Contact:

Alisa White Holland

Communications

(914) 787-5004

aholland@lawrencehealth.org

Bronxville, NY – April 5, 2010 – Lawrence Hospital Center is the only hospital in Westchester County and southern Connecticut that offers CT imaging that exposes patients to less radiation. It was a significant investment, but hospital officials believe it was well worth it. The GE Healthcare LightSpeed VCT XTe reduces up to 40 percent of the radiation during a scan. “Not only is it safer, but it allows us to get better images faster,” states Raymond Farquharson, Administrative Director of Radiology at Lawrence Hospital Center.  “It also provides peace of mind to parents whose children may need a CT scan. Given their age, it is a far better option for them if they are in need of an image,” insists Farquharson.

“The addition of the GE Low-Dose CT Scan complements and extends the range of quality diagnostic services that Lawrence Hospital Center offers residents of Westchester County,” says Farquharson. “It provides us with a higher level of diagnostic confidence at significantly lower radiation dose with the new ASiR™ technology.”

Contact:

Alisa White Holland

Communications

(914) 787-5004

aholland@lawrencehealth.org

Bronxville, NY – April 5, 2010 – An Open House to celebrate the grand opening of Lawrence Medical Associates (LMA) took place on Thursday, March 25th. LMA is a new multi-specialty physician practice located at 685 White Plains Road in Eastchester (across the street from Borders Book store). The expanding group of board certified physicians also has offices at 77 Pondfield Road in Bronxville and are both affiliated with Lawrence Hospital Center. With many years of experience between them, this group of physicians, specializing in the practice of Internal Medicine, expects to double in number this spring with plans to add a group specializing in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Gerald A. Ridge, MD, Medical Director of LMA is available to see patients along with Angel Rodriguez, MD; Louis Caragine, MD; Kerrianne Page, MD; and Oana Hantar, MD. In addition to offering patients the highest quality medical care in a friendly, modern, and professional setting, the renovated offices are conveniently located with plenty of free parking. If you or someone you know is in need of a physician, contact Lawrence Medical Associates at 914-787-4100 in Eastchester or 914-337-4986 in Bronxville.

Contact:

Alisa White Holland

Communications

(914) 787-5004

aholland@lawrencehealth.org

Bronxville, NY – April 5, 2010 – The Center for Sleep Medicine at Lawrence Hospital is proud to announce its grand opening to serve the greater Westchester County community.  The center is conveniently located inside the hospital on the fifth floor at 55 Palmer Avenue in Bronxville. It provides professional consultation, diagnostic and treatment services for all types of sleep disorders. The Center for Sleep Medicine at Lawrence Hospital is under the medical direction of Rochelle Waldman, MD, a well-established specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Dr. Waldman is board certified in this specialty by The American Board of Sleep Medicine.

Robert Seminara, M.D., (photo right) former president of NYM’s Medical Board, and Fredric J. Hugue, who has served as a Hospital trustee since 2003, will be honored at New York Methodist Hospital’s annual Board of Trustees “Candlelight Gala,” on Saturday, May 1, 2010.The event will be held at Steiner Studios in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.   Proceeds from the gala will benefit the Hospital’s Department of Surgery.  

Dr. Seminara will receive the Lewis S. Pilcher Award in recognition of his leadership and service to the Hospital. The award is named after New York Methodist’s first medical director. Dr. Seminara received a bachelor’s of science degree in biology from Long Island University in 1973.  After receiving a medical degree in 1977, he completed a year of rotating clerkship at New York Medical College.  He then began a general surgery residency at what was then known as The Methodist Hospital and served as chief resident under the tutelage of the late Irving Enquist, M.D.

Photo Caption:

(right) Robert Seminara: Robert Seminara, M.D., will be honored with the Lewis S. Pilcher Award at the upcoming New York Methodist Hospital Gala.

(left) Fred Hugue: Fredric J. Hugue, will accept the James Monroe Buckley Award in recognition of his years of dedicated service New York Methodist Hospital’s Board of Trustees.

Contacts:

Bryan Dotson

(212) 305-5587   

brd9005@nyp.org 

Belinda Mager

(212) 305-5587   

bem9048@nyp.org

New York, NY - April 2, 2010 - Kevin Hammeran has been appointed senior vice president and chief operating officer of NewYork-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital and the Sloane Hospital for Women at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center.

"Kevin Hammeran has a superb track record of successes, bolstering the clinical and operational strength of every hospital where he has worked, while fostering an environment of outstanding care and compassion for patients and their families," says Dr. Herbert Pardes, president and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. "In this role, he will provide the leadership to ensure the very best care from pregnancy and birth through childhood."

"I look forward to working with Kevin as we dedicate ourselves to providing children and their families with the most advanced and effective treatment options," says Dr. Lawrence Stanberry, chairman of the Department of Pediatrics of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and pediatrician-in-chief of NewYork-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. "His leadership will also help strengthen the important clinical links between obstetrics and pediatrics."

Contact:

John Rodgers
(212) 821-0560

jdr2001@med.cornell.edu

Lezlie Greenberg

(212) 821-0560
leg2003@med.cornell.edu

New York, NY – April 1, 2010 – Dr. Gerald Loughlin, a noted pediatrician and the Nancy C. Paduano Professor and chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical College, has been named senior associate dean for international clinical program planning at Weill Cornell Medical College.

In his new role, Dr. Loughlin will work closely with the Sidra Medical and Research Center in Qatar to guide the development of Weill Cornell's clinical, educational and research programs at the facility in advance of Sidra's opening in 2012. He will serve as a liaison for the Medical College, providing input from its faculty as the new facility is planned; defining the scope, scale and organization of clinical services; and assembling a medical leadership team. When it opens, Sidra will initially focus on women's and children's health.

"Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar was the first American university to offer a medical degree internationally. In the eight years since its founding, it has flourished, providing medical education to a diverse group of 264 students from more than 30 countries on five continents," says Dr. Antonio M. Gotto Jr., the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College. "With Sidra, we endeavor to extend the second and third major pillars of Weill Cornell's mission -- namely clinical care and biomedical research."

Come hear Nyack Hospital’s Battle of the Bands – Our Docs Rock! on Thursday, May 13, from 7:00-11:00 pm at Duke Ocean Grill, 37 Route 303 in Tappan, NY. 

Groove to the music of Nyack Hospital doctors Ken Blumberg, MD; Charles Glassman, MD; Stephen Goodman, MD; Barry Kraushaar, MD; and Robert March, MD, of the bands Miss Diagnosis, Magic 8 Ball, the Temple Dudes and D.A.W. 

Everyone is invited to enjoy an evening of Rock & Roll, dancing, a silent auction and more   Cast your vote for “The 2010 Nyack Hospital Top Doc Band!”  Proceeds from this event will benefit the purchase of an additional CT scanner for the hospital.

Admission is $25 in advance; $30 at the door.

For additional information or to purchase tickets, please call 845.348.2771.

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.

Tired of cooking?  Looking for an opportunity to check out the new restaurant in your neighborhood or visit a family favorite?

On April 21, Nyack Hospital’s Dine Out For Kids Rockland is your chance to enjoy a great meal while supporting a great cause!

Over the past 7 years, Dine Out has raised over $250,000 for pediatric services at Nyack Hospital.  This year, the Hospital is renovating the Pediatric Unit, including patient rooms and the new pediatric play room, which will be equipped with age-appropriate learning materials and games.

“The renovated Pediatric Unit at Nyack Hospital will offer an environment that is sensitive to the unique medical and emotional needs of the youngest patients,” said Restaurant X Owner, Peter Xaviar Kelly, Chairman of Dine Out For Kids Rockland.  “I am so pleased to be a part of an event that supports a wonderful community hospital.”

Dear Colleagues:

We are pleased to report that during our unannounced survey by the Joint Commission in March, we received a preliminary report granting us three-year re-accreditation (with outstanding remarks from the surveyors). The Joint Commission is the accrediting body for health care facilities throughout the United States. The survey team stated that we set a great example for other hospitals. In particular, the surveyors recognized our team approach to rounding.

The Joint Commission has made it clear that the lack of “effective communication among caregivers” is a recurring patient safety issue in health care facilities nationwide. It is one of the seven 2010 National Patient Safety Goals established for hospitals by the Joint Commission. A lot of hard work has gone into the improvement of our communication, and we acknowledge that there is more work ahead. Sustaining a great program is as important as the establishment of it. The key word is consistency.

Many hospitals perform patient rounds. Most rounding teams involve nurses who hand-off patient information at the change of nursing shifts. What sets our rounding teams apart is that we include attending physicians, physician assistants, nurse aides, case managers, nutrition services and residents, each of whom take an active role in communication hand-offs during shift changes.

The results from our re-accreditation survey are evidence that we are on the right track. Our employees and medical staff under-stand that the way we communicate with our patients and the way we communicate as a team affects the quality, safety and patient’s perception of their care while with us.

The numerous positive comments that we received by the Joint Commission surveyors are a testament to the caring and professionalism of the more than 5,000 people who make up our team of employees, physicians and volunteers. And, I thank all of the individuals who make up our hospital team for their hard work and dedication.

To re-emphasize our priorities for the year among our senior leadership team and Board of Trustees, we had an executive retreat late last month. The meeting enabled us to update our 2010 plan for clinical programs, our financial prospects, our engagement of community-based physicians and our progress with electronically connecting physicians to our hospital.

Sincerely,

Stephen S. Mills, FACHE

Contact:

Cynthia Bacon

Public Affairs and Marketing

(718) 670-2515

crm9002@nyp.org

Flushing, N.Y., March 25, 2010– New York Hospital Queens (NYHQ) is actively looking for people with Type 2 diabetes between the ages of 18 to 75 and who take oral agents to control their diabetes to take part in a clinical study of a promising new treatment for diabetes. The study utilizes a generic drug called salsalate, widely prescribed for arthritis, which has shown early promising results for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.

The results of the first phase of the study, called TINSAL-T2D (for Targeting Inflammation using Salsalate in Type 2 Diabetes), were first reported online on March 16 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.  With continued funding from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NYHQ was chosen as a study site for the second part of the study, which will evaluate efficacy and safety in a larger group of people over a longer time period than the first phase.

Dear Colleagues:

We are pleased to report that during our unannounced survey by the Joint Commission in March, we received a preliminary report granting us three-year re-accreditation (with outstanding remarks from the surveyors). The Joint Commission is the accrediting body for health care facilities throughout the United States. The survey team stated that we set a great example for other hospitals. In particular, the surveyors recognized our team approach to rounding.

The Joint Commission has made it clear that the lack of “effective communication among caregivers” is a recurring patient safety issue in health care facilities nationwide. It is one of the seven 2010 National Patient Safety Goals established for hospitals by the Joint Commission. A lot of hard work has gone into the improvement of our communication, and we acknowledge that there is more work ahead. Sustaining a great program is as important as the establishment of it. The key word is consistency.

Many hospitals perform patient rounds. Most rounding teams involve nurses who hand-off patient information at the change of nursing shifts. What sets our rounding teams apart is that we include attending physicians, physician assistants, nurse aides, case managers, nutrition services and residents, each of whom take an active role in communication hand-offs during shift changes.

The results from our re-accreditation survey are evidence that we are on the right track. Our employees and medical staff under-stand that the way we communicate with our patients and the way we communicate as a team affects the quality, safety and patient’s perception of their care while with us.

The numerous positive comments that we received by the Joint Commission surveyors are a testament to the caring and professionalism of the more than 5,000 people who make up our team of employees, physicians and volunteers. And, I thank all of the individuals who make up our hospital team for their hard work and dedication.

To re-emphasize our priorities for the year among our senior leadership team and Board of Trustees, we had an executive retreat late last month. The meeting enabled us to update our 2010 plan for clinical programs, our financial prospects, our engagement of community-based physicians and our progress with electronically connecting physicians to our hospital.

Sincerely,

Stephen S. Mills, FACHE