from page 5
Bruce J. Markowitz, president and CEO. Palisades began its Emergency Department Renovation Project in 2009 by adding new technologies and incorporated a new rapid evaluation unit to provide immediate assessment to incoming patients and allow for faster triage and bedside registration. This year, ER renovations will include access for walk-in patients to permit direct access from the waiting area. Additional restroom facilities and new storage areas will also be added. New Jersey hospitals face a great struggle due to the state’s unusually high population density and its 1.2 million uninsured residents who often rely on Emergency Departments as their provider of last resort. Palisades’ Northern Hudson service area has a poverty rate that is four times the New Jersey average, according to the hospital.
Jersey City Medical Center Women requiring biopsies after a mammogram are now reaping the benefits of new technology being used at the Cristie Kerr Women’s Health Center at Jersey City Medical Center. Doctors say the new stereotactic breast biopsy equipment promises women greater comfort and precision during biopsies. It is the first technology of its kind available at a comprehensive breast center in Hudson County. “This computer-guided technology allows us to get a better and smaller sampling of tissue with greater precision, shortens the time of the procedure, and provides the patient with little if any discomfort,” said Dr. Edward Poon, chair of radiology at the hospital. “The incision is much smaller so there is little if any scarring and decreased pain. The procedure is completed within 45 to 60 minutes.” “The new technology is another example of our goal to make the Cristie Kerr Women’s Health Center the leading breast cancer facility in the area,” said Medical Director Dr. Julie DiGioia. “It’s part of the center’s mission to provide our patients with excellent medical care and treat them with the utmost in dignity and compassion.” As part of this effort, the center recently created a tumor board comprised of a group of leading physicians with diverse specialties in oncology, radiology, surgery, pathology, radiation oncology, and reconstructive surgery, who meet weekly to discuss complex cases and the most appropriate care. In addition, the Radiology Department recently received a three-year term of accreditation from the American College of Radiology.
Hoboken University Medical Center HUMC has recently expanded its Senior Treatment and Evaluation Program (STEP). STEP is among the most comprehensive behavioral health programs for the elderly in Hudson County and HUMC is the only hospital in Hudson County that offers specialized behavioral health care for this demographic, according to hospital spokespeople. The program not only addresses the psychiatric needs of the elderly but their medical needs as well. Patient and their families also participate in treatment planning to help develop interventions aimed at improving symptoms. Patient rooms in the department are all private. The rooms are designed to meet the needs of patients with a mix of psychiatric and medical problems. Also at the hospital, there is a brand new dining room to accommodate
meals that will be served family-style, which provides patients the opportunity to eat in a community non-institutional setting. Family members are also able to join patients for meals. Equally as important to this new unit is an area where families can visit with loved ones. The family area was developed to help create a home-like setting and provide comfort to families when visiting. The company that is hoping to buy HUMC has indicated that it plans to make more improvements. In a press release issued last week, HUMC HoldCo said: “HUMC Holdco is continuing to explore additional sources of financing in order to advance HUMC’s goal of building a nursing home/assisted living facility, modernizing and expanding the maternity unit, and longer term capital needs.”
Bayonne Medical Center Last fall, Bayonne Medical Center was designated as a primary stroke center by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. The designation recognized the hospital’s expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of strokes. “We are extremely pleased with our recent designation as a Primary Stroke Center,” said hospital president and CEO Daniel A. Kane. “The center of excellence that we have developed for the diagnosis and treatment of strokes is another example of the high level of care that we are providing to the residents of Bayonne and Hudson County.” The cardiovascular program at Bayonne Medical Center is the most recent service to receive new advanced equipment, enhanced technology and a complete facility renovation at a cost of $2.2 million. The new equipment will allow physicians an opportunity to perform complex cardiac and peripheral vascular procedures. Physicians will have an opportunity to share patient images electronically with the patients’ primary care physician and other physicians involved in their care. The newly-renovated space incorporates what the hospital calls its “healing environment concept” which provides patients and family members a more relaxed recovery experience. Kane said, “Bayonne Medical Center has invested over $10 million dollars on improvements in facilities, equipment and technology since February 2008.”
Hoboken University Medical Center in Hoboken
ment on the way which will focus on brain injuries and disorders. The department will treat such conditions as traumatic brain injuries, strokes, Alzheimer’s, developmental brain disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and other cognitive conditions. According to MHA officials, Meadowlands Hospital’s new owners have invested more than $8 million to upgrade its electronic health records, a trend that several hospitals in the area are following, including Palisades Medical Center.
Christ Hospital Beginning in January 2011, Christ Hospital acquired the necessary equipment to treat heart attack patients with Medically Induced Hypo thermia. The procedure allows physicians time to treat a patient’s heart condition, while
reducing harm to the brain. Once initial treatments are complete, and the patient is stabilized, the patient’s core body temperature is gradually raised back to normal. Induced hypothermia can double or triple the survival rate among some patient groups. “Having this therapy available to our physicians will greatly benefit patients being brought to the Emergency Department at Christ Hospital,” said Vijay Akkapeddi, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine. “Inducing hypothermia to patients suffering a coronary event will avail us the time to treat them and help assure they do not needlessly suffer additional brain damage.” To comment on this story on-line, go to www.hudsonreporter.com. E-mail E. Assata Wright at awright@hudson reporter.com.
Or at Hoboken University Medical Center
Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center MHA’s first priority has been to find ways to attract more patients to Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center. Upon taking control of Meadowlands, MHA turned the hospital into an all private-room facility. Patients no longer have to share their recovery time with roommates. Rooms are also equipped with TVs, phones, and internet service without additional charge. And specified visiting hours have been abolished, giving families broader access to their recovering loved ones. The hospital’s radiology department already has new Xray and advanced MRI equipment, and MHA also plans to expand the hospital’s emergency room and cardiac program by the fall. There’s also a new physical rehab depart-
Dr. Osbert Fernandez, OB/Gyn, Prenatal Educator Robin Petrick and Family Birthing Center patient Emily Fernandez.
Everything you need for a safe and healthy delivery is moments away at Hoboken University Medical Center. Exceptional care from the area’s leading medical specialists. Private maternity suites and a lactation consultant on site, 24/7. And an advanced Level II Neonatal Special Care Nursery with the latest treatment and technology to encourage infant development. To tour the Family Birthing Center or learn more, call (201) 418-1015. We’re changing more than our name.
308 Willow Ave. I Hoboken, New Jersey 07030 I (201) 418-1000 I www.HobokenUMC.com
9 • The Hudson Reporter • PROGRESS REPORT • March 6, 2011
HOSPITAL