Old Bridge Medical Center Foundation Donor Impact Report

THANK YOU

DONOR IMPACT REPORT

EMERGENCY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES HELP THOSE IN NEED

Thanks to donor support, the Emergency Department at Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge Medical Center provides emergency psychiatric services in a specially designated unit that ensures patient and team member safety and security and protects patient privacy and dignity. After evaluation by nursing staff, the crisis counselor and psychiatrist, and with patient input, a plan is executed to provide access to timely mental health care services, thereby reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and ensuring that appropriate care is provided.

“I am proud to be part of this team that works so hard to decrease the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.”

MAX

LAROCCO,

LCSW, EPS Unit Social Worker

Oh What A Sight!

Many times, patients in the hospital do not have their reading glasses available, causing discomfort, anxiety and distress. Thanks to our donors, reading glasses at varying prescription levels are now available to help patients see better In addition to reducing the risk of falling, patients are able to read instructions, see caregivers and visitors clearly, and engage in various activities (pleasure reading, puzzles, watching television) during their hospitalization.

Customized Care for Special Needs Patients

For adult and pediatric patients with special needs, the emergency room can be a bewildering and scary place. Thoughtful donor support helps improve their experience by having sensory toys, games and other objects available to soothe anxious minds, focus attention off the noise and activity in the department and create a welcome distraction to patients and caregivers alike. This helps the medical team immensely, as patients are more cooperative and receptive to medical treatment and care.

“Best experience I have ever had in a hospital, I was treated great. The staff, nurses, doctor and everyone was awesome and diligent.”

GRATEFUL PATIENT

A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION

During hospitalization, celebrating birthdays may take a backseat to the immediate needs surrounding medical care and treatment. Yet these occasions deserve celebration, as they offer a sense of normalcy and happiness during a difficult time. We want patients to enjoy their special days, and now, thanks to some very thoughtful donors, the team provides birthday packages to patients. The packages contain balloons and a coffee mug or other small gift. Team members also make arrangements with the dietary department to prepare a special celebratory dessert. We are excited to bring smiles to our patients’ faces and celebrate life’s milestones together!

“Thank you for the scale. It helps me manage my weight and heart disease.”

GRATEFUL

PATIENT

SCALES EMPOWER PATIENTS

Scales are a simple, yet valuable tool for managing one’s health. For heart failure patients who do not have a reliable scale, or access to one, donorfunded scales are provided to patients upon discharge. Careful weight monitoring may reduce heart failure hospital readmissions, indicate a need to adjust medications and offer a sense of empowerment in patients who are taking charge of their health. These basic tools speak to the social determinants of health by not allowing socioeconomic status to impede critical patient care.