CHRONICLE
September 2014
www.RUMCSI.org
PCI Approval Announced in Cardiac Catheterization Lab In August, Richmond University Medical Center gained approval from the New York State Department of Health to convert the existing diagnostic cardiac catherization laboratory to a PCI-capable cardiac cath lab. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), commonly known as coronary angioplasty or simply angioplasty, is a non-surgical procedure used to treat the stenotic (narrowed) coronary arteries of the heart found in coronary heart disease. “PCI approval builds upon the hospital’s robust cardiology service line, and one that has a rich history of excellence,” shares Dan Messina, Ph.D., President & CEO.
History of Cardiology Firsts:
Dan Messina, Ph.D., President & CEO, Dr. Richard Grodman, Director of Cardiology, Kathryn Rooney, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Dr. Samala Swamy, Director of the Catheterization Lab.
First Coronary Care Unit - 1967; First Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory - 1977; First Electrophysiology Program - 1990; First Cardiology Fellowship Program - 1976 First Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump - 1982; First Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.
Foundation Hosts First Annual Clam Bake to Benefit the NICU On July 30th the Richmond University Medical Center Foundation Board hosted its first Clam Bake fundraiser, which honored the legacy of Dr. Anantham Harin. More than 240 members of the nursing staff, senior management, medical staff, and community were in attendance. Drs. Wick and Fernandez shared memories of their colleague Dr. Harin, while Dr. Lemma presented his widow, Nirupa, with a plaque recognizing his dedication. Dr. Lemma shared that the NICU’s success began with Dr. Harin, who is known to his friends as Hari, “He was the one who initiated the protocols about 30 years ago. He was such a a great clinician — he would foresee issues before they happened.” RUMC is a member of the Vermont Oxford group, which gathers data from 900 NICUs in the U.S. and Europe. Statistics from 2012 show a 99.6% survival rate, one of the highest in the region. All the proceeds that were raised from the event went toward improvements in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. For more images from this event please see page 6.
Erika Hellstrom, VP of Development and Executive Director of the foundation, Dr. Teresa Lemma, Director of Pediatric Residency Program and foundation board member, Tom Sipp, Chair of the foundation board, Dr. Nirupa Harin, Kathryn Rooney, Chair of the hospital board, and Daniel Messina, Ph.D., President & CEO.
A PUBLICATION FOR EMPLOYEES, PHYSICIANS, TRUSTEES, AND VOLUNTEERS OF RICHMOND UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
President’s Update
Message from the President & CEO Daniel J. Messina, Ph.D., FACHE, LNHA In August, we witnessed new changes taking place all throughout the Medical Center. The New York State Department of Health approved the transition of our current diagnostic cardiac catherization laboratory to a PCI-capable cardiac catherization laboratory. This is instrumental in our presence throughout the community to demonstrate that we are here to serve by delivering on our mission to reduce health disparities day in and day out by providing equal access to state-ofthe-art clinical services. I would like to thank our board of trustees, senior administration, physicians, and last but not least, our committed staff throughout the organization who always places the patients first in all that they do. Vince Lombardi once said, “perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” We all know the road to excellence is a journey not a destination. I am blessed to share a wonderful testimonial that exemplifies the excellence that each of you possess. Please the adjacent letter, which I share not only to recognize members of our team but to share the examples of excellence that led to Ms. Samofal’s exceptional patient experience. Remember the power of one, you make a difference.
A Patient Shares Gratitude Dear Daniel J. Messina, I want to tell you about my wonderful experience I had as a patient at your hospital. From the moment that I had checked into the hospital to the moment that I was discharged, I was treated with the utmost respect, care, and professionalism by absolutely every individual that was assigned to care for me during my last stay at your hospital. While in labor and delivery, I was treated by the following nurses: Tina Stone, Donna D’Apolito, and Nicole McLean. During my stay in maternity, I was treated by the following nurses: Elizabeth Clark, Toniann Molloy, Eva Pando, Robin Pomerance, Eileen Fiore, Doreen Gaffney and nurse assistant Marilon Barcia. As you can tell from the list above, I was impressed with the care that I was provided with and that I requested a list of all the above individuals that had cared for me in order to write this letter to the hospital administrators. Here are some examples of the excellent service that I received from your nurses:
Daniel J. Messina, Ph.D., FACHE, LNHA
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Healthcare professionals have a moral and ethical responsibility to protect the privacy of patients and as mandated by federal law (HIPAA). Remember to speak quietly while discussing a patient’s health in public areas. Provide a quiet, private area for sensitive information exchange. Avoid using names or other identifying information when conversing. Never discuss your patients with your friends and family members. Patient data is safe at Richmond University Medical Center and we remind you to keep their privacy a priority.
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4. 5. 6. 7.
When I was first checked into the hospital, the nurse that greeted me told me that if there was anything I needed to get comfortable to let her know; I asked for a pillow and some water and she brought it to me right away without keeping me waiting for it for hours; Every nurse that was assigned to me came in to introduce herself and came in to tell me that she was being replaced by the next shift’s nurse when the time came; When I told my nurse that I was hot, she brought me over an ice pack; When I told the nurse that I was in pain, an anesthesiologist was paged right away; They checked in on me frequently; They were always pleasant and smiling;
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Our Community
Volunteer Star of the Month
Continued They were patient in answering all my questions; and most importantly, they never made me feel like they were doing me a favor by taking care of me, they were doing their job and appeared to really enjoy doing it. I feel obligated to say a few words about my doctor Rita Shats, who delivered my child and who has privileges at your hospital. She was as patient with me during my pregnancies as she was while I was delivering. My improved physical condition came in very handy with a newborn child. Furthermore, although, I did not get the anesthesiologist’s names, they were both exceptional as well. The initial anesthesiologist that put the epidural in came very soon after I requested the epidural. He patiently explained the process to me before doing anything and answered all my questions. He came to check up on me before the end of his shift. The next anesthesiologist, came to check up on me at the beginning of his shift and adjusted the concoction because I was beginning to feel uncomfortable. He adjusted the concoction several times before I delivered, and seemed to be available almost instantly upon request. Then there is the premises. My room was exceptional! It was like staying in a hotel rather than the hospital. I just wanted to thank you and your staff for the wonderful experience and overall great service that you provide. Sincerely, Ms. Samofal
Gina Perotta Gina began volunteering in 1989. She started out bringing a candy cart to patient rooms and volunteering in the gift shop, which at the time was staffed by volunteers. This led to her becoming a member of the St. Vincent’s Hospital Auxiliary shortly thereafter. Through the decades she has grown more and more dedicated to the patients and people of the hospital. Her commitment and dedication continues as the newly elected president of the Auxiliary. In addition to her work with the RUMC Auxiliary, Gina also volunteers with several other groups in the New York Metropolitan area to knit items for both the pediatric patients in the hospital and throughout the community as a whole.
Do you know a great volunteer? Nominate them to be our Volunteer of the Month email info@rumcsi.org or call x2103.
Board of Trustees Spotlight Pietro Carpenito, M.D. Dr. Pietro Carpenito is the Executive Vice President of Richmond University Medical Center and one of its founding board members, where he continues to serve on various board committees, including Finance, Strategic Planning and Joint Conference Committee. Dr. Carpenito’s ongoing leadership has contributed to the increased physician recruitment and retention as well as in quality improvements in the Peri-Operative Services Division. He is a member of various committees in the organization, including Medical Executive Committee, Hospital-wide QA, the Critical Care Committee, the Executive Committee of the Medical Staff, the Credentials Committee and the CME Committee. Dr. Carpenito is clinically active as Chairperson of Anesthesia Department, a position he has held for the past 10 years. Dr. Carpenito is a graduate of the Universita degli Studi di Pisa Facolta di Medicina, Chirurgia, Italy. He is a member of the American Board of Anesthesiologists, New York State Society of Anesthesia, American Society of Anesthesiology, International Research Society, SAMBA, the Richmond County Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Dr. Carpenito has also been honored numerous times for his commitment to the community, most recently as a recipient of the United Hospital Trustee of the Year, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Business Achievement Award.
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Quality & Patient Care
HCAHPS Scores The Cause and Effect Flow to HCAHPS Press Ganey Large PG DP 942 RUMC Peer Group 14 Scores Increased
Influenza Season is Upon Us
February-April May-July 2014
2014
%
%
Rate Hospital 1-10
47
51
Recommend the hospital
50
50
COMM UNICATION WITH NURSES
71
74
Nurses treat with courtesy/respect
79
80
Nurses listen carefully to you
66
70
Nurses explain in way you understand
68
72
RESPONSE OF HOSPITAL STAFF
58
61
Call button help soon as wanted it
60
56
Help toileting soon as you wanted
56
66
COMMUNICATION WITH DOCTORS
74
79
Doctors treat with courtesy/respect
79
86
Doctors listen carefully to you
72
79
Doctors explain in way you understand
72
73
HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT
51
57
Cleanliness of hospital environment
58
63
Quietness of hospital environment
44
50
PAIN MANAGEMENT
67
66
Pain well controlled
62
63
Staff do everything help with pain
72
69
COMMUNICATION ABOUT MEDICINES
58
62
Tell you what medicine was for
76
75
Staff describe medicine side effect
41
49
DISCHARGE INFORMATION
75
76
Staff talk about help when you left
66
66
Information regarding symptoms/problems to look for
84
87
Most Improved Unit Award Congratulations to Clare Styles and her entire team for being the most improved unit for July 2014.
Senior Vice President Joseph Conte, Chief Operating Officer Rosemarie Stazzone, Clare Styles, & President Daniel Messina at Management Forum Page 4
July rate hospital was 71.4, cleanliness 92.9% representing the highest scores ever for medical/surgical unit in the hospital’s history! Thank you to everyone for their hard work and commitment!
As a reminder, Richmond University Medical Center is required to document the influenza vaccination status of all personnel for the current influenza season in each individual’s personnel record or other appropriate record. All department heads and or managers will maintain a record of vaccination for their employees and ensure that all personnel not vaccinated against influenza for the current influenza season wear a surgical or procedure mask while in patient care areas. RUMC will supply flu vaccines or masks to personnel, free of charge. To satisfy this mandate unit managers are going to be asked to oversee their particular group of healthcare workers and be responsible for the submission of completed (signed) screening forms from their group. Influenza screening forms will document whether the vaccine was received or declined (with reason). Unit managers will be expected to act as Champions and encourage vaccination. All influenza vaccination forms are available on the intranet under the infection control dropdown and hard copies will be available in the nursing office. Employees who receive the influenza vaccine outside of their units (EHS or PODS) will bring their screening forms sent to them for documenting compliance. Department and unit managers will maintain a list of all their staff and submit a completed list after all their staff has complied. Once an employee has submitted their form and has been marked as compliant, the forms can be sent to EHS for archive. All vaccinated employees will receive a sticker with 2014/2015 date stamp which should be displayed on the employee’s identification card. The sticker is required to have the signature of the unit manager or the signature of the personnel administering the vaccine. We have developed policies and procedures to implement this requirement to ensure compliance with the provisions. All unvaccinated employees will be required to wear masks starting Monday December 1, 2014 or when NYSDOH deems influenza widespread, which ever date comes first. Influenza vaccination is scheduled to begin Monday September 8, 2014 in employee health services and on the nursing units and continue throughout the influenza season or until the NYSDOH no longer designates the influenza season as widespread.
Human Resources
Dr. Francesco Rotatori Named Associate Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Dr. Francesco Rotatori joins the hospital as an interventional cardiologist, having recently completed an interventional cardiology fellowship at SUNY Downstate-UHB, where he also completed his cardiology fellowship training. Board-certified in internal medicine, nuclear cardiology and echocardiography, Dr. Rotatori earned a degree in Medicine and Surgery from Universita´ degli Studi in Milan, Italy. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at New York Medical College - Richmond University Medical Center where he served as Chief Resident from July 2009 - June 2010. Fluent in English, Italian and with a knowledge of Spanish, Dr. Rotatori will provide all aspects of cardiac care, consultation and instruction at Richmond University Medical Center. Beginning late July, Dr. Rotatori will welcome private patients at Amboy Medical Center and at the Brooklyn Office.
Employee Ice Cream Social
Welcome
August New Hires Sangita Parab Donna Dantonio Nubia Contreras Lina Leykina Joseph LaBarbera Steven Rivera Ashwini Achar Emmei Abdelsayed Warren Weiner Melissa Conte Devan Labarbera Johanna Figueroa Ineesha Jones Crystal Willacy Nicolette Orcchio Myra Villanueva Alyssa Christie Jocelyn Mendiola Theresa Orecchia Brittany Brown Giana Abbruzzese Febia Jackson
Staff Physician Clinical Data Specialist Anesthesia Tech Staff Physician Building Services Security Officer Resident Respiratory Therapist Respiratory Therapist Nursing Assistant Nursing Assistant Nursing Assistant Nursing Assistant Nursing Assistant Registered Nurse Registered Nurse Registered Nurse Registered Nurse Registered Nurse Unit Clerk Transporter Ultrasound Tech
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In the Community
President & CEO Dan Messina Takes the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
To see, the videos of Dan Messina and his nominees, scan the QR code or visit our social media sites!
President and CEO Dan Messina was nominated by Tony Ferreri, SIUH President, on Wednesday and took the challenge the following day. Staff gathered around him on the lawn to cheer him on with their cell phones ready to record! Borough President James Oddo and Staten Island Advance editor Brian Laline were on hand to deliver the icy cascade. ALS, commonly known as "Lou Gehrig's disease," is a disorder of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, which control voluntary muscle movement. After completing the challenge, Messina nominated Melissa Rabinovich, of NY1 News, Dr. Mansoor Khan, Chair of Emergency Medicine; Dr. Philip Otterbeck, Chief of Endocrinology, as well as Dr. Michael Mantello, Chair of Radiology.
Clam Bake to Benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
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In the Community
Radiology Expands with PACS System A picture archiving and communication system (PACS) is a medical imaging technology which provides economical storage of and convenient access to, images from multiple modalities. Electronic images and reports are transmitted digitally via PACS; this eliminates the need to manually file, retrieve, or transport film jackets. Combined with available and emerging web technology, PACS has the ability to deliver timely and efficient access to images, interpretations, and related data. PACS breaks down the physical and time barriers associated with traditional film-based image retrieval, distribution, and display.
School Supplies for Pediatric Patients Throughout the summer, RUMC employees and community members made generous donations of back to school items. On Monday, August 18th, Andrew Burt, Stefanie Racano, Farah Proce, Kara DeRosa, Jennifer Lemmelle, Trish Abbruseze, and Carol Pisapia distributed the school supplies and backpacks to children at the pediatric clinic at 800 Castleton Avenue. The children and parents were so grateful for the items. Kohl’s Associates in Action provided volunteers to help at the event, making it a success. Thank you to all employees and friends who donated school supplies.
Knitting for Babies & Children We thank our community members who continue to donate handmade blankets for babies and children in the hospital. The time and attention given to each blanket is clear, and we are so grateful for the volunteers who take the time to share with our patients and their families. In collaboration with our social media campaign, #RUMCBaby, we have had several community members share their personal photos of their children enjoying these beautiful gifts!
Senator Savino’s Back to School Blast The hospital’s outreach team was in the community at Senator Diane Savino’s Back to School Blast on August 15th in Stapleton’s Tappen Park. A special feature of our outreach at this great event was shared by Rosa Driscoll, RN who presented information on breast cancer screening and education. The breast cancer community outreach is part of the hospital’s Susan G. Komen grant. Page 7
Chronicle September 2014
Emergency Planning Exercise
Save These Dates! September 11th Memorial
On July 9th, a tabletop exercise was conducted with representatives from various departments including, but not limited to Emergency Department, Nursing, Security, Behavioral Health, Operating Room, Pharmacy, Radiology, Surgery, Laboratory, Patient Access, Trauma and Safety. The discussion was based on several simulated explosions that took place at a construction site at the Bayonne Bridge. The goal was to evaluate our hospital Incident Command System and our Emergency Operations Plan to identify gaps within our existing system. Issues identified during the tabletop exercise will be evaluated further during our future full scale exercise.
On September 11th, please join us for a memorial event to honor those lost on September 11, 2001. The memorial will take place at 12 noon at the remembrance garden facing the Villa building.
RUMC’s Community Baby Expo On October 13th, the hospital is hosting a community baby expo! The time and location are being finalized. If you would like to participate, please contact Andrew Burt at x2100.
#RUMCBaby
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE Hosts
Ebola and Ebola Mimics Thursday, September 4, 2014 Presented by David J. Cennimo, M.D. Assistant Professor of Medicine & Pediatrics Rutgers New Jersey Medical School For more information, contact Jennifer Dominguez at x3106
24th
Join the RUMC Team at the Annual Komen Greater New York City Race for the CureÂŽ
Sunday, September 7th, 2014 For details, contact Rosa Driscoll at 718-818-1141