CHRONICLE
January 2015
www.RUMCSI.org
The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal Awarded to the Hospital Richmond University Medical Center announces it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its rigorous performance standards. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a symbol of quality that reflects our commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. We recently underwent a comprehensive, unannounced on-site survey in the fall. During the review, a team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated compliance with hospital standards related to several areas, including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, and medication management. Surveyors also conducted extensive on-site observations and interviews. The Joint Commission has accredited hospitals for more than 60 years. More than 4,000 general, children’s, long-term acute, psychiatric, rehabilitation and specialty hospitals currently maintain accreditation from The Joint Commission, awarded for a three-year period. In addition, approximately 360 critical access hospitals maintain accreditation through a separate program.
The Joint Commission’s hospital standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The standards are formed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help hospitals measure, assess and improve performance.
Adopt a Family Holiday Drive a Success This year the hospital’s Adopt a Family initiative was able to help 55 families from our various clinics. Organized by staff members Jennifer Dominguez and AnnMarie Cazzetta, the holiday drive provides gifts to families in need. In addition to individuals and departments throughout the hospital, local organizations lent a helping hand. The Kiwanis Club of Staten Island provided 22 individuals with gifts of clothing, toys, and gift cards. A dedicated group of employees volunteered to wrap and organize all donations. We thank everyone for their support in this project!
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 Dear Friends, 2014 was a fast-paced year for the hospital. We ended with an exceptional Joint Commission Survey followed by an equally successful CMS Validation Survey from the Department of Health. Our dedicated staff were a constant force, helping the hospital succeed with both reviews. Since joining the hospital in April, I have witnessed this remarkable team accomplish wonderful things—from a significant improvement in our financial performance, rising patient satisfaction scores, the ribbon cutting of our new Psychiatric Emergency Room and expanded Inpatient Adolescent Psychiatric Unit, to RUMC’s sponsorship of its first Accountable Care Organization Medicare Shared Savings set to launch in the first quarter of 2015. It is with great admiration that I offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to each and every staff member and volunteer for all of your tremendous efforts in 2014. The hospital’s involvement in the community continues to grow. Our second Baby Health Fair will take place in February, and we will collaborate with Borough Hall for a Men’s Health Event on January 22nd at the JCC. We are currently working on a new partnership with the YMCA for Staten Islanders with a diabetes prevention program. The program is one step toward lowering the rates of chronic disease in our borough, and will share an additional resource with Dr. Philip Otterbeck as its medical director. More information on this great initiative will follow in the February issue. Remember the power of one—you make a difference! Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2015!
A Great Social Media Review Millie C. My daughter got the absolute best care from the wonderful pediatric nurses. So compassionate and caring, always made sure she was comfortable and had everything she need. They even took the time to make sure I was holding up ok, held my hand and hugged me when I broke down. I love them all! Thank you for everything you did for my daughter and me.
Growth in the Future Patient Centered Medical Home 800 Castleton Avenue Staff has been working diligently to grow the volume at all of our Ambulatory Services located within the hospital and at 800 Castleton Avenue. As we generate more volume, referrals to all physicians and other services at the hospital increase. Two major factors contribute to the potential for future growth: extended hours and the acceptance of most insurances. This change should increase the access points for our patients in the community. Please feel free to refer your patients as needed. Administrative Director Paula Caputo notes, “Working families with kids in school and busy careers will benefit from the expansion of the hours at our Family Health Center for Children and Adults, ultimately allowing us to provide better care to our community.” For Ambulatory Appointments: Ambulatory Services: (718) 818-4570 For General Information: 800 Castleton Avenue Medical Services & Sub-Specialty Services: (718) 818-2095 Pediatric & Adolescent: (718) 818-1080 In-Hospital Services: OB/GYN: (718) 818-1069 Sub-Specialty: (718) 818-2117
January 2015
Governor Cuomo Allocates Funding for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Program at Hospital Richmond University Medical Center will receive funding as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's recent awards of $6.2 million in federal funds for sexual assault and domestic violence programs throughout New York State. The Governor announced the funding at the end of December, with $64,801 approved for the hospital. The funding allows for a sexual assault nurse examiner program and partial funding for a program coordinator, along with training expenses. The grants provide funding to 90 community organizations, hospitals, police departments and district attorneys' offices around the state to better protect victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Two grants were made to the borough and come from the Violence Against Women Act.
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Board Highlight: Gina Gutzeit Gina Gutzeit is Senior Managing Director with FTI Palladium Partners, New York. She has more than 20 years of experience in operational and financial restructuring, interim management, bankruptcy proceedings and litigation services. She has served as financial advisor to numerous companies experiencing financial and operational changes and advised on all aspects of financial restructuring, cash flow management and revenue enhancement programs, as well as providing assistance in preparing financial projections, implementing Accounting Reform and Investor Protection compliance procedures, negotiating with lenders and creditors, assessing divestiture and consolidation scenarios, and related financial impact. Ms. Gutzeit is a certified public accountant in New York, a certified insolvency and restructuring adviser and a certified fraud examiner. Ms. Gutzeit is the Treasurer of the Richmond University Medical Center Board of Trustees and Chair of the Finance Committee.
Volunteer of the Month Catherine McAvoy Catherine has volunteered at Richmond University Medical Center for over 5 years. After retiring from the NYC Department of Transportation, Catherine wanted to give back to the community. She decided to volunteer at the hospital. Catherine cheerfully works in the messenger office from May through December. We thank Catherine for her dedication to the hospital!
Quality & Patient Care
CAHPS
Sep '14
Oct '14
Nov '14
Top Box
Top Box
Top Box
Rate hospital 0-10
44.7 ▲
44.6 ▼
61.5 ▲
Recommend the hospital
58.4 ▲
47.3 ▼
59.0 ▲
Cleanliness of hospital environment
57.7 ▲
57.6 ▼
65.9 ▲
Quietness of hospital environment
53.9 ▲
50.0 ▼
36.6 ▼
Communication with Nurses
68.8 ▼
69.6 ▲
80.1 ▲
Response of Hospital Staff
65.9 ▲
52.7 ▼
65.2 ▲
Communication with Doctors
77.8 ▲
71.0 ▼
76.6 ▲
Hospital Environment
55.8 ▲
53.8 ▼
51.2 ▼
Pain Management
72.8 ▲
63.8 ▼
57.6 ▼
Communication About Medicines
54.2 ▲
47.0 ▼
69.6 ▲
Discharge Information
74.9 ▲
70.1 ▼
78.2 ▲
Patient Satisfaction: A Note of Thanks I just wanted to commend the hospital on two staff members who really contributed to a positive experience. My doctor ordered an MRI for me and upon my arrival I met Eileen Masulo, RN. Beyond being knowledgeable, friendly, and caring, she was extremely thorough and took the time to ask me if I knew exactly what test I was taking and why. I felt very at ease while with her and as if she truly cared and enjoyed assisting me. Then I met with Jason Pandolfini. I had a very similar experience with him. He was professional, friendly, and he too, put me at ease. The experience was a lot less scary due to both of these staff members. I wanted to take the time to thank them both and let you know what valuable members of the team they are. Best, Regina
Quietness of hospital environment remains one of the lower scoring domains on the HCAHPS surveys we receive from our patients. Unpredictable noise evokes stress responses including tension, anxiety, distress and physical discomfort. Some sources of noise to consider include the activities of staff, alarms, TVs and radios, equipment motors, telephones and pagers. Some tips on reducing noise in the patient care areas include:
Close doors to patient rooms as a standard upon exiting (if appropriate).
Frequent use of the intercom system can disturb patients' neighbors and/or roommate, especially at night. Instead of using the intercom, proceed directly to the patient's room.
Turn down the volume on telephones and keep beepers on vibrate when possible.
Refrain from engaging in personal conversations with peers in patient care areas.
Human Resources News
Employee Service Awards
Welcome December New Hires
On December 11th, the hospital recognized employees who are celebrating a milestone anniversary at the Annual Employee Service Recognition Ceremony.
Laylo Rasulova, Registered Nurse Susan J. Barberi, Registered Nurse Berlyn Gonzalez, Ambulatory Assistant Liberty O. Izevbuwa, Mental Health Tech Rashidat A. Jolaoluwa, Registered Nurse Alanna McMahon, Social Worker Pablo C. Saldana Jr., Food Services Arta, Topalli, Employee Health Assistant Jill C. Francis, Registered Nurse Brenda I. Reyes, Unit Assistant Veronica M. Saez, Nursing Assistant Amber L. Brandefine, Registered Nurse Romeo R. Salomson, Registered Nurse Jonathan K. Auyeung, Delivery Room Tech Jonathan Diaz, Registered Nurse Alexis D. Garcia, Registered Nurse Christopher Matteo, Registered Nurse Intern Jeanie Meola, Registered Nurse
One employee, Karen Batz, was recognized for 50 years of service and we congratulate her for this special achievement. The following celebrated 45 years of service: Patricia Stawarz, Dale Weber, Vernice Augusty, Charlene Ferri, Diane Garzone and Eileen Seaborg. The following celebrated 40 years of service: Debra Letendre, Venise E. Johnstone, Sonia Dayag-Pascual, Leonard Rucinski, Denise Connors, Constance Amore, Denise Roach and William Langley. Thank you to all of our employees for your dedication and commitment to Richmond University Medical Center!
Jennifer Rivera, Medical Assistant
50 Years
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Department News
Medical Staff Honors Three Members The RUMC Medical Staff held their Annual Holiday Reception on Friday, December 12th at the Excelsior Grand. The evening celebrated the work the Medical Staff contributes to the hospital throughout the year. At this year’s reception three physicians were honored, Dr. John Pepe, Dr. Nicholas Lansigan, and Dr. Vincent Piccone. Dr. John Pepe has been an attending physician on staff since 1980. Dr. Pepe holds lifetime board certifications in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. He is the hospital’s Director of Hemodialysis and is a past present of the Medical Staff. He also serves as the Medical Director of the Staten Island Artificial Kidney Center and the Carol Molinaro Dialysis Unit. Dr. Pepe has served on numerous hospital committees in addition to his involvement with the Richmond County Medical Society . Dr. Nicholas Lansigan joined the Medical Staff in 1974 and retired in 2008 after 34 years of service to our hospital and to the residents of Staten Island. Board certified in General Surgery throughout his career, Dr. Lansigan served as President of the Medical Staff of Bayley Seton Hospital was also a Board of Trustee member. Dr. Vincent Piccone’s affiliation with the Medical Center began in 1965. He has set a standard of professional excellence throughout his career. Dr. Piccone is an author with a lifetime devoted to research in vascular surgery.
Screenings Administered at Monsignor Farrell High School
The hospital continues to partner with Frank and Fran Reali, and their foundation Protecting One Young Heart at a Time to administer cardiac screenings to high school freshman athletes. On December 15th and 16th the Foundation along with the RUMC team administered over 80 cardiac screenings to students at Monsignor Farrell.
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PACS Expansion The Radiology Department has begun a multi-million dollar equipment and facility upgrade. Many areas will be replaced with the latest G.E. Equipment including the Emergency Department Radiology Suite, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine & the Fluoroscopy Room. In addition a new PACS System to view the digital images has been implemented. “This is a major improvement for the imaging services we provide for our patients,” shares Kathy Giovinazzo, Administrative Director Clinical Services. “We can now offer the physicians instant access to the images on any secure terminal in the hospital or in their offices.”
Community Involvement
Saving Lives Through Organ Donation The holidays are a time of celebration and reflection. We reflect and honor the legacy of those who’s Gifts of Life allow others to live through the miracle of organ, eye and tissue donation. In 2014, nine lives were saved through organ donors at Richmond University Medical Center. The New York Organ Donor Network would like to thank the staff and leadership at Richmond University Medical Center for the diligent and compassionate work you do every day to save lives. We also want to thank the donor families who helped to give the precious Gift of Life to total strangers. Without you, these miracles would not be possible.
Around the Community Carmel Richmond Outreach
Gateway National Park Wellness Fair
Some of the latest research indicates that over 83 percent of New Yorkers support donation, yet only 23 percent [of eligible New Yorker 18 years of age and over] have signed up. Currently, there are over ten thousand New Yorkers on the waiting list and every 15 hours a patient dies waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Together, we must change this trend. Together we must make sure New Yorkers live!
CSI Nursing Program Trauma Training
Medical Science Program Partnership With St. Peter’s Boys High School At the beginning of the school year RUMC began a partnership with St. Peter’s Boys School to develop a pilot program introducing students to the “science of healthcare.” Incorporated into the design of the program high school seniors and juniors with an interest in healthcare careers are given a real world first hand experience within eight rotation areas. We thank the following departments for their commitment to this program and the future of these students, radiology, medicine, admini-
stration, respiratory care, lab technology, nursing, office preceptorship, and physical therapy. We are also excited to announce the addition of the emergency department to the program in the Spring 2015 rotations. The program ran from October 22nd through December 17th with the participants reporting to the hospital weekly. We congratulate these students on their completion of the program and look forward to hopefully working with all of them in their future careers.
January 2015
Upcoming Community Events Thursday, January 15th Borough Hall Blood Drive
Thursday, January 22nd Men’s Health Event Co-Sponsored with the Borough President’s Office JCC on Manor Road from 4:00pm-5:00pm
Saturday, February 28th Baby Health Fair—Save the Date Co-Sponsored with Babies R Us Community Benefit Reporting Reminder If you or your department has completed any community outreach or education throughout 2014, email aburt@rumcsi.org to make sure that your efforts to improve the community are properly documented in the 2014 Community Benefit Report.
January 2015 Employee Wellness Calendar