Network Review | SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition

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Building for Success SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition

Harlem Hospital Center

Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center

Metropolitan Hospital Center

Morrisania Neighborhood Family Health Center

Renaissance Health Care Network

Segundo Ruiz Belvis Neighborhood Family Health Center

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1BSUOFSTIJQT As racial and ethnic disparities in workshops with participants from New CAB/Auxiliary Network Annual Dinner healthcare outcomes continue to make York, Texas and California and focused headlines both locally and nationally, on specific health disciplines that have the 7th Annual Conference on Urban garnered measurable successes in Health brought together healthcare treatment modalities. professionals and other stakeholders to share innovative strategies aimed The clinical expertise of our Network at eliminating such inequalities in hospitals and Neighborhood Family health. The forum, held on June 12th Health Centers was prominently and 13th at the Helmsley Park Lane showcased during the workshops. continues on pg. 12 Hotel in Manhattan, featured clinical continues on pg. 11 Network Review | SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition | Network Review

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Welcome to the 2008 Summer/Fall Please join me in wishing Metropolitan of 15,000 square feet including 37 exam Edition of our Network Newsletter. This the best in their future endeavors. The rooms, is currently in progress and publication is a reflection of the hard Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health nearing completion. Harlem Hospital work that each facility produces daily, Network will continue to offer our support Center celebrated the opening of its and demonstrates how we have made to Metropolitan in any way that we can. newly renovated Emergency Department substantial gains and continue to improve The litmus test of a remarkable leader is entrance. Metropolitan Hospital Center in core clinical areas. There are many not his or her ability to maintain the status is building a 15-bed Geriatric Inpatient accomplishments highlighted throughout quo, but their ability to adapt in times of Unit. this newsletter. Each and every one of change. you should be proud to know that our Technology & Information Systems: We Network is impacting communities and BUILDING UPON OUR SUCCESSES have launched the out-patient robotic changing lives by providing quality health dispensing system at Lincoln, Harlem, and care centered on the health needs of the Commitment to Quality: Harlem Hospital Metropolitan with significant results. The people we serve. Center underwent the tri-annual robotic system has improved prescription Accreditation Survey by The Joint dispensing turnaround time by 60% and As of July 1, 2008 Metropolitan Hospital Commission receiving full accreditation the accuracy of patients’ drugs and dose by Center is no longer a part of the with only four recommendations for use of bar-coded labels. Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health. improvement--an accomplishment that We celebrate the accomplishments of our all facilities should strive towards. Among The paramount aim of all of our efforts is sister hospital and include them in this other meritorious distinctions, Lincoln to enhance patient safety and the effective issue of our Network Newsletter. Our has been designated as a Diabetes Center and efficient delivery of healthcare utilizing relationship with Metropolitan spans two of Excellence by the American Diabetes state-of-the-art technology. I invite you decades, as Lincoln and Metropolitan Association and Metropolitan’s Bariatric to browse through this Newsletter and joined together in the early 1990s with the Surgery Center received HHC approval in continue to think of creative ways in which creation of the Generations+ Network. May 2008. you can further contribute to the Network. We became the largest network in HHC in Sincerely, 1999 with the merger of Generations+ and Financial: At the close of our 2008 Fiscal Northern Manhattan Health Network Year, our Network performance remained (Harlem Hospital). With such an extensive strong with a net surplus of $7.337 million history, there are a number of resources on an operating budget of $1.2 billion. Our that we have in common. I am confident success in Fiscal Year ’08 is extraordinary José R. Sánchez, LMSW, LCSW that with the leadership of our Network and makes us the top financial performers Senior Vice President, staff and the dedicated individuals at in HHC. Generations+/Northern Manhattan Metropolitan and the Southern Health Network Manhattan Network we will make this a Capital Design: Lincoln Hospital’s New Executive Director, Lincoln Medical and smooth transition. Medicine Clinic Annex, which consists Mental Health Center

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Harlem Hospital Center is proud to be a persuasive and so, as healthcare providers, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole partner in the Greater Harlem Chamber we must be equally persistent and grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, of Commerce’s Healthy Eating and Living persuasive. lean meats, poultry, fish, bean, eggs, Campaign. This year long campaign is and nuts. They are also emphasizing the educating the Harlem community to gain Just as we develop unhealthy habits, we importance of reducing saturated fats, greater control over health and wellness by can develop healthy habits. We have to be trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added increasing access to, and the availability of, willing to repeat healthy choices, over and sugar in the foods we eat. healthier foods, teaching moderation and over, until they become our lifestyle. In control over the amount of food we eat, most instances, repeated healthy choices They are also using this opportunity and encouraging residents to add more will lead to better health. Changing our to encourage everyone to incorporate physical fitness into their daily routines. minds is easy, changing our behaviors moderate intensity exercise including requires persistence and practice. brisk walking at least five days a week and Studies have shown that Harlem has fewer increasing the activity levels in our daily stores, supermarkets and restaurants The Greater Harlem Chamber of living including walking up the stairs, with healthy food offerings than other Commerce is to be commended for playing with children, and dancing. neighborhoods in New York City. It stepping up to the plate and organizing is no coincidence that the health of our neighborhood restaurants, supermarkets, Over the coming weeks and months, I community suffers as a result. Harlem has community based organizations, health encourage you to be on the look out for higher incidences of diabetes, high blood care facilities, community leaders, the activities related to the Healthy Eating / pressure, stroke, heart disease, kidney NYC Department of Mental Health and Healthy Living Campaign in Harlem. It disease, blindness and asthma. These Hygiene, The New York City Department will be an important tool in your efforts diseases are directly related to the obesity of Aging, and city-wide media to take to improve your health and the health of epidemic in our community. up the challenge of encouraging healthy those you love. eating and healthy living in Harlem. John M. Palmer, Ph.D. Additionally, the media bombards us with Executive Director messages targeted at selling unhealthy They have brought these groups together Harlem Hospital food. The messages are persistent and to publicize and promote a healthy diet Renaissance Health Care Network

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We are proud to display Metropolitan this year, we embarked on an elevator Northern Manhattan Health Network. Hospital Center’s most recent initiatives modernization project which will provide We wish to acknowledge and thank our and accomplishments in this issue of the us with state-of-the-art vertical colleagues and friends at Harlem Hospital Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health transportation in both the Main and Center, Lincoln Medical and Mental Network Newsletter. Excellence in Ambulatory Care buildings. Our Health Center, Morrisania D&TC, healthcare delivery and patient safety are Emergency Department renovation Renaissance Health Care Network and at the heart of Metropolitan’s mission. As project, which will include the Segundo Ruiz Belvis D&TC for your this document goes to print, Metropolitan development of a Comprehensive invaluable contributions to Metropolitan, is implementing an exciting new corporate Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) our patients, staff and community. We initiative penned "Breakthrough", Unit and our Inpatient Pediatric unit acknowledge Generations+ Senior Vice designed to stimulate and maintain a modernization will begin construction in President José R. Sánchez for his visionary culture of organizational learning and the near future. Metropolitan's leadership. We sincerely believe that the improvement. This past winter comprehensive Department of Palliative New York City Health and Hospitals Metropolitan implemented the Greater Care and Pain Management has Corporation attracts the best employees New York Hospital Association’s Colors established the first Palliative Care who are most committed to excellence in of Safety recommended color-coded fellowship program in a Public Hospital in healthcare and public health. patient wristbands. We continue to the United States. These few recent Metropolitan has enjoyed a history of develop new patient care programs and accomplishments, while important, are remarkable success as an active modernize our physical plant. The eclipsed by the patient satisfaction scores collaborative partner in the Generations+ Hospital's new Metabolic & Bariatric we are achieving and the growth we are Northern Manhattan Health Network. Center was recently approved to operate experiencing as a result of this satisfaction. We look forward to building on our by the New York City Health and We continue to be honored to be the accomplishments as members of the Hospitals Corporation. The Center medical home of choice of more East South Manhattan Network. focuses on the complete care of morbidly Harlem community residents daily. obese patients, from lifestyle modification to weight-loss surgery. This fall we will As Metropolitan Hospital Center unveil a beautiful Geriatric Inpatient ACE transitions to the South Manhattan Meryl Weinberg, BSN, MA (Acute Care of Elderly) Unit as well as a Network, we reflect on our successful Executive Director new Geriatric Outpatient Center. Earlier partnership with the Generations+ Metropolitan Hospital Center

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The administrative and clinical leadership tation of a Same Day Appointment system for best practice models for improving in our Neighborhood Family Health and the concept that “no patient gets hemoglobin AIC in diabetics at a Chronic Centers (NFHC) continue to demonstrate turned away.” Disease Forum. In addition, an HIV its ability to face up to challenges and IPRO Audit was conducted in April and transform them into opportunities to Renaissance has been designated as a reviewers were very impressed with the improve the health status of the communi- Center of Excellence for Patient Centered excellent team performance. ties we serve. I am pleased to share with Scheduling. Its HIV Department is #1 our readers some of the achievements, in HHC for exceeding its target. In In closing, I’d like to extend congratula- honors and designations that are helping another acknowledgment of excellence, tions to Dr. Angela Sanchez, of the Web- to advance the strategic goals of the Health the Renaissance practice module on ster Child Health Clinic, Dr. Marie Alzi, and Hospitals Corporation. improving hemoglobin AIC was chosen from Belvis and Dr. Barbara Lazaro, from among the best modules presented at an Renaissance. They were recognized by Belvis ranks at the top of the corporation HHC Chronic Disease Forum. And, in HHC among 22 outstanding physicians in its management of diabetic and hyper- yet another successful audit, Renaissance during the National Doctors’ Day tensive patients, as well as in mammogram had such a successful PCAP review that celebration in March. These physicians screenings, influenza immunizations and the State is using it as a model on how to exemplify the dedicated men and women HIV testing. turn a program around. who day in and day out strive to make our Neighborhood Family Health Centers An inspection of the Prenatal Care Assis- Morrisania has established its own the best community-based facilities for tance Program went so well that it is being mini Patient Reminder Call Unit which improving our patients’ quality of life. used as a model by the State Department has brought their no show rate down of Health. In addition, Belvis has had a considerably. If the patient requests it, Walid Michelen, MD fifteen percent increase in visits as well as the staff reschedules the appointment, Network Chief of Staff an increment in managed care numbers in subsequently opening up access for same Director of Business spite of the cancellation of 4 plans. This day appointments. Morrisania, along Development and Grants, achievement is the result of the implemen- with Renaissance, was chosen by HHC Neighborhood Family Health Centers

Content Highlights

1 | 7th Annual Urban Health Conference

7 | Financial Overview

13 | Harlem’s Baby Friendly Certi cation

14 | Harlem’s Infrastructure Improvements

12 | Annual Joint CAB/Auxiliary Dinner

15 | Remembering Gloria B. Thomas

18 | Lincoln’s Ambulatory Pavilion

20 | Lincoln Recognized for Cardiac Care

27 | Breakthrough Begins at Metropolitan

28 | Metropolitan: Poised for World-Class Geriatric Care )FBMUI&YFDVUJWF 30 | Remembering Dr. John B. Corser 33 | Renaissance #1 in Rapid HIV Testing PGUIF:FBS The Network Review is a publication of Sr. Vice President José R. Sánchez was presented with the “Health Generations+/Northern Manhattan Executive of the Year” award bestowed annually by the National Health Network Association of Hispanic Healthcare Executives (NAHHE). Pictured Department of Community and above, George Zeppenfeldt-Cestero, the organization’s President Public Affairs/Strategic Planning and CEO, makes the award presentation during the 2008 Annual Desiree Thompson, Healthcare Diversity Awards Gala held at the New York Marriot Associate Executive Director Marquis on June 20, 2008. Also on hand were Walid Michelen, MD, Network’s Neighborhood Family Health Centers Medical Director, Editors: Nydia Negron-Rios, and Luis A. Vazquez, Gala Chair and NAHHE Board Chairman. C. Juliette Brown Collaborators: NAHHE is proud to recognize Mr. Sánchez’s contributions to public Colette Barrow health,” said Mr. Zeppenfeldt-Cestero. “His achievements in the Nicole Beason health field have raised the standards of care, providing a successful Sophia Johnson model for other hospitals.” Ida Betsy Mendez Renelda Walker

Photographers: Linda Morales, Damien Kim, Sherlock Robinson, Luis Stephenberg

6 e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network | New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation | e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network Network Review | SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition | Network Review Medicine Award, in recognition of the contributions she has made to enrich the lives of patients through “Exemplary &YDFMMFODF Care and Dedication.” s The Lincoln poster submission, “Decreasing Mortality in Severe Sepsis JO$MJOJDBM$BSF and Septic Shock in the Medical ICU Through a Multidisciplinary Approach” beat 38 other HHC posters in both content and presentation and brought s Dr. Richard K. Stone, Metro- The $50,000 prize was given to the home the first prize. The poster submis- politan Hospital’s Medical Director, Injury Free Coalition for Kids, the sion was presented at HHC’s 2008 recently received the prestigious National Injury Prevention Program Patient Safety and Quality Exposition Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine that she founded in 1995 with grant on April 22, 2008. Participation was co- Award presented by the Arnold P. Gold support from the Robert Wood Johnson ordinated by the Office of Patient Safety Foundation. Dr. Stone is also Senior Foundation. This national program is at Lincoln, Abdul Mondul, MD, Patient Associate Dean of New York Medical modeled on the successful Harlem Hos- Safety Officer. The award was presented College. pital Injury Prevention Program which by the Medical and Professional she started in 1988. Dr. Barlow also Affairs Committee of HHC’s Board of The award recognizes a faculty member received the Distinguished Alumna Directors on April 30th. judged to be exemplary in compassion Award from the Children’s Hospital of and sensitivity in patient care. All who New York on April 25, 2008. s The New York Medical College, have the privilege to know Dr. Stone at a ceremony held on May 20th, 2008, applauds his continued achievements. s Dr. Lekshmi Dharmarajan, presented Dr. Marc Wallack, Chief Chief of Cardiology at Lincoln, was of Surgery, Dr. James Mariadason, s Dr. Barbara Barlow, Director recognized by the Bronx County Medi- Surgery, Dr. William Wang, Surgery of Surgery at Harlem Hospital, received cal Society during "National Doctors' and Dr. Shobhana Chaudhari, Internal the Lewis and Jack Rudin New York Recognition Day" on Wednesday, Medicine, with the Golden Apple Prize for Medicine, Feb. 19, 2008 from March 26th. She received the Society’s Awards for their dedication to teaching the NY Hospital Association and the NY 2008 Peer to Peer Excellence in and patient care. Academy of Medicine.

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The Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network remains fiscally strong with a net surplus of $7.337 million as of June 30, 2008. This was the best financial performance of all HHC Networks. Harlem had a surplus of $ 4.782 million. Lincoln continued to have the highest surplus in HHC of $ 20.337 million. Metropolitan’s deficit was $ 21.439 million. Our Neighborhood Family Health Centers performed strongly as well. Segundo Ruiz Belvis’ surplus was $3.269 million. Morrisania had a surplus of $1.509 million and Renaissance had a deficit of $1.121 million.

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“We are very proud of this achievement,” said Katherine Szema, MD, Clinical Director of Pediatric Ambulatory Care For the fifth consecutive year, the and the Asthma Clinic at Lincoln Medical Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health and Mental Health Center. “Collectively, Network participated in the Annual we all worked very hard for a very worthy Breathe NYC: Asthma Walk held on cause.” May 31, 2008. Hundreds of employees, along with patients, family and friends participated this year, and raised over “I applaud every participant from our $70,000 to support the fight for lung Network family and thank you for doing health. The American Lung Association, your part to help promote lung health at their Annual Volunteer Recognition and raise funds to combat the asthma Ceremony, acknowledged the Network’s epidemic year after year,” said José R. contribution. Sanchez, Network Sr. Vice President.

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Dr. Marie Dr. Angela Dr. Vincent Dr. Alf Michael M. Alzi Sanchez Hutchinson Tannenberg

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New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation recognized 22 outstanding physicians for National Doctors’ Day 2008 on Sunday, March 30th. These exceptional men and women represent the several thousand dedicated and talented physicians in our organization who are helping us to make HHC one of the most safe, effective, efficient and patient-centered health care systems in the country.

Dr. Marie Dr. Vincent M. Alzi Hutchinson Segundo Ruiz Belvis Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Dr. Alzi, Harlem Hospital Center, Dr. Hutchinson is Medical Director of the who is fluent in English, French, Creole, and Spanish, has been hospital’s Family Asthma Program and Acting Director of providing Belvis patients with excellent optometry care since Pediatrics. Over the last 30 years he has devoted his career to 2006. Her leadership has enabled Belvis to expand the rate of improving the quality of life of families and children with asthma. diabetic patients who receive annual eye exams from 33% to He is also the Principal Investigator and Medical Director of the 44% over the last year. nationally recognized Harlem Children’s Zone Asthma Initiative.

Dr. Isaiarasi Dr. Barbara Gnanasekaran Lanzara Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Chief of Nephrology. Renaissance Health Care Network, Dr. Lanzara is an Attending in Under Dr. Isaiarasi Gnanesekaran's leadership, the hospital’s Obstetrics and Gynecology, she has trained all the OBS/GYN at both hemodialysis quality indicators have consistently scored above the Renaissance and Harlem Hospital to use and effectively manage HHC’s national benchmark. patient electronic medical record system since its early adoption.

Dr. Angela Dr. Alf Michael Sanchez Tannenberg Webster Child Health Clinic is a satellite of the Morrisania Metropolitan Hospital Center, Dr. Tannenberg, Chief of the Diagnostic and Treatment Center. Dr. Sanchez has dedicated Nephrology Section, was the driving force in the development her entire career to the children and families of the South of the Center’s Chronic Dialysis Program and has served as its Bronx Community, motivating her staff to high levels of director since 1978. He is a Professor of Medicine at New York productivity, and inspiring affection and loyalty in her Medical College and a recipient of the prestigious Lester Hoenig patients and their families. Award from the National Kidney Foundation.

e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network | New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation | e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network 9 Network Review | SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition | Network Review Alan Aviles, President of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, ))$1SFTJEFOU"WJMFT presented Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, Commissioner of the New York City 1SFTFOUT%S+PIO#$PSTFS Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), the 2008 Urban .FNPSJBM"XBSE Health Conference President’s Award, posthumously renamed in memory of Dr. John B. Corser, former Chief of Medicine at Metropolitan Hospital Center.

Dr. Frieden has served as Commissioner of DOHMH since January 2002. In 2002, Dr. Frieden launched a comprehensive tobacco control program that has resulted in 240,000 fewer smokers and will prevent approximately 80,000 premature deaths. During this time, smoking declined twenty percent among adults and fifty percent among children.

The Dr. John B. Corser Award, instituted by Mr. Aviles, is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to identifying and employing strategies to eliminate disparities of health outcomes. It will be presented annually at the Urban Health Conference.

Three exceptionally deserving students must be endorsed by their high schools were presented with the 2008 Urban to submit an essay for consideration and Health Conference Scholarships. As subsequently, a Selection Committee 4$)0-"34)*1 in previous years, three scholarships of reviews and selects the best composition. $2,000 each—provided by MetroPlus This year’s winners are Minushka Paul, a 3&$*1*&/54 Health Plan— were awarded to promising senior at Manhattan Center for Science college-bound high school seniors from and Mathematics; Dana Givens, a senior the communities served by the Network, at the Frederick Douglass Academy II and which include Downtown Bronx, East and Derrick A. German, a senior at Hostos Central Harlem. Lincoln Academy. The essays submitted by the three students were outstanding Scholarship recipients are chosen through and demonstrated an interest in health a two-stage process. First, candidates sciences.

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Tony Award® Winning playwright, actor Her presentation was dedicated to the and poet, Sarah Jones, captivated the memory of Gloria Bynoe Thomas, former audience at the 7th Annual Urban Health President and CEO of the Friends of Conference with her one-woman perfor- Harlem Hospital Center and Chair of mance of “A Right to Care.” The critically the Harlem Hospital Center Community acclaimed monologue, commissioned by Advisory Board. Ms Jones posed at the the WK Kellogg Foundation, portrays the Conference reception with Harlem ways in which ethnic, racial and economic Hospital Executive Director Dr. John health disparities impact people’s lives. Palmer, Metropolitan Hospital Executive Jones’ compelling performance brought Director Meryl Weinberg and Network the audience to a standing ovation. Sr. Vice President José R. Sánchez.

continued from page 1 The discussion groups highlighted 8FBSFQSPVEUPTIBSFNPEFMTPGJOUFSWFOUJPO successful strategies and best practices on disciplines related to palliative care, TUSBUFHJFTBOECFTUQSBDUJDFTUIBUBSFIFMQJOH obesity and metabolic surgery, depres- UPBEESFTTUIFDPNQMFYJUJFTPGIFBMUIDBSF sion and substance abuse among the chronically ill elderly, radiation, imag- EJTQBSJUJFTBNPOHUIFNJMMJPOJOEJWJEVBMT ing and patient safety as well as the XIPSFTJEFXJUIJOUIFBSFBTXFTFSWFJO&BTU impact of creating a patient-friendly )BSMFN UIF4PVUI#SPOYBOE$FOUSBM)BSMFN³ environment and the national crisis of recruitment and retention of nurses. °+PTn34gODIF[ 4FOJPS7JDF1SFTJEFOU “Consistent with HHC’s strategic direction, we are proactively addressing health disparities by enhancing our efforts at disease prevention, promoting derived from epidemiology, primary In keeping with the long-established a healing environment centered on care, preventive medicine and commitment to support college-bound the needs of our patients as well as community-based collaborations. seniors, the Network awarded striving for stellar performances on “This strategy maximizes resources, scholarships to three outstanding all accreditation surveys,” said José R. availability and cost effective care students. (see page 10) Sánchez, Network Sr. Vice President. delivery.”

In his keynote address, Ayman In other conference highlights, HHC For the seventh consecutive year, the El-Mohandes, MBBCh, MD, MPH, President Alan Aviles presented NYC Conference on Urban Health Disparities Professor of Pediatrics and Obstetrics Health Commissioner, Dr. Thomas R. offered a platform to discuss innovative and Chairman of the Department of Frieden with the 2008 Dr. John B. Corser strategies to close disparities in health Prevention and Community Health Award. (see page 10). Those attending outcomes in an effort to advance the at George Washington University the conference reception were treated elimination of disproportionate health School of Medicine, highlighted to the exceptional talent of Tony award burdens among people of color, the the values of a systematic approach winning playwright, actress and poet poverty-stricken, recent immigrants and to healthcare based on principles Sarah Jones. (above) the uninsured.

The traditional Annual Joint Network "OOVBM+PJOU/FUXPSL CAB and Auxiliary Dinner was held on May 19th hosted by Network Sr. Vice President José R. Sánchez. The much $"#BOE"VYJMJBSZ%JOOFS anticipated gathering was very well attended with full member participation. Mr. Sánchez’ presentation provided a comprehensive report of the direction and focus of HHC and our Network, emphasizing our steadfast commitment to excellence in health care delivery.

The occasion offered a unique opportunity for network-wide CAB and Auxilia- ries to strengthen partnerships and gain important information about their sister facilities. “This annual gathering is a recognition of the essential advocacy role you play in our three acute care hospitals and Family Health Centers and an endeavor to solidify our Network collaborations,” said Mr. Sanchez. “Just as importantly, it is an effort to empower you with vital and fundamental information about where we "CPWF .FNCFSTPG)BSMFN"VYJMJBSZ+PIBOOB²++³+BDLTPO &NNB$MBZCPSOF &WFMZO"SSJOHUPO $BUIFSJOF#SJEHFNBO -JMMJF.D&MSBUI +PFMMB/JQQFS .BSMFOF3BNTFZ BOE&MJ[BCFUI4NJUI are as healthcare organizations.”

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The New York City Health and Hospitals “By implementing the Baby Friendly Steps Corporation announced on July 2, 2008, program, Harlem Hospital has once again the certification of Harlem Hospital as demonstrated its commitment to helping 'JSTU)PTQJUBM Baby Friendly by the World Health New York City babies get a healthier start Organization and the United Nations in life,” said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, NYC JO/FX:PSL Children’s Fund. Throughout the United Health Commissioner, during the press States, only 64 hospitals have been conference officially announcing the certified Baby Friendly and only two designation. $JUZUP3FDFJWF hospitals in New York State have this designation. During the event, Dr. John Palmer %FTJHOBUJPO presented Alison Benjamin, RN, with a The international Baby Friendly Hospital plaque for her efforts in spearheading this Initiative chooses hospitals and birthing initiative through Harlem Hospital Above-Dr. John Palmer, Executive Director, is centers that successfully implement the Center. Regarding the certification, Dr. joined by the Harlem Hospital Center Baby recommended ten steps to the Palmer said, “We welcome this wonderful Friendly Team members, including, Dr. Edgar comprehensive breast feeding program, opportunity to promote breastfeeding and Mandeville, Chief of OB/GYN, Harlem Hospital Center; Althea Senior Morris, RN, Assistant including limiting the use of formula and ultimately help reduce the risks of Director of Nursing, and Alison Benjamin, RN, initiating breastfeeding within an hour of common childhood infections, asthma Breastfeeding Coordinator. the baby’s birth. and diabetes.”

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Harlem Hospital Center celebrated the NYC Councilman Robert Jackson, and demolition of four older hospital buildings, opening of its new Emergency Department many others. the renovation of three buildings, entrance at a Ribbon-cutting ceremony in construction of a 400 car parking garage, the spacious, newly renovated ambulance “Our commitment to upgrading and as well as the preservation of a series of entrance located on 135th Street. Over 100 modernizing every department in the priceless murals commissioned by the attendees were present at the ceremony hospital holds much promise for the future Federal WPA from local artists during the held on April 18, 2008. of this medical institution and the services fabled Harlem Renaissance in the 1930s. we provide to the community,” said Dr. Dr. John M. Palmer, Executive Director Palmer. “We are committed to building of Harlem Hospital Center, standing upon what we have achieved and bringing Two years into it, the Hospital has under a clear, bright sky, and joined by Dr. a higher level of healthcare services to the completed a number of departmental Glendon Henry, Medical Director, and Dr. Harlem community”. relocations and renovations, including Reynold Trowers, Emergency Department moving the employee parking lot from Director, greeted the enthusiastic group The ED entrance opening is part of the 137th and Lenox Avenue to 137th and of supporters. Dr. Palmer was joined at ongoing $315 million Modernization Fifth Avenue to make space for the the podium by US Congressman Charles Project at Harlem Hospital Center. New Patient Pavilion. This phase of the Rangel, NYC Council Majority Whip Inez The Modernization project includes a modernization brings the hospital one Dickens, NYS Senator William Perkins, new state-of-the-art Patient Pavilion, step closer to reaching its ultimate goals.

3JCCPO$VUUJOH$FSFNPOZPGUIF/FX&NFSHFODZ%FQBSUNFOU&OUSBODF (left to right) Hon. Robert Jackson, Hon. Bill Perkins, Hon. Inez Dickens, Dr. Reynold Trowers, John M. Palmer, Ph.D., Hon. Charles Rangel, Joseph Haslip, (Controller’s Office Representative) and Dr. Glendon Henry 14 e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network | New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation | e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network Network Review | SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition | Network Review

Harlem Hospital Center and the entire As the widow of Stanley B. Thomas, she “Gloria’s skillful ability to unite stakehold- Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health was exceedingly proud of her four daugh- ers within the community greatly benefited Network’s family have suffered a great ters, her grandson and granddaughters. the mission of Generations+/Northern loss and deeply mourn the passing of Manhattan Health Network,” said Senior our colleague and advocate Gloria Bynoe Mrs. Thomas was laid to rest on Monday Vice President José R. Sánchez. It was Thomas, who passed on Monday, April 7, April 14, 2008, at Flushing Cemetery, in under her adept stewardship that the 2008. Chair and President of the Friends Network Community Advisory Boards Re- of Harlem Hospital Center, Gloria Bynoe treat was set in motion. This forum brings Thomas was a native of Harlem. Her together hospital leadership, community long-term immersion in the civic and representatives and elected audiences from social life of the community was clearly across East Harlem, Central Harlem and demonstrated by her dynamic interests, the South Bronx to collectively develop energy, talents and education. As a magna strategies to ensure our facilities remain cum laude graduate of The City College of the mainstay of our communities, serving New York (CCNY), she served City College as both the medical and social home for for more than twenty years, most recently many. as Assistant Director of The Institute for Research of the African Diaspora in the In celebration of Gloria’s life and her legacy, Americas and the Caribbean. Ms. Thomas the Network CAB Retreat this year will be also hosted a weekly show on radio station dedicated to her. In another statement WHCR, 90.3 fm. of how much we miss her presence, the performance of Tony Award winning Mrs. Bynoe Thomas previously chaired the playwright, actress and poet, Sarah Jones, at Community Advisory Board of Harlem the 7th Annual Urban Health Conference, Hospital Center and the Physicians was dedicated to Gloria. Assistant Program of CCNY. She also (-03*"#:/0&5)0."4 served on the Guild of Aaron Davis Hall, Gloria Bynoe Thomas’ lifework leaves us a was a member of CCNY Teams Housing Flushing, NY. The Reverend Dr. Calvin legacy of kindness, compassion, strength, Board, the New York City Health and O. Butts, III, Abyssinian Baptist Church, of- honesty and loyalty. The impact of her Hospitals Corporation's Council of CABs ficiated at the service attended by hundreds loss will have a lasting effect, not only to and the Vestry of the St. Martin’s Episcopal of Harlem residents, dignitaries, and the our Network, but to the entire Health and Church. community at large. Hospitals Corporation and New York City.

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Alfred R. Velvie A. Ashford, M.D. Pogue, M.D.

Ferdinand Jay Ofodile, M.D. Cowan, M.D.

Congratulations to the Harlem Hospital Center’s Columbia; John T. Herbert, M.D., Director of physicians who were named in Black Enterprise Anesthesiology; Ferdinand Odofile, M.D., Associate Magazine’s 2008 Annual America’s Leading Doctors Director of Surgery; Jay Cowan, M.D., Attending list. They are: Velvie A. Pogue, M.D., Chief of Physician/Medicine; Orville Palmer, M.D., Attending Nephrology; Alfred R. Ashford, M.D., Director Physician/Surgery. of Medicine and Interim Sr. Associate Dean at

16 e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network | New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation | e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network Network Review | SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition | Network Review +$")046$$&44

In one of its most significant work and dedication to meeting achievements this year, Harlem nationally established standards Hospital Center underwent the that measure quality of care, the tri-annual Accreditation Survey by safety of the environment and the Joint Commission from May other regulatory principles. 13th through May 16th, receiving full accreditation for the Hospital and the Department of Behavioral This achievement is a reaffirmation Health. of the steadfast commitment of the institution’s clinical and Dr. John Palmer and his team as administrative leadership and well as the Network leadership indicative of how the Hospital will are commended for their hard continue to build on its successes. %S#FOKBNJO0SUJ[ KPJOFECZPUIFS1FEJBUSJD1IZTJDJBOT

Dr. Olajide Williams, Director of the #30"%&3015*0/4'0353&"5.&/50' Harlem Hospital Primary Stroke Center, who was instrumental for the Hospital .4"5)"3-&.)041*5"- receiving this certification states, “This means that we can treat complex MS Harlem Hospital Center was recently patients with a specialized infusion patients who may otherwise be unable to certified as a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) of Natalizumab (generic name for respond to conventional treatments. It Tysabri Outreach Unified Commitment Tysabri), which greatly helps patients broadens our treatment options for this to Health (T.O.U.C.H.) Center. The with recurring MS symptoms. In order devastating disease right here in Harlem, certification is mandated under an FDA to receive the certification, facility without the need for our patients to go regulation for facilities that treat MS pharmacists, nurses, and neurologists, to other major academic centers for this patients and want to administer these received extensive training. treatment.”

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The Harlem Hospital Center Community potential impact of the federal and state Advisory Board held its Annual Legislative budgets on HHC. Other elected officials Breakfast on Saturday, March 8, 2008. attending included NYS Senator Bill Almost 200 people were in attendance to Perkins, State Assembly members Keith hear the Keynote Speaker, then Lieutenant Wright and Denny Farrell and Council Governor David A. Paterson, (right) members Robert Jackson and Inez Dick- and other elected officials address issues ens. John Palmer, Ph.D. was joined by Mr. relevant to the communities’ health and Alan Aviles, President of the NYC Health the significant role legislators play in and Hospitals Corporation, and José R. (PWFSOPS%BWJE"1BUFSTPO supporting our hospitals. The theme, Sánchez, LMSW, LCSW, Senior Vice “Change: The Future of Healthcare,” President of the Generations+/ Northern Palmer is joined by Harlem Community generated dynamic discussions about the Manhattan Health Network. (above, Dr. Advisory Board members.

18 e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network | New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation | e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network Network Review | SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition | Network Review

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In recent years, Lincoln Hospital’s floor of this Ambulatory Pavilion The existing emergency room at aggressive capital projects and will be the new home of the medicine Lincoln Hospital, built in 1972, will design initiatives have greatly clinics currently located next to the be expanded to create a new, larger enhanced the environment of emergency department. The new emergency department, featuring care, creating state of the art 15,000 sq. ft. clinic space will include the latest state-of-the-art technology. clinic renovations and improving 37 exam rooms (an increase from 29 The space re-configuration provides the facility’s public spaces. Our rooms). The second floor will house improved patient privacy and commitment to infrastructure ambulatory surgery, including a new comfortable amenities in patient care improvements and building to meet Endoscopy Suite. areas including children’s play area, the health care needs of a growing comfortable seating and bathroom population is evidenced by our new This ambitious expansion project facilities high-tech Ambulatory Pavilion-- brings cutting-edge modernization which is near completion--and that will enhance the delivery of Once completed, the ER expansion the subsequent expansion of our efficient and patient-centered care, design will provide a walk-in Emergency Department. improving patient flow, reducing entrance for patients, a private waiting time and maximizing drop-off area and a separate area The two-story, glass facade state of the comfort of a growing patient for ambulance traffic. the art Pavilion is annexed alongside population that uses Lincoln for its the front of the hospital. The first primary care.

Each year HHC selects one exceptional -JODPMOµT0#(:/ risk reduction initiative to receive an Award of Excellence presented by HHC’s 3FDFJWFT))$ Council of Risk Management. Lincoln’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology receipt of this award is a testament to the excellent care that we provide to our patients. Congratulations to the Women’s 3JTL3FEVDUJPO Health staff for developing an approach to help prevent harm to the patients "XBS E entrusted to our care.

and ultimately improve the quality of life and help reduce the number of deaths in heart and stroke patients.” -*/$0-/)041*5"- José R. Sánchez, Lincoln’s Executive Director and Network Senior Vice President, said, “We are proud that the American Heart Association and Ameri- 3&$0(/*;&%'03 can Stroke Association have chosen the ‘America’s Best Hospitals’ issue of US News & World Report to recognize Lincoln Hospital for our achievements in their Get 26"-*5:$"3%*"$ With The Guidelines program.” He added, “Get With The Guidelines” gives our professionals the tools and reports "/%4530,&$"3& they need to effectively treat coronary heart disease, heart failure and stroke patients.”

GWTG is a hospital based, quality- The American HeartAssociation/American “The American Heart Association is improvement program designed to ensure Stroke Association recognized Lincoln pleased to recognize its top Get With The that hospitals consistently care for cardiac Medical and Mental Health Center for Guidelines participants,” said Gregg C. and stroke patients following the most its performance in treating cardiac and Fonarow, M.D., national chairman, Get up-to-date guidelines and recommenda- stroke patients using the association’s Get With The Guidelines steering committee tions. The program provides three With The GuidelinesSM (GWTG) program. and director, Ahmanson-UCLA Cardio- modules that address coronary artery Lincoln was one of the hospitals featured myopathy Center. “The program makes disease, heart failure and stroke. in the July 21st “America’s Best Hospitals” it easier for hospitals like Lincoln to Currently more than 1,450 hospitals use issue of US News & World Report. provide appropriate evidence-based care one or more GWTG modules.

20 e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network | New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation | e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network Network Review | SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition | Network Review

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The Adolescent Health Services Clinic at “The implementation of a new Lincoln Hospital received high praise ‘Confidential Adolescent Account’ allows from the National Association of Public us to build trust and better professional Hospitals (NAPH) for improving access relationships with our young patients, and to care to Hispanic and Black youth in provide health care regardless of their the South Bronx. This segment of our financial or parental insurance status,” population experiences disproportionate says Tatiana Pavlova Greenfield, M.D. rates of teen pregnancy and sexually PhD., Chief of Adolescent Health Services. transmitted diseases as compared to their counterparts in New York City and the United States. 5IF NFBTVSBCMF TVDDFTT PG UIF To address this serious healthcare SFEFTJHOFETFSWJDFTIPXFEUIFUPUBM disparity, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center redesigned and OVNCFS PG WJTJUT QFS DMJOJD TFTTJPO implemented a convenient, same-day service model as part of its hospital-based BOE DBMFOEBS ZFBS JODSFBTFE CZ pediatric clinic, enabling adolescents to OFBSMZQFSDFOU receive confidential services in a friendly, sensitive and structured environment.

All components of the one-stop, Additionally, Lincoln observed an standard visit—including registration, excellent rate of return visits for triage, assessments, immunization, the second and third doses of HPV testing, treatment and follow-up vaccinations (up to 80%). Lincoln appointments—are performed in the was recognized for having the highest same patient room. This visit also includes number of HPV vaccines administered same-day access to an interdisciplinary to adolescents in HHC since the team (nurse, physician, social worker, program’s inception in December 2006. psychologist, and health educator) Furthermore, the ‘no show visit’ rate assisting with the physical, intellectual, decreased and the return visits went up emotional and social challenges faced by to 62% for the 12-month period after the teenagers as they transition to adulthood. implementation of this service model.

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22 e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network | New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation | e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network Network Review | SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition | Network Review

²8FBSFFNQPXFSJOH driven approach, we can achieve optimal and be accountable for inconveniences patient care through a coordinated and problems that patients and families TUBGGUPJOUFSWFOFBOE process that requires effective communi- face,” says Ms. Johnston. “We encourage cation systems, staff education, team making frequent rounds to anticipate CFBDDPVOUBCMFGPS building, process improvement, work patient’s needs before they ring a call bell. JODPOWFOJFODFTBOE redesign and empowered workforce. We follow up care with a call to the patients after discharge, and make sure to QSPCMFNTUIBUQBUJFOUT The Service Excellence steering commit- thank them for choosing Lincoln.” BOEGBNJMJFTGBDF ³ tee, spearheaded by Lauren W. Johnston, RN, Deputy Executive Director, identified key areas that will help our patients feel -BVSFO8+PIOTUPO 3/ that their experience at Lincoln was so %FQVUZ&YFDVUJWF%JSFDUPS good that they have to tell someone about it. We have rolled out the first phase, At Lincoln we are striving to increase focusing on communication. Staff has patient satisfaction by introducing a been learning new methods of interacting concept called “Service Excellence”. This with patients, which includes not only initiative is based on the principles that we introducing themselves, but explaining can best maintain excellence in service by their role, how long it will take to The staff is excited and has been getting using a customer focused approach, where complete the task, and encouraging wonderful feedback from the patients. we continually strive to understand and questions from the patients. The next phase will be telephone etiquette, exceed the expectations of our patient using many of the same techniques population. As a result of this patient- “We are empowering staff to intervene mentioned above.

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said José R. Sánchez, Lincoln Hospital’s Executive Director and Network Sr. Vice President. “The ADA’s certification recognizes the outstanding work of our specialized diabetes team whose unique skills and dedication provide patients with increased knowledge of diabetes and self-management of the disease.

Unnecessary hospital admissions and some Above, with Sr. Vice President José R. Sánchez, The Diabetes Education Program at of the acute and chronic complications from left to right: Lorena Drago, Diabetes Lincoln Hospital has been designated of diabetes may be prevented through Education Program Director, Miriam Lugo, Registered Nurse, Drs. Tasheem Zashra and as a Diabetes Center of Excellence self-management. Heart disease and Vinuta Mohan, endocrinologists and Christina for Diabetes Self Management by the stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve Persaud, Registered Dietitian American Diabetes Association (ADA). disease and amputation are among the The specialized education program offers life-threatening complications associated a culturally competent, patient centered, with diabetes. bilingual curriculum that focuses on Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, obesity and “There are only two other recognized the prevention of complications from diabetes education programs in The the disease. This program provides self Bronx,” said Lorena Drago, Diabetes management education services that meet Education Program Director. She noted, or exceed the national standards. This is “What makes our Diabetes Center unique welcomed news for the South Bronx—a is that it offers a bilingual instructional community with the highest prevalence staff, providing education that of diagnosed diabetes in New York City. incorporates culturally influenced beliefs, attitudes and practices. In addition, we “This Center of Excellence is indicative of have four times the number of nutrition the hospital’s innovative work in the field classes offered by other diabetes education of diabetes and its associated disorders,” programs.”

24 e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network | New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation | e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network Network Review | SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition | Network Review

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Health Network. Alex Diaz, Chairperson 4PVUI#SPOY$"#T of the Legislative Summit Committee, $BMMFEGPS.PSBUPSJVN urged attendees to support a moratorium on the implementation of rules proposed PO'FEFSBM.FEJDBJE by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare 'VOETJO Services (CMS) that was due to expire May 25, 2008. More than 150 community health advo- the impact of the President’s Medicare cates gathered in the employee lounge at 2009 Budget Proposals on New York City’s Elected officials attending included NYS Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center Public Hospitals. “The magnitude of the Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz, Assembly for the Fourth Annual Legislative Summit cuts proposed would disproportionately members Michael Benjamin and Carmen convened by Lincoln Hospital, Segundo affect communities that are already Arroyo; Council members Maria Del Ruiz Belvis and Morrisania Community underserved,” said José R. Sánchez, Carmen Arroyo and Helen Foster and Advisory Boards on March 14th. Over LMSW, LCSW Senior Vice President of Cynthia Cox, Committee Member, 79th breakfast, the organizers focused on Generations+/Northern Manhattan Assembly District.

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A 53-year old Metropolitan Hospital patient, painfully aware that her obesity made it difficult for her to manage her diagnosed hypertension, sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis, decided to try surgery.

Jenny (not her real name), is one of the very first patients to have undergone laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding at Metropolitan’s Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Center. This novel procedure, according to researchers, appears to offer important advancements for the #BSJBUSJD5FBN%BOJFM4UFQIFOT .%4VSHFPO.BSJB$BEJ[ 3/ :BOB4PTOPWTLZ 1" 1SJTDJMMB 4BOUJBHP 4PDJBM8PSLFS$BSPM#MBODIBSE 3FHJTUFSFE%JFUJDJBOBOE8JMMJBN8BOH .%4VSHFPO treatment of some of the most common chronic diseases. “Obesity, particularly The procedures have soared in popular- One has come off his diabetes medication belly fat or abdominal obesity, is associ- ityas the obesity epidemic has spread and completely, and another patient has ated with increased risk of hypertension, clinical trials have validated their safety reduced hypertension medications.” diabetes, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea, and effectiveness. Jenny has lost over 25 pounds, and her coronary heart disease and stroke.” said knee and back pains have improved Daniel Stephens, MD, attending surgeon Although doctors have long known that dramatically. and co-director of the Metabolic and losing weight can alleviate diabetes and Bariatric Surgery Center at Metropolitan. other illnesses, they were surprised to dis- Patients must be referred to the Metabolic cover that many patients saw their condi- and Bariatric Center by their primary care “Jenny’s operation is one type of bariatiric tions return to normal remarkably quickly provider; but not everyone qualifies for surgery, or weight loss surgery. The other after operations. “We are optimistic about surgery. The medical evaluation includes common operation is a gastric bypass, the fundamental new insights into these assessment for the conditions that com- which reduces the size of the stomach procedures,” said William Wang, MD, monly accompany severe obesity. Assess- and bypasses part of the intestine.” This attending surgeon and co-director of the ment identifies problems that may occur, limits the amount of food a person can Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Center. and provides a baseline set of clinical data eat and the calories that can be absorbed. “All of our patients have lost weight. for evaluating the benefits of surgery.

26 e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network | New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation | e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network Network Review | SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition | Network Review

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If you think Medical Records is a quiet and ambulatory care business operations. xxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx corner of hospital operations, you weren’t At least two have been scheduled every at Metropolitan on Wednesday April 9th. month thereafter. The events have already That day, a team of Medical Records and helped reduce processing time, reorganize other hospital staff cleaned shelves, cleared “patient centered” flow, and decrease old files, moved furniture, and measured backlog. The documentation and coding before-and-after processing times in a department expects a $500K revenue one-day effort to improve work flow in the boost from timely work flow. Chart Completion Department. The diz-

zying effort was one outcome of a week- The events are part of a new corporate +VTU%PJOH*U"3BQJE*NQSPWFNFOUUFBNBUXPSL long Rapid Improvement Event (RIE) to initiative called Breakthrough designed PSHBOJ[JOHUIF$IBSU$PNQMFUJPO%FQBSUNFOUBU .FUSPQPMJUBO improve the hospital’s documentation and to create a culture of continuous quality coding process using Lean management improvement. Breakthrough projects are improvement philosophy known as “lean techniques. Participants reduced chart now underway at Central Office and five management” or “lean thinking” that de- completion time from 12 to 3 minutes HHC hospitals, including Metropolitan. veloped in post-war Japanese manufactur- and eliminated backlogs. Additionally, This past winter, senior leaders from Met ing and is now in use worldwide in many the team significantly improved physician and the Network identified core “value industries, including health care. Lean documentation of mal-nutrition cases, streams” of hospital services and selected practitioners separate business processes where previously Metropolitan had trailed revenue cycle and surgical services for the into value-added and non-value-added its peers. first series of RIEs. Early next fall, Metro- steps and strive to reduce waste by imple- politan plans to increase the number of menting smooth work processes without Four more RIE’s followed between May RIEs per month to improve more services. inventory or backlogs; clean, organized and June-- managed care, outpatient work areas and clear, well-documented services, general surgery for outpatients, Breakthrough is reliant on the quality standard work practices.

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will have the opportunity to obtain follow up health services in the new Geriatrics Outpatient Treatment Center. (FSJBUSJD5FBN3BTJBO"OEFSTPO /1 +VEJUI0TWBUI .% 4IPCIBOB$IBVEIBSJ .% "(4' $IJFG PG(FSJBUSJDT (VBEBMVQF(PO[BMF[ .% (BZBUSJ4BSLBS .% 4PGJB1BOBHJ .% %FMBUSF-PMP .% %FCPSBI1JUUT 3/)FBE/VSTFBOE/FSJEB)FSOBOEF[ The 3,000 sq ft Geriatric Outpatient Treat- ment Center will be conveniently located “When the first of the 78 million baby 2008. The redesign project is currently in on the first floor near the Second Avenue boomers turns 65 in 2011, hospitals across the final phases of construction of a Geri- entrance, with easy access to the hospital’s America will see an exponential rise in atric inpatient unit on 6B as well as a new pharmacy and ambulette services. A team demand for quality geriatric care”, accord- Geriatric Outpatient Treatment Center. of dedicated geriatric care specialists ing to the American Geriatric Society. The The fifteen-bed Geriatric Inpatient Unit is will ensure world-class care, providing baby boomer generation is projected to specifically planned and built according to comprehensive geriatric assessments reshape the healthcare arena, and progres- standard geriatric specifications to fulfill including dementia evaluation, depression sive hospitals will need to address their the needs of older adults. Comprehensive and anxiety screening as well as gait and complex and unique healthcare needs. multidisciplinary care will focus on assistive devices evaluation. The Center functional outcome and patient safety will also boast a complement of highly Metropolitan Hospital Center is poised with special attention on prevention of trained nursing, paramedical staff, social to address the healthcare needs of the falls, pressure ulcers, medication errors workers and ancillary staff to help ensure growing geriatrics population with the and thoughtful discharge planning. To that patients receive necessary care and unveiling of the Inpatient and Outpatient maintain continuity of care, discharged support services at Metropolitan and in Geriatrics Centers in the late summer of patients without a primary care provider their communities.

28 e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network | New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation | e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network Network Review | SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition | Network Review

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The Pain Medicine and Palliative Care medicine, the Center focuses on improv- appropriate medication for end-of-life Center at Metropolitan Hospital Center ing the quality of life for individuals care; and she died peacefully at home with provides comprehensive pain and symp- who suffer from long-term chronic pain her family. tom management, psychological and and other distressing symptoms due spiritual support, advanced care planning to cancer, sickle cell anemia, multiple Karen (not her real name) is a patient with and home hospice care to patients facing sclerosis, AIDS, congestive heart failure, a history of cancer and multiple sclerosis chronic pain from incurable diseases or advanced dementia and other diseases. who sees Dr. Shaiova on an outpatient who are at the end of life. In addition, the The new Center is designed to provide an basis. Her agonizing pain disrupted her Center has received a $200,000 grant from environment of dignity and comfort, and life and she was succumbing to hopeless- the Fan Fox and Leslie Samuels Founda- will serve patients who are hospitalized ness and depression. “Before I met Dr. tion to establish a Fellowship program, as well as those treated on an outpatient Shaiova, I could not cope with the pain,” becoming the first public hospital in the basis. Karen says. “I know I will not be cured of country to train doctors in the specialty multiple sclerosis, but my pain is under of palliative medicine after their residency Mercedes (not her real name) was a control, and I am able to go out of the program. 79-year-old Hispanic woman admitted house and enjoy time with my family.” with advanced metastatic cancer with With an expert team of three physicians, pulmonary involvement. The patient had The Pain Management and Palliative Care a research nurse, several social workers, no advanced directives. A meeting with Center operates an outpatient clinic and chaplains, psychologists and hospital the patient, her daughter and members provides consultation service 24 hours a administrators headed by Dr. Lauren of the palliative care team resulted in a day, 7 days a week. Shaiova, board certified in palliative shared decision to treat the mother with

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Dr. John B. Corser was a brilliant, hands- Award will be presented to a member message which poignantly renders both on physician whose kindness and compas- of the medical community who has the collective sorrow at his passing and sion touched the lives of those privileged demonstrated a commitment to serving the inspiration to live by his example: to have known him. Metropolitan Hospi- the underprivileged and who has excelled “We knew John to be an exceptional tal and the entire New York City Health in his or her field. man, a friend as well as a world-class and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) as well medical leader. First of all, he understood as the East Harlem community are deeply Dr. Richard Stone, Metropolitan Hospital the science, especially the complicated saddened by the passing on March 20th Medical Director, colleague and friend of and elusive science of HIV/AIDS, and of a beloved colleague, friend and expert could then talk about it on a level that was clinician. Dr. Corser was Acting Chief as accessible to patients as the weather, of Medicine at Metropolitan Hospital, ²©BOFYDFQUJPOBM so they could understand it too. So, Director of HIV Services and Principal in on the one hand, he was thoroughly the Medical Ethics Program at HHC. informed…about medicine in general, NBO BGSJFOEBOE about his specialty and about medical Dr. Corser joined Metropolitan Hospital infomatics upon which our practice at Center’s medical team in 1993 as Attend- BXPSMEDMBTT Met is so dependant. On the other hand, ing Physician in Medicine and Pediatrics. his way of using his knowledge made his Among innumerable recognitions for NFEJDBMMFBEFS³ practice of medicine as compassionate his indefatigable commitment to his and humanistic as any I have ever seen. I work, Dr. Corser received the prestigious 3JDIBSE,4UPOF .% think many of us saw that ability to bring Wasserman Award for Excellence in .FUSPQPMJUBO)PTQJUBM$FOUFS things together as John’s gift of quiet Pediatrics. .FEJDBM%JSFDUPS harmony, in service always to his patients and at peace with himself. It was, and is, At the 7th Annual Conference on Urban something to admire and emulate. Health on June 12th, Network Sr. Vice John for nearly two decades, delivered a President José R. Sánchez presented the heartfelt homage at the Memorial Service “So much of John Corser remains with us, Corser family with the first “Dr. John held at Draper Hall on March 26 before so deep a repository of shared experience B. Corser Award”, instituted by HHC a multitude of Dr. Corser’s colleagues, and persistent impressions, that it is pos- President Alan Aviles. Each year at the friends and members of his family. The sible, almost obligatory, for each of us to Urban Health Conference, the Dr. Corser following are excerpts of Dr. Stone’s find our own inspiration in his passing.”

30 e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network | New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation | e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network Network Review | SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition | Network Review

Metropolitan Hospital Center took .FUSPQPMJUBO.FUSPQPMJUBO)PTQJUBM)PTQJUBM an active and significant role in the celebration of National Patient Safety 'JSTU5P*NQMFNFOU'JSTU5P*NQMFNFOU Awareness Week (March 3 to March 8, 2008) as the first hospital to implement the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA) “Colors of Safety” (/:)"(/:)" initiative. The project’s objective is to enhance patient safety by regulating the color-coding of explicit alert medical conditions in hospital settings. The ²$0-0340'4"'&5:³²$0-0340'4"'&5:³ campaign is a risk-reduction intended to promote awareness about standardized identifiers not only among clinical and */*5*"5*7&*/*5*"5*7& non-clinical staff but also patients and their families.

The “Colors of Safety Across the Continuum of Care”, spearheaded by the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), defines the following three alert conditions and wristband colors: Purple is the standard color for Do Not Resuscitate (DNR), Red denotes allergies and Yellow alerts to patients who have been identified as fall risks.

Metropolitan Hospital’s “Colors of Safety” project is part of the Corporation’s system-wide collaborative campaign to increase patient safety, including the prevention of medication errors.

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On March 20th, the Metropolitan Hospital representatives of Congressman Charles Community Advisory Board held its Rangel and Inez Dickens. The discussion seventh annual Legislative Luncheon focused on the status of the cost of care and in the Draper Hall auditorium with the the impact of proposed federal legislation participation of over 175 representatives on Metropolitan. of community-based organizations, municipal agencies, community residents, staff and CAB members. Those gathered heard from Chair of the CAB, Carlos Infante, Meryl Weinberg, Legislators attending were Manhattan Executive Director, José R. Sánchez, Senior *OQIPUPBCPWFBU-FHJTMBUJWF-VODIFPO UPQ MFGU $PVODJMNFNCFS.FMJTTB.BSL7JWFSJUP Borough President Scott Stringer, City Vice President, LaRay Brown, HHC Senior .S4gODIF[ .BOIBUUBO#PSPVHI1SFTJEFOU Council member Melissa Mark-Viverito, Vice President as well as those elected 4DPUU4USJOHFS NVOJDJQBMBHFODJFTµ NYS Senator William Perkins and officials attending. SFQSFTFOUBUJWFTBOE$"#NFNCFST

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A study conducted by Morrisania’s develop the Network’s first Healthy Pediatric Obesity Control Initiative has Choices Program (HCP). This program led to improved outcome in children’s focuses on counseling and guidance to eating and physical activity habits in the children and their family, along with South Bronx. Under the leadership of consistent and persistent education of Carlos Rivera, MD, Chief of Pediatrics, obesity and its associated co morbidities doctors looked at the various ways to to providers, parents and families. The change the disturbing trend towards project demonstrates that strategies childhood and adolescent obesity. “Our which involve families, the healthcare principal strategy for the treatment of and school systems, the food and obesity in children is similar to those entertainment industries and public for adults; that is, lifestyle modification, health professionals become a powerful which includes nutrition, increased force to protect our children’s health. physical activity, along with treatment goals based on age, severity of obesity, and a thorough risk-factor assessment,” said The rate of childhood and adolescent Dr. Rivera. “In addition to intervention, obesity in the South Bronx is forty-nine we found that once parents got involved, percent, as compared to thirty percent and cultural variation in definition and nationwide. More support for research perception of obesity as a health problem on the development and testing of addressed, outcomes improved.” interventions to prevent and treat obesity is needed to provide a strong evidence The Department used the findings to base for programs and public policies.

32 e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network | New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation | e Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network Network Review | SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition SUMMER/FALL 2008 Edition | Network Review #&-7*44$03&4 1$"1 3&/"*44"/$& $0.1-*"/$& */3"1*%5&45*/( Segundo Ruiz Belvis NFHC received the official PCAP Site Evaluation Report with glowing grades. The OB/GYN team was successful in accomplishing 100% compliance of PCAP standards. The success of the audit is due to constant staff communication and the reliable cooperation of all departments and disciplines providing services to prenatal patients. We are very proud of the Belvis team for being the first in the Corporation to achieve this merit.

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During the month of March, social workers throughout the Network were publicly recognized for the critical role they play in our therapeutic environment. Social workers and Caseworkers touch peoples’ lives like no other professionals. “This special month provides an "CPWF1IPUPMUPS"SUVSP$FBTBS .%%PSPUIZ8ZBUU %BSZM:PVOH %FOJTF,JUUSFMM +BOJF3JDIBSETPO "$.&WB8SJHIU 4S$-8 "MMFO)BSSJTPO $-8 'SBOL#PXNBO 4S opportunity for social workers to be )$11"$BSPM.D-FBO-POH .%BOE7JOOJF(FF acknowledged for the essential role they play in supporting physical and Renaissance recently received number one spot for the last two mental wellbeing,” said Network Sr. an HIV Expansion Report reports. Vice President José R. Sánchez.. “As vital from HHC’s HIV Department members of the healthcare team, social identifying Renaissance in the` This momentum is important in workers work hand-in-hand with doctors, #1 place for meeting their targets our battle against HIV. “It is with nurses and therapists to help minimize percentage-wise for the last six pride that we acknowledge the the burden caused by illness and other moths. When Renaissance first interdisciplinary team for its hard psychosocial stresses on patients and their began Rapid Testing in 2006, work to achieve this success,” said families.” they were at the #2 position. Dr. Walid Michelen, Director They decided second place was of Business Development and At Morrisania’s Social Workers’ Month not good enough and strived to Grants for the Neighborhood celebration Marlene Figueras, Sr. Associate take the number one position. Family Health Centers. “This Director of Social Services said, “Social With the help of a diligent HIV accomplishment not only benefits workers and case workers are exceptional Testing staff and the support of the staff but the community we individuals who have the unique skills its leadership, providers, nursing serve. We all must know our HIV to listen to others with compassion and and clerical staff, Renaissance has status if we are to eradicate this understanding. They are optimistic and consecutively held on to the disease from our community.” reassuring; remain calm in the most stressful situations and when someone is upset, they lend “a shoulder to cry on”.

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The extraordinary commitment and compassion of our nurses was saluted by the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation at an awards ceremony held in May at Elmhurst Hospital Center.

“HHC nurses have been leaders in our (Metropolitan), Rosa Beniquez, RN system-wide initiatives to improve (Morrisania), Eleise Gordon, RN (Belvis), ²/VSTFTBSF patient safety, enhance chronic disease Purificacion Pincet, RN (Renaissance). management and reduce the health Evelyn Bersamin, RN (Metropolitan) UIFCBDLCPOF disparities that affect many of the received the Nursing Service Leadership communities we serve,” said Alan D. Award. Evelyn Montecer, RN, BSN, MS Aviles, HHC President. “Thank you for (Lincoln) and Olaleye Adebayo, RN, PGFWFSZIFBMUI your rigorous professionalism and your MPH (Harlem) received the Corporate dedicated passion to HHC’s mission and Award. to our patients. You make a difference DBSFGBDJMJUZ³ every day.” National Nurses Week was celebrated in all our Network facilities (see photos). Nine of our Network nurses received Network Sr. Vice President José R. HHC’s 2008 Nurse Excellence Awards. Sánchez, said, “Nurses are the backbone +PTn34gODIF[ They are: Loreto M. Castillo, RN, BSN of every health care facility. They make (Harlem), Arlinda Racaza, RN, BSN all the difference in the delivery of quality 4S7JDF1SFTJEFOU (Lincoln), Elena Haber, RN, BSN health care every single day.”

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