www.RUMCSI.org January 2015

CHRONICLE

A PUBLICATION FOR EMPLOYEES, PHYSICIANS, TRUSTEES, AND VOLUNTEERS OF RICHMOND UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Richmond University Medical Center an-

nounces it has earned The Joint Commission’s

Gold Seal of Approval® for Hospital Accredi-

tation by demonstrating continuous compli-

ance 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, leader-

ship, and medication management. Surveyors

also conducted extensive on-site observations

and interviews.

The Joint Commission has accredited hospi-

tals for more than 60 years. More than 4,000

general, children’s, long-term acute, psychiat-

ric, 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 Gold Seal Awarded to the Hospital

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 individu-

als and departments throughout the hospital, local organizations lent a helping

hand. The Kiwanis Club of Staten Island provided 22 individuals with gifts of cloth-

ing, 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!

Adopt a Family Holiday Drive a Success

The Joint Commission’s hospital standards are developed in consul-tation 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.

President’s Update

Dear Friends,

2014 was a fast-paced year for the hospital.

We ended with an exceptional Joint Commis-

sion Survey followed by an equally success-

ful CMS Validation Survey from the Depart-

ment 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 collabo-

rate 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!

Message from the President & CEO

Daniel J. Messina, Ph.D., FACHE, LNHA

Staff has been working diligently to grow the volume at all of our Ambulatory Services located within the hospi-tal 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 Fam-ily 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

Millie C.

My daughter got the absolute best care from the wonderful pediatric

nurses. So compassionate and caring, always made sure she was com-

fortable 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.

A Great Social Media Review

Growth in the Future Patient Centered Medical Home

800 Castleton Avenue

January 2015

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 numer-

ous companies experiencing financial and operational changes and

advised on all aspects of financial restructuring, cash flow manage-

ment and revenue enhancement programs, as well as providing

assistance in preparing financial projections, implementing

Accounting Reform and Investor Protection compliance proce-

dures, 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 in-

solvency 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.

Catherine has volunteered at

Richmond University Medical

Center for over 5 years.

After retiring from the NYC

Department of Transporta-

tion, 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!

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.

Governor Cuomo Allocates Funding for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

Program at Hospital

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Board Highlight: Gina Gutzeit

Volunteer of the Month Catherine McAvoy

Quality & Patient Care

Patient Satisfaction: A Note of Thanks

I just wanted to commend the hospital on two staff members who really contributed to a positive experi-ence.

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, equip-

ment 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 pa-

tients' 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.

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 ▲

Human Resources News

Employee Service Awards

On December 11th, the hospital recognized employees who are

celebrating a milestone anniversary at the Annual Employee Service

Recognition Ceremony.

One employee, Karen Batz, was recog-

nized 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!

Welcome December New Hires

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

Jennifer Rivera, Medical Assistant

50 Years

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Department News

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.

Medical Staff Honors Three Members

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 Medi-

cine & 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, Adminis-

trative 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.”

PACS Expansion

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 Pic-cone. Dr. John Pepe has been an attending physician on staff since 1980. Dr. Pepe holds lifetime board certifications in Internal Medi-cine 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 through-out his career. Dr. Piccone is an author with a lifetime devoted to research in vascular surgery.

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Screenings Administered at

Monsignor Farrell High School

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.

Some of the latest research indicates that over 83 percent of New York-

ers 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!

At the beginning of the school year RUMC began a partnership

with St. Peter’s Boys School to develop a pilot program intro-

ducing 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.

Medical Science Program Partnership With St. Peter’s Boys

High School

Carmel Richmond Outreach

Gateway National Park Wellness Fair

CSI Nursing Program Trauma Training

Around the Community

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