CLOSE
Hospital

by -
0 985
Catch a screening of the award-winning documentary 'Honorable But Broken' at Theatre Three on July 11 at 6 p.m.

By Julianne Mosher

A new documentary created by a former producer for ABC News and 60 Minutes, and with the help of different EMS groups across New York State, is heading to Port Jefferson next week for a free viewing of a powerful film that will remind people how important rescue services are. 

Michael Presta, deputy chief at Port Jefferson EMS, said he received a LinkedIn message from the film’s director and producer, Bryony Gilbey, asking if her 2023 award-winning documentary, Honorable But Broken: EMS in Crisis, could be shown in the area.

Catch a screening of the award-winning documentary ‘Honorable But Broken’ at Theatre Three on July 11 at 6 p.m.

After connecting with the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council and Theatre Three, Presta was able to help get the film to play on Thursday, July 11 at 6 p.m. — for free — and for the first time on Long Island.

Gilbey, whose three children are EMS workers, developed the film after hearing the stories about what it was like being in emergency services pre, during and post COVID-19, plus the lack of funding these operations receive from the state and federal governments. The documentary was shot on location with EMS crews in Ossining, New York, and Montclair, New Jersey.

“The film has been circling the state for about a year now and it shows the challenges of delivering EMS services to the public,” Presta said, adding that local elected officials have been invited to attend.

“It helps paint a picture to the public and our politicians on what delivering EMS services in 2024 is like,” Presta added.

He noted that the Port Jefferson EMS helps and protects all of Port Jefferson and its surrounding communities including Mount Sinai and the Village of Port Jefferson, while also lending support to other local areas. 

When Presta started his career in Port Jefferson almost two decades ago, on average there were less than 1,000 calls per year. Now, he said, they’re around 3,500.

“It’s getting harder with rising costs to deliver EMS, not just here, but everywhere. Funding is needed to support that number of calls,” he said. “This movie will give people insight.”

Narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker, the goal of the documentary is to, “raise awareness of the systemic collapse of EMS and to advocate for change. Shockingly, most states don’t mandate the provision of EMS, so funding is unpredictable and inadequate. There is a critical workforce shortage, particularly in rural areas, which in turn has led to much longer response times.”

The goal, the documentary’s official website says, is to eventually get the film onto a streaming service so everyone can see it. On the film’s official website, people can donate to help fund that endeavor, as well.

And while Honorable But Broken is not part of the Port Jefferson Documentary Series, Kelly DeVine, head programmer of the series, said that when Presta approached her and Allan Varela, president of the Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council, looking for help, both groups jumped to volunteer their resources. 

Working alongside Theatre Three, the arts council offered to lend the theatre their personal movie screen so that the film could be played at the venue.

“The Port Jefferson Documentary Series is focused on bringing high-quality films normally only seen at top festivals or art house screens to our audiences and curating those titles to support our community partners and create impactful communal experiences,” DeVine said. 

As for other films coming to Port Jefferson, the documentary series is moving to a new venue and day of the week. The Methodist Church on Main Street across from Theatre Three will now show its films on Thursdays starting in September.

Theatre Three is located at 412 Main Street in Port Jefferson. The screening is free and no reservations are required. For more information, call 631-928-9100. 

For more information on Honorable But Broken: EMS in Crisis, visit www.honorablebutbroken.org.

by -
0 673
Stony Brook University Hospital

Stony Brook University Hospital’s Cardiothoracic Surgery Program within the Stony Brook Heart Institute has earned a prestigious three-star rating, the highest rating possible, from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for its patient care and outcomes in mitral valve repair/replacement (MVRR) procedures and isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG or heart bypass surgery) procedures. The latest rating period is from Jan 2021 to Dec 2023. Stony Brook received its first three-star CABG rating in 2017, and has consistently received the top ratings since.

“The three-star ratings are reflective of our entire Heart Institute’s dedication — from surgeons, nurses, physician assistants and many other healthcare professionals — to delivering top-quality care and outcomes for our patients,” says Henry J. Tannous, MD, FACS, Co-Director, Heart Institute, Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery and General T.F. Cheng Chair, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University. “At Stony Brook, patients can have the confidence of knowing they’re getting cardiac care from world-class cardiothoracic physicians at one of the top-rated facilities in the nation.”

The recent analysis of the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database included data from 964 participants on cases between 2021 and 2023. Participating programs were rated on a range of one to three stars. The STS three-star ratings — one of the most sophisticated and highly regarded overall measures of quality in healthcare — that Stony Brook achieved is an “Overall Composite Score” for patient outcomes and quality of care for isolated CABG surgery procedures and MVRR procedures performed. It measures a surgical team’s performance before, during and after the surgical procedure. More than 95 percent of hospitals in the U.S. with cardiothoracic surgical programs submit data to the STS, and approximately 20 percent of participants receive the three-star rating for CABG and approximately 10 percent receive a three-star-rating for MVRR procedures.

“At Stony Brook Medicine, we take great pride in our long legacy of raising the level of cardiothoracic surgical care for our patients,” says Apostolos Tassiopoulos, MD, FACS, Chair, Department of Surgery; Chief, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and Professor of Surgery, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University. “We remain laser-focused on serving our community with all the best that only a University-based academic medical center can offer — the most advanced technology, an outstanding cardiovascular staff and the full spectrum of lifesaving cardiothoracic interventions.”

This year, Healthgrades also named Stony Brook University Hospital as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care™ (2015-24). Stony Brook is one of only two hospitals in New York State to be named among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care for ten years in a row.

About Stony Brook Heart Institute:

Stony Brook Heart Institute is located within Stony Brook University Hospital as part of Long Island’s premier university-based medical center. The Heart Institute offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The staff includes full-time and community-based, board-certified cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, as well as specially trained anesthesiologists, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, surgical technologists, perfusionists and other support staff. Their combined expertise provides state-of-the-art interventional and surgical capabilities in 24-hour cardiac catheterization labs and surgical suites. And while the Heart Institute clinical staff offers the latest advances in medicine, its physician-scientists are also actively enhancing knowledge of the heart and blood vessels through basic biomedical studies and clinical research. To learn more, visit www.heart.stonybrookmedicine.edu.

by -
0 685
File photo by David Ackerman
Steven Sandoval. Photo from BU

The Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Burn Center at Stony Brook University Hospital — the only designated burn care facility in Suffolk County, has 10 Safety Tips this July 4th Weekend as families celebrate the holiday.

Many will spend the holiday in their backyards for barbecues, cookouts or build fire pits where there’s a greater risk to sustain a burn injury. Steven Sandoval, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery and Medical Director of the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Burn Center at Stony Brook University Hospital, says “I expect an uptick in patients around this time every year. Firework injuries range from facial burns to loss of digits or hands. Sparkler burns are also a common holiday injury. They burn at several thousand degrees and can cause second-or third-degree burns. The best way to prevent burns in the first place is with safety tips and precautions to eliminate potential dangers.”

  1. Fireworks are safe for viewing only when being used by professionals.
  2. Sparklers are one of the most common ways children become burned this holiday, even with a parent’s supervision.
  3. Do not have children around any fireworks, firepits, barbecues or hot coals. Teach them not to grab objects or play with items that can be hot. Go through a lesson where they learn to ask permission.
  4. Limit the use of flammable liquids to start your fire pits and barbecues. Use only approved lighter fluids that are meant for cooking purposes. No gasoline or kerosene.
  5. Don’t leave hot coals from fire pits and barbecues laying on the ground for people to step in.
  6. When cleaning grills, the use of wire bristle brushes can result in ingestion of sharp bristle pieces requiring surgery.
  7. If you are overly tired, and consumed alcohol, do not use the stovetop, fire pit or a fireplace.
  8. Stay protected from the sun. Use hats and sunblock, and realize that sunblock needs to be reapplied after swimming or after sweating.
  9. Use the back burners of the stove to prevent children from reaching up and touching hot pots and pans.
  10. Always use oven mitts or potholders to remove hot items from the stove or microwave. Assume pots, pans and dishware are hot.

“I want people to enjoy a safe 4th of July and reduce the risk of burn injuries. And, if burned do not go anywhere but a facility specializing in burn treatment,” says Dr. Sandoval.

As the only designated burn care facility for more than 1.6 million residents of Suffolk County, the Burn Center at Stony Brook University Hospital coordinates burn services throughout the county, and conducts training and research in burn care. The Burn Center also serves as a resource to neighboring community-based hospitals. Patients of all ages – from infants through geriatrics – are treated at the Burn Center.

To reach the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Burn Center at Stony Brook University Hospital, call 631-444-4545.

For immediate help, call the burn unit directly at 631-444-BURN.

 

by -
0 724
St. Catherine of Siena Hospital – ED Ribbon Cutting. Photo by Kristy Leibowitz

Catholic Health’s St. Catherine of Siena Hospital hosted a ceremonial ribbon cutting for its $1 million Emergency Department (ED) renovation on June 21. The event was attended by Catholic Health executive leadership, hospital staff, as well as local elected officials and fire departments.

The $1 million renovation includes new treatment bays, as well as best-in-class healthcare technologies, a large and very comfortable ED waiting room, and an all-new and highly conducive registration and triage suite. The ED renovation also includes a new ambulance bay that will help expedite patient transfers and facilitate the movement from EMS into its state-of-the-art emergency department. 

Most recently, cardiovascular services of St. Francis Heart Center are now on premises, working hand-in-hand with the hospital’s emergency care team.

“The hospital’s ED renovation will greatly enhance patient experience and allow for seamless emergency department medical care,” said St. Catherine of Siena Hospital President Declan Doyle. “We are extremely grateful for the philanthropic support we received, with a lead philanthropic gift of $500,000 from the Banyan Tree Roots Foundation and matching funds from major donors. The residents of Smithtown and surrounding areas should feel confident in knowing that they will receive top-notch emergency care at St. Catherine’s.

St. Catherine is an acute care, community hospital offering a wide range of clinical specialties including general surgery and surgical subspecialties, such as colorectal, urology, bariatric, orthopedic/spine surgery, breast surgery and neurosurgery. St. Catherine’s also offers acute inpatient adult medical care, with subspecialty care services including cardiology, neurology, stroke, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, and nephrology. Other services include diagnostic imaging, cardiac imaging, endoscopy, laboratory, wound care and pathology.

 

by -
0 706
Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine

Breast cancer research at the Stony Brook Cancer Center is taking a long-lasting, impactful leap forward thanks to the generous support from the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund. The Fund, which has been supporting research grants at Stony Brook for the last 25 years, has established a new $5.5 million endowment that will be used in perpetuity to fund breast cancer research at Stony Brook Medicine.

Carol M. Baldwin dedicated her life to helping other women overcome the struggles associated with breast cancer after her own diagnosis in 1990 and enduring a double mastectomy. After raising her six children on Long Island, New York, she formed the Fund in 1996 with her family, friends and health professionals with a mission to fight and ultimately win the battle against breast cancer. That same year, Stony Brook dedicated the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Care Center in recognition of her efforts to raise funds for cancer research. The care center continues to operate today within the Stony Brook Cancer Center. In addition to cancer care, the center treats patients with benign conditions of the breast and offers community education on overall breast health and cancer prevention.

“Carol was very supportive of local women who were newly diagnosed and would become their advocate to make sure they received the right treatment,” said Brian J. O’Hea, MD, director of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Care Center. “This newly endowed fund will allow the expert care and research to continue and will ensure Carol’s legacy will always live on here at Stony Brook.”

Over the past few decades, the Fund has provided seed grants to more than 100 researchers at Stony Brook Medicine as they investigate the causes, prevention and treatment of breast cancer. In memory of Carol, who passed away in 2022, the new endowed Fund will ensure that breast cancer research at Stony Brook will continue for years to come. With the State Endowment Match Challenge and the Simons Infinity Investment Challenge, this gift will have an impact of $16.5 million.

“Through the support of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund, our researchers will learn more about breast cancer, providing us better methods of detection and treatment,” said William Wertheim, MD, interim executive vice president of Stony Brook Medicine. “This endowed gift will allow that important work to continue in perpetuity as our researchers search for advances in technology and medicine.”

This past May, the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) awarded the center a full three-year reaccreditation. According to O’Hea, NAPBC-accredited programs have demonstrated excellence in organizing and managing a breast care center to facilitate multidisciplinary, integrated and comprehensive breast cancer services.

by -
0 933
Dr. William Wertheim. Photo by Jeanne Neville/Stony Brook Medicine

Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis has announced that William Wertheim, MD, MBA, has been promoted to executive vice president, Stony Brook Medicine. Dr. Wertheim, who has been serving as the interim executive vice president role will continue to report to the university’s president and is a member of the senior leadership team. In this role, he will continue to work in partnership with academic, hospital and clinical leadership and with community partners to ensure the continued development and excellence of the premier academic medical center and health system. Stony Brook Medicine’s leadership team will continue to report to Dr. Wertheim.

“I have been impressed by Dr. Wertheim’s engaging leadership style that prioritizes collaboration and action,” said President McInnis. “He is deeply respected for his approach that has fostered a culture of teamwork and inclusivity and as a result, Stony Brook Medicine continues to make meaningful strides in expanding patient access, elevating research, and innovating in its approach to teaching and learning. I am confident that Stony Brook Medicine will continue to thrive under his leadership.”

Under Dr. Wertheim’s leadership, Stony Brook has grown patient visits throughout its hospitals, ambulatory centers and clinical practice groups. The recruitment of 28 new providers to the East End has allowed Stony Brook Medicine 14,000 additional patient visits in the community. From supporting the development of clinical research spaces at Stony Brook University Hospital and the Lake Grove and Commack Advanced Specialty Care centers to participation in student and resident research days across the institution, it is clear Dr. Wertheim wholeheartedly believes in Stony Brook Medicine’s research mission and supports innovation in clinical practice.

Dr. Wertheim joined Stony Brook in 1996 and previous to his interim position, served as vice dean for academic affairs of Stony Brook’s Renaissance School of Medicine (RSOM). He also holds the Endowed Chair in Graduate Medical Education at RSOM and is president of the Stony Brook Medicine Community Medical Group.

A graduate of Harvard University and New York University School of Medicine, Dr. Wertheim completed his internal medicine residency at University of Michigan Hospitals, where he also served as chief resident. He worked as a clinical faculty member at the University of Michigan’s Veterans Administration Hospital, then moved to New York, where he worked at The Brooklyn Hospital Center.

“Having been part of this remarkable academic healthcare center for years, I’ve seen the unwavering commitment, the tireless dedication and the profound impact we make on the lives of our patients and their families,” said William A. Wertheim, MD, MBA, executive vice president for Stony Brook Medicine. “Together, we’ve championed excellence in healthcare and education, solidifying our position as a leader in academic medicine. I am deeply excited about the journey ahead and the future we will shape together.”

by -
0 573

Catholic Health hosts a Community Health Fair at 245 Old Country Road, Melville on Saturday, June 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a day of healthy fun with free health screenings, CPR/First Aid demonstrations, free narcan kits, and educational activities for all ages including a teddy bear clinic. Meet with Catholic Health specialists and other vendors and enjoy lots of free giveaways. Rain date is June 23. For more information and to register for a free gift, please call 516-705-3839.

by -
0 533
Stony Brook University Hospital

Money magazine has ranked Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) as the #2 Best Hospital for Pediatric Care in the country. These services are provided by Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, the leading children’s hospital on Long Island, with more than 180 pediatric specialists in 30 specialties delivering cutting-edge research, technological innovations, clinical trials and breakthrough techniques.

Money evaluated over 6,000 hospitals and narrowed it down to just 74 based on a rigorous analysis of 13,500 data points. The rating is based on five key factors; mortality, safety, readmission, patient experience and timely and effective care. Ranking scores are then translated into a letter grade. SBUH received an overall grade of an “A,” the highest of any New York and Long Island hospital.

“I’m delighted that Stony Brook University Hospital has been recognized by Money magazine for providing world-class pediatric care,” said William A. Wertheim, MD, MBA, Interim Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine. “This ranking is a testament to the exceptional care and dedication of our pediatric team, who work tirelessly to ensure the health and well-being of our youngest patients, who understand that children are not simply small adults but have unique health and social needs, and remain committed to ensuring our community receives the highest quality healthcare services.”

“As Suffolk County’s first and only children’s hospital, we understand the needs of caring for a child affect the entire family,” says Carol Gomes, MS, FACHE, CPHQ, Chief Executive Officer of Stony Brook University Hospital. “I am extremely proud of our team of compassionate and experienced pediatricians, pediatric surgeons and specialists who devote themselves to delivering the best possible outcomes for children on Long Island.”

This past April, Stony Brook University Hospital also received an “A” ranking for General Practice and was ranked number 19 on Money magazine’s prestigious “Best Hospitals of 2024” list.

 

by -
0 709
John Perkins and Mike Gugliotti, chief navigation officer and his ‘water Sherpa.’ Photo courtesy Maggie Fischer Memorial Swim

By Daniel Dunaief

What are you planning to do this Saturday?

John Perkins, Community Outreach Manager at St. Charles Hospital and St. Catherine of Siena Hospital and Islip Terrace resident, is planning to swim 12.5 miles around Key West. The swim isn’t just an exercise in rugged outdoor activities or a test of his endurance, but is a way to raise money to support St. Charles Hospital’s stroke support group and promote stroke awareness and prevention.

As of Tuesday morning Perkins, who is 56 years old, has raised $4,900 out of his goal of collecting $5,000.

“Stroke survivors can have challenges for the rest of their lives,” said Perkins. “My hundreds of hours of training and hundreds of miles I’ve swam over the last year is nothing in comparison to someone who has a stroke” and then has a gate impairment, a speech impediment or is visually impaired.

Perkins added that about 80 percent of the estimated 800,000 strokes in the United States are preventable, through efforts like managing high blood pressure and/or diabetes, increasing physical activity and eating a healthier diet.

Perkins hopes the money he raises can add a new piece of equipment in the emergency room or help with the stroke survivor and support group.

Challenging conditions, with help

Getting ready for this swim took considerable work, especially given that Perkins didn’t even know how to swim until he was 50.

That’s when a group of childhood friends called him up in 2017 and suggested he join them for a two mile swim in the Straight of Messina, between Sicily and Calabria.

He rose to the challenge and raised $1,200.

To prepare for this much longer swim, which he estimates could take eight hours of more, he has been getting up at 4 am and is in the pool by 5 a.m.

Three days during the week, he swims two miles before work, often surrounded by people who are training for grueling races like triathlons and ironman competitions. On weekends, he does longer swims. He has been increasing the distances he swims in the pool, recently covering 10 miles in six and a half hours.

When he’s doing these longer swims, he gets out of the pool every two miles to take a 30-second break, which could involve hydrating and a quick restroom stop.

“You can not be a marathon swimmer without considering the nutrition aspect,” he said.

When he’s swimming around Key West, he plans to bring a special blend of carbohydrates, with calcium and magnesium and some protein, making sure he consumes about 300 calories per hour.

In expending over 6,000 calories for the swim itself, he wants to ensure he doesn’t tire or get cramps.

When he swims around Key West, Perkins said his wife Pamela, who is a registered nurse and whom he calls his chief nutritionist, will be in a two-person kayak. She will signal to him every 20 minutes or so to take a break for some liquid nutrition.

Meanwhile, his chief navigation officer, Michael Gugliotti, whom he also refers to as his “water Sherpa,” will ensure that he stays the course, not straying from the checkpoints so that he doesn’t wind up adding any distance to the long swim.

When he’s swimming, Perkins tends to think about the struggles stroke survivors have that they have to deal with for the rest of their lives.

“Strokes impact your life, your community’s life, your family’s life,” he said.

People interested in donating can do so through the following link: St. Charles Host Your Own Fundraiser

by -
0 612
1 of 2
Christopher Albano, BSN, RN, pictured second from left, with Tara Matz, Kevin McGeachy and Tabitha Spinelli, RN, BSN, Emergency Department Nurse Manager, received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse. Photo from Mather Hospital
Catherine Castro, BSN, RN-BC, pictured in the center with with Tara Matz, Chief Nursing Officer/VP for Nursing and Executive Director Kevin McGeachy, received the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Photo from Mather Hospital

Two Mather Hospital nurses in Port Jefferson were recognized during the recent Nurses Week with DAISY Awards®, a special honor given to extraordinary nurses for the compassionate contributions they make every day going above and beyond expectations in science and sensitivity.

Catherine Castro, BSN, RN-BC received the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. “Catherine sets the stage through role modeling and is an exemplar in establishing a unit where she creates trust, compassion, and mutual respect with her team and members of the interprofessional team. She is easily accessible and is seen caring for patients and rounding on the unit to support the staff and to care for the patients,” according to her nomination by her peers.   

“Catherine works with many disciplines to ensure patient outcomes are not only met, but exceeded, and has an innovative approach to how care is  provided. She collaborated with her team and Justin Stroker, Patient & Customer Experience Director to create a gaming platform to improve medication education on 2 South. She then met with Information Services and Pharmacy to identify the most common medications on 2 South to create quizzes for the patients to test their knowledge of their medications.”

Christopher Albano, BSN, RN received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse. “My recent experience under Chrisopher Albano’s care was not only medically exceptional, but also deeply humanizing during one of the most vulnerable times of my life. Upon my arrival at the Emergency Room with severe abdominal pain, I was anxious and fearful; uncertain of what was happening to me. It was Christopher who first greeted me with a warmth and professionalism that immediately offered comfort. He displayed an extraordinary level of expertise and attentiveness as he quickly assessed my condition,” wrote a patient who nominated him.

“His actions were pivotal when it was discovered that I was in life-threatening heart block, necessitating the urgent placement of a pacemaker. What set Christopher apart was not just his clinical skills, which were undoubtedly exceptional, but his unparalleled compassion and empathy. He made me feel seen, heard, and valued. He provided not just medical care but emotional support, explaining every procedure with patience and ensuring I understood my condition and the necessary interventions. Remarkably, after I was admitted and recovering from the pacemaker procedure, Christopher went above and beyond his duties by visiting me.”

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award® was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died of complications from an autoimmune disease at the age of 33. During Pat’s hospitalization, his family was awestruck by the care and compassion his nurses provided for him and everyone in his family. 

Prev1...8910...20Next Page 9 of 20
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©