Tags Posts tagged with "Mather Hospital"

Mather Hospital

Mather Hospital
Harshini Devi Sobhan. Photo from Mather Hospital

Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson has expanded its Graduate Medical Education program with the addition of a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency program, starting on July 1, 2025. The Pharmacy Residency is a 12-month program that “aims to cultivate clinical, operational and leadership skills in pharmacists, all while delivering high-quality pharmaceutical care to patients,” according to a press release.

As licensed pharmacists the residents will participate in activities designed to deepen their knowledge of regulatory compliance, pharmacotherapy, medication safety, antibiotic stewardship, committee participation, and key pharmacy initiatives. The program provides residents with the opportunity to advance and strengthen their professional development, emerge as skilled practitioners, and prepare for PGY2 specialty training and board certification. 

“Our Pharmacy Department has long been dedicated to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care. Through the establishment of the pharmacy residency program, we reaffirm our commitment to preparing pharmacists to uphold elevated standards of practice,” read the release.

Allison Nicole Pollina. Photo from Mather Hospital

Program Director Maricelle Monteagudo-Chu, PharmD, said the pharmacy residents will be an invaluable addition to the team. “They will be entrusted with managing patients with complex disease states, a responsibility that requires a higher level of critical thinking and advanced clinical knowledge. They will also actively collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes, ensure the safe and effective use of medications, and advance excellence in pharmaceutical care,” she said.

To kick off the inaugural year, the first two residents will be Allison Nicole Pollina and Harshini Devi Sobhan, who both completed their Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy and Touro College of Pharmacy, respectively. Sobhan also received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from City University of New York, York College and a Master of Science in Health Sciences and Public Health from Touro University Worldwide.

Mather Hospital’s Graduate Medical Residency Program was established in 2014 to address a growing shortage of physicians in our community and an increasing demand for primary care physicians. The program now includes more than 110 residents in Internal Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Integrated Interventional Radiology, Psychiatry, and Transitional Year as well as fellowships in Gastroenterology and Hematology Oncology. 

Mather Hospital. Photo by Jim Lennon

Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson has been nationally recognized with the Healthgrades 2025 Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ for the fifth year in a row (2021-2025) for delivering an exceptional patient experience. Mather is one of four hospitals in New York to receive the award and among the top 5% of hospitals in the country for patient experience for a second consecutive year.

This honor from Healthgrades, an online resource for information about physicians and hospitals, reflects Mather Hospital’s ongoing commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. Each year, Healthgrades evaluates more than 3,000 hospitals across the country to identify those that consistently provide an exceptional experience from the patient’s perspective.

“This award speaks directly to the dedication and compassion of our entire team at Mather Hospital,” said Kevin McGeachy, President, Mather Hospital. “We are honored to receive this recognition, which reinforces our mission to put patients first in every aspect of their care.”

To determine recipients of the Outstanding Patient Experience Award, Healthgrades analyzed data from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey submitted by hospitals across the U.S. The 2025 award is based on HCAHPS survey data collected from January 2023 to December 2023. Only hospitals that submitted at least 100 patient surveys during this time were considered.

Healthgrades applies a scoring methodology to 10 patient experience measures, including communication with nurses and doctors, responsiveness of hospital staff, explanation of medications, and cleanliness and quietness of the hospital environment. Mather’s performance across these metrics reflects its success in creating a healing and supportive environment for patients and their families.

For example, 84% of Mather’s patients reported that their room and bathroom were “always” clean, and nurses “always” communicated well, while 89% of patients reported “yes” that they were given information about what to do during their recovery at home.

Mather Hospitaal. Photo by Jim Lennon

Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson has announced that it has achieved a significant milestone — completing 10,000 robotic surgery procedures using the da Vinci® surgical system – the most of any hospital in Suffolk County. This achievement underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing cutting-edge, minimally invasive surgical care to our community.

Mather Hospital is in the top 10% of hospitals on Long Island performing robotic surgery, using five da Vinci® surgical robots. The hospital, which is a Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence, the first in New York State, and an Epicenter in Robotic Bariatric Surgery, has performed robotic surgery since 2011, consistently investing in advanced technology and highly skilled surgeons.  

The most common robotic surgeries at Mather are bariatric and general surgery, followed by gynecology, thoracic, and urology. Approximately 99% of our bariatric cases are performed robotically. The average length of stay for patients undergoing robotic surgery is two days. 

“Achieving 10,000 robotic surgeries is a testament to our surgical team’s commitment to continually elevating patient care,” said Mather Hospital President Kevin McGeachy. “This milestone reflects our ongoing investment in innovative technology and our dedication to providing the best possible outcomes for our patients.” 

Robotic surgery offers numerous benefits to the patient, including smaller incisions, reduced pain and scarring, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. Mather Hospital utilizes the da Vinci® surgical system to enhance surgical precision, dexterity and visualization.

Using the da Vinci® Surgical System, the surgeon operates seated comfortably at a console while viewing a high definition, 3D image inside the patient’s body. The surgeon’s fingers grasp the master controls below the display with hands and wrists naturally positioned relative to his or her eyes. The system seamlessly translates the surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movements into precise, real-time movements of surgical instruments.

“We are incredibly proud of the profound impact our robotic surgery program has had on more than 10,000 lives in our community,” said Arif Ahmad, MD, director of Mather Hospital’s Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence. “This milestone motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of surgical innovation and providing the highest quality care for years to come. Our world-renowned team serves as an international epicenter for robotic surgery, and we have hosted, through live presentations and Telepresence, surgeons from England and France in addition to multiple centers in the U.S.”

Telepresence with Intuitive Hub allows live sharing of a procedure, using two-way audio and video, enabling surgeons who are in another geographic location to observe and mentor colleagues during robotic-assisted surgeries in real time.

For information about Mather Hospital, visit matherhospital.org or follow us @MatherHospital on Facebook.

 

Annual event benefits the Fortunato Breast Health Center

Join Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson on Sunday, May 18 for the annual Northwell Walk to Raise Health to support the Fortunato Breast Health Center.

Presented by Four Leaf Federal Credit Union, the Walk brings together family, friends and team members for a five-mile walk through the scenic villages of Port Jefferson and Belle Terre. The day includes music, raffles, photo props, a walker warm up session, and the return of the popular Pink Your Pooch contest for the best “pinked” pup! Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. and the Walk steps off at 10 a.m.

Sponsored by New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, King Quality Roofing and Siding, Riverhead Toyota, and CSDNET the Northwell Walk to Raise Health at Port Jefferson raises awareness of the need for regular breast cancer screenings starting at age 40. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers according to the American Cancer Society It accounts for about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year. The average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13%, or a 1 in 8 chance. 

The event will be held simultaneously with other walks in Riverhead, Jones Beach, Staten Island and Westchester County. Last year’s Northwell Health Walk was attended by more than 6,000 people who came together across five Northwell Health Walk locations to raise more than $1.14 million for local hospital programs and services.

According to Northwell’s website, the Walk began 15 years ago as the “Every Woman Matters Walk,” inspired by the vision of philanthropists Iris and Saul Katz. Since its inception, the Northwell Health Walk has raised more than $8 million and supports Northwell’s Outpacing the Impossible campaign, a comprehensive $1.4 billion fundraising effort that supports Northwell’s promise to the people it serves. 

The campaign’s objectives include improving hospitals and clinical programs, accelerating research and funding endowment.

On May 18, walk for a family member or friend fighting breast cancer, a breast cancer survivor, or in memory of someone whose life was cut short by this disease. Form a team with family, friends, or co-workers, join a team or walk as an individual, or sponsor a team or walker. Help raise funds for the Walk and collect Walk Fundraising Rewards. Participants can begin earning rewards by raising just $100! All rewards will be waiting for you at the Walk. To register, visit www.northwellhealthwalk.com.

The New York Blood Center has declared a blood emergency, meaning there is only 1-2 days supply of blood for hospitals.

In response, Mather Hospital, 75 North Country Road, Port Jefferson will hold a Spring Into Action & Give Blood Drive on Thursday, March 6 from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Conference Rooms A & B. Appointments preferred, walk-ins welcomed if space permits.

Register at https://donate.nybc.org/…/schedules/drive_schedule/322086

 

Angelina Ioppolo. Photo from Mather Hospital

Northwell’s Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson recently announced the appointment of Angelina Ioppolo as the new administrator of its Transitional Care Unit (TCU), a short-term rehabilitation unit located in the hospital.

Ms. Ioppolo comes to the post after completing a six-month administrator-in-training program at Northwell’s Stern Family Center for Rehabilitation in Manhasset and obtaining her state administrator’s license..

“I understand there’s going to be a lot of challenges that will come my way in this new role,” she said. “I have a great support system with Carolyn (Germaine, RN, director of patient care for the TCU), Dr. Michael Fishkin (TCU medical director) and the staff at the TCU. Gerard Kaiser (executive director of the Stern facility and the Orzac Center for Rehabilitation in Valley Stream) is going to help guide me as my mentor.

She received her master’s in health administration degree from Hofstra University prior to entering the internship with Northwell. A resident of East Meadow, Ms. Ioppolo is originally from the Poconos in Pennsylvania.

Mather’s TCU provides focused care to patients who are not ready to be discharged to home or to another facility. TCU patients include recent stroke sufferers, post-surgical patients, those receiving therapy for systemic infections and those who need physical rehabilitation. The TCU was awarded a five-star rating by Medicare.

Stop living with aching knees or hips!

Northwell’s Mather Hospital invites the community to a free joint replacement breakfast seminar at The Bristal at Holtsville, 5535 Express Drive North, Holtsville on Saturday, March 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Guest speakers Michael Fracchia, M.D., Chief of Orthopedics at Mather Hospital, Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group; and Filippo F. Romanelli, D.O., Orthopedic Surgeon, Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group will discuss the causes of joint pain and the medical and surgical techniques available to improve your life.

A buffet breakfast will be served. To register, visit matherhospital.org/orthoseminar. For more information, call 631-476-2723.

Mather Hospitaal. Photo by Jim Lennon

Northwell’s Mather Hospital  in Port Jefferson has announced that it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. 

The certification, offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, focuses on the pre-surgical orthopedic consultation to the intraoperative, hospitalization or ambulatory surgical center admission, rehabilitation activities, and follow-up visit with the orthopedic surgeon. 

Mather Hospital underwent a rigorous review January 29-30, 2025. During the visit, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards such as program management, supporting self-management, and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewer also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend Mather Hospital for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”

“Mather Hospital is proud to receive this prestigious certification from The Joint Commission in recognition of our high standards in total knee and hip replacements,” said President Kevin McGeachy. “The certification demonstrates to our patients that Mather adheres to the best practices of quality, safety, and better patient outcomes and affirms our standing as the highest-ranked orthopedic program in our area according to U.S. News and World Report”. 

“This certification is the result of the collaborative efforts of our orthopedic coordinator, preoperative, operating room, PACU, and floor staffs, as well as our physical therapists, discharge planners, home therapists, board certified orthopedists and anesthesiologists,” said orthopedic surgeon Brian McGinley, MD.

Michael Fracchia, MD, director of Mather’s orthopedic program, noted that with the support of hospital administration, Mather surgeons have  used computer or robotic assisted surgery since 2001 for the total joint program. 

“Mather surgeons were the first in the country to perform robotic-assisted total knee replacements and we  continue to work with the equipment companies to improve the technology,” he said.

Pictured from left, Dr. Joseph Marino, Northwell SVP Anesthesia Service Line; Dr. David Park, Anesthesia Chair at Mather Hospital; Steven Cortes; Michael Lampasona, Nurse Anesthesia Manager at Mather; and Kevin McGeachy, President, Mather Hospital. Photo courtesy of Northwell

Steven Cortes, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson, was honored on Feb. 3 with a lifesaver award from Northwell’s Anesthesia Service Line for his role in saving the life of a house fire victim.

On Oct. 14, 2024 Mr. Cortes finished his 10-hour shift and began driving home to his wife when he came upon an active house fire in his neighborhood. The first person on the scene, he called 911, then assisted in rescuing a 62-year-old disabled man trapped in the blaze. 

The paramedics on the scene tried unsuccessfully to place a breathing tube in the man. Steve rushed in and successfully intubated the man on his first attempt. After securing the patient’s airway, he remained at his side in the ambulance and aided in the resuscitation efforts on the way to the closest hospital. 

“Steve spent the entire evening and night displaying an extraordinary level of compassion and selflessness,” said Michael Lampasona, Nurse Anesthesia Manager at Mather Hospital. “He truly exemplifies the mission, vision, and values of Northwell Anesthesia.”

“Steven’s quick thinking, training and experience helped save a life that night,” said Mather President Kevin McGeachy. “I congratulate him for showing the highest level of dedication and professionalism, the kind of extraordinary patient care for which Mather is known.” 

Mather Hospital. Photo by Jim Lennon

Exceptional clinical performance places Mather in the top 5% of hospitals nationwide 

Northwell’s Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson recently announced that it is one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2025, according to new research released by Healthgrades, the number one site Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital. This achievement reflects Mather Hospital’s unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care and puts the organization in the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance for a third consecutive year (2023-2025). Mather Hospital is one of seven hospitals in New York State to receive the award. 

In addition to this recognition for overall clinical care, Mather Hospital is the recipient of numerous accolades related to its exceptional patient outcomes in key service areas, including Coronary Intervention, Pulmonary Care, Gastrointestinal Care and Critical Care. These achievements further underscore the organization’s dedication to clinical excellence, placing Mather Hospital among the upper echelon of hospitals nationwide. 

“Congratulations once again to our entire team for this achievement! Mather consistently ranks among the top hospitals nationwide for patient care, safety and clinical excellence,” said Mather President Kevin McGeachy. “We believe in investing in our staff and creating a culture that elevates care beyond expectations”.

Mather Hospital’s achievements are based exclusively on what matters most: patient outcomes. To determine the top hospitals for 2025, Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for over 30 of the most common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide. Healthgrades’ annual analysis revealed significant performance gaps between the nation’s highest- and lowest-achieving hospitals, making it increasingly important to seek care at a top-rated facility. In fact, from 2021-2023, If all hospitals, as a group, had performed similarly to America’s 250 Best, on average, 174,081 lives could potentially have been saved. 

“As one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals, Mather Hospital is elevating the standard for quality care nationwide,” said Brad Bowman, MD, chief medical officer and head of data science at Healthgrades. “Healthgrades commends Mather Hospital for their ongoing leadership and commitment to providing the best possible care for all patients in its service area.” 

As care variation grows, consumers must find and select a top-rated hospital to maximize their chances of a successful outcome. Consumers can visit healthgrades.com for guidance on how to find best-in-class care in 2025, with additional resources on how Healthgrades rates hospitals and why hospital quality matters available here. 

*Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for years 2021 through 2023 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only. Click here to view the complete 2025 America’s Best Hospital Awards Methodology.