Tags Posts tagged with "Mather Hospital"

Mather Hospital

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. 

Denise Driscoll, NP, Assistant Vice President for Behavioral Health at Mather Hospital cuts the ribbon to the new facility with hospital staff, local officials and community members. Photo courtesy of Mather Hospital

Northwell’s Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson formally dedicated its recently acquired Outpatient Behavioral Health Services building that allows the hospital to transform how it provides mental health services at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 25.

The building, located across the street from the hospital at 100 Highlands Blvd., was purchased with public and private funding totaling $9.2 million including a grant from the NYS Department of Health. 

“Tonight, we choose hope. Tonight, we celebrate a victory,” Erin Dainer, MD, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry for Mather Hospital, said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This facility, born from the collective will of government, healthcare providers, and generous philanthropists, stands as proof that together, we can make a difference. Within these walls, lives will be transformed.”

The building houses Mather’s Adult and Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Programs, Chemical Dependency Program, Eating Disorders and Gambling Addiction programs, and a new Rapid Access Center allowing patients immediate access to assessments and referrals for behavorial health care. The Center is expected to be opened by the end of the year. 

As part of the acquisition, Mather also expanded its Adolescent Partial Hospitalization program by 10 slots and added a co-occurring disorders track. The hospital also added capacity for its outpatient Medication Assisted Treatment program. 

A recent series of community leader forums conducted by the hospital revealed a severe shortage of behavioral health services for both adolescents and adults was a top concern. 

“The statistics are stark, but they are not just numbers. They represent real people, our friends, family, and neighbors. Every year, more than one in five New Yorkers battle the invisible wounds of mental health disorders, and in any year one in ten face challenges so profound they impact their ability to work, to love, to simply live,” said Dr. Dainer. “The need is monumental and has only been made worse by the opioid epidemic and recent pandemic.”

“There is no doubt we have a mental health and substance abuse crisis in this country,” said Denise Driscoll, NP, Assistant Vice President for Behavioral Health at Mather Hospital, noting that 53 million Americans are living with mental illness. “Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S, and  2.5 million Americans are diagnosed with an opioid use disorder. According to the CDC, annual drug overdose deaths have eclipsed the peak of yearly deaths from car crashes, gun violence or any one year of the AIDS epidemic.”

Driscoll said that there is only one provider available for every 350 individuals looking for services, and 28% of adults experiencing mental health symptoms reported they were not able to access or navigate their way to the treatment they so desperately needed. 

“Let 100 Highlands be a permanent symbol to our community that no one gets left behind and a beacon of hope to those living with mental illness and substance abuse that recovery and a life well lived is possible,” she said.

Photo from Mather Hospital/Jim Lennon

Northwell’s Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson earned its 21st “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, the most of any Suffolk Country Hospital. Leapfrog, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.

“Patient safety and raising health for everyone are the top priorities at Mather Hospital and the goal of every team member,” said Mather President Kevin McGeachy. “I applaud this continued recognition of our hospital’s achievements in patient safety by the Leapfrog Group. Mather Hospital is committed to continuous improvement in safety and patient satisfaction and exceeding expectations about the care we provide to our community.”

“Achieving an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade is a significant accomplishment for Mather Hospital,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “It reflects enormous dedication to your patients and their families, and your whole community should be proud. I extend my congratulations to Mather Hospital, its leadership, clinicians, staff and volunteers for their tireless efforts to put patients first.”

 The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring. 

 Full safety grade details and valuable tips for staying safe in the hospital are at  HospitalSafetyGrade.org.