Volume XII SUMMER 2009 Number 3 44th Annual One Enchanted Evening Mather Hospital benefactors and com- munity pillars Barney and Judi Fortunato will host the 44th annual One Enchanted Evening Gala, with this year’s theme “Green Jello and Spam,” commemorating the 105th birthday of Dr. Seuss. The event benefits the Fortunato Breast Health Center and breast cancer treat- ment at Mather Hospital. Tickets to One Enchanted Evening are on sale now; call the Mather Hos- pital Office of Public Affairs at 631-476-2723 or visit www. matherhospi- tal.org/oee. Mather Hospital Honors 2009 Award Recipients More than 50 years ago, the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council created the Theodore Roosevelt Award to honor those who demonstrate exceptional volunteer commitment to a member hospital and their community. Mather Hospital’s 2009 Theodore Roosevelt Award recipients (from left) – Gary Cress, Dr. Michael Fracchia and Dr. Jeffrey Vacirca – will be recognized October 9 at the 44 th annual One Enchanted Evening gala for aiding the progress and development of Mather Hospital. Port Jefferson resident Gary Cress has been on Mather Hospital’s Board of Directors since 2004 and is a highly respected member of the Port Jefferson area business community. As operator of James Cress Florists in Port Jefferson Station and Smithtown, Gary continues the family’s floral business tradition of more than 100 years. Belle Terre resident Michael Fracchia, MD, is director of orthopedic surgery at Mather Hospital. Dr. Fracchia is a world-renowned leader in new joint replacement techniques, director of surgical education for Aesculap Implant Systems, and has contributed to the design of smaller implants, which makes less invasive joint replacement procedures possible. He has also played a key role in the integrated design and construction of Mather’s new operating rooms of the future. Port Jefferson resident Dr. Jeffrey Vacirca is a dedicated oncologist and has been a valued member of Mather Hospital’s medical staff since 2004. He is considered a true patient advocate by his peers, staff and patients alike. His extensive medical knowledge and compassionate expertise have helped countless patients deal with and overcome the medical and emotional challenges of cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Dr. Vacirca has also championed patients through his relentless support of Mather Hospital’s Victory Day and community cancer symposiums. The Board of Directors of Mather Hospital has selected Suffolk County National Bank as its exceptional corporate honoree. Suffolk County National Bank is one of the oldest financial institutions on Long Island operating under the same name for 119 years. For SCNB, being part of the community is more than just banking. Over the years, the Bank has proven to be a loyal, dependable and stable partner – in the good times and those that are not so good. One Enchanted Evening Co-chairs Barney Fortunato Jr. and Judith Fortunato invite you to an evening of fun and fantasy. Mather Board members and SCNB directors Thomas S. Kohlmann (center) and James E. Danowski (left) SCNB President and CEO J. Gordon Huszagh.
Transcript
VolumeXII SUMMER2009 Number3
44th AnnualOne Enchanted Evening
Mather Hospital benefactors and com-munity pillars Barney and Judi Fortunato will host the 44th annual One Enchanted Evening Gala, with this year’s theme “Green Jello and Spam,” commemorating the 105th birthday of Dr. Seuss. The event benefits the Fortunato Breast Health Center and breast cancer treat-ment at Mather Hospital.
Tickets to One Enchanted Evening are on sale now; call the Mather Hos-pital Office of Public Affairs at 631-476-2723 or visit www.matherhospi-tal.org/oee.
Mather Hospital Honors 2009 Award Recipients
More than 50 years ago, the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council created the Theodore Roosevelt Award to honor those who demonstrate exceptional volunteer commitment to a member hospital and their community. Mather Hospital’s 2009 Theodore Roosevelt Award recipients (from left) – Gary Cress, Dr. Michael Fracchia and Dr. Jeffrey Vacirca – will be recognized October 9 at the 44th annual One Enchanted Evening gala for aiding the progress and development of Mather Hospital.
Port Jefferson resident Gary Cress has been on Mather Hospital’s Board of Directors since 2004 and is a highly respected member of the Port Jefferson area business community. As operator of James Cress Florists in Port Jefferson Station and Smithtown, Gary continues the family’s floral business tradition of more than 100 years.
Belle Terre resident Michael Fracchia, MD, is director of orthopedic surgery at Mather Hospital. Dr. Fracchia is a world-renowned leader in new joint replacement techniques, director of surgical education for Aesculap Implant Systems, and has contributed to the design of smaller implants, which makes less invasive joint replacement procedures possible. He has also played a key role in the integrated design and construction of Mather’s new operating rooms of the future.
Port Jefferson resident Dr. Jeffrey Vacirca is a dedicated oncologist and has been a valued member of Mather Hospital’s medical staff since 2004. He is considered a true patient advocate by his peers, staff and patients alike. His extensive medical knowledge and compassionate expertise have helped countless patients deal with and overcome the medical and emotional challenges of cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Dr. Vacirca has also championed patients through his relentless support of Mather Hospital’s Victory Day and community cancer symposiums.
The Board of Directors of Mather Hospital has selected Suffolk County National Bank as its exceptional corporate honoree. Suffolk County National Bank is one of the oldest financial institutions on Long Island operating under the same name for 119 years. For SCNB, being part of the community is more than just banking. Over the years, the Bank has proven to be a loyal, dependable and stable partner – in the good times and those that are not so good.
One Enchanted Evening Co-chairs Barney Fortunato Jr. and Judith Fortunato invite you to an evening of fun and fantasy.
Mather Board members and SCNB directors Thomas S. Kohlmann (center) and James E. Danowski (left) SCNB President and CEO J. Gordon Huszagh.
Summer is a great time of year, filled with lots of memory-making moments with friends and family. The fun of summer has carried over into our programs and activities here at Mather, too. Our Employee Engagement Team recently celebrated the rollout of our new employee recognition program, WAVE (We Are Voyaging to Excellence), with a summer beach party kick-off in the cafeteria.
Our Leadership Development Team chalked up some fun moments with its “Core Competencies” Fair. The highly interactive sessions demonstrated the importance of leadership and people skills in a hospital setting.
The hospital staff’s hard work and dedication to the Voyage initiative are beginning to bear fruit. The patient satisfaction scores in our Emergency Department continue to be among the highest in our peer groups.
As part of our vision to become the best community hospital in New York State, we are paying particular attention to enhancing the patient experience. Approximately 42,000 patients visit our ED each year, and about 80% of our hospital’s admissions are through the Emergency Department. So, for most patients, that’s where their “experience” at Mather begins.
Over the past year, the ED has embraced the behavioral, procedural and technological changes that have positively impacted the patient experience.
The re-design of our triage process has provided a diagnostic sophistication that has enabled ED staff to more effectively and efficiently administer care. It allows patients with minor injuries to be treated and released more quickly, while patients with severe conditions receive priority care.
The implementation of MedHost, a state-of-the-art patient management system, has eliminated the need for traditional paper patient charts. It enables ED staff and supporting departments to instantly communicate and update patient information, thereby enabling staff to more effectively manage patient care and ensure patient comfort.
While process and technology improvements have enhanced the overall patient experience, the key to the high patient satisfaction scores is the manner in which individual ED staff members relate to individual patients.
From the moment a patient enters the ED, physicians, nurses and support staff ensure that every patient knows he or she is their top priority. Whether a patient arrives with a life-threatening injury or a simple treat-and-release condition, all patients who enter our ED know that they are receiving personalized, high quality care and attention. Whether it’s the simple gesture of holding a hand, or answering a series of involved questions, our staff lets them know that Mather Hospital is their hospital – always ready to provide the care they need.
The progress in the ED could not have been achieved without the support of the Physician Staff and numerous departments – Registration, Nursing, Information Services, Imaging Services, Project Management, Lab and Food & Nutrition among others. I am proud of what we have achieved together so far.
Additional advancements are underway in the ED, including major renovations, improving patient throughput, and other projects by our V2E Patient Experience Team, which will provide significant momentum for our Voyage to Excellence.
I am very pleased that Mather Hospital, as a whole, continues to embrace the spirit of our Voyage to Excellence. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our patients, our fellow employees and our community. I look forward to working with all of you as we continue our Voyage together.
A message from the President:Making a Strong First Impression in the E.D.
Kenneth D. RobertsPresident
The key to the high patient satisfaction scores is the manner in which individual staff members
relate to individual patients.
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“I Quit” - Taking the First Step to Be Cigarette Free
Andrew Sunyar of Environmental Services says, after nine years, smoking “just finally got to me.” He’s determined to kick the habit and he’s turning to Employee Health for help.
“They have all the info and they steer you in the right direction,” Andrew says. He’s learning about the most effective methods to quit, particularly behavior modification, and also trying the medication Chantix, the cost of which is reimbursed by Mather. It’s early in the process, but he’s determined.
“You have to want to do it and I do,” says Andrew. He adds that it helps that the hospital campus is going smoke-free because it’s becoming “too much of a headache to smoke.”
The Biggest WinnersMather Hospital employees teamed up to get healthy by taking
part in the Biggest Loser weight-loss competition. Modeled after the television show with the same name, the Biggest Loser encouraged employees to vie to lose the greatest percentage of total weight in a friendly competition. The four winners collectively lost 113 pounds, representing an average reduction of 12.5% in body weight. Nancy Bodnar, RN, FNP (center) of Employee Health congratulated and presented certificates to the most successful participants (from left): Frank Bambola - Food & Nutritional Services, Kim Weeter - Nurse Recruitment, Frank Sini – Finance and Kathleen Terry – Human Resources. Due to the success of the first endeavor, a second contest was launched and is currently underway. For more information, contact Employee Health at ext. 5903.
“I love being a nonsmoker.”That’s quite a
statement coming from a 20-year smoker who admits that she loved to smoke. But, March 7, Kathleen Terry marked one year of being smoke-free. “It’s the greatest thing—it’s very freeing,” Kathleen, says. “I feel terrific.”
Even though she was never a smoker, Employee Health Services Smoke-Free Coordinator Nancy Bodnar, NP, FNP understands how hard it is to quit. “She was really great,” says Kathleen.
Nancy suggested some behavior modifications, such as avoiding the deck where Kathleen would have her morning cigarette, taking up power walking and deep breathing exercises to get through the tough times.
“Not long into it, it occurred to me that I hadn’t thought of smoking in a couple of hours,” she says. “I always thought I’d never get past a couple of minutes.”
Kathleen understands why smokers are reluctant to kick the habit, but offers encouragement that they can quit, get past the cravings, and be happier.
These days, Kathleen is back on her deck, breathing cleanly and deeply and thinking of ways to spend all the money she’s not shelling out on cigarettes—plus the $100 Mather employees receive when they mark one-year of being smoke-free.
Mather Goes Smoke-Free January 1, 2010
You’ll be hearing more about our smoke-free policy and the benefits of being smoke-free in the months ahead.
It’s Never Too Late To Stop! Whenyoustopsmoking,yourbodybeginstorepairitselfimmedi-
ately.After…20minutes:Your heart rate drops.8hours: Carbon monoxide blood levels drop to normal and oxygen
levels increase. 24hours: Risk of heart attack decreases. 72hours: Bronchial tubes relax. Overall energy level increases.
Coughing, congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath decrease. 2weeksto3months: Your body is better able to fight infection
and lung function increases up to 30%. 9months: Less sinus congestion, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Cilia in lungs regrow, helping to clean lungs and reduce infections. 1year: Risk of dying from a heart attack is cut in half. 5years: Risk of stroke is significantly reduced.10years: Lung cancer death rate drops by 50% compared to that
of a smoker. Precancerous cells are replaced and risk of contracting other cancers decreases.
Andrew Sunyar (left) kicks the habit with the help of Nancy Bodnar of Employee Health.
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David Chu, MD Oncology
A specialist in hematology and oncology, Dr. Chu received his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies.
He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Stony Brook University Hospital. Dr. Chu completed a fellowship in hematology and oncology there as well.
Dr. Chu is in private practice with North Shore Hematology/Oncology, 235 North Belle Mead Road, East Setauket (631-751-3000).
We lcome New Doctors
Valerie Robertson, MD Imaging Services
Dr. Robertson received her medical degree from University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX.
Dr. Robertson was an intern at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, TX. She completed residen-cies in anesthesiology at University of Colorado Health Science Center; and diagnostic radiology at Louisiana State University. She completed a fellow-ship in thoracic radiology at Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, CA and another in clinical radiology at University of Massachusetts Medical Center, where she was also a resident.
Luiziana Marinescu, MDRheumatology
Dr. Marinescu received her medical degree from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania.
She was an internal medicine intern at Coltea Hospital Bucharest; postdoctoral fellow in the neu-rosciences department of Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY: internal medicine resident at North Shore University Hospital at Forest Hills; and a rheumatology fellow at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Dr. Marinescu is in private practice with Rheumatology Associates, 315 Middle Country Road, Smithtown (631-360-7778).
Daniel R. Montellese, MD Cardiology
Dr. Montellese received his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies.
He completed his residency in internal medicine at Stony Brook University Hospital and completed fellowships in cardiovascular medicine and interven-tional cardiology there as well.
Dr. Montellese is in private practice with Heart Associates of Long Island, PLLC, 220 Belle Mead Road, Suite A, East Setauket (631-941-2273).
Mario Solomita, DOInternal Medicine
Specializing in pulmonary and critical care, Dr. Solomita received his medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, NY. He completed his residency in internal medicine at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset and a fellow-ship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at State University of New York at Stony Brook.
Henry Woo, MDNeurosurgery
Dr. Woo received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine.
He completed his residency in neurosurgery and a fellowship in interventional neuroradiol-ogy at New York University Medical Center. Prior to joining Mather, Dr. Woo practiced at the Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute’s Cerebrovascular Center, Department of Neurosurgery in Ohio.
Dr. Woo is an associate professor in the Department of Neurosurgery, Stony Brook University Medical Center and is in pri-vate practice with New York Spine and Brain Surgery, UFPC, located at 24 Research Way, Suite 200, East Setauket (631-444-1213).
Joseph H. Quercia, DOEmergency Medicine
Dr. Quercia received his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, NY.
Dr. Quercia completed his internship at North Shore University Hospital at Plainview and his residency in emergency medicine at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA.
Prior to joining Mather Hospital, Dr. Quercia worked in the emergency departments of Hazelton General Hospital and Sacred Heart Hospital, both in Pennsylvania. He is an active member of the American College of Emergency Physicians and the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.
Jason Sadlofsky, DOCardiology
Dr. Sadlofsky received his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, NY.
Dr. Sadlofsky completed his internship and residency at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, NY. He was a cardiology and interven-tional cardiology fellow at Beth Israel as well. He has been involved in research on angiography and other cardiac-related topics.
Dr. Sadlofsky is in practice with North Suffolk Cardiology, 45 Research Way, Suite 108, East Setauket (631-941-2000).
Thank You, Doctor!Often, we receive notes from patients who take time to share their appreciation of our physicians. Here are excerpts from some recent comments:
Auxilians Love a Parade!Members of Mather Hospital’s Auxiliary—from left, Ida Forstel, Louise Grinere, Loraine Altman and Barbara Junior—spread the word about Mather Hospital’s Cash Cow Raffle by riding the float at the Port Jefferson Fourth of July Parade. The Auxilians brought a little black and white to the red, white and blue celebration. For more information about buying your Cash Cow Raffle ticket, call the Mather Hospital Public Affairs Office at 476-2723 or visit the website at www.matherhospital.org/cow to purchase your ticket online.
Thank you for your service.
Genevieve Mikoranda9,000 Hours
Loraine Altman6,000 Hours
Stan Myslinkis3,000 Hours
Welcome Nancy UzoVice President Public Affairs
Nancy comes to us from Peconic Bay Medical Center, where she was Vice President of Foundation and External Affairs. During her 17-year tenure, Nancy played an integral role in the success
of Peconic Bay’s fundraising, marketing, and public relations programs and events. We are looking forward to her continuing with many of the successful programs and events that the Mather family has come to enjoy, as well as taking the lead in some new and exciting activities.
Please welcome Nancy to the Mather family and support her in her role as Mather Hospital’s new Vice President of Public Affairs.
Tony Ricottone2,000 Hours
Mather Hospital Employees Recognized for 40 Years of Service
Two dedicated employees of Mather Hospital were honored for 40 years of service to the community and hospital at a recent reception. On hand to offer congratulations and gratitude to Administrative Assistant Valerie Larosa of Setauket (left) and Director of Nutritional Services Petra Robinson of Port Jefferson (second from right) were Mather Hospital’s Board Chairman Kenneth A. Jacoppi (second from left), Mather Hospital Board Member Gene Gerrard (center) and Mather Hospital President Kenneth Roberts.
Promotion —Catherine GleisbergDirector of Revenue Cycle Management
Catherine began her Mather career 26 years ago in the Patient Accounts Department. Since that time, she has taken on new projects and responsibilities that have successfully supported Mather’s financial goals. In her new position, Cathy will manage the Physician Billing Department, and coordinate the Bariatric Surgery Program, the hospital’s charge master and other revenue generating functions.
Please join us in congratulating Catherine and wishing her success in her new role.
Volunteer Service
PJ Rotary Gives Mather Patients a Real “Lift”
Thanks to the generosity of the Port Jefferson Rotary Club, physical therapy patients at Mather Hospital are receiving care with the help of a lift that further supports both patient and staff safety.
The Rotary provided funding for the SARA (Standing and Raising Aid) Lift, which is used to lift patients upright who cannot stand or walk. Using the lift reduces the risk of falls and makes treatment possible for patients who are not yet ambulatory. It also reduces the number of staff members required to assist the patients, and, in some cases, shorten the length of hospital stay.
“The lift helps to create a calmer, safer environment that makes treatment more effective and efficient,” said Physical Therapy Assistant Richard Squillace. “It’s already had a tremendous impact on the level of treatment we provide to our patients.”
Cash Cow Raffle Tickets Give You the Chance to Win, and Win, Again and Again!
If winning mooooooo-cho moooo-lah sounds good to you, consider buying a ticket in the Mather’s annual Cash Cow Raffle.
Prizes will range, depending on the number of raffle balls sold by August 28, from $300 to $500 per daily drawing. And the best part is that once a raffle ball has been drawn, it will be returned to the drum, so that the winner will be eligible for all remaining draws, including those held on the same day.
In addition to the 87 daily drawings, there will be four bonus draws set for September 2, October 13, November 27 and December 21. Prizes for those drawings begin at $1,000 and may go as high as $7,000, depending on the total number of Cash Cow Raffle balls sold by August 28.
Only 1,500 tickets—at $200 each—for the Cash Cow Raffle will be sold. Drawings will take place Monday at 9 a.m. every weekday, from September 2 through December 31, in the lobby of Mather Hospital. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit Mather Hospital programs.
For more information about buying your Cash Cow Raffle balls, call the Public Affairs Office at 631-476-2723 or visit the website at www.matherhospital.org/cow to purchase your ticket online. Employees may also purchase their tickets through payroll deductions.
Mather’s Hugh Heifer roamed the halls of the hospital to spread the word about the Cash Cow Raffle.
Mather Nurses Provide Care to Incarcerated Women
Thanks to funding provided by WALK Radio, Mather Hospital is continu-ing the Health and Wellness Education for Incarcerated Women Program which has Mather nurse educators providing health classes to women in the Riverhead Correctional Facility.
Representing Mather are Kathy Biase, RN and Judy Falcone, RN. Breast cancer education is their primary focus, as they address risk factors, screening procedures and the importance of effective breast self examina-tion. Other health issues are also discussed, such as diabetes, stroke, blood pressure and cancer screenings.
The feedback from the participants in the program has been very favor-able, with some saying it was “informative and very clear” and others describing the nurses as “very helpful” and “awesome.”
One of the 144 women who attended last year’s sessions said, “I thank Ms. Judy for coming and explaining to me some ways I can help save my life.” Linda Healy (center) of WALK radio with Kathy Biase (right) and Judy
Falcone team up to support incarcerated women.7
Expressing their gratitude on behalf of Mather Hospital to the Port Jefferson Rotary Club President Paul Gerrard (right) are Physical Therapist Melissa Hafner, Physical Therapy Director Brian Davis and Physical Therapist Assistant Richard Squillace.
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Bikers Head Out on the Highway to Support Breast Cancer Treatment
More than 700 motorcycle riders joined the fight against breast cancer when they took to the road in July for the annual Sticky Fingers Motorcycle Run. The event raised more than $21,000 for Fortunato Breast Health Center and breast cancer programs.
The 30-mile ride began at Dave & Buster’s Grand Sports Café in Farmingdale and finished at the Great South Bay Music Festival site in Patchogue. Supporters of the event were Allstate, WBAB-FM radio, the Music Festival, Full Throttle Magazine, Jagermeister and Cavalier & Associates.
At the finish line among their fellow riders are Mather’s Steve Vassallo, Lab (front, 2nd left), Vinnie McGee, Information Services (standing, 2nd right) and John Gluckler, Engineering (standing, 3rd, right). The run benefited the Fortunato Breast Health Center at Mather.
15th Annual Families Walk for Hope
Despite the cloudy weather, there was an air of sunshine and hope everywhere when nearly 1,000 walkers raised upwards of $100,000 for the Fortunato Breast Health Center, breast cancer treatment and education programs at Mather Hospital. Wearing signs in memory, honor and celebration of friends and loved ones, participants walked along a five-mile scenic route from Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson into the Village of Belle Terre and back. After completing the journey, walkers were treated to a barbeque lunch and refreshments served by members of the Port Jefferson Lion’s Club. Next year’s Families Walk for Hope will be held on Saturday, May 1. Pictured with junior ribbon cutter and his enthusiastic family members are (from left): Suffolk County Legislator Dan Losquadro, Mather Board Chairman Kenneth A. Jacoppi, Board Secretary Gene Gerrard, New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright and Mather President Kenneth Roberts (right).
Victory Day at Mather Hospital - Celebrating the SurvivorsOn Saturday, September 26, Mather Hospital will be the site of
a celebration as the 13th annual Victory Day marks the triumph of those who already have beaten breast cancer, and offers their example as inspiration to those whose fight continues or is just beginning. More than 800 breast cancer survivors, family members and friends are expected to take part.
Sharing their stories will be Ethan Zohn, Dr. Julia A. Smith and Judith Larkin.
EthanZohn is an ambassador to Stand Up to Cancer and winner of television’s Survivor: Africa. He is involved in his own fight against cancer, having recently been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
JuliaA.Smith,MD,PhD, director at New York University Cancer Institute, Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention Program, is an expert in breast cancer risk assessment, and is intuitively gifted in coaching patients on dealing with the challenges of their illness and making the most of life.
JudithLarkin of Ronkonkoma is a three-time breast cancer survivor. She will share her story of how she coped with the physical and emotional challenges of her illness and how she managed to keep a positive outlook during her most difficult times.
Longtime Victory Day supporter Long Island Rail Road will provide free round-trip transportation from Penn Station to Port Jefferson on the “Breast Cancer Victory Train.” Suffolk Bus Corp. will provide free transportation from the railroad station to Mather Hospital, for the inspiring program and complimentary lunch.
Sponsored by the Mather-St. Charles Health Alliance, Astoria Federal Savings, and Marsha and Henry Laufer, Victory Day is the largest non-fundraising breast cancer awareness gathering on Long Island. The Victory Day program will take place from noon to 2:30 p.m.
Ethan Zohn Julia A. Smith, MD, PhD Judith Larkin
Mather Thanks Families Walk for Hope Top Fundraiser
Michael Focazio of Selden lost his fiancé to breast cancer in May. He honored her memory by helping others through his involvement in the Families Walk for Hope, benefiting the Fortunato Breast Health Center at Mather Hospital.
Focazio’s commitment to the effort was considerable and he emerged as the largest single fundraiser—collecting $4,349 in total pledges—for the 15th annual Walk. Claudine Porter of Coram followed with $4,035 in pledges and Bonnie Lombardi of Camp Hill, PA rounded out the top three with $3,132. Their outstanding fundraising efforts earned them prizes, with Focazio receiving a flat screen television.
Next year’s Families Walk for Hope will be held on Saturday, May 1.
Golf Classic Raises $114,000 for Nursing Education Programs
More than 130 competitors joined forces at Mather Hospital’s 24th Annual Golf Classic and raised more than $114,000 to benefit nurse education programs at Mather Hospital. The event was held at pristine Great Rock Golf Club in Wading River. After enjoying a great day of golf, guests were treated to an array of dinner delights, compliments of Blackwells Restaurant. More than 100 raffle prizes were presented, as well as team trophies for first, second and third place. This year’s first place foursome also received the Vincent Bove Memorial Golf Award, in memory of Mather Hospital’s longtime chairman. Louis Bove (standing, center) presented the first place trophy in his father’s name together with Gene Gerrard, Mather Board member and Golf Classic Chairman, to the winning foursome (from left) Nick Scallone, John Kristy, Paul Zucker and (kneeling) Jim Sunyar.
Laura Juliano, coordinator of Mather Hospital’s Families Walk for Hope, thanks Michael Focazio for his support of the Walk, which benefits the Fortunato Breast Health Center.
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PST Unit members - left to right (seated): Rose Plank, RN; Unit Secretary Linda Duddy, (standing) Pre-Admission Supervisor Kathy Wilson, Registrar Sheila Silver, Kim Buncke, RN, Unit Secretary Leanne Snelders, Professor No-Y, Jeanne Brennan, RN and Maria Rubino, RN.
Circus Clown’s Visit to Mather Hospital Proves Laughter is Great Medicine
The nurses and staff of the Pre-Surgical Testing Unit were treated to laughter when Cole Bros. Circus clown Professor No-Y made a visit recently. The performer garnered easy smiles and more than a few belly laughs with his affable manner and humor.
New Night Nursing Administrator
Margarett Alexandre, RN is the new Evening/Night Administrator. She received her bachelor’s in nursing and master’s in nursing adminis-tration from Adelphi University.
In addition to her work at Mather, Margarett is an assis-tant professor in the School of Nursing at Suffolk Community College. During her more than 25 years in nursing, she has worked at a number of hospitals, including Glen Cove Community, Nassau County Medical Center and New York University Hospital.
“I heard about Mather years ago, but I was living in Nassau County,” says Margarett, who has since moved to Dix Hills. “From the moment I walked in, I was impressed with everyone. It was wasn’t so much a welcome to the hospital as it was a welcome to the Mather Family.”
New Pharmacy Document System - Fast, Easy, Efficient
“Before this system, we would fax an order to pharmacy. Now, we scan it, match it to the patient. It’s then electronically delivered to pharmacy and securely documented,” says Grace Ebinger, RN, Nurse Unit Coordinator of 2 South. “It’s great. It couldn’t be easier.” Two South is the first unit to use the new Pharmacy Document System at Mather and has declared it an immediate success.
The new system transforms paper into digital documents in seconds, providing efficient, web-based access to clinical documents. It consolidates the management of imaging, chart completion and coding into a single infrastructure. The system makes it possible to coordinate processes within and between departments and users, streamlining tasks.
“The buy-in on behalf of the 2 South Nursing staff, particularly the unit secretaries and the Pharmacy staff members, has been paramount to the immediate and sustained success of the Pharmacy Document System,” says Pharmacy Director Olga Larios. “It is truly an example of multi-disciplinary project involving Nursing, Pharmacy, and IT. The system will be deployed in other patient care areas in the near future.”Among the first to take advantage of the new Pharmacy Document system are (from left): Unit Secretaries Desiree Atkinson, Donna Borrelli, Christina Wirski, and Nurse Manager Assistant Patsy Hayward, RN.
Mather Nursing Education Welcomes New Graduates
The Nursing Education Department welcomed 17 nurses to the New Graduates Program. The sessions include a one-month classroom experience, followed by six months of working with Mather preceptors.
Six of the graduates are existing Mather employees who attended Suffolk County Community College through its partnership with Mather in pursuit of their RN. The remaining 11 completed their studies at four-year schools and have chosen to begin their careers at Mather.
The new graduates are Christina DeRosa, Jennifer Dixson, Margaret Glennon, Sharon Jaffin, Joan Landers, Christine Martinez-Williams, Julie Mauro, Bridget McGonigle, Jill McManus, Olabisi Oshikanlu, Carmine Parisi, Theresa Sarro, Candyce Savino, Richard Scheschowitz, Christina Sgro, Stephanie Shapiro and Donna Smith.
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Birthdays: Safety & Security: Birthdays celebrated by Ken Sullo 6/12 and Robert LaRocca 6/17. Central Service / O.R Instrumentation: Happy birthday to Jennifer Chura 5/7, Doris Ransom 5/16, Evelyn Lauture 5/16, Edy Savoia 5/17, Marie Barber 6/7, Amanda Palmer 6/7, Rebecca Becker 6/22. Human Resources: Happy birthday Kathy Beacon 4/3. Administration: Birthday wishes to Wayne Shattes 4/1, Kevin Murray 4/12, Christine Kleppe 6/28. Volunteers: Happy birthday Ida Forstel 4/14, Dario Pedrotti 4/28. Hyperbaric Unit: Birthday candles were blown out by Dale Ruppert 5/25, Janet Maguire 6/25. Business Office: Happy birthday Patty Palumbo 5/3, Jacqueline Lyon 5/14, Michael Giordano 5/10, Jodi Thayer 5/4. Public Affairs: Many happy birthday wishes to Cindy Court 4/27, Hannah Feldman 5/12, Nancy Fischetti 5/24, Laura Juliano 6/9, Dale Moller 6/22. Physical Therapy: Warm birthday wishes to Anne Babcock 6/13, Sharon Buda 4/10, Lena DeBono 6/1, Danial Epstein 5/29, Dena Promutico 4/5, Samantha Schmidt 5/23, Jason Swartz 5/2, Jennifer Kowalski 6/17. Transitional Care: Best wishes to Tanya Fanella 4/14, Dahl Haynes 4/27, Gladys Francis 4/23, Rishae Francis 6/27, Deborah Amato 6/6, Lee Viggiano 6/16, Loretta Wagner 6/4, Susan Kreitzman 6/22. Imaging Services: Birthday celebrations by Mark Proffit 6/15, Suellen D’Andria 6/23, Cara Vassallo 6/13, Debra Alicea 5/09, Laura Manne 5/16, Janelle Bellamy 6/08, Robert Wells 6/08, Tim Callejo 4/26, Mark Gentile 4/10, Valerie Konon 6/11, Shala Naz 6/30. ASU: April birthdays celebrated by Irma Rivera, Terri McDonald and Joan Adams; May celebrations by Mary Friel and Jennifer Whitfield; June celebrations by Joann Meisenzahl and Margaret Massaro 6/25. Respiratory Therapy: Many birthday wishes (some belated) to Ted Nilsson 1/19, Fotini Kacinski 2/4, Tricia Howe 3/27, Billy DeMicco 6/6, Nancy Corso 6/16. Food & Nutritional Services: Happy birthday Kyle Brochard 4/4, Carin Cecere 4/14, Susan Sullivan (Coffee Shop) 4/22, Everette Charles 4/25, Kelly Denimarck 4/30, Jacqueline Magee 4/12, Alexander Meyers 4/13, Adam Pometti 4/4, Christopher Ramirez 4/23, Christopher Schumacher 4/27, Linda Uebel, 4/25, Carrie Bruno 5/31, James Campbell 5/29, Kelly Faller 5/4, Enrique Gonzales 5/24, Celeste Gorman 5/12, Sara Koenig 5/23, Kristen Reichling 5/2, Sharon Rhodes 5/21, Steven Squillace 5/25, Daniele Stanisci 5/17, Ingrid Schmidt (Coffee Shop) 5/9, Susan Page (Coffee Shop) 5/25, Derek Woodward 5/16, Terri Ciavolella 6/4, Kelsey Hagerman 6/1, Drew Kaelin 6/26, Kathy Marshall 6/23, Robin Martinez 6/16, Charlete Piggott 6/7, Lisa Ragozzino 6/20, Richard Scott 6/14, Winston Thomas 6/5, Jonathan Andrews 6/27, Linda Howlett 6/29, Maria Nuzzi 6/28 (Coffee Shop), Stephanie Witt 6/2 (Coffee Shop). Environmental Services: Happy birthday to Azee Hanson 6/6, Vadalisa Garcia 4/5, Magali Batista 4/7, Sofia Arroyo 4/12, Tracy Wilson 5/6, John Loughney 6/21, Eric Ekert 5/6, Sean Fox 5/17, Martin Callahan 6/2, Maureen Grosse 6/4, Jan Paskowski 4/24, Eric Alfredsen 6/8, Jonathan Weisbrod 5/8, Frank Armenti 5/23, Justin Decarlo 5/8, Kevin Winters 5/10. E.R. Registration/Admitting: Birthday celebrations by Denise Leombruno 4/17, Allie Vansteen 4/11, Jasmine Torres 4/29, Danielle Clark 4/21, Lisa Kaufman 5/1, Suzanne Donadio 6/26, Carol Salzman 6/22, Cindy Pollistina 6/22. Social Work Services: Happy birthday to JoAnn Jelley 4/4, Barbara Brennan 5/5, Fran Berg 5/31, Cathy Roster 6/16, Joan Clare 6/28. Care Management: Best wishes to Barbara Demaio 4/11, Lois Reilly 4/28, Judy Kenny-Lourine 6/18, Anne Roberts 6/21. Finance: Many birthday wishes to Elaine Conroy 4/8, Anne Marie Brooks 4/8, Rosemarie Barbato-Schor 4/13, Teri Healy 4/18, Joanne Machacek 6/7, Morgan Miller 6/9, Adam Gordon 6/11, Joseph Wisnoski 6/14, Christine Livreri 6/16, Samantha Bublik 6/17 (21st birthday!!), Linda Klein 6/22, Ruth Wheeler 6/26, Susan Kehoe 6/30. Wound Care – Melville: Happy birthday to Chanda Jeffries 4/22, Janice O’Connor 5/14, Pat Monroe 5/22. Wound Care – Port Jeff: Best wishes to Elizabeth Looney 6/17, Anne Marie 6/24, Kim Jarett 4/7, Vilma Rosario 4/11, Barbara Yamitelli 4/13.
Birth Announcements: Imaging Services: Congratulations to Patti Donahue who’s finally a grandmother! Granddaughter Mackenzie was born on 12/18/08, 7 lbs 13 oz, 20”. Hyperbaric Unit: A big congratulations to Janet Maguire who has four new grandchildren: her son, Bryan, and wife, Kristin, welcomed twins Michael and McKenzie; her son, Glenn, and wife, Theresa, had a baby boy, Kieran; and daughter, Erin, and husband, Keith, gave Janet another grandson, Nathan, raising the grand total to 6 grandchildren! Business Office: Marie Defontes celebrated the birth of her granddaughter, Lyla Cate, born 4/21, 7 lbs 14 oz. Physical Therapy: Pat Olsen celebrated her granddaughter’s birth, Teagan Shea, 6 lbs 6 oz, born 5/21. Transitional Care: Rishae Francis celebrated the birth of her daughter, Anisa, 6 lbs. Respiratory Therapy: Gary Eyrich became the proud grandfather to a beautiful baby girl, Kamryn, born 2/12. Environmental Services: Teresa Andrade became a grandmother for the first time to a beautiful 10 lb. 21” baby boy, Christian, on 5/8. Surgical Services: Congratulations to Serge Jean and family on the birth of their son, Jevion, born 6/22.
Wedding Anniversaries: Business Office: Patty & George Palumbo celebrated their 6-year anniversary. Physical Therapy: Melissa Hafner celebrated her first year anniversary on 6/20, Florence Fox 18 years on 6/23, and Jennifer Callahan 13 years on 5/18. Transitional Care: Christa Dwyer celebrated 21 years of marriage on 6/18, and Victoria White celebrated her first year on 6/20. Respiratory Therapy: Tricia & Dave Howe celebrated their anniversary in March. Ted & Janine Nilsson celebrated their 25th anniversary on 4/29. Environmental Services: Jonathan & Denise Weisbrod celebrated their 15-year wedding anniversary on 4/23. Frank & Lorraine Armenti celebrated their anniversary on 4/1. E.R. Registration/Admitting: Lynne & Doug Zigrosser celebrated 20 years on 4/22, Jennifer & Michael Thebner 18 years on 4/7, Diane & Jim Trube celebrated on 5/10. Care Management: Laura & Peter Hamilton celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in Bermuda.
Engagements/Weddings: Safety & Security: Robert LaRocca’s son, Paul, became engaged on 6/6, and will wed in 2010. Business Office: Wedding bells rang on 5/1 for Margaret Arfsten’s son, Christian, and his new wife, Alexandra. The happy couple will reside in Houston, TX. Jacqueline Lyon is happy to announce her engagement to her boyfriend, John. Respiratory Therapy: Congrats to Denise Weston, who married on 2/21. Food & Nutritional Services: Andrew Grant became engaged to Cilene Goncalves on 5/30, and plans to wed in May 2011. E.R. Registration/Admitting: Annette Rivers & Victor Pereira’s daughter, Amanda Smith, got engaged to Michael Berg II on 6/13 and a June 2012 wedding is planned. Surgical Services: Karen Tuzzolo’s daughter, Christina, got engaged to Michael Mesherle on 6/17 and is planning a summer 2011 wedding. Amanda Colello, OR Booking, married Jason Burke, Barbara Burke’s son, on 6/13. Erica Sanchez, Yvette Martinez’s daughter, married Jose Cruz on 5/22. Andrew Lauckhardt, Andrea Lauckhardt’s son, married Erin Darcy on 6/27. Best wishes and congratulations to all!
Vacations: Occupational Therapy: Christine Piazza took an awesome road trip from the Pacific Northwest to Denver this summer. Hyperbarics: Dale Ruppert sunned in St. Marteen in May, Ellen Gaffan visited her kids in California in May, and Carolyn West visited Disney World in April. Business Office: Patty & George Palumbo and son, Georgie,
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visited Disney World and had a wonderful time! Transitional Care: Sue Kreitzman and her family vacationed in Washington D.C. Imaging Services: Patty Woods enjoyed Cancun for a week & came back with a great tan. Nancy Salino won $202 on a penny machine in Monticello while visiting her niece. Katie Rush had a great time vacationing in Tabago. Shala Naz had a wonderful family get together in Florida. Laura Manne vacationed with her 3 boys in Fort Lauderdale, and the strip will never be the same! Respiratory Therapy: Luba Boyko had an amazing vacation in Japan. Cathy Catalanotto and her husband vacationed in Iceland in April. Wound Care - Port Jeff: Deborah & Jerry Lamendola enjoyed a sunny week in Key West.
New Employees/New Appointments: Safety & Security: We welcome our new part time officer, Tim Schrifen. Central Service / O.R Instrumentation: A big welcome to Jennifer Chura and Evelyn Lauture. Occupational Therapy: We gladly welcome Nicole Poat, COTA. Business Office: The Business Office is happy to have Joanne Navas join their staff!! Physical Therapy: A warm welcome to Kerri Webber, full time Physical Therapist. Maureen Godfrey went from per diem to part time Physical Therapist. Florence Fox, PTA, went from per diem to permanent full time. Jennifer Callahan, secretary, was working part time permanent and is now full time permanent. Transitional Care: The staff welcomes Tanya Fanella, Unit Secretary, Brianna Grande, CNA, Jaswinder Kaur, CNA, Wameka Russell, CNA. Respiratory Therapy: Eileen Romano, per diem Therapist, has become the full time night supervisor. Environmental Services: A warm welcome to Eric Alfredsen, Juan Perez and Cindy Rossavik. E.R. Registration/Admitting: Welcome to Admitting, Daniel Clark and Grace Sparacino, and welcome to ER Registration Christine Figueroa and Ciara Grennen. Social Work: Welcome aboard to our new per diems Nicole Mercado and Lauren Veglia. Information Services: The staff welcomes Sean Diana, Systems Analyst.
Educational Achievements: Safety & Security: Congrats - Robert LaRocca is certified to teach the Suffolk County Department of Health six-week Smoking Cessation course. Business Office: Congrats to Dori Devitt’s daughter who graduated from St. Joseph’s College, and will celebrate with a big 23rd birthday/graduation party. Johanna Sanderson’s daughter, Mieka Ashley, who was a candy striper and worked in Medical Records here, graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She will be working with Google and has plans to attend Harvard University for Business. Human Resources: Congratulations to Kristin Walsh, daughter of Karen and Bob Walsh, who graduated from Mt. Sinai High School and will go to Keene College, New Hampshire. Finance: Congratulations to Michael Healy, son of Theresa Healy and brother of Amy Healy, on his graduation from the University of Notre Dame. He will attend Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. Imaging Services: Congrats to Emily Pozgay, RN, who achieved her NP license; Michael Deng graduated and is now working per diem as an x-ray technician. ASU: Hillary Maltz, daughter of Maggie Maltz, graduated from Center Moriches H.S. and will attend Manhattanville College; Thomas McKenna, Shirley McKenna’s son, graduated from Shoreham Wading River H.S. and will attend St. Joseph’s College. Respiratory Therapy: Thomas Corso, son of Nancy Corso, graduated from NYCC. He is a doctor of Chiropractic and is practicing in Greenwich, Connecticut. Esperance Ndayishimiye, night RT, graduated from Touro College and is a physician assistant. Judith Gaffington’s daughter, Jocelyn, is attending IPAG and is studying
abroad in France. Food & Nutritional Services: Congratulations to our high school graduates - Hector G. Gonzalez, Longwood H.S.; Dan Jackle, son of MaryAnne and Rich Jackle, Commack H. S.; Jennifer Simmons, daughter of Diane Simmons, Newfield H. S.; Cody Piggott, son of Charlete Piggott, Comsewogue H.S. E.R. Registration/Admitting: Dorothy Callahan’s son, Sean, graduated from Comsewogue High School and will attend Albany University in the Fall. Social Work: Congrats to Minna Buiser who graduated from Stony Brook University College of Business with an MBA and an Advanced Certificate in Healthcare Management. Congratulations to Danielle Duryea’s daughter, Crystal, for being accepted to the Global Studies Program at St. John’s University, and will be studying abroad in Dublin, Rome and Paris until December. Surgical Services: Christina Tuzzolo, Karen Tuzzolo’s daughter, graduated from Hofstra University with a Music Ed degree. Finance: Samantha Bublik is attending Stony Brook University in Health Sciences. Barbara Spiegel’s daughter, Jessica (Coffee Shop), who is attending Suffolk CCC, is in their National Honor Society. Wound Care: Congratulations to the following high school graduates: Christopher DiVirgilio, son of Rita and Tony DiVirgilio; Ashley Malone, daughter of Christa and Michael Malone; Nicholas Jarett, son of Kim and Dennis Jarett; Matthew O’Connor, son of Janice O’Connor. Physical Therapy: Sharon Buda’s daughter, Stephanie, graduated from SUNY Canton in Mortuary Science. Brian Davis’ daughter, Allison, graduated from Smithtown High School East and will attend Bard College in the fall. Imaging Services: Radiology Transcriptionist Debbie Loche’s daughter, Marissa, graduated on 5/22 Cum Laude from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and is now enrolled in their MBA program.
Retirements/Farewells: Radiology: The Radiology staff sends their best wishes to Joe Cline on his retirement after 35 years at Mather. He and his wife, Linda, will enjoy their new home in North Carolina. Joe will continue his hobbies of running and cycling, and spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. Transitional Care: Best wishes to Diahl Ballard, CNA, who left Mather and on 7/7 wedding bells rang, and will be moving out of state. ASU: Our best wishes to Peggy Suave, RN, who retired in May after 40 years of dedicated service to Mather Hospital. Public Affairs: The Public Affairs staff sends their best wishes to Marlene Israel on her retirement after working 16 years at Mather. Marlene and Archie will enjoy their homes in Mattituck and Florida, play golf and spend quality time with their children and grandchildren. Professional & Regulatory Services: The staff bids a fond farewell and much success to Carol Eagan as she pursues a new opportunity at SUNY Stony Brook.
Miscellaneous items of interest: Hyperbarics: Mary Sundquist won second place in the Needle Work Division of the Islip Americana Fair on 6/13. Central Service/O.R. Instrumentation: The Central Service Managers thank the Central Service and O.R. Instrumentation staff for their hard work and team effort in supporting the vital needs of the Operating Room. Respiratory Therapy: Christian Nilsson, son of Ted Nilsson, showcased six of his short films at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center on June 24, and his film “The Looney in a Strait Jacket” was featured at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Finance: Valerie Larosa received a lovely necklace at the Employee Service Awards Dinner for 40 years of service at Mather Hospital!
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In MemoriamClint DuryeaClint Duryea, a longtime volunteer, passed away recently. Clint donated countless hours to Mather Hospital and his dedication to this community will long be remembered.
