Rx For Good Health In The Community - Trinitas Hospital

Winter2007Rx for Good Health in the CommunityPharmacy and Outcomes Management Develop Programsfor Community InformationThree new programs designed to offer thecommunity helpful information about theirmedications and record-keeping documents for theirimmunizations are a continuation of the hospital’scommunity outreach efforts.The bilingual “Ask the Pharmacist” programoffers appointments with staff pharmacists duringwhich community members can get clarificationabout medications they take. Through one-on-onemeetings with hospital pharmacists, communitymembers gain better understanding of the variousmedications they take. The “Ask the Pharmacist”program is offered free of charge, by appointmentonly, on the fourth Tuesday of every month,11:30 am – 1 pm. To make an appointment,call (908) 994-5984.Cheryl Krempa, RPh, Director of Pharmacy, Leonardo Zoppa, PharmD,Pharmacy Clinical Manager, and Maribeth Robbiani, Director of OutcomesManagement, display the Medication Organizers and Adult ImmunizationCards now in circulation in the community.The Medication Organizer, in both English and Spanish versions, is a free, compact form to list medications, dosages andfrequency. A handy reference tool, it can be updated as needed as prescription medications change. Another useful bilingualorganizer is the Adult Immunization Record that makes it easy to enter the dates of vaccinations, such as flu shots, andimmunizations vital for those who travel outside of the United States. Funded by a grant from the Trinitas Health Foundation,the Adult Immunization Record is available from hospital or clinic staff members who can assist people in filling out the card.Local Cablevision Channel 18 recently interviewed Cheryl, Maribeth and Sr. Marion Scranton, Director of CommunityInitiatives, about these programs and their usefulness in the community.TrinitasHeartWalkWith one of the largestcontingents at the 2006HeartWalk, Trinitas had themost visible and enthusiasticrepresentation at the event.See the story and more photoson page 13.page 2Years of ServiceGrant for Youthpage 3Horan Named toState ChamberCancer CenterExpands Servicespage 4Trinitas Co-HostsSeminarResidental CenterOpenspage 5Website ThrivesWound CenterWebsite Honoredpage 6Basket ProgramCommitment toCustomer Servicepage 7EmergencyResponsepages 8-9We Get Letterspage 10Fundraiserspage 11Spotlight On…BMS Programpage 12Health CareersStaff Honors DirectorElvis Lives On!page 13October WalksSupport ResearchAHA Award Winnerpage 14Discharge EnvelopeSigns InformPatients and Visitorspage 15Fond FarewellHumanism Awardspage 166th Annual Golf ClassicEvening atthe RacesTrinitas Hospitalis sponsored bythe Sisters ofCharity of SaintElizabeth inpartnership withElizabethtownHealthcareFoundation.

page 2Employees Celebrate Yearsof Service At Annual EventMore than 260 members of the Trinitas Hospital familyand guests enjoyed the annual Employee Service AwardsDinner held recently. Among those whose aggregate years ofservice approached nearly 3700 years was 50-year employee,Mary Belle Jones, LPN, who works in the 8 South patientcare unit. Mary Belle, who received her training at ThomasEdison Vocational School, now part of Elizabeth HighSchool, traces her experience back to Elizabeth GeneralMedical Center. Over the years, Mary Belle worked in thetonsil and adenoid unit, then later the medical/ surgical,respiratory and telemetry patient care units. A life-longresident of Elizabeth, Mary Belle doesn’t look upon her timein nursing care as 50 years, but rather as “a series ofopportunities to share in the dedication, loyalty, commitmentand teamwork among my fellow health care professionals thathave marked my life-long career.”50 year veteran employee, Mary Belle Jones, LPN (left), received aheartfelt congratulatory hug from Bernadette Countryman, Senior VicePresident of Clinical Operations & Chief Nursing Officer.Honored at the Employee Service AwardDinner were Kellogg Award winnersAmparo Aguirre, Cancer OutreachCoordinator, Williamson Street Campus;Clare DiStefano, RN, 6 South, WilliamsonStreet Campus; Shamus Freeman, FamilySpecialist, Behavioral Health & PsychiatryDepartment, New Point Campus andEmployee of the Month, August 2006;Karen McNaboe, RN, 8 South, WilliamsonStreet Campus; Ray Siracusa, Maintenance,Williamson Street Campus, Employee of theMonth, October 2005 and Lisa Yuschak,Physical Therapist, Children’s TherapyServices/Cranford.Ribbon Cutting Celebrates ImportantGrant for YouthThanks to a $260,000 grant awarded to the TrinitasDepartment of Behavioral Health and Psychiatry, the newSchool Based Youth Services Program (SBYS) at AbrahamClark High School in Roselle was formally opened. Morethan 30 grant applicants were considered, but only 12 wereawarded to high schools throughout the state. The SBYSprogram offers comprehensive services in a supportive andconfidential environment that enhances students’ academic,emotional and social lives through learning support, substance abuse prevention, health maintenance, recreation, summerenrichment, mental health counseling, after-school programs, peer support/mentoring, family activity and case management.Marlyse Benson, RN, Director of Behavioral Health Services (third from left), notes “that the grant also provides linkageto other relevant, and at times, more intensive mental health services.” James Lape, Vice President, Behavioral Health &Psychiatry, is on the far right in the rear.

Gary S. Horan Named toState Chamber of CommerceTrinitas Hospital President and CEO Gary S. Horan brings his depth of executive level experience from metropolitanarea medical centers and other board positions to his post as a newly-named member of the Board of Directors of the NewJersey Chamber of Commerce.Joan Verplanck, President of the New Jersey Chamber ofCommerce, described Mr. Horan as a “talented executive who hasdemonstrated top notch leadership abilities during his five years atthe helm of Trinitas Hospital,” adding that, “his proactiveapproach, and diverse background in the healthcare and businessfields meet our requirements for Board membership.”Prior to his leadership at Trinitas Hospital, Mr. Horan servedas President and CEO of Our Lady of Mercy Healthcare System,Inc., Bronx, New York, from 1990 to 2001. Previously, he servedas Vice President of Hospital Operations for New York UniversityMedical Center, and as Executive Vice President of St. Vincent’sMedical Center of Richmond, New York.Mr. Horan is President of the Board of Directors of theHospital Alliance of New Jersey. He is also Vice Chairman of theGary S. Horan, FACHE, President and CEO, in the TrinitasBoard of Governors of the Greater New York HospitalComprehensive Cancer Center.Association. He is a former Chairman of the Hospital Associationof New York State, which he has served as a Board member since 1995.Mr. Horan is a graduate of St. Peter’s College, Jersey City, with a degree in Economics. He also holds a Master’s Degreein Health Care Administration from The George Washington University, School of Government and Business, Departmentof Health Care Administration in Washington. DC. He was Regent for the American College of Healthcare Executives andis a Fellow of that organization.page 3Cancer Center ExpandsServices with New Treatments5-day treatment offers “gift of time”Women with early stage breast cancer can now benefit from an innovative radiation therapy treatment that can becompleted in less than 20 percent of the time required for traditional treatments. Usually completed in five days,MammoSite © therapy, offered at the Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center, is considered the treatment of choice forthousands of women who would otherwise require up to six weeks of daily radiation therapy. Since only 60% of womeneligible for Breast Conservation Therapy (BCT) receive it instead of an invasive mastectomy, MammoSite © treatment isexpected to become a preferred treatment option with more women.“Often, patients say their lives are too busy and don’t have a lot of time for their treatment,” reports Dr. Eli Finkelstein,Chairman of Radiation Oncology, adding “Now we can offer many women an effective breast-sparing treatment option thatcan be delivered in the shortest amount of time. MammoSite © therapy gives women the gift of time and lets them get back totheir daily lives.”As an outpatient therapy, MammoSite © minimizes the effect of radiation to healthy tissue and reduces the potential forside effects. The procedure offers good to excellent cosmetic results for most women and no radiation remains in the woman’sbody between treatments or after the final treatment is over.

Trinitas Hospital Co-Hosts Seminarwith Union County Agencypage 4Research in children’s mental health showsthat a variety of factors can make it difficult forchildren as early as pre-school age to adapt to theclassroom setting. Early intervention can helptreat these childhood disorders and make it easierfor children to navigate the school environment.In partnership with Community CoordinatedChild Care of Union County, Trinitas Hospitalhosted a professional seminar, “Early ChildhoodIssues and Their Impact on School Performance”for more than 100 Early Childhood professionalsin October.“By helping early childhood professionalsunderstand the difference between age-appropriate‘acting-out’ behaviors and more severe situationsthat may need clinical attention, chances areimproved for children to experience greatersuccess in school from their very earliest years,”noted Dinorah Frontera, PsyD, Director ofTrinitas Hospital’sTherapeutic Nursery.In addition to Dr. Frontera, other staff membersof the Behavioral Health and Psychiatry Departmentat Trinitas Hospital spoke at the seminar, includingAmy Borg-Glickman, MD, Kristin Briggs, EdD,and Fawn McNeil-Haber, PhD.Above: From left to right, Amy Borg-Glickman, MD, Chief, Child/Adolescent Outpatient Services andTherapeutic Nursery, Tracey Owate,RN, Child Care HealthcareConsultant Coordinator, CommunityCoordinated Child Care of UnionCounty, Dinorah Frontera, PsyD,Director, Therapeutic Nursery,Kristin Briggs, EdD, Clinician,Child/Adolescent Outpatient Servicesand Kelly Baker, MA, CommunityOutreach Specialist, BehavioralHealth and Psychiatry, werephotographed at the event that drewmore than 100 attendees.Janice Wernock, Child Life Coordinator,(left) and Marion Grogan, MaternalChild Health social worker, Departmentof Social Work, were among theprofessionals at the event.Residential Program for New JerseyAdolescents Opens its DoorsMembers of the Residential Treatment Centerstaff admire the mural displaying the artisticcreativity of the Center’s teenage residents.From left are Michael Rossilli, LCSW, Director,Rachel Singer, LSW, Clinician, Corrine Rose,BS, CTRS, Recreation Therapist, and DaveHalperin, LSW, Assistant Director.An Open House and Dedication took place at the Trinitas Plaza Building inearly November as local leaders celebrated the inauguration of the New PointResidential Treatment Center (RTC) of the Department of Behavioral Health andPsychiatry. The 15-bed Center is the first of its kind sponsored by an acute-carehospital in New Jersey.The facility is a center for youths ranging in age from 12 to 18 who requireintensive treatment for up to 180 days in a supervised, licensed, 24-hour setting.The RTC has been created to develop, coordinate, and deliver high qualitycomprehensive services to meet the challenges and needs of individualswith mental illness, as well as behavioral and emotional concerns. When clinicallyappropriate, the RTC offers treatment that includes family involvement. Amultidisciplinary team includes, but is not limited to, a psychiatrist, socialworkers, psychologists, a nurse and childcare workers.Guest speaker Kevin Ryan, State Commissioner of the Division of Childrenand Families, lauded Trinitas for its efforts to provide this kind of environment forNew Jersey youth, adding that, “Every time we create programs like this one inNew Jersey, we let children heal and reconnect to their parents and families righthere. We in the Division of Children and Families will remain your steadfastpartners in programs that work in New Jersey for our kids and their families.”

Trinitas Hospital Website ThrivesMain website and ‘microsites’ fast becoming major stops on Information HighwayThe presence of Trinitas Hospital has exploded upon the Internet!Since January 2006, there has been a big jump in the number of uniquevisitors to the hospital’s website.In Internet jargon, a “unique” visitor is one who has visited a websiteonce in a given 30 day period. The Trinitas Hospital website receivednearly 50,000 unique visitors per month during the later months of 2006.“Moreover, the monthly average of ‘hits’ or, total visitors, nears almosta million per month,” according to Doug Harris, Director of PublicRelations and Marketing, who adds that “the hospital’s website is userfriendlyand engaging. Tracking shows that the average person who visitsthe site views 6 pages per visit, well above the overall Internet average of 1to 2 pages per viewing, per visit to a given site.”Doug reports that the rise in volume can be attributed to “focusedsearch engine optimization” and the select purchase of key advertising termsrelating to our varied services such as “sleep disorders” or “wound healing.”There has also been increased recognition by the major search engines suchas Google, thanks to the growing number of Trinitas Hospital “microsites,”such as the Wound Healing, Sleep Disorders, Trinitas ComprehensiveCancer Center, Diagnostic Imaging and Children’s Therapy Services sites,all of which have been launched in the past six months.Finally, advertising banners prominently placed on such sites asNJ.com and the Worrall Community Newspapers sites that click through toour family of websites have also directed visitors to Trinitas Hospital sites.“The Internet has become a valuable promotional and marketing tool forthe hospital resulting in many new patients,” Doug adds.You may see our familyof websites by visiting:Main HospitalTrinitasHospital.orgSleep Disorders CenterNJSleepDisordersCenter.comCenter for Wound Healing &Hyperbaric MedicineWoundHealingCenter.orgTrinitas ComprehensiveCancer CenterTrinitasCancerCenter.orgChildren’s Therapy ServicesChildTherapyNJ.comTrinitas Diagnostic Imaging CenterTrinitasDiagnosticImaging.compage 5Wound Center Website Judged“Best in the State”The website for Trinitas Hospital’s Center for Wound Healing &Hyperbaric Medicine was designated as the “Best Non-Profit Website inNew Jersey” by the Jersey Shore PR & Marketing Association, whichgave Trinitas its Gold Jasper award during a ceremony held recently atthe PNC Arts Center.The website has been very successful in attracting new patients tothe Wound Center. Special attention is being paid to securingadvertising “key words” relating to wound treatment on major searchengines like Yahoo and Google. This is giving the site a veryfavorable ranking in search results. Also, the site’s easy-torememberdomain name: WoundHealingCenter.orghelps search engines locate and position the siteabove others in search results.Trinitas is a back-to-back winnerin this category - in 2005 theTrinitas Hospital Sleep DisordersCenter website took the “Best inNew Jersey” honor.Celebration was in order as Doug Harris, Director of PublicRelations and Marketing and Kathy Salamone, PublicRelations and Marketing Coordinator, (center) display theaward that the Wound Healing Center website received,thanks to the expertise of website designers John Mazurkiewcz(left) and Dave Hofbrauer (right).

page 6Photo right:Sr. MarionScranton, SC,Director ofCommunityInitiatives,conducted theprayer serviceat the chapel.Trinitas Generosity Swells atThanksgiving and the HolidaysFor the second year, the hospital family responded to the call of theCommunity Initiatives Department to give generously to local families forThanksgiving. Nearly 50 departments participated in collecting food items,creating more than 80 baskets that were blessed prior to being distributed toindividuals and families in Elizabeth and surrounding towns.In other related holiday giving, Trinitas Hospital employees againparticipated in the “Adopt-a-Family” program, reaching out to 14 familiesfacing terminal illnesses. Thanks to a generous donation from the Auxiliary ofTrinitas Hospital, children of these families also received brand new wintercoats. “Giving Trees” helped provide gifts for children while donations to theTrinitas Health Foundation helped decorate “Trees of Care” with ornamentsbearing the names of loved ones, friends and co-workers.Making a Renewed Commitmentto Customer ServiceRespiratory Care and Sleep Disorders Center StaffsDevelop New StrategiesSpurred on by the Customer Service Ambassador program,members of the Respiratory Care Department and Sleep DisordersCenter recently developed refined tactics to deliver quality patientcare in a responsible, compassionate manner. Keeping in mind theimportance of treating every patient with dignity and respect andstriving to meet patient needs in a timely manner, the departmentidentified key strategies to accomplish their goals. There are 50employees in the two departments who work all shifts. Thebrainstorming exercise to define their goals and mission gave bothgroups a greater awareness and “ownership” of ways to promotepositive customer service for patients, as well as fellow employees.As a group, the departments compiled a list of more than a dozenways to improve customer service, including being respectful andconsiderate of others, treating every patient concern as important,assisting other disciplines to ensure exceptional patient care, managingtime efficiently, and being open to new challenges.After reviewing staff input, Department Director, Kim Shafer,RRT, also developed a list of goals to strive for as director, includingproviding timely feedback to problems and their resolution, beingopen to suggestions and ideas, promoting professional growth for thestaff, and providing appropriate resources to get work done effectively.Respiratory Department members gather round their “tools ofthe trade.” From left to right, in background, Jeff Jean-Jerome, CRT, Liz O’Campo, Office Manager, Manny FojoPrieto, RRT, and Donna Lee, RRT. In foreground are DianaKass, RRT, Mary Keating, CRT, and Department DirectorKim Shafer, RRT.“This evaluation proved to be a learning experience for all of us,”explained Kim, adding, “We’ve become ‘kinder’ to one another, thanks topointers we’ve shared with each other. We’ve always been conscious about howwe treat our patients. Now, we’re much more conscious about how we treatone another.”A large orange neon poster listing the departmental Mission and Goals isdisplayed prominently in each area to remind everyone of their commitmentto Customer Service.(From left to right) Registered Polysomnographer Sandra Land, Director Kim Shafer,Polysomnographer Carol Birritierri, Secretary Brinnia Roa, and Polysomnographer MariaCaro photographed in the office area of the Sleep Disorders Center.

Trinitas Hospital Aids Victimsof Toxic Gas LeakNumerous departments responded to a noxious gasemission that affected about 50 people at a location on NorthAvenue near Jersey Gardens Mall in Elizabeth in September.Although those involved in the exposure to the sulfur dioxidefumes had been decontaminated on site, most were thenrushed to area hospitals.When news of the incident came in, the EmergencyPreparedness team, paramedics, Emergency Room staff, andother personnel mobilized. In less than 10 minutes, theEmergency Preparedness Team and members of theFacilities Management Department erected the hospital’sdecontamination tent outside the Emergency Room. Amongthe 22 people who were brought to Trinitas where theyunderwent an additional decontamination was Trinitas’ ownfirst responder, paramedic David Guadiane.Those exposed to the sulfur dioxide fumes were treatedfor upper respiratory complaints in the Emergency Roomwhere respiratory therapists administered oxygen therapy toAfter the patients were treated, members of the Facilities Departmentused their muscle to dismantle and store the decontamination tent.relieve the burning sensations in their throats. Most of the people affected were from the North Jersey area, but at least twomen who were from Kentucky and Colorado were offered over-night accommodations at the hospital free of charge.Patient Access Services worked closely with each person to assist in contacting relatives since, at the first decontaminationsite at the scene, they had surrendered their clothing, wallets and, in many instances, their cell phones. Food Services offeredsnacks and meals as needed. Security pitched in to provide several victims transportation back to their homes.Following the event, Michael McIntyre, Director ofSupport Services, expressed his pride in the groups thatreport to him. “The members of the hospital’s departmentsthat serve as our infrastructure helped our nursing andemergency staffs to respond efficiently,” he said, adding,“Without their dedicated work behind the scenes, the eventwould not have flowed as easily and seamlessly as it did.”As the news event unfolded, reporters from Channel 4News, News 12 New Jersey, Channel 9 News, Fox 5 News,CBS News Radio 880, the Associated Press, and The Star-Ledger visited Trinitas to file their stories. Many of theresulting reports that appeared on the late night news andin the next morning’s papers spoke positively about thehospital’s swift, professional, and caring response.page 7Photo Left:Peter Haskell,New Jerseyreporter for CBSNews Radio 88,conducted aninterview withBernadetteCountryman,Senior VicePresident ofClinical Operations,and Chief NursingOfficer, that airedthroughout theevening onmetropolitan areaair waves.Living with “the Blues”Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, piqued the interestof the audience who came to hear Purabi Bharatiya, MD, MedicalDirector, Inpatient Psychiatric Unit of the Department of BehavioralHealth and Psychiatry, discuss how reduced hours of daylight in the falland winter can occasionally cause some people to experience symptoms ofdepression. The seminar was part of the Women’s Health and EducationLecture series that drew audiences for numerous health related topicsthroughout 2006.

I just wanted to let you know what a great staff we have here at Trinitas! I recently came to the hospital as a Same Day Surgery Patient. Thetreatment I received was first class and professional. From pre-admission testing to being greeted by the security guard the morning of mysurgery, my experience was very positive. It was a blessing to feel comfortable and at ease as I was treated with dignity and respect every step ofWe Get Letters…page 8I have been very happy to see how Trinitas has grownand offered more and more services to the community overthe past few years. Also, it has been great to hear from personalfriends about the fine care they have received at Trinitas.Joan GrossPublisher, The InformerDear Mr. Horan,In June, Dr. Richard Mackessy performed surgery on my wrist at Trinitas Hospital. I am a professional violinistand teacher of music. My life’s passion and vocation depend on my hands. I sustained an injury at my place ofemployment which further complicated matters.After six months of treatment and numerous consultations with orthopedic specialists, I chose Dr. Mackessy toperform the surgery. Without reservation, I had faith that he would make the best decisions regarding my injury.I am writing to thank you for affording me the opportunity to experience the personal attention and medical careI received from Dr. Mackessy, your support staff, nurses, and anesthesiologist. In addition, I was treated with dignityand compassion. I was most impressed with the cleanliness of the pre/post-operative holding areas and the overallfriendly environment.Please convey my heartfelt thanks to your medical staff.Ms. BBTDear Mr. Horan,I am a patient who recently benefited from your hospital’s wonderful accommodation. Due tosevere headaches and very high blood pressure, I went to the Emergency Room. The moment I arrived,I was referred to the New Point location of the hospital where I was well-monitored and looked after.I am writing to thank your great facility for having amazing staff that paid attention to me rightaway. I can never forget the clinic staff who immediately attended to my needs. I was further impressedwith your very clean clinics and offices that truly helped me feel at ease. I was very well taken care ofin all aspects which included my financial incapacity to pay for the services. After I explained that Iwas incapable of paying the bill, the staff helped me file for charity services that enabled me to gainthe service that everybody deserves. I was treated the same way more privileged people are.Please allow me to say how grateful I am to have met the people like those at the emergencyDepartment and the East Jersey Street clinic.Mrs. LVDear Mr. Horan,the way. When staff members found out I was a fellow employee, they went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable… Truly, theservices provided here at Trinitas Hospital are first class and I wanted my fellow employees to know that I appreciate them.Eric Tennet, Eclipsys

Dear Mr. Horan,Thank you so much for assisting us in our June Health Fair. The Certified Home HealthAides learned a lot and felt valued by your attention to their questions. I have shared yourhandouts with the staff who were unable to attend. The feedback has been very positive andthe staff is already looking forward to next year’s Fair.page 9Sincerely,Susan M. Cutro, BSN, RNStaff Development, Holy Redeemer Home CareDear Dr. Losman* and staff,We wanted to write to thank you for your miraculous help in healing our Mom’s leg… She improvedemotionally as well as physically when the Center for Wound Healing staff solved the problem of thequarter-sized wound that had become more threatening over a period of months. After six months ofgoing to a so-called “wound specialist” who couldn’t heal the open sore, Dr. Losman and the staff of theCenter did it in 45 – 60 days. Wow! Special doctors and their nurses with the knowledge to do wonderfulthings do exist and you are certainly examples of such medical and nursing professionals.The C., J., L. and F. Families*Dr. Jacques Losman is a member of the medical staff at the Center for Wound Healing andHyperbaric Medicine.Dear Mr. Horan,It is with great pleasure that I write this thank you letter to you and your staff. Enclosed you will find a copy of theOutpatient Services Survey.I entered Trinitas Hospital in March when I was having an asthma attack. I did not know I was having an attackbecause I had never experienced one before. It was one of the most frightening experiences I have ever encountered.The services rendered to me during my five day stay were beyond my expectations. Your staff genuinely care aboutthe patient’s well being. They were patient, informative and, most of all, professional. I felt comfortable askingquestions which they answered without hesitation. As a result, I placed great trust in them.I could not have written this letter if it had not been for the professionalism of many of your employees in theEmergency Department, the 9th floor nursing unit, nursing assistants, and members of the housekeeping staff. Theywere professional, patient, caring, compassionate and a positive asset to your hospital.I would like to thank you for caring enough to take your patients’ comments and suggestions seriously. I wouldrecommend Trinitas Hospital services to others without a second thought.Ms. VWBWords cannot express my gratitude for the love and support that was given to myorganization for making our first annual Health Fair in August such a success. We are verygrateful to Trinitas Hospital for the wide range of services which you provided for our community.My thanks go to staff members in Behavioral Health and Psychiatry, Brother Bonaventure ExtendedCare Center, Community Initiatives Department, Dorothy B. Hersch Medical Clinic, HIV EarlyIntervention Program, Oncology Program and Renal Services. Thank you for the time anddedication you gave to this event.Joann Blount, PresidentNational Council of Negro Women, Inc. – Greater Elizabeth Area Section

page 10Leonardo Jewelers FundraiserExceeds $4,000 For Trinitas HospitalLeonardo Jewelers of Elizabeth recently hosted a sale to benefit Trinitas Hospital. The successful event, held over a threedayperiod in early October, raised more than $4,000 for the hospital. Dignitaries who attended the event included J.Christian Bollwage, the Mayor of Elizabeth; Gordon Haas, Executive Director of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber ofCommerce, and administrators from Trinitas Hospital, including Gary Horan, FACHE, President & CEO.Michael Zeik of Leonardo Jewelers, said the family business held the special sale because they wanted to giveback to Elizabeth where the business started. Leonardo Jewelers wanted to help the hospital strengthen its ongoingcommitment to the community and they plan to continue working with Trinitas as a partner in fundraising.Above:Maria Lopez,grant coordinatorin the PsychiatricAdministrationoffices of TrinitasHospital, proudlyshows off thebeautiful JohnHardy braceletshe won at therecent specialsale at LeonardoJewelers inElizabeth.Below:The Auxiliary ofTrinitas Hospitalpaused for thisphoto beforebeginning theirtour of the Keanfamily mansion.(From left to right), Founders of LeonardoJewelers, Leonardo and Lourdes Zeik, Ivette ZeikFernicola, Michael and Vivian Zeik, Gary S.Horan, FACHE, President & CEO, BernadetteCountryman, Senior Vice President of ClinicalOperations and Chief Nursing Officer, J.Christian Bollwage, Mayor of Elizabeth, NadineBrechner, Executive Director, Trinitas HealthFoundation, and Judy Comitto, Vice President,Information Services, and Chief InformationOfficer, posed for this photograph at the highlysuccessful fundraiser in October.Trinitas Hospital Auxiliary HoldsFundraiser at Liberty Hall MuseumThe Auxiliary of Trinitas Hospital recently hosted an Afternoon Teaat Liberty Hall Museum in Union, New Jersey, near the Kean Universitycampus. The event included a tour of the Museum, one of UnionCounty’s most renowned historic sites, that served as the Kean andLivingston family residence for generations.Left to right, Auxilian and Volunteer Elinore Blore, herguest Olivia Hanlon, Auxilian and Volunteer Anna MarieKitzler, along with Valdery Campos, Director of HealthInformation Services, enjoyed the visit to the mansion’scarriage house.

Spotlight On:Bloodless Medicine and SurgeryProgram Professionals attend Annual Meetingpage 11Leon Pirak, MD, Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology at Trinitas Hospital and medical director of BloodlessMedicine and Surgery program, and program manager, Sharon Sledge, MA, MS, RNC, recently attended the annual meetingof the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management (SABM) in Jersey City.Nearly 500 physicians, bloodless program managers, hospital administrators and other allied health professionals fromacross the country and around the world attended. This meeting provided an opportunity for Dr. Pirak and Sharon to hearthe latest developments in blood management and also served as a valuable forum for information sharing and networking.Among the topics that were covered were advances in iron metabolism, anemia and cardiac disease, blood safety, integratingblood management into the hospital mainstream and clinical practice guidelines for blood components.“This professional meeting was very helpful for us. Presentations on subjects such asblood management in critical care were particularly timely for us as one of the goals of theBloodless Medicine and Surgery Program at Trinitas is to improve blood utilizationpractices in the ICU,” explained Sharon.Dr. Pirak reports that, thanks to the hospital’s multi-disciplinary approach to bloodconservation and the resulting reduction of known and unknown risks associated withblood transfusions, “more and more patients are gaining extraordinary health benefitsassociated with the state-of-art techniques in bloodless medicine.”He further explained that technologies and medications that can improve a patient’sblood profile, combined with the hospital’s skilled health care team can decrease, andoften eliminate, the need for blood transfusions during treatment. According toDr. Pirak, many patients who choose the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Programat Trinitas experience reduced length of stay and less stress associated with bloodtransfusions, both of which are “welcome advances.”Sharon Sledge, RN, who shares the commitment to reduce the exposure to donatedblood, assists patients throughout their stay. “Once a patient informs the hospital ofhis/her desire for bloodless care, all personnel involved in the treatment are made aware ofthe patient’s choice,” she noted, adding “as a major healthcare provider in Union County,Trinitas Hospital will continue to address the critical shortage of blood and the community’s concerns about bloodtransfusion. We are dedicated to providing cost effective quality care in a compassionate and supportive environment forpatients who desire blood conservation medical and surgical management.”Dr. Pirak and Sharon recently appeared onMayor J. Christian Bollwage’s “Our City” cableinterview show to present information to viewersabout the Bloodless Medicine and Surgeryprogram.Above:Pictured here isone of the bloodconservationdevices in usein the operatingroom.For more information onthe Bloodless Medicineand Surgery Programcall (908) 994-5458.Sharon Sledge, RN, and Leon Pirak, MD

page 12Educational ProgramHighlights Health CareersKean University’s Health EPIC program gave Essex and Union County high school students insight into nursing careers,thanks to a partnership with Trinitas Hospital. The program offered an overview of the role and nature of nursing in thehospital setting, the preparation involved and theprofessional requirements. Director of Nursing MaryMcTigue, Human Resources Nurse Recruiter BeverlyPorter, and Trinitas School of Nursing faculty memberRosemary Byrne welcomed and addressed the students.New graduate nurses, recently hired at Trinitas, sharedtheir experiences as both students and new nurses. Thegroup also toured the hospital.Staff HonorsEmergencyDepartment DirectorMembers of the Health Centers at 65 Jefferson Ave., recentlysurprised their Director, Joanne Snyder, as she passed the baton to thenew Director of Ambulatory Care. Joanne had been doing “triple duty”for 12 months as director of the Emergency Department and various offsiteclinics while the search was being conducted for a new director. Maribeth Santillo, RN, joined Trinitas recently as thenew the Director of Ambulatory Care, the Family Health, Women’s Health, andPediatric Health Centers in Elizabeth and the Medical Clinic at the New Point campus.Joanne’s staff was determined to let her know how much they appreciated herextraordinary commitment to Trinitas Hospital’s patients and their families, and herstaffs.The celebration also doubled as a welcome to new employees Judith Umeukeje,MD, and Rositta Michael, MD, of the Pediatrics Health Center medical staff; GraceDelacruz, RN, of the Women’s Health Center; Carol DeSerres, Administrative Assistantto the new director of Ambulatory Care; Cindy Leyva and Jenny Quijada, PedicatricHealth Center Registrars, and Emma Louis of Medical Records.The King Lives On!There was a whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on in theWilliamson Street campus cafeteria when Food ServicesManager Ron Schwinn was decked out as the rock ‘n’ rollicon. Schwinn looked resplendent in his Elvis garb andgraciously posed for a photo op with Sr. Marcella Nolan, SC,Patient Advocate/Administrative Liaison.

Cancer and Heart Disease areFocus of Recent ObservancesIn Newark’s Military Park, Trinitas Hospital employees marched inthe annual Making Strides Walk to benefit research into cancer.“Team Trinitas,” comprised of 120 walkers, put in anoutstanding showing at the American Heart Association’s annualHeartWalk in September on the campus of Schering-PloughCorporation in Kenilworth. Trinitas walkers raised more than$12,000 for the fight against heart disease and stroke.Gary S. Horan, FACHE, President & CEO, served asco-chair of the Union County HeartWalk with RaymondRusso, Vice President, Schering-Plough Corporation. NancyDiLiegro, PhD, FACHE, Director, Clinical Services, andMichael McIntyre, Director, Support Services, served on theUnion County HeartWalk executive committee. As the “RedCap Chairperson,” Mike spoke eloquently of his personalexperience with heart disease.The Trinitas team was organized under the guidance ofNancy DiLiegro and Ann Marie Scanlon, RN, DiagnosticServices. Special thanks also go to the following TeamCaptains: Kelly Baker, Carol Blecker, Kanisha Boyd, KerryCowart, Carl Curto, Cheryl Krempa, John Perina, SharonRial, Cathy Ryan, and Dominick Valenzano.Thanks to all who participated and helped Trinitas shineonce again!page 13Leonora Panagopoulos (left), cancer program coordinator, Amparo Aguirre(second from right), outreach coordinator in the Trinitas Hospital cancerprogram, and Nancy M. DiLiegro, PhD, FACHE, Director of ClinicalServices (right), joined Barbara Hartraft, cancer survivor (center), speakerat the “Inflammatory Breast Cancer” seminar in October.Pink was the color of choice as departments throughout TrinitasHospital shared enthusiasm for Breast Cancer Awareness on the fourFridays in October. Here is the Psych ER group.Cardiology Chair Receives AHA AwardChairman of Cardiology Arthur Millman, MD (center)posed with members of the Diagnostic Center and theCardiac Catheterization Lab who celebrated his notification asthe 2007 recipient of the Harvey E. Nussbaum DistinguishedService Award from the American Heart Association.Dr. Millman was selected for the award for his service as aneducator, mentor, practitioner and humanitarian, as well ashis dedication to patients and peers during his 30 years inmedicine. From left are Evelina Torres, Cath Lab secretary,Ann Marie Scanlon, RN, Diagnostic Center, Janina Petralia,RN, Cath Lab, Alice Forster, RN, Manager of Diagnostic Center, Janice Lynch RN, acting manager, Cardiac Cath Lab,Nancy DiLiegro, PhD, FACHE, Director of Clinical Services, and Kathrine Carpio, RT, of the Cardiac Cath Lab.

page 14Discharge Envelopes HelpGauge Customer SatisfactionKnowing how to maintain, or when necessary, improve our level of customer service is a key element in the dailyactivities of Trinitas Hospital. To help us gauge the satisfaction of our patients and their families, a new discharge envelopeprinted in English and Spanish is now in circulation.The Customer Service Steering Committee co-chaired by Laurie Westra, Vice President of Quality Management, andGlenn Nacion, Vice President, Human Resources, has been reviewing ways to ensure that patients and their families viewtheir experience at Trinitas Hospital in a positive light“By designing these envelopes, we’ve given patients and their families a means to think abouttheir experience in our hospital,” explains Donna Cohen, nurse manager of the EmergencyDepartment, and member of the committee. Donna was instrumental in providing much of thewording on the envelope. The message on the envelope reviews the hospital’s goal of excellence inquality care and encourages patient responses to Press Ganey surveys mailed to patients following theirdischarge. The envelopes also serve as a convenient place for patients to file important instructionsand educational materials they receive upon discharge that are designed to improve follow-up care.“The envelopes are additional tools that show Trinitas Hospital is committed to the highestquality of care for each and every patient,” says Laurie, adding, “We believe we do an excellent job.We look to our patients to let us know when we are doing our best or when we’re not. Patients arebehind our success, and our improvement, as we strive to deliver quality healthcare.”Nurse manager of the Emergency Department Donna Cohen, RN, says the envelopes help encourage patientsto share their comments about their care at Trinitas Hospital.Traveling on theInformation HighwayA well-attended “Seniors First” seminar program helped computernovices learn more about “surfing the net,” thanks to the expertise andknowledge of co-presenters Don Caldwell, Manager of InformationSystems, and Elisabeth Jacobsen, Director of the Medical Library. Theseminar was a hands-on event in the computer training room at theWilliamson Street campus where participants received pointers on howto navigate on the World Wide Web.Signs Inform Patients andVisitors of Specialized ServicesAs part of its efforts to inform patients and their families aboutimportant services for the hearing-impaired and those who needinterpreters, the hospital recently installed 65 signs throughout itsfacilities. The signs in both English and Spanish explain that patientsand their families can have the assistance of either spoken language orsign language interpreters, free of charge, while in the hospital. HanaBaudendistel, RN (right), participated in a specially selected group ofhospital professionals from throughout the state. The group workedclosely with an oversight committee of the New Jersey HospitalAssociation and the New Jersey Attorney General’s office to promotehospital compliance with state regulations regarding these types ofcommunication services. The committee worked for 18 months todevelop the recommendations about sign language and interpreterservices that are in use in New Jersey hospitals.

A Fond FarewellGloria Piserchia Steps Down as Auxiliary Chair,Ending Half-Century of ExcellenceFor at least the last 50 years, Gloria Piserchia, chairperson of the Trinitas Hospital Auxiliary, has been an active, supportiveand very positive force for healthcare in our community. Therefore it is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Gloria andher husband, Dr. Emil Piserchia, as they move to Connecticut to be close to family.When Dr. Piserchia was named as Director of Anesthesiology at the Elizabeth General Hospital & Dispensary, no oneknew that we would be getting two exceptional people for the price of one.Gloria got involved right away, volunteering for the Medical Staff Auxiliary and then becoming president of thatorganization. She joined the Ladies Aid Society (forerunner of today’s Auxiliary), and likewise rose through the ranks tobecome chairperson several times. She was also a founding member of the Elizabeth General Medical Center Foundation.Gloria was quick to understand the “big picture” surrounding the consolidation of St. Elizabeth Hospital and ElizabethGeneral Medical Center, and she worked tirelessly to foster cooperation between the two Foundation Boards, as well as the Guildand Auxiliary. She is the first and only chairperson of the new Trinitas Hospital Auxiliary. Her efforts were recognized by theNew Jersey Hospital Association, which awarded her “Master Auxilian” status on several occasions.Since her early days as one of the Radio City Music Hall “Rockettes” and her work with theUSO during World War II, Gloria has never stopped being a cheerleader for the causes she believesin. Farewell, Gloria – we will miss you!A big welcome and congratulations to Robin McHugh as she assumes the post as chairpersonof the Trinitas Hospital Auxiliary!A Registered Nurse, Robin is an active member of the Auxiliary Board of Trustees. In recentyears she has directed her energies, along with Arlene Horan, to bringing the annual SpringFashion Show to new heights. Robin and her husband, William McHugh, MD, reside in Roselle.Best wishes, Robin!page 15Gloria Picerchia,past chairpersonof the TrinitasHospital Auxiliary(center), withRobin McHugh(left) and ArleneHoran (right),co-chairs of theAuxiliary’s SpringFashion Show, inMarch 2006.Extraordinary Health Professionals ofTrinitas School of Nursing HonoredFive members of the Trinitas family recently received the Humanism in Healthcare Award for 2006 given by theHealthcare Foundation of New Jersey.Rita Foegan, RN, an advanced Practice Nurse in the outpatient Substance Abuse Department, was recognizedfor her kind and compassionate care to an ever-challenging target population. Rita provides care to those most inneed among the homeless, addicted, and substance abuse populations who also have chronic mental illness.Pictured Top:Janine Graf-Kirk, RNBottom: AnnieMagbitang, RNAnnie Magbitang, RN, staff nurse in the Intensive Care Unit, helps bridge the gap in a care setting wheretechnology can often create separations between patients and their caregivers. As a critical care nurse, she works topositively influence a patient’s recovery by working with gentleness and care with patients and their families in theICU.Janine Graf-Kirk, MA, RN of the Trinitas School of Nursing, has spent more than 30 years in medical-surgicalnursing, psychiatric-mental health nursing, and nursing education. As a senior level faculty member, she iscommitted to ensuring that graduating students have acquired the competencies vital to the practice of safe andprofessional nursing care.A student at the Trinitas School of Nursing, Marie O’Donnell is a paramedic who became interested innursing so that she could provide comprehensive care to clients and their families. Her compassion and empathy,excellent communications skills, strengths in patient advocacy, and commitment to community service combine tomake her a deserving winner.Irina Rud, a senior at Trinitas School of Nursing, has distinguished herself among her fellow students as anextraordinary patient advocate. As a future nurse who identifies with those who are foreign born, Irina hasimpressed faculty members of Trinitas School of Nursing who are confident she will bring compassion andprofessionalism to her nursing career.Congratulations to these women for their well-deserved recognition!

page 16The Scoop ispublished by thePublic RelationsDepartment,Doug Harris,Director.(908) 994-5138fax: 994-5799KathrynSalamone,Writer/EditorIf you have newswe’d love to hearfrom you. Newsitems shouldbe submittedin writing.6th Annual Golf Fundraiseris a “Classic”Former New York Giants Running Back Rodney Hampton,pictured here with Gary S. Horan, FACHE, President & CEO,was the special guest golfer at the Trinitas Health Foundation’s 6thAnnual Golf Classic on a picture-perfect day in September atShackamaxon Golf & Country Club, Scotch Plains.“We were delighted and honored that Mr. Hampton agreed totee off with us at our exciting Golf Classic. He enjoyed the linksand attended dinner following the Classic, so there were plenty ofopportunities for guests to mingle with him and to requestautographs,” explained Nadine Brechner, Executive Director of theTrinitas Health Foundation.The event, at which more than 150 golfers participated, raised$167,000 to benefit the hospital.visit us at www.TrinitasHospital.orgTelecom Provider Selects TrinitasHospital as “Client of the Month”On-hold voice messages have become a valuable tool for institutions such as Trinitas Hospital which uses the services ofHoldcom in Bergen County. The company recently featured Trinitas as its “Client of the Month” column in its newsletterthat included comments from Doug Harris, Director of Public Relations & Marketing. Doug explained how effective theservices from Holdcom have been in helping Trinitas handle its incoming call volume and at the same time promote keyservices.“Before they are connected to the party or department they seek, callers hear timely and valuable information about thehospitals, its programs and services,” reports Doug, adding “that more than six callers made appointments with the TrinitasSleep Disorders Center recently after hearing about it while on hold.”Trinitas Hospital issponsored by theSisters of Charityof Saint Elizabethin partnership withElizabethtownHealthcareFoundation.Trinitas HospitalWilliamsonStreet Campus225 Williamson St.Elizabeth, NJ 07207(908) 994-5000New PointCampus655 East Jersey St.Elizabeth, NJ 07206Record Crowd Enjoys“Evening at the Races”Almost 250 people enjoyed the “It’s-All-About-Bein’-Here” feeling at theMeadowlands as the Trinitas Health Foundation hosted its third annual “Evening atthe Races” at the Pegasus Restaurant. The fundraiser wasa “non-agenda” evening of socializing and dining at therestaurant’s buffets with offerings to satisfy every palate.Wagering on the ten thoroughbred race gave many anopportunity to court Lady Luck for the evening.Big winner for the evening was Trinitas Hospital.The fundraiser brought in a tidy sum of more than$50,000 to benefit numerous programs and services.