Look North is a magazine published by the Northwell Health System. This publication features health and wellness information geared toward healthcare consumers in the Long Island and New York City region.
Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/122196
North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Inc. Plainview and Syosset Hospitals 888 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY 11803 Michael dowling President and CEO, North Shore-LIJ Health System Winifred Mack, RN Regional Executive Director Michael Fener Executive Director Plainview and Syosset Hospitals Terry Lynam VP, Public Relations North Shore-LIJ Alexandra Zendrian Editor Want to learn more about a physician mentioned in an article? For advertising opportunities Please contact Alan Heyman at 631-656-9900 or alan.heyman@patientpoint.com Focus on Health is published by the Public Relations Department of Plainview and Syosset Hospitals (516-465-2600). The information within this publication is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health and is not meant to be a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. Produced by True North Custom Media, Chattanooga, TN. © 2013. Printed in USA. Click here to find his or her profile online. Help Just in Time Getting Well-Acquainted with Hospitals’ Staff As satellite maps tracked the approach of Hurricane Sandy, Syosset Hospital dietary aide Bridget Manning saw that the water near her Lindenhurst home was quickly rising. By the time her shift was over, Ms. Manning’s 19-year-old son had evacuated from their house, national guardsmen were positioned nearby and “it looked like a war zone.” Five feet of water filled the garage, where several bags of family items had been stored. Only a bucket containing photographs remained. The entire first floor of the house was severely damaged. In mid-November, Ms. Manning, her husband, daughter, son and the family dog Roxy moved into the Monte Excelsior apartment complex in Bellerose, housing provided by the North Shore-LIJ Health System. When the Mannings arrived at their temporary housing, they found 10 bags filled with necessities. “They included potholders and towels — two dozen towels,” she said. “I’ve never owned two dozen towels.” Members of the health system have been checking on them constantly. Several phone calls came before Thanksgiving to make sure the family had food for the holiday. “I don’t know where we would be if I hadn’t been working here,” said Ms. Manning, who began working at Syosset Hospital about two months before the storm. “How long can you stay with family and friends? You don’t want to feel like a burden. Everyone’s been so nice to us. I can’t even express how grateful we are.” Patients at Syosset and Plainview hospitals will notice familiar faces coming to check on them as a result of the hospitals’ hourly rounding initiative. Hourly rounding involves medical professionals visiting patients once an hour between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. and every two hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. This schedule allows patients to know approximately when they will be assessed. The program began in March, 2012. A complementary program regarding patients’ call bells was added a few months later. The call bells program requires that all staff and volunteers at both hospitals, whether they work in a clinical or non-clinical capacity, answer a patient’s call bell if they are in the vicinity. Non-clinical employees and volunteers can aid with non-medical matters and otherwise will refer patients’ concerns to a medical professional. Before the call bell initiative began, patients could have to wait, as a nurse might be working with another patient or in a different part of the hall and therefore not be able to get to a patient quickly. As a result of these two initiatives, Ellen Pokorny, RN, director of nursing education and professional development at Plainview Hospital, has noticed fewer falls and faster responses to patients’ requests. “Hourly rounding helps to make the patient part of the medical team and feel more included and cared for,” Ms. Pokorny said. “The hourly rounding and call bells programs have enhanced patients’ sense of security and their relationships with their healthcare professionals.” The Manning family found temporary housing with help from the North Shore-LIJ Health System Emergency Employee Resource Center.