MDNews - Long Island

Opened in 1973, the 2 South patient care unit, which primarily treats cancer patients, was designed with double-bedded rooms. Most patients today prefer single-bedded rooms and research shows they result in improved patient outcomes. Single-bedded rooms also opti - mize patient privacy, which is important to all patients but particularly those facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. All oncology rooms on the unit are now single-bedded. While Mather has an excellent infection prevention program, single-bedded rooms further reduce the risk of infection, an important factor for cancer patients whose immune systems are already compromised. The unit features separate hand washing sinks for physicians, nurses and other caregivers. The renova - tion also added showers and enlarged bathrooms to the single-bedded rooms to increase patient comfort and privacy. Bedside computerized nurse charting stations with locked medica - tion/supply cabinets in every patient room allow the nurse to spend more time at the patient's bedside. Mather previously incorporated this innovation in its newest patient unit, 3 North. The remainder of the 2 South patient care unit received a facelift with a new nurses' sta - tion, patient family lounge, serenity room and entry way, providing im- proved comfort to patients, visitors and staff. Modern design enhance- ments facilitate privacy, communication and teamwork, which will have positive effects on outcomes such as improved patient satisfaction. The creation of a family lounge offers space for small group gatherings, as well as a place for family members to rest and renew their strength while staying close to their loved ones. In addition, more than 30 local artists donated original works to add beauty and warmth to the unit. The project was largely supported through community donations totaling close to $1.7 million. Jeff Vacirca, MD, CEO and managing partner of New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, cuts the ribbon on the renovated 2 South patient unit, which serves primarily cancer patients. The unit was named for the group in recognition of its generous donation. Long Island Community Hospital has recently been designated a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center designation recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer. To receive this elite distinction, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in their computed tomography in the chest module, as well as undergo a rigorous assess - ment of their lung cancer screening protocol and infrastructure. The program must also have procedures in place for follow-up patient care, such as counseling and smoking cessation programs. Screenings are recommended for adults aged 55 to 80 years who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. The ACR, founded in 1924, is one of the largest and most influential medical associations in the United States. The ACR devotes its re - sources to making imaging and radiation therapy safe, effective and ac- cessible to those who need it. Its 36,000 members include radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, interventional radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians. For more information about the Lung Cancer Screening Center designation, visit acr.org. In addition to the ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center Designation, Long Island Community Hospital also received notification that the Women's Imaging Center's Ultrasound unit passed its ACR accredita - tion renewal. In order for our Women's Imaging Center to retain its accreditation as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, ACR requires that each piece of imaging equipment pass rigorous quality assur - ance requirements every 3 years. They must also meet stringent FDA Mammography Quality Standards Act requirements for imaging quality. Karen Morice, MD Erika Trovato, DO Burke Rehabilitation Hospital continues to build upon its reputation as an academic leader with the recent addition of fellowships in brain injury medicine and sports medicine. The two fellowships were granted initial accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in January. Burke will host two fellows for each pro - gram over the span of one year. During their time, fellows will rotate at Burke's main cam- pus in White Plains and other institutions affili- ated with Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Montefiore Health System, allowing broad exposure to the spectrum of care for patients with a wide range of conditions in both disciplines. Karen Morice, MD, will serve as the Director of the Sports Medicine Fellowship, while Erika Trovato, DO, will be the Director of the Brain Injury Medicine Fellowship. Burke expects the first group of fellows to join the Burke gradu - ate medical education programs in July 2020. Physicians who are interested in applying can do so by sending a CV to braininjuryfellow@ burke.org for the Brain Injury Medicine Fellowship or to sportsfellow@ burke.org for the Sports Medicine Fellowship. For more detailed information on either program, or to learn more about Burke's ACGME-accredited residency program, please visit burke.org/education/GME-Programs. n M D N E W S . 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