MDNews - Mid Hudson

+++++++++++++++++++++++++ + + +++++++++++++++++++++++++ HOSPITAL ROUNDS  +++ +++ What’s New at Area Hospitals Continued from Page 20  Volunteers from Northern Dutchess Hospital and the Rhinebeck Fire Department worked through a decontamination unit exercise as part of a regional emergency preparedness drill. The PST Unit offers patients from both Northern Dutchess Hospital (NDH) re- cently participated in a regional emergency preparedness drill that involved a scenario in which a tornado moved through the area and touched down in Poughkeepsie close to sister hospital Vassar Brothers Medical Center. As part of the exercise, NDH received fi ve “patients” (volunteers) who were stabilized and discharged, three who needed to go to surgery and eight who came into contact with a haz- ardous fertilizer spill. Those eight patients were sent through the decontamination unit, set up by volunteers from the Rhinebeck Fire Depart- ment and the NDH team. Generator stability was tested, as well as communication modes, such as Vocera, hand radios, cellphones, e-mail, website, Facebook and radio/press notifi cation. A debriefi ng session was held with the Incident Command Team directly after the drill concluded. During the drill, real patients received uncompromised care, and the exer- cise proved useful in keeping this knowledge current in light of recent events nationwide. Benedictine Hospital, a member of HealthAl- liance of the Hudson Valley, completed the fi rst stage of its 2011 Project Plan for Growth by opening its new Pre-Surgical Testing (PST) Unit. To celebrate this occasion and unveil plans for a new Infusion Therapy Center and Center for Breast Health (to be located at Benedictine Hospital), a reception was held May 10 in the hospital’s main lobby. More than 100 staff, vol- unteers and supporters were in attendance. Benedictine Hospital and The Kingston Hos- pital the convenience of having all tests that are required before surgery completed quickly and at one location. The unit is dedicated to meeting the concerns of preoperative patients by incorporating all testing, health history reviews and physical exams into one visit. This new area provides patients accommodating hours and a helpful staff of registered nurses, physician’s assistants, laboratory personnel and technicians. ■ ADVERTISERS’ INDEX DBL Associates Inc .................................. 21 First Consult.................................................17 Good Samaritan Hospital .................. Inside Front Cover HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley .....................Back Cover Left to right: Bill Davenport; Sister Mary Feehan, OSB; Tildy Davenport; Gretchen Trafi canti; and Anita Peck enjoy the Benedictine Health Foundation’s reception. Keurig ............................................................ 15 MLMIC .............................................................5 Radiologic Associates, P.C. ................... 11 Saint Francis Hospital and Health Centers .... Inside Back Cover 22 | Mid Hudson MD NEWS  MDNEWS.COM

• Cover