There is so much great work happening in the Emergency Department. I want to be sure everybody knows about it.
Our ED has exceptionally low “door to doctor” times—which means that patients get treated faster. In addition, and in part due to this exceptional performance, the ED recently received the prestigious Gold Plus Elite Award for meeting all timing and care guidelines recommended for stroke patients by the American Heart Association. We are the only hospital in the system to earn this award.
Earlier this year, we opened the new Pediatric Short Stay Unit. It’s the only observation unit designed specifically for children in the New York City area. We can now admit and observe children with minor and less complicated illnesses while advancing them toward discharge within 48 hours. This has allowed about 75% of children requiring admission to remain close to home and in our community, easing the burden on their families. Treatment in the Pediatric ED and the Short Stay Unit is family-centered and provided by a cooperative, multidisciplinary team, some of whom are seen below: (from left to right) Karen Campanella, RN, Anne Espina, RN, Kena Johnson, PCA, Michelle Gaba, MD, and Marcia Graham, Child Life Specialist.
I’d also like to welcome Anthoney Lim, MD, who in January started as the Medical Director of the Pediatric ED. Dr. Lim and Joseph Wolf, MD, recently arranged a tour to educate kindergarten students and parents from PS 33/Chelsea Prep on emergency services. The kids toured an ambulance and participated in teddy bear clinic. This was an outstanding opportunity for the staff to connect with and promote healthy habits in the community. Pictured below, during the kids’ visit, are: Dr. Lim (right) with Catherine Coughlin, Director of Nursing (center), and Gina McManus, Nurse Manager of Pediatrics (left).
I’m also excited to report that the ED created a new residency program for Registered Nurses who wish to gain emergency care experience. It’s an innovative one-year program that provides nurses with intensive mentoring and training in emergency room care. Pictured below are Tracylain Evans, Director of Education for the ED throughout MSHS (back), with the five residents (from left to right): Abdelhamid Jnane, Alexa Malm, Melissa Delaunay, Jennel Morgan, Ronna Cea, and Vandy Perez.
I am so proud of the great care our Emergency Department provides to the community. We will be here providing that exceptional care all the way through until our new hospital opens in mid-2021. At that point, we, and our amazing staff and doctors will officially move into our brand new emergency department at the new hospital.
Have a great weekend.
– Jeremy