News items ...

SLCH doctor retires after 35 years of service to Newburgh

Dr. Rastogi

NEWBURGH (June 13) – St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital honored Dr. Shiv Rastogi, MD on June 11, for his dedication and service to the Newburgh community for more than 35 years.

Maureen Doran, Vice President of Planning and Business Development began the celebration by stating, “The gift that you’ve given can’t be expressed in words. The best way we could think to express to you what you mean to SLCH would be through a patient experience.” Doran continued by reading a letter written personally by one of Dr. Rastogi’s patients.

The patient describes his experiences as feeling safe and secure knowing Dr. Rastogi was his doctor. The letter praised Dr. Rastogi for removing fears and concerns with his kind words and reassurance.

“I feel happy and rewarded from serving the community of Newburgh,” said Dr. Rastogi. “I am honored that all of my patients trusted me in the treatment of their medical conditions.”

In 1990 Dr. Rastogi started his own practice on Gidney Avenue after spending 10 years as the director of the SLCH ED. Dr Rastogi has been working with St. Luke’s Cornwall Medical Group’s own Dr. Belfield to transfer and maintain the on-going care for all of his beloved patients.

“It is always an honor to have medical talent such as Dr. Rastogi at SLCH. He is truly a dedicated physician and unforgettable name in the community,” Said Allan E. Atzrott, SLCH CEO. “To see him retire after a long and rewarding career shows the significance of our medical staff in the community.”

Dr. Rastogi retires a happy and fulfilled man, stating, “I did what I loved most and will cherish all of the memories from this experience for the rest of my life.”

St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital (SLCH) is a not-for-profit community hospital with campuses in Newburgh and Cornwall, NY. The hospital is dedicated to serving the health care needs of the Hudson Valley and aspires to excellence in the delivery of compassionate and comprehensive health care services. SLCH offers comprehensive cardiac, stroke, cancer, orthopedic services and a full range of other clinical offerings.

SFH nurse participates in comprehensive conference on cancer clinical trials

Luvera

POUGHKEEPSIE (June 13) - Saint Francis Hospital’s Mary Luvera was one of 50 competitively selected nurses/administrators from community cancer centers across the nation (the only one from New York State) chosen to attend a comprehensive two-day course to improve access to clinical trials within their settings.

Luvera, RN, MS, is director of Oncology Services for Saint Francis Hospital’s Herb and Sue Ann Redl Center for Cancer Care. Clinical Research Trials have been the key to   remarkable improvements in both survival and quality of life for cancer patients, Luvera said. Some of her patients participate in those trials. For a list of open clinical research trials call Saint Francis at 845-483-5997.

“It takes years of research effort to achieve advances and tremendous resources: patient, investigators, and public and private investment for those advances to be achieved,” she added. “Clinical Trials are on the threshold of major advances in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment but only through community and physician commitment to clinical research.”

The University of Pennsylvania., Mt. Sinai Medical Center of and the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center received a five-year grant from the National Cancer Institute to conduct the course.

“The study protocols we offer (at Saint Francis) tests the new drug versus the standard of care as well as assessing efficacy by documenting survival and time to progression,” Luvera said. “Patient outcomes are better when patients are enrolled onto Clinical Research Trials because there is a plan that must be followed on the template of a protocol; the plan is always very clear and good thorough planning up front is the secret to a successful protocol and to positive patients’ outcomes.”

Orange Regional Medical Center National Cancer Survivors Day Celebration

TOWN OF WALLKILL (June 10) - Cancer survivors, their families and staff from the Spagnoli Family Cancer Center held a picnic at Orange Regional Medical Center on Sunday June 2, as part of the 26th Annual National Cancer Survivors Day. This day honored cancer survivors and reinforced that life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful, fulfilling and inspiring. The celebratory event included a health fair, children’s activities, a barbeque lunch generously donated by Outback Steakhouse and live music. Survivors were able to celebrate life with each other.

The Spagnoli Family Cancer Center provides a comprehensive range of services for diagnosing and treating various types of cancers. From breast and lung cancer to esophageal and head or neck cancer, Orange Regional offers the latest diagnostic and cancer-fighting technologies, including robotic surgery, radio frequency ablation and the most-advanced radiation therapy technology. The Center provides treatment options and procedures locally for all stages of cancer. Trained at the nation's most prestigious medical centers, Orange Regional offers a team of experienced physicians who are backed by our skillful, certified oncology nurses and caring staff. For more information visit www.ormc.org/cancer.

(contributed photo)

Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County field trip brings smiles

A good time was had by all, including Garrett and his father, Brian Bonestell

KINGSTON (June 10) - Students and parents had a day of laughter and smiles thanks to a local not for profit.   Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County, originally founded to serve children with cerebral palsy, provides services throughout the Hudson Valley to hundreds of people of all ages with an array of developmental and intellectual disabilities, helping them achieve increased independence and maximize their potential.

School-age children and their parents were invited to Hudson Valley Regal Cinemas in Kingston for Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County’s end of the school year field trip. The agency rented the movie theater for the day and guests enjoyed a private showing of the movie Epic. Directed by Chris Wedge, the animated family adventure film features the voices of actors Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Beyoncé Knowles and others.

Guests were relaxed, enjoying the theatre all to themselves and a variety of food court catered snacks.

“I was so delighted to spend the day with my two sons. We were so enthused to see the film. It was a great time for the whole group and we really can’t wait to do this again,” says mother and participant, Nicole Fare.

Gerard Dohrenwend, Executive Director of Cerebral Palsy of Ulster County was impressed with the warm reception from the Hudson Valley Mall staff.  “We are thankful to the staff at the Hudson Valley Mall.  Terri Parisian, Manager of the Hudson Valley Mall and the staff of the Regal Cinema went out of their way to make this a special event for our children and their families.”

Orange Regional Medical Center names Magnet Program director

Pozza

MIDDLETOWN (June 4) - Orange Regional Medical Center announces Jean Pozza, BSN, RN, CMSRN as Magnet Program Director.

The Magnet Recognition Program® recognizes healthcare organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice. Consumers rely on Magnet designation as the ultimate credential for high quality nursing. Developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Magnet is the leading source of successful nursing practices and strategies worldwide.

Ms. Pozza joined Orange Regional in 2009 as a Specialized Educator in the Professional Practice Department. Previously, she worked as a Clinical Instructor for Mount Saint Mary College, Clinical Coordinator at Vassar Brothers Medical Center and a Registered Nurse in the Medical-Surgical, Telemetry, Critical Care and Emergency Departments at St. Luke’s Hospital. Ms. Pozza holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Mount Saint Mary College. She also received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Mount Saint Mary College and is currently enrolled to receive a Master’s degree in Nursing from Walden University.
 
“We are thrilled to appoint Ms. Pozza as Magnet Program Director. Her experience and leadership will be an indispensable asset to our team,” says Vice President of Patient Care Services & CNO, Joanne Ritter-Teitel, PhD, RN, CEA-BC.

Orange Regional Medical Center is a member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System.  For more information visit www.ormc.org.

Crystal Run Healthcare’s Dr. Scott Hines appointed to national committee

Hines

MIDDLETOWN (June 4) - Crystal Run Healthcare’s Co-Chief Clinical Transformation Officer, Dr. Scott Hines has been appointed to the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) Recognition Program - Review Oversight Committee (RP-ROC).

Dr. Hines, an endocrinologist at Crystal Run Healthcare has been nominated by fellow medical professionals in the nation and has been approved and appointed by the NCQA to serve on the committee which is composed of physicians and other healthcare experts from private practices, large health systems and health insurance plans. The RP-ROC reviews and gives final approval for NCQA survey tools, reviews Accountable Care Organization (ACO) surveys as well as will review the new Patient-Centered Specialty Practice program. RP-ROC is comprised of eighteen members currently and is an all-volunteer committee. The NCQA is expanding the committee to include more members from recognized Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Homes to add more doctors like Dr. Hines that have specific, hands-on experience in medical homes and medical home support programs.

Crystal Run Healthcare is a national leader in healthcare reform and remains on the leading edge of healthcare delivery in the local communities it serves. Serving as Co-Chief Clinical Transformation Officer, Dr. Hines has been an integral part of Crystal Run’s transformation to value based care and becoming an ACO. In April 2012, Crystal Run Healthcare was one of twenty-seven health care practices selected by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in the Medical Shared Savings Program (MSSP) as an ACO. Crystal Run has also been recognized by the NCQA as a Level 3 Patient Centered-Medical Home as well as received Level 2 ACO accreditation, the first in New York State and among the first six nationally to receive ACO accreditation.

“It is with great pleasure and excitement that I join NCQA’s RP-ROC. I am truly honored and humbled to have been nominated by my fellow peers and selected by the NCQA to serve on this committee. Crystal Run has always been committed to improving patient outcomes as we continue to innovate new and better ways to deliver healthcare to our patients and now I am happy to share my knowledge and expertise in ACOs and medical homes with the RP-ROC,” said Scott Hines, MD, Co-Chief Clinical Transformation Officer at Crystal Run Healthcare.

Northern Dutchess Hospital Foundation to honor two doctors at Starlight Ball

Sabia

Wing

RHINEBECK (May 31) – The Northern Dutchess Hospital Foundation will hold its 14th annual fundraising gala on Saturday, June 8th honoring Dr. John Sabia and Dr. James Wing. The Starlight Ball will be held under tents at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck. The evening event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception followed by dinner and formal program. The event co-chairs are Dr. John Horiszny and his wife Dr. Maura Sullivan, and Kelly Mosher and her husband John Kelly.

Dr. Sabia is a lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley. He was born in Poughkeepsie and graduated from Roy C. Ketcham High School. Dr. Sabia graduated cum laude from Siena College where he received his BS in Biology and Pre-Med. He continued his studies at SUNY Buffalo where he received his medical degree. His residency in Family Practice was completed at St. Clare’s Hospital in Schenectady where he was working in three separate emergency departments in the Capital District and found his calling.

Dr. Sabia joined the Northern Dutchess Hospital medical staff in 1988 and held the position as the Director of Emergency Services for 23 years and was named Vice President for Medical Affairs in 2012. Over those years, Dr. Sabia was the Medical Director of both the Stanfordville Health Center and, from 1993-1998, Medical Director of Hyde Park Health Center. He also served on the Northern Dutchess Hospital Medical Staff Executive Committee. Dr. Sabia resides in Hyde Park with his wife Mary Jo. They are the proud parents of four children, Jason, John Paul, Laura and Jessica and the joyful grandparents of eighteen-month old Breyson.

Dr. Wing was born in Washington, D.C. After graduating from Our Lady of Lourdes High School in 1968, he went on to spend a year at Syracuse University before transferring to Fordham University in NYC to pursue a pre-med program. Following graduation, Dr. Wing began a six-year program in medicine at the University of Bologna in Bologna, Italy. He returned to the US to begin a five-year surgical residency at Nassau County Medical Center in Hempstead, N.Y. In that time, he served as the Director of Surgical Clinics there and Clinical Instructor in the Department of Surgery at nearby SUNY Stony Brook. Dr. Wing came to Northern Dutchess Hospital in 1988 and joined Health Quest Medical Practice in 2009. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Wing and his lovely wife Mary live in Rhinebeck and have four children, Mary Theresa, Elizabeth, William and Timothy. They are also the proud grandparents of nine-month old Carter James.

“The Starlight Ball provides us with the opportunity to recognize Dr. Sabia and Dr. Wing for their hard work and dedication to Northern Dutchess Hospital and the community,” said Dawn Morrison, Executive Director, Northern Dutchess Hospital Foundation. “We are very pleased to be honoring them.”

For reservations and sponsor information, please call the Northern Dutchess Hospital Foundation at (845) 871-3503.

Dutchess health commissioner attends children's environmental health event with Jessica Alba

Caldwell, center, with Landrigan and Alba

GREENWICH CT (May 21) - Just one day after the successful kickoff of the inaugural Armed Forces Day on the Hudson, Dr. Michael Caldwell was honored to attend the Mount Sinai Children's Environmental Health Center conference and luncheon in Greenwich, CT 

Dr. Caldwell, the Dutchess County Commissioner of Health, is also an Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at the Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.  He was invited to the event by Dr. Phil Landrigan, Chair of the Department and he was honored to be seated at Dr. Landrigan's table with the honoree of the event, Jessica Alba.

Alba, actress and author of "The Honest Life: Living Naturally and True to You," received the Champion for Children Award from the Mount Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Center at a the luncheon. The award was presented by Dr. Landrigan.  It recognizes leaders whose vision, expertise and energy significantly advance the center's mission and the children’s environmental health movement locally and globally."

Port Jervis Fitness Loop up and running

Officials and representatives of the agencies that brought the Fitness Loop official signage to Port Jervis: Orange County, Healthy Orange, Bon Secours Community Hospital, the Port Jervis Recreation Commission, Mayor Potter’s Office and the Office for the Aging.

PORT JERVIS (May 21) – The Port Jervis Fitness Loop officially opened recently with a ceremony held outside Bon Secours Community Hospital, 160 East Main Street.

The Fitness Loop, a designated Orange County Trail, is marked every ¼ mile by oval white signs. The entire loop is 2.25 miles long, and continues down East Main Street to Jersey Avenue, down Jersey Avenue to Pike Street, up Pike Street to East Main Street, and past Bon Secours Community Hospital.

“Many people walk this loop already,” said Port Jervis Mayor Russell Potter. “And with the official marking of it hopefully we can bring more attention to the need for exercise and a healthy lifestyle in town. The path of the loop travels through the heart of town, it is well lit, and well patrolled.”

Jason Rashford, Director of Building Healthy Communities for Bon Secours Community Hospital, added that the hospital is offering an enhancement to the fitness loop with the addition of free blood pressure screenings and BMI (body mass index) monitoring.   “Beginning in June, community members can stop by Bon Secours Community Hospital on Wednesdays from 9 to 11 AM to pick up a fitness tracker, and have their blood pressure and BMI screened and logged”, Rashford stated. 

The ceremony opened with comments from the agencies that brought the Fitness Loop official signage to Port Jervis: Orange County, Healthy Orange, Bon Secours Community Hospital, the Port Jervis Recreation Commission, Mayor Potter’s Office and the Office for the Aging.

“This was the result of a great collaboration between Bon Secours Community Hospital, Orange County, the City of Port Jervis and other agencies,” said Bob Dietrich, director of the Orange County Health Department’s Community Health Outreach.

Orange Regional Medical Center launches spinal cord support group

Middletown (May 16) – Orange Regional Medical Center is now offering a free, monthly spinal cord support group that will meet the third Wednesday of each month from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. starting on June 19. The group will meet at Orange Regional Medical Center’s Outpatient Conference Room located at 707 East Main Street in Middletown. Participants may enter through the Outpatient Entrance. The group will be facilitated by Inocencia Carrano, M.D. who is Board-certified in Spinal Cord Injury Medicine.

The group provides support and encouragement for individuals living and dealing with or adjusting to the difficulties, pressures and challenges of a spinal cord injury. The mission of the Spinal Cord Support Group is to help people afflicted with a spinal cord injury realize that it is possible to resume everyday activities including going to work and or school, participating in sports and maintaining relationships. Friends, family members and caregivers are welcome to attend.

For more information on the support group, please call 1-888-321-ORMC. To learn more about Orange Regional Medical Center’s spine services visit www.ormcspineortho.org
  
Orange Regional Medical Center is a member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System.         

Students ask community to ‘Give Red for Ed’ in memory of teacher

PUTNAM VALLEY (May 16) – Members of the Putnam Valley High School National Honor Society plan to carry on the ‘giving spirit’ of their much loved Social Studies teacher, Ed Schmitt, who passed away in February 2012 after a long battle with leukemia. The students will host their third blood drive, titled Give Red for Ed in conjunction with New York Blood Center on Friday, May 24, 2013 from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM at Putnam Valley High School, 142 Peekskill Hollow Road in Putnam Valley.  

For years, Ed Schmitt organized the blood drives at his school and encouraged both students and faculty to donate. Throughout his 11-year battle, Ed received many transfusions. While out on extended medical leave, students rallied to host a blood drive to show support, beginning the Give Red for Ed blood drive tradition. That first drive brought in 133 lifesaving units of blood, a record for the school. Last year’s drive brought in 106 units, and they are looking to continue their success and raise awareness of the need for blood. Many people do not realize that cancer patients are the number one users of blood products. 

Each and every day there are patients who depend on the transfusion of red blood cells, platelets and plasma to stay alive. Unfortunately, blood and blood products can’t be manufactured. They can only come from volunteer blood donors who take an hour to attend a blood drive or visit a donor center.

To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive, please call toll free 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org

SFH award highest honor; plans military wellness program           

POUGHKEEPSIE (April 29) - The Franciscan Award, the highest honor Saint Francis Hospital and Health Centers bestows, was presented to twin sisters Margaret Fitzpatrick and Mary Ritz, Richard and Julie Corbally and Dr. Zubair Khan, at the 32nd annual Franciscan Awards Gala.

L-R: Dr. Zubair Khan, Margaret Fitzpatrick, Hospital President & CEO Jason Barlow, Mary Ritz, Julie and Richard Corbally

Hospital President & CEO Jason Barlow announced a new program will be introduced in June that will provide mental health and behavioral health to mid-Hudson Valley veterans, current military personnel and their families.

 A 10-minute video introduced the Military Wellness Program explaining the need for the community service. Sgt. Jimmy Vermette Jr., profiled in the video, offered a toast to the 435 attendees at the conclusion of the program at the black tie affair. His toast was followed by dinner and dancing.

Fitzpatrick and Ritz have served the hospital for over 20 years as volunteers and members of the Auxiliary. Julie Corbally was a nurse with a special focus on alcoholism education. After becoming a counselor she helped design the program for the hospital’s The Turning Point, alcohol and substance abuse rehabilitation program now in its 28th year. She is a former hospital Foundation trustee. Her husband, Richard, is a former partner in the law firm of Corbally and Gartland, who re-associated with the firm (now Corbally, Gartland and Rappleyea LLC) in 2000 as “Of Counsel.”

Dr. Khan has been practicing in the Hudson Valley for almost 15 years. He’s regarded by his peers as among the best clinicians in the region with an innate ability to organize and treat multiple complex interrelated medical conditions.

Health Quest seeks community support in blood drives for Boston

LAGRANGEVILLE (April 29) – Health Quest and the American Red Cross will hold a series of blood drives to support the Boston area hospitals after the tragic events which occurred at the Boston Marathon. Help is needed to replenish and maintain the supply of blood products. Three blood drives are scheduled around the Hudson Valley. Appointments are recommended by calling the numbers listed but walk-ins are always welcome.

Wednesday, May 1st 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Health Quest Corporate Office
1351 Route 55 LaGrangeville
Call (845) 483-6405

Friday, May 3rd 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Vassar Brothers Medical Center Joseph Tower Building, Auditorium
45 Reade Place Poughkeepsie
Call (845) 483-6405

Friday, June 7th 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Northern Dutchess Hospital
6511 Springbrook AveRhinebeck
Call (845) 871-3471

Health Quest spring community lecture series starts May 2nd

LAGRANGEVILLE (April 25) - Health Quest is proud to announce its free community lecture series schedule for Northern Dutchess Hospital, the NDH Center for Health Aging and Vassar Brothers Medical Center. A variety of topics will be covered on issues including stroke and stress reduction to knee replacements and vascular disease. The lectures are conducted by physicians and staff of Health Quest, and include both a talk and time for Q&A. Reservations are required by calling 1-877-729-2444.

Lectures will be held at Northern Dutchess Hospital (NDH) in the conference room at 6511 Springbrook Avenue, Rhinebeck; Center for Healthy Aging (CHA) at 6529 Springbrook Avenue, Rhinebeck; and Vassar Brothers Medical Center (VBMC) at 45 Reade Place, Joseph Tower Auditorium, Poughkeepsie.

Thursday, May 2nd 6:30 p.m. - NDH Conference Room
What You Need to Know About Stroke:  Signs, Symptoms and Treatment
Gerald Kufner, MD, Kingston Neurological Associates, Medical Director, NDH Stroke Center
The more you know about strokes, the better prepared you’ll be if one ever strikes.

Monday, May 6th 2:00 p.m. - Center for Healthy Aging (CHA)
Techniques for Stress Reduction
Allison Gould, Social Worker
Stress can affect your health in many ways—stay healthier by reducing it.

Thursday, May 9th 6:30 p.m. – NDH Conference Room
Let’s Discuss PSA Screening and BPH
Scott A. Kahn, MD, Premier Medical Group of the Hudson Valley
A discussion about the need for a PSA screening and what it means to have BPH, also known as an enlarged prostate.

Wednesday, May 15th 6:30 p.m. – NDH Conference Room
What’s a Man to Think?
Paul K. Pietrow, MD, Premier Medical Group of the Hudson Valley
Current controversies regarding prostate cancer screening and testing.

Tuesday, May 21st 6:30 p.m. – NDH Conference Room
Hip and Knee Replacements
Russell Tigges, MD, Orthopedic Associates of Dutchess County, NDH Bone & Joint Center
What’s new and what’s good.

Wednesday, May 22nd 6:30 p.m. – NDH Conference Room
Diabetes: A 360-degree view
The Robert F. Bowman Diabetic Community Forum
Roundtable discussion with John Sabia, MD, Vice President, Medical Affairs at NDH; Sharagim Kemp, MD, HQMP Division of Primary Care Rhinebeck; and Roufia Payman, Supervisor, Outpatient Nutritional Counseling
Living with diabetes, from the patient’s perspective. Topics include warning signs, latest treatments and the best ways to manage the disease.

Monday, June 3rd 2:00 p.m. - Center for Healthy Aging (CHA)
Financial wellness in the retirement years
From investing to retirement income planning to estate planning, we’ll cover topics of concern to anyone who invests and saves money.

Monday, May 20th 6:30 p.m. – VBMC Joseph Tower Auditorium
Seasonal Allergies & Asthma
David Resnick, MD, Mount Kisko Medical Group
Know what your allergies are so you can prevent them.

Thursday, June 6th 6:30 p.m. – VBMC Joseph Tower Auditorium
Early Detection and Management of Ovarian Cancer
Heidi Godoy, DO, Women’s Cancer Care Associates
The role of ultrasounds, blood tests and other forms of screening.

Monday, June 10th 6:30 p.m. – VBMC Joseph Tower Auditorium
Let’s Talk About Vascular Disease
Andreas Spirig, MD, The Vascular Group
Join us for a frank discussion about vascular disease and screening.

Monday, June 17th 6:30 p.m. – VBMC Joseph Tower Auditorium
Learn About GERD:  The Gastrointestinal Disease
Lee Farber, DO, HQMP Division of Surgery Poughkeepsie
How to tell the difference between persistent heartburn and something more serious that requires medical attention.

Thursday, June 20th 6:30 p.m. – VBMC Joseph Tower Auditorium
Total Knee Replacement Surgery: When to Pull the Trigger and Do It
David T. Stamer, MD, Mid Hudson Medical Group
Total Hip Replacement Surgery:  What’s Hip and What’s Not
Frank T. Lombardo, MD, Orthopedic Associates of Dutchess County
Join two VBMC orthopedic surgeons as they talk about the latest breakthroughs in total joint replacement.

Thursday, June 27th 6:30 p.m. – VBMC Joseph Tower Auditorium
Treatment for Abnormal Periods
Jed L. Turk, MD, HQMP Division of OB/GYN
Trained in the most advanced treatments and minimally invasive procedures, our OB/GYNs and surgeons have all your medical needs covered. Learn about your options.

Third annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes raises more than $25,000 for RISE of Sullivan County

HARRIS (April 25) - More than 300 men, women and children walked a mile on Broadway and around the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello on Saturday, April 20, at the 3rd Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® to help raise funds for Catskill Regional Medical Center’s (CRMC) Rape Intervention Services and Education (RISE) program of Sullivan County.

More details, photo, on our Community Page

Saint Francis earns top recertification

POUGHKEEPSIE (April 11) - Saint Francis Hospital and Health Centers has received a three-year full reaccreditation through 2016 from Det Norske Veritas Healthcare, Inc. (DNV).

Additionally, DNV has recommended Saint Francis has for International Standards Organization (ISO) certification, which would make it one of only, approximately,46 hospitals in the nation to earn that distinction.

The reaccreditation is pursuant to the authority granted to DNV by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“A three-year accreditation means that we are in full compliance with all federal standards required of hospitals that treat Medicare and Medicaid patients,” said Saint Francis President & CEO Jason Barlow. “This is our 4th year with DNV and we are really benefiting from their collegial approach to quality improvement. They once again were very impressed with Saint Francis Hospital, our employees, facilities and processes. We have a great, caring staff here and it shows.”

All accrediting bodies for healthcare assure that hospitals are in compliance with conditions of participation established by Medicare. In order to receive Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement payments from the federal government, hospitals must meet certain standards. Accrediting bodies survey hospitals on those standards. A team from DNV spent four days at Saint Francis earlier this year conducting the survey.
 
DNV hospital accreditation addresses the demands of today’s hospitals dedicated to patient-centered care. As part of the accreditation process, DNV surveyors visit Saint Francis annually instead of every three years, as other accrediting bodies do.  They monitor the hospital’s adherence to patient safety criteria established by CMS but also evaluate processes that impact patient care across various departments and facilities of the hospital.