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HOSPITALS, COUNTY PREPARED FOR DISASTER

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, hospital CEOs and the head of the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council, Kevin Dahill, put pen to paper today and signed an historic Memorandum of Agreement for Hospital Emergency Management Coordination. The document formalizes the relationship of shared responsibility for disaster readiness and response that these entities have always maintained.

As hurricane Hanna threatens to hit Long Island this weekend, the groups agreed that their network, which emphasizes communication, coordination, and cooperation, assures the safety of Long Islanders. Whether the need is to share supplies, personnel, or space/ bed capacity, these hospitals and Suffolk County rescue and response departments work together seamlessly.

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the independent accrediting body for hospitals nationwide, now requires this legal document under its enhanced regulations for hospital emergency preparedness.

PHOTO CAPTION: Standing from left: Dr. Linda Mermelstein, Suffolk County Health Department; Robert Delagi, Suffolk County Director Emergency Medical Services; Phil Messina, Administrative Director, Emergency Department and Perioperative Services at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center; Dr. Carl Goodman, Director, Emergency Service, Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center; John Searing, Suffolk County Deputy Commissioner Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Department. Sitting from left: Kevin Dahill, president/CEO of the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council; Paul Connor, CEO of Eastern Long Island Hospital; Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy; Jay Zuckerman, Administrative Director, Regulatory Affairs and Support Services, Peconic Bay Medical Center.

EAST END HEALTH ALLIANCE IS BORN

Alliance aimed at attaining efficiencies, bargaining clout

Almost four years in the making, the new East End Health Alliance became a reality Friday as representatives of Peconic Bay Medical Center, Eastern Long Island Hospital and Southampton Hospital signed an agreement they believe will help them stem the tide of red ink and improve patient services.

The new entity will allow the three hospitals to pool resources and buying power, negotiate collectively with health insurance companies and work together on regional strategic planning for health care services. The resulting economies of scale and management efficiencies will save the hospitals money, hospital officials said. A 21-person central governance board, comprised of representatives of each of the three hospitals, will oversee the new alliance. The central board will be responsible for decisions about adding or terminating patient services or expanding the physical plants of the three hospitals. But day-to-day operations of each hospital will remain under the management of each hospital’s own board of directors.

Collectively, the three hospitals lost $8 million last year, said Southampton Hospital board chairman Stephen Shapoff, who will serve as the first chairman of the new central board.

Cost savings initiatives contained in the new agreement should stem that bleeding through centralized purchasing, managed care negotiations and streamlining of services, Mr. Shapoff said. There will be no need for staff reductions at any of the member hospitals, he said. He pointed to recently negotiated contracts with Blue Cross-Blue Shield and Oxford/UnitedHealthcare Group, saying that by negotiating together the hospitals’ reimbursements will be increased.

By being able to offer more and improved hospital services, the three hope they will increase patient loads, PBMC board chairman Bobby Goodale, who will serve as second vice chairman of the new central board.
“If we could stop the migration [of patients to other hospitals], we could fill another hospital, he said.

Mr. Shapoff predicted that both ELIH and Southampton Hospital would be operating in the black within a year or two while Mr. Goodale said he thought PBMC might be operating in the black by the end of this year.
All three hospitals have financial reports showing themselves as operating in the black now, but that’s only because they count contributions. In the past, such donations paid for “brick and mortar,” Mr. Shapoff said. Today they pay basics like electrical and heating costs, he said.

Mr. Goodale acknowledged that in practice, any two of the partners could prevent the third from an activity it wanted to pursue, but he expressed optimism that “there will never be such a vote” because issues would be hashed out and compromises reached to satisfy all three partners. His optimism today grows out of the spirit of cooperation he has experienced in hammering out the new agreement during the last four years, he said.

The three hospitals plan to enable doctors to be certified to work at any of their facilities and they hope to negotiate together in the future with unions representing hospital workers.

They also want to adopt similar protocols to serve various ailments, Mr. Goodale said.

“Best practices is something we’d like to be the practice at all,” he said.

The central board has nine committees studying various methods of cooperating, Mr. Shapoff said. They are outlining short-term goals they expect can be reached within the next 18 months; medium-term goals that may take five years; and long-term goals that could take 10 or more years. But they want to begin taking steps toward those medium- and long-term goals soon, he said.

Overall alliance goals are to enhance the ability of the hospitals to continue to develop high quality, comprehensive and accessible services; enhance patient satisfaction, safety and quality; and improve the financial health of all three hospitals.

“This alliance is going to be the envy” of others around the state, said Kevin Dahill, president and CEO of the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council.

Although the state’s Commission on Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century, known as the Berger Commission, mandated the creation of a central board for the three East End Hospitals hospitals in its January 2007 report, the three had been working on plans for an alliance at least two years prior to the report’s issuance, according to Mr. Sapoff.

In fact, the mandate from the Berger Commission was based on efforts already under way, he said.

“We’re the poster child for the Berger Commission,” Mr. Shapoff said.

When Mr. Goodale first heard that the state Legislature was looking at streamlining hospital services and talking about alliances among hospitals, he admitted he was skeptical. A veteran of the failed Peconic Health Corp. that was once hailed as the vehicle for cooperation among the three East End hospitals, his reaction was “not again.”
Peconic Health Corp. ceased operations at the end of 2005.

What’s different this time is that a simple majority instead of a super- majority is needed to pass resolutions by the central board and the state has put $14 million so far into the funding programs to help the alliance. PHC had no money, he said.

As stand-alone facilities, the hospitals “struggled,” Mr. Shapoff said.

“Together we are a regional resource.” Together the three provide services to residents over a 300-square-mile area, have 360 beds, serve 16,000 patients per year and another 60,000 through emergency services, Mr. Shapoff
said.

They employ 2,000 people and generate $1 billion for the economy of Suffolk County, he said.
He credited Sen. Kenneth LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) with being the guiding light to help achieve the alliance.
“His vision of a strong health system for eastern Suffolk has stimulated us all,: Thomas Murray, a central board member and ELIH board chairman, said about Mr. LaValle. “The whole is better than the sum of its parts,” Mr. Murray said.

Mr. LaValle credited a medical student back in the mid 1980s with making him aware that the East End was under-served by health care facilities. Through the new alliance, they’ve “willing to venture into uncharted waters,” he said. “They did it because they understood a certain vision — they understood that you need to collaborate,” he said.
“Today we are bearing the fruits of some very tough decisions, some very forthright conversations and compromise,” he said.

HOSPITALS AND OXFORD/UNITED SETTLE RATES

The three East End hospitals and Oxford/United health plans today announced a signed agreement in hand.

“A fair and equitable contract for the hospitals-- Eastern Long Island Hospital, Peconic Bay Medical Center, and Southampton Hospital, is one that brings the reimbursement up to market,” explains Paul Connor, President and CEO of Eastern Long Island Hospital and spokesperson for the East End hospitals. Historically reimbursement rates on the East End were significantly less than elsewhere and did not keep pace with the rising costs of patient care.

“The negotiation process was productive, and disruption of care was avoided by extending the deadlines several times throughout the lengthy process,” notes Connor. “The risk of out-of-network care is no longer a concern. Oxford and United Health Plan subscribers can continue receiving both elective and emergent heath care services according to benefits plans without disruption,” he added.

The three healthcare facilities are the only hospitals in the five towns that comprise Eastern Suffolk County.

Spokesperson: Paul Connor, 631-477-5100

MANAGED CARE DEADLINE LOOMS FOR EAST END HOSPITALS

Facing the deadline for a contract resolution with Oxford and United Healthcare, the three East End hospitals are committed to doing everything they can to reach an equitable agreement including being available to negotiate 24/7.

The three hospitals—Eastern Long Island Hospital, Peconic Bay Medical Center, and Southampton Hospital—have been negotiating in good faith with the critical issue being fair and equitable reimbursements in order to provide for the essential healthcare of our communities. Our hospitals are being reimbursed at a rate that is far below other hospitals on Long Island even though our costs are comparable and employers are paying comparable amounts for health insurance premiums of their employees.

Currently, all three hospitals are negotiating contracts with Oxford, and Southampton and Eastern Long Island are also negotiating with United Healthcare. If an agreement is not reached, Peconic Bay Medical Center and Southampton Hospitals will be “out of network” with Oxford the first week in June and Southampton Hospital will be out of network with United Healthcare as well. Should this occur, patients can still use the Emergency Department at any of the three East End hospitals.

SIMON NAMED TOP DOCTOR

Lloyd Simon, MD gains “Top Doctor” status on Long Island, due to several factors, including excellence in academic medicine and research, education, superior patient care, disciplinary history, professional reputation and board certification. This recognition comes from a national consumer guide prepared by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd.

Lloyd Simon, a board certified internist, is also a recipient of the “Physician Leadership in Quality Improvement Award” by IPRO, an independent not-for-profit corporation and one of the largest health care quality review and improvement organizations in the United States.

“Castle Connolly is verifying what we already know about Dr. Simon,” notes Paul J. Connor III, President/CEO. “Dr. Simon joined the medical staff in 1983 and is an active member of the executive leadership team. As Medical Director, his expertise also puts ELIH at the top of list for quality.”

SKIN CANCER: TREATABLE WITH EARLY DETECTION

Hana Ujkic of Mattituck, one of 50 Melanoma Monday participants, received a complementary screening by Dermatologist, Antoinette Notaro, MD at the ELIH Gladys Brooks Medical Village, Greenport. The free screening, co-sponsored by Eastern Long Island Hospital and The American Academy of Dermatology brings awareness to the growing incidence of skin cancer in the United States.

Beating skin cancer begins with a visual exam of your skin by a dermatologist. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, the cure rate for skin cancer averages 95%. Even melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer has a 95% cure rate with early detection and treatment.

Eastern Long Island Hospital urges you to be ‘sun smart’, especially here on the North Fork and Shelter Island where the seduction of waterfront vistas encourages extended outdoor activity. According to guidelines set by the American Academy of Dermatology, a sun screen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of a least 15 should be applied every two hours when outdoors even on cloudy days.

Recruitment Efforts Gain Popularity To Headoff Nursing Shortages - as reported on Hamptons.com

DEALING WITH THE SHORTAGE

Article excerpt:

Small hospitals like the 80-bed ELIH, which has a nursing staff of 48 whose combined hours amount to 40 full-time employees, feel the nursing shortage more acutely. “We are a small hospital, so we are really impacted when we are down one nurse,” Pat Pispisa, the vice president for patient services at ELIH, commented. In the past, the hospital tapped into a roster of international and traveling nurses, who generally stay for between three months and one year, but at times have been unable to keep staff for long periods of time. “It can be difficult to recruit and retain people because of our geographic location,” Pispisa explained.

With the international nurses “our goal at that time was that we were hoping they would stay with us, but there were some cultural differences, and sometimes young women had commitments to go home,” Pispisa said.

Seeking to create a more permanent pool of recruits, the hospital created a scholarship program to pay for the education of current employees wishing to attend nursing school. “We’ve been able to recruit and retain staff, so right now we don’t feel the impact of the shortage,” Pispisa explained, adding, “the scholarship program is filling the gap.” Nine students have participated in the program thus far; three graduated in January, and were scheduled to start at the hospital on March 31. Participants in the program, whose tuition, fees, and books are paid for, must commit to work at ELIH for at least two years.

Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport has partnered with Suffolk Community College's School of Nursing to train nurses to work at the hospital.

“These are really people from the community,” Pipisa said. “Hopefully they’re going to being staying in the community for the long term.”

ELIH's program is part of a wider effort by area hospitals and Suffolk County Community College's School of Nursing in an effort to train more nurses. Seven Long Island hospitals, including ELIH and Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead, committed funding to the school to hire additional faculty and expand its nursing program. In return, the hospitals are guaranteed a certain number of slots in SCCC's nursing program to train staff, who then work at the respective hospitals for a set period of time.

APICELLO NAMED ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT ADMINISTRATION

Eastern Long Island Hospital today announced the appointment of Susan Apicello to Assistant Vice President/Administration. In her new role, Ms. Apicello will oversee the day-to- day operations of Eastern Long Island Hospital’s Pharmacy Department, Physical Therapy, Nutritional Services, Respiratory, Laboratory and Radiology. Susan Apicello previously served as the manager of Laboratory and Digital Imaging. She joined the staff at Eastern Long Island Hospital in 2003. “Susan brings a great deal of enthusiasm and experience to the position,” states Paul J. Connor III, President/CEO. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Medical Staff and Administration, I welcome her to the Executive Leadership team.” Susan Apicello holds a Bachelor of Science from LIU, CW Post Campus.

She resides in Jamesport with her two daughters, ages 17 and 19.

SAFETY FIRST … NEW SYSTEM DELIVERS MEDS TO PATIENTS ELECTRONICALLY

Medication administration at Eastern Long Island Hospital is moving at a quickerpace thanks to the introduction of EMAR, the new Electronic Medication Administration Record System designed to dispense prescribed meds to each patient during their hospital stay with the utmost precision. “Only 5 percent of hospitals nationwide are currently using bedside scanning and bar-code systems to manage medications,” states Theresa Glass, Director of Clinical Services. “ELIH is ahead of the curve.” EMAR is a bar coded computerized system that allows each nurse to match each patient to both the correct medication and dosage at the exact time of day and document it in the patient’s chart with the ease of a hand held scanner and a mobile medication cart. Saving time in medication preparation and administration, the new system is also an important link between hospital departments and increases patient safety. “With EMAR, the pharmacist enters the doctor’s orders directly into the computer’s database,” states Ray Kruspski, Pharmacy Director. “The program can then reference the new order with each patient’s medical history to check for allergies and food or drug interactions. Two sets of bar codes, one on the patient’s wrist band, and the other on the medication package are the basis for the exchange of information.” “The new technology is changing the delivery of healthcare, allowing more time for nurses at the bedside,” states Theresa Glass, Director of Clinical Services. “There is also a follow up feature that assists nurses in the medication assessment for each patient. Before EMAR, nurses were handwriting pages of medication administration on a clip board. We’ve come a long way in advancing quality care and eliminating all types of medication errors including errors of omission. Eastern Long Island Hospital is pleased to provide the best care with the highest level of safety with this new enhancement.”

ELIH EXPANDS UROLOGY SERVICES

Eastern Long Island Hospital expands urology services with the appointment of board certified urologist, Scott M. Press, MD, to the medical staff. Dr. Press is a Diplomate of the American Board of Urology and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. “The growing aging population on the North Fork and Shelter Island, calls for more Urological Services for men and women close to home,” states Paul J. Connor, III, President and Chief Executive Officer, ELIH. “At Eastern Long Island Hospital, Dr. Press will focus on urological disorders that often affect older adults, including laser therapy for prostate disease, lithotripsy for kidney stones and minimally invasive treatment for incontinence. Dr. Press also treats male infertility and performs vasectomies and vasectomy reversals.”

KIWANIS HELPS ELIH PROVIDE SECONDHAND SMOKE EDUCATION

The Secondhand Smoke Education Project sponsored by the eleven clubs of the Suffolk East Division of Kiwanis resulted in the distribution of educational workbooks developed by the Suffolk County Department of Health Office of Health Education to Eastern Long Island Hospital. With the help of the local Kiwanis, a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world … one child and one community at a time, the workbooks will be given to children who require treatment for respiratory or middle ear infections and related ailments. The workbook is designed to educate children and inform their parents about the serious health risks of second hand smoke and is available for children who come to the emergency department with illnesses that are consistent with exposure to secondhand smoke. According to the Surgeon General, studies show that Secondhand Smoke is responsible for over 200 deaths, and up to1,500,000 health visits for children annually. It is also associated with and increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Recent studies also indicate that exposure to Secondhand Smoke is one of the causes of Breast Cancer in young women below the age of 50.

HOSPITAL BASED PHYSICAL THERAPY EXEMPT FROM MEDICARE CAP

Eastern Long Island Hospital has an urgent message for seniors who may be aware of Medicare regulations to limit coverage for physical therapy services that became effective on January 1, 2006. The cap that applies to outpatient therapy settings, but not hospital-based physical therapy settings, is a combined limit of $1,740 for 2006 for physical and speech therapy. A separate $1,740 cap is applied to occupational therapy. “The good news is that seniors in need of physical therapy will find respite from the newly imposed Medicare cap at Eastern Long Island Hospital Physical & Fitness at the Gladys Brooks Center. There is no need to let therapy caps cost you money or sacrifice treatment,” states Paul J. Connor, III, President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Medicare therapy cap – an annual financial limit on the amount of therapy services Medicare will cover per beneficiary went into effect January 1, 2006, after Congress failed to extend a moratorium preventing its enforcement. While the cap holds true for most outpatient physical therapy providers, as a hospital based program, physical therapy programs owned and operated by Eastern Long Island Hospital are exempt from these caps. “We want to get the word out to all Medicare beneficiaries that physical therapy can be provided to them with no cap on benefits if they seek treatment with hospital-based physical therapy facilities,” states Nancy Williams, Director of Physical Therapy Services at Eastern Long Island Hospital.

“There is no need for patients to pay additional out-of-pocket expenses or refrain from seeking the care they need for fear that they will be responsible for additional costs. ELIH Physical Therapy & Fitness at Gladys Brooks Center in Southold is a hospital-based physical therapy center, therefore, the cap does not affect this type of service.” If you or someone you love is in need of physical therapy, let your community hospital help, call 765-9389 for an appointment. Hours of service are Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm. A physician’s prescription is required for physical therapy visits.

STONY BROOK ALLIANCE

The Board of Trustees of Eastern Long Island Hospital, at its April 21st meeting, voted to join Stony Brook University Hospital in the University Hospital Alliance. The Alliance is a unique relationship made possible by “flexibility” legislation introduced by Senator Kenneth LaValle in 1998 allowing Stony Brook University Hospital, a State owned hospital, to affiliate with community hospitals. "While Eastern Long Island Hospital remains an independent, not-for-profit hospital under this arrangement, significant clinical and business opportunities are created that directly enhance local healthcare services," explains Paul J. Connor III, President and CEO, ELIH. Opportunities identified by the alliance include joint venture programs to bring new and strengthened clinical services to the North Fork and Shelter Island, as well as both continuing medical education and recruitment prospects for the medical and clinical staff at Eastern Long Island Hospital. There is also the potential to serve as a clinical campus, which would bring Stony Brook trained physicians, nurses and social workers to the East End. The clinical campus environment fortifies workforce resources and stimulates best medical practice on the professional level.

“Because this affiliation links Eastern Long Island Hospital to the only tertiary care hospital and medical school in Suffolk County, it fosters the development of a regional health system, and ensures the delivery of excellence in patient care for residents and visitors to the East End," says Thomas E. Murray, Jr., Chairman, Board of Trustees, ELIH. “We are making an investment of medical, academic and business expertise in the health care of the region,” comments Bruce Schroffel, Director and CEO of Stony Brook University Hospital. “We are committed to improving the public health of the region we serve, and patients will find enhanced quality care through membership in the University Hospital Alliance.” Stony Brook University Hospital, celebrating its 25th anniversary during 2005, is the only academic medical center and tertiary care hospital in Suffolk County. With its 504 beds and 4,000 employees, SBUH is the largest hospital in the county. The new Heart Center and the Long Island Cancer Center attract patients from throughout the region for their cutting edge diagnostic and treatment facilities and compassionate care. Stony Brook has Long Island’s only kidney transplantation center and the nation’s only Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center. The hospital is also the regional referral center for trauma, perinatal and neonatal intensive care, burns, bone marrow and stem cell transplantation, cystic fibrosis, pediatric/adult AIDS, and is home to the Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities.

Officially Signing the Alliance Agreement
(l-r) (seated) Thomas E. Murray, Jr., Chairman Board of Trustees ELIH; John S.T. Gallagher, CEO Stony Brook University Hospital; Paul J. Connor III, President/CEO ELIH; (standing) Senator Kenneth P. LaValle and Richard N. Fine, MD, Dean Stony Brook University School of Medicine.

DEDICATED TO QUALITY EMERGENCY CARE

Eastern Long Island Hospital dedicated the new Emergency Department on Friday, December 10, 2004. Thanks to the support of the community combined with significant corporate contributions, Emergency Medicine at ELIH sets a new standard.

The ‘new’ Emergency Department, rebuilt to streamline patient comfort and accessibility on all levels, is a now a spacious 4,512 square feet, nine-bed, state-of-the-art facility. Incorporated into the new design is a dedicated trauma and chest pain center, decontamination chamber and isolation suite, pediatric/obstetric room and patient nourishment center, in addition to dedicated triage, waiting, reception and outpatient service areas for diagnostic testing.

“Meeting the current needs of the community with enhanced equipment was paramount,” states Paul J. Connor III, President/CEO. “Especially in this age of bio-terrorism and homeland security, disaster planning and preparedness were driving forces in the new design.” “All new stretchers, a blanket/fluid warmer for near drowning victims, a hepa filtering system for negative pressure and reverse isolation to contain infectious diseases, coupled with new diagnostic centers for vitals at every bedside will assist nurses in the delivery of a higher standard of care,” adds Connor. “

Absolutely everything in the Emergency Department is brand new and state-of-the-art.” More than 150 guests arrived at about 2:30 pm on a chilly blustery afternoon and gathered inside a heated tent on hospital grounds. “We has so many people to thank, the conference room just would not hold everybody,” noted Thomas E. Murray, Jr., Chairman Board of Trustees.

The festivities included a tour followed by a reception inside the new Emergency Department. Mr. Murray had kind words for Z. Micah Kaplan, MD and all of the contributors. “Remember, that this Emergency Department is a tribute to each and every one of you.

You have collectively raised the standard of Emergency Medicine for your family, friends and neighbors through your support—Today on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire Hospital, I thank you and dedicate this unit to each of you,” stated Mr. Murray.