This document, prepared by Eastern Long Island Hospital, was submitted to the State of New York Department of Health pursuant to Public Health Law 2803-1. Public Health Law 2803-1 requires hospitals to submit a comprehensive Community Service Plan every three years and an Implementation Report on each of the alternate years. The Department of Health (DOH) defines the format followed. Additionally, the elements and requirements for the plan are outlined in DOHM 91-21 (4/29/91) and 93-2 (1/20/93). Please direct questions relative to this document to the Communty Relations Department of Eastern Long Island Hospital at 631-477-5164.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
For the past 100 years EASTERN LONG ISLAND HOSPITAL, an 80-bed, not-for-profit, community hospital, has been an essential health care resource for the residents and visitors of the North Fork and Shelter Island. Founded in 1905, EASTERN LONG ISLAND HOSPITAL (ELIH) was the first voluntary hospital in Suffolk County. Historically innovative, ELIH was first in Suffolk to offer x-ray services and first to provide bi-lateral joint replacement surgery. With that same innovative spirit, ELIH continues to secure accessible, quality healthcare for this community into a second century. Focused on caring for a growing population in a small waterfront community, ELIH has come to rely on fundraising efforts as an additional source of income due to reduced State and Federal reimbursement coupled with late payments and denials from managed care organizations and third party payers. ELIH must provide care for an increasing number of senior residents as well as individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements continue to fall short of covering the real costs of providing quality health care—“cost of caring.”
Despite economic challenges, the leadership at ELIH continues to develop strategies for ensuring the viability of new and essential healthcare services into the next century. Guided by its governing board, ELIH ensures the seamless delivery of expert care by building strong community relationships and using corporate and human services partnerships to implement community health initiatives. ELIH is working toward the fulfillment of a five-year strategic plan to address the healthcare needs of the North Fork and Shelter Island. Operation: Emergency Expansion, a fundraising campaign to rebuild the existing Emergency Department, resulted in $2.1 million to increase the size of the previous unit by 43%. The initiative, completed in December of 2004, gives residents access to a spacious 4,512 square-foot, state-of-the-art Emergency Department, with a dedicated trauma and chest pain center, decontamination chamber and isolation suite. In addition to enhancing the health and well-being of the communities we serve, Eastern Long Island Hospital contributes significantly to the area’s economic health. With an employment base of 257 and a total payroll of $15, 461,000, the Hospital’s expenditures serve as an important economic stimulus, creating and supporting jobs throughout the local and state economies. Dollars earned by Eastern Long Island Hospital employees and spent on groceries, clothing, mortgage payments, rent, etc.; generate approximately $31,844,000 in economic activity for the local economy.
OUR COMMUNITY
The primary service area for Eastern Long Island Hospital consists of Southold and Shelter Island Towns. These towns include the hamlets of Orient, East Marion, Southold, Peconic, Cutchogue, New Suffolk, Mattituck, Shelter Island, Shelter Island Heights, and the incorporated Village of Greenport. The catchment area for the psychiatric service extends to western Suffolk and Nassau Counties, as it does for alcohol and drug rehabilitation (Quannacut) services. Eastern Long Island Hospital’s primary service area is comprised of 22,419 residents, an increase of 5.3% from the 1990 population.
The ELIH service area population is projected to grow 1% by 2006. When broken down into age categories, it becomes evident that the population between the ages of 55 and 64 is driving this population growth. Also of note is the population of women of childbearing ages (ages 18-44), whose decline is projected to continue. Within the ELIH service area, the most densely populated towns are Southold (pop. 5,575), Mattituck (pop. 4,680) and Greenport (pop. 3,705). The North Fork is growing in population, but still retains its traditional agricultural base. Long noted for its potato fields, the area is rapidly becoming a center for viniculture. The agricultural emphasis involves a labor force, many of them transients from minority groups, with a variety of healthcare needs. Based on 2000 Census data, 91% of the population is white, 5% Hispanic and 3% black. By 2006, it is projected that the white population will increase 0.5%, Asian 10%, Hispanic 13%, native American 18%, while the black population will decrease –4%.
Throughout Suffolk County, the towns with the highest median age are on the North Fork. Compared to the rest of Suffolk County, the ELIH service area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 or older. While 12% of Suffolk County residents are in this age category, 28.5% of Shelter Island Town residents and 24% of Southold Town residents are over age 65. This data supports the observation that Eastern Long Island Hospital’s primary challenge is the care of the elderly. It should be noted that Southold and Shelter Island Towns have been retirement communities for many decades, a trend that continues today. In defining our community, it is important to emphasize that this is also a vacation area, where the population almost doubles in the summer. Many of the summer residents maintain expensive second homes and an affluent lifestyle. Tourists form another segment of the population. Swimming, sailing, fishing, and vineyard tours attract people from all over the metropolitan area. The Emergency Department at Eastern Long Island Hospital provides care for those who have a medical emergency during their visit. There are no firm estimates on the number of migrant agricultural workers that come into this area. Agriculture is one of Suffolk County’s leading industries. Its success relies on seasonal workers, primarily from Central America, who move through the Eastern United States in response to seasonal work available.
Eastern Long Island Hospital recognizes that this population presents serious health problems; many are uninsured and unable to speak English, and they rely on the Hospital Emergency Department, as well as the Suffolk County health clinics for healthcare. Eastern Long Island Hospital provides translation services for non-English speaking people, using staff if available, and purchased telephone translation services. Efforts to raise diversity sensitivity and improve communication include conversational Spanish classes available to employees. The hospital also ensures that the New York State Health Department’s “Your Rights as a Hospital Patient” is prominently displayed in the Emergency Department and other public locations, in English and in Spanish
Identifying Community Needs
Because of geographic isolation and medical economics, attracting and retaining physicians continues to be a challenge to ELIH. As a result, Eastern Long Island Hospital has focused on the recruitment of full-time practices of many important medical specialties as our patients are often forced to seek specialty care by leaving the area. Statistics suggest the majority of patients leave the area for cancer care, cardiac care and obstetrical/gynecological conditions that require advanced surgical intervention. Heart disease, cancer, and cerebrovascular disease are the leading causes of death on Long Island’s East End, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. The Strategic Planning committee coordinates analysis of data from public participation processes. SPARCS data used in analysis (Statewide Planning & Resource Cooperative System) in evaluating potential unmet health needs. The single largest factor (and newest) influencing services under consideration is Peconic Landing, a Continuing Care Residential Community – 2nd of its kind on LI which includes: 250 independent living units, 26 enriched housing beds, and a 44 – bed nursing home. ELIH currently has ten primary care physicians, of which one is a geriatrician, for the significant senior population it serves, in addition to the newly opened retirement community, Peconic Landing, just one mile from the Hospital. ELIH recognizes a need for the recruitment of new primary care physicians and specialists to accommodate these residents as well as the growing aging population on the North Fork and Shelter Island.
Many key members of the administrative staff, clinical staff and medical staff participate in focus groups to explore initiatives that the hospital can undertake to improve access to care and to investigate the feasibility of new services. These focus groups have identified the following types of initiatives as important in improving hospital services and meeting community health needs: Physician Recruitment: Projected changes in the area’s demographics, specifically the aging of the population, revealed a need for 10 to 12 primary care physicians by 2005. Increasing the number of primary care physicians practicing in the areas of Cutchogue, Mattituck and Laurel was cited as an important factor in meeting the needs of the residents in these more densely populated areas. Physical Plant Improvements: Plant improvements are necessary to maintain the environment of care. High volume patient areas slated for renovation include the Diagnostic Imaging Suites, the Medical-Surgical Unit and two Behavioral Health Units. Technology Upgrades: Keeping pace with changing technologies continues to be a high priority. To ensure efficiency, a new hospital information system has been installed. ELIH is working towards establishing electronic patient medical records and acquiring digital imaging.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Eastern Long Island Hospital is well represented in a wide range of community-based initiatives to ensure input at all levels—from residents, patients and allied health professionals to leaders in business, education and government. An East End Council that includes representatives from Southold and Shelter Island Townships and Greenport Village review both health and economic issues exclusive to the East End communities. ELIH has been a member of Peconic Community Council, a coalition of organizations and individuals dedicated to the promotion and preservation of health and human services for five of the East End Townships in Suffolk County. Collaborative efforts include an integrated community health assessment and a community health improvement process to benefit all of the agencies currently serving these communities. Eastern Long Island Hospital continually solicits patient input through a Patient Satisfaction Survey process. This tool is used to assess the care received by every in-patient, every ambulatory surgery patient and every patient treated in the Emergency Department. The data collected from these comprehensive surveys provides valuable information on a wide range of quality indicators and helps to identify patient needs.
Additionally, performance improvement activities at ELIH continue to create and maintain a standard of excellence in patient care. Action plans are implemented through the exchange of carefully documented information and assessments. Reports generated by internal committees and task forces, trends identified in healthcare journals and periodicals, as well as reports from HANYS and local agencies, are analyzed and reviewed regularly by the Board of Trustees Strategic Planning Committee and at ongoing administrative staff planning sessions. Further, Eastern Long Island Hospital maintains an active Strategic Planning Committee with representation from the Board of Trustees,Medical Staff and Administration The Development/Community Relations Committee at Eastern Long Island Hospital is also an integral part of this process. This committee is currently comprised of seven members of the Board of Trustees, 12 community representatives, and 5 from Hospital staff. It functions as a conduit, keeping information relative to accessibility of health services flowing freely in both directions. Hospital staff and committee members serve in other capacities in community service organizations keeping an open dialogue with respected community leaders.
These include, but are not limited to:
• 1 In 9/ LI Breast Cancer Coalition
• American Academy of Dermatology
• American Cancer Society
• American Heart/Lung/Diabetes Association
• Catholic Charities
• Chamber of Commerce
• Dominican Sisters
• East End Hospice
• Emergency Medical Squads
• Family Service League
• Fighting Chance – Coordinating Resources for Cancer Patients
• Greenport Merchants Committee
• Lion’s Eye Bank
• Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation
• Long Island Blood Services
• Mattituck School Board – Mattituck/Cutchogue High School Business Advisory
• Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council
• National Depression Screening Association
• New York Organ Donors
• North Fork Promotion Council
• North Fork Rotary
• Peconic Landing
• Recovery Inc.
• Safe Sitter Program
• Seniors of Southold & Peconic
• Suffolk County Health Department
• Suffolk County Office for the Aging
• Southold High School Business Advisory
• United Way of Long Island
STRATEGIC PLANS AND GOALS
The Eastern Long Island Hospital Strategic Planning Committee engages representation from the Board of Trustees, Medical Staff, and Administration. During 2001 and early 2002, the committee drafted its strategic goals in a five-year plan to further enhance the clinical service and financial viability of the organization. The following strategic planning goals were formulated after close scrutiny of the data collected and further evaluation of demographics. The strategy of Eastern Long Island Hospital is to keep patients in the community who are appropriate for us to treat, increasing the volume through the reduction in out-migration from the hospital’s service area.
This will be accomplished through the following goals: Quality Goal: Continually focus on providing high quality care to all patients. Measure of Success: Document and report the quality of healthcare provided through measures of clinical process and outcomes, staffing and patient safety. Operational Performance Goal: Expand clinical programs and become a financially stable organization. Measure of Success: Financial breakeven by 2006. Physician Development Goal: Increase physician presence within selectedspecialties. Measure of Success: Additional primary care physicians and specialists on staff and increased utilization of the hospital. Service Excellence Goal: Provide an environment in which patients, their families and physicians are highly satisfied with the services provided. Measure of Success: Improved measures of patient satisfaction and community assessment. Workforce Development Goal: Provide a work environment that is conducive to favorable staff recruitment and retention. Community Health Goal: Respond to identified health needs through education, advocacy, partnerships and programs which result in improved access to care and health outcomes. Measure of Success: Improved health status of the community.
MEETING COMMUNITY NEEDS
Eastern Long Island Hospital continues to meet the needs of the community through the services it provides and through ongoing health screenings and educational programs. In 2004, the Hospital utilized many resources to move forward on several projects and witnessed the completion of others.
Highlights – 2004 • Flu Shot Distribution – coordinated effort with local organizations, prioritizing high risk.
ELIH was one of few agencies with vaccine available during crisis period. • Established workforce housing on Hospital property. • Coordinated with local government agencies in support of affordable housing initiatives. • Improved access to charity care in compliance with local regulations. • Promote healthcare access for underserved (thru charity care). • Conducted Hospital-wide Benchmarking Program to ensure efficient delivery of services with consulting firm, Cambio Health Solution LLC. • Operation: Emergency Expansion - Expanded Emergency Department to 4,512 square feet with dedicated trauma and chest pain center, decontamination chamber and isolation suite. • Physician recruitment: Recruited several new specialty care physicians: Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Infectious Disease. • Developed patient-focused outpatient center for diagnostic testing including lab services and radiology. • Prepared for Upcoming 100 Year Anniversary Celebration for 2005.
HOSPITAL SERVICES AT A GLANCE
2,252 ambulatory surgery procedures. It had 7,980 visits to the Emergency Department, with 1,867 Emergency Department admissions. Of the 3,086 admissions, 1,645 were for medical/surgical cases, 649 were for alcohol/drug, 382 for psychiatry, and 410 for rehab. Emergency Medicine – The Emergency Medical Department at Eastern Long Island Hospital added a new team of Board Certified physicians in emergency medicine in 2004. This new team treats all patients who have acute medical emergencies that require immediate attention. Upon arrival in the Emergency Department, patients are initially seen by a triage nurse who evaluates the severity of the condition to assure immediate treatment when indicated. The patient’s private physician may be contacted upon request, and, depending on the nature of the emergency, may come to the Hospital to initiate treatment. In most cases, medical care is administered by the emergency department physician in telephone consultation with the patient’s private physician. A staff of qualified specialists is available for consultation, if necessary. At Eastern Long Island Hospital, emergency treatment is never deferred because of financial issues. Eastern Long Island Hospital utilizes the ambulances within North-Shore Long Island Jewish System for the transport of acutely ill patients to tertiary care facilities.
The Gladys Brooks Medical Village – The Gladys Brooks Medical Village continues to offer more medical specialties to the community. The facility is located one block from the Hospital and is easily accessible. The Hospital leases office space, equipment and support staff to physicians and other healthcare practitioners for a reasonable fee. Each physician/practitioner sets up a practice as needed depending on patient volume. This allows those physicians with primary practices elsewhere to treat patients locally. This initiative has resulted in the addition of specialists in endocrinology, gastroenterology, general surgery, neurology, otolaryngology, nutrition, addiction services and a neo-natal clinic. Furthering this commitment, the Hospital expanded to provide office space on site for an oncology group. The Roon Medical Suite is easily accessible through the rear entrance of the Hospital. Primary Care – Recruitment efforts to bring more primary care physicians to the area have been ongoing. The goal of establishing a primary care practice in Cutchogue was met in 2003 with the arrival of a Board Certified Internist in this area. Ambulatory Surgery –Eastern Long Island Hospital opened the Gladys Brooks Ambulatory Surgery Pavilion, opened in 2001, and continues to expand both volume and scope of service. Ambulatory Surgery reduces the cost of surgery because extended inpatient hospitalization is not necessary. Skilled physicians perform a wide range of surgical procedures, including; general surgery, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, otolaryngology, podiatry, plastic surgery, urology and vascular surgery with the assistance of highly-trained nurses.
Pain Management Center - The Pain Management Center at Eastern Long Island Hospital offers sophisticated treatment options for chronic pain. A board certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist treats patients at the Gladys Brooks Ambulatory Surgery Pavilion. Imaging, Department of Radiology – Eastern Long Island Hospital offers diagnostic imaging techniques consistent with community hospital standards. Radiology is centered in one location with bone densitometry, ultrasound, a spiral CAT scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and mammography. Behavioral Health – Eastern Long Island Hospital offers Addiction Services under the Quannacut program and inpatient Psychiatric Services. Psychiatric and Substance Abuse patients may be referred to Eastern Long Island Hospital by a triage center at Stony Brook University Hospital, and by Southampton Hospital and Central Suffolk Hospital, as well as other agencies in the greater metro area. Psychiatric Department – The Psychiatric Department of Eastern Long Island Hospital is an 18 bed, acute psychiatric unit certified by the New York State Department of Health, Office for Mental Health. It is affiliated with the University Hospital at Stony Brook, Department of Psychiatry. The unit serves mentally ill patients as well as mentally ill, chemically addicted (MICA) patients. Its interdisciplinary approach includes board certified psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, clinical social workers, recreation therapists, and registered dietitians. It provides 24 hour nursing care by a team of psychiatric nurses and nursing assistants. The center follows a structured approach to allow for individual treatment. Therapies include medication management, individual and group therapy, family counseling and electro-convulsive therapy (ECT).
A comprehensive education program helps patients better understand their illness and recognize symptoms that may lead to relapse. The program includes instruction in anger management, coping skills, stress management, psychiatric disease and medication, health and wellness (TB, AIDS, nicotine addiction, nutrition, hygiene) and independent living skills. Mental health practitioners can make direct referrals to the center. Assessment for admission can also occur through the Emergency Department and from transfers from other hospitals. Quannacut – Outpatient and inpatient services are provided for those whose primary addiction is alcohol, but addresses related chemical dependencies as well. Quannacut is licensed by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. The philosophy of the Quannacut program addresses alcoholism as a treatable disease with the primary goal of total abstinence. The inpatient alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation center at Eastern Long Island Hospital has 25 beds. Addiction Services programs are all medically managed with plans structured to meet each individual’s needs. The treatment team is multi-disciplined with physicians, licensed nurses, trained and credentialed alcoholism counselors, certified social workers, a recreational therapist, a registered dietitian and clergy. A sober house located in Mattituck assists those patients who are in need of additional support after discharge from the Hospital. The house can accommodate 10 residents for a specified period of time under the supervision of a certified alcohol and substance abuse counselor. The Geriatric Center of Excellence – The program was opened at Eastern Long Island Hospital to provide a team approach to professional care for the growing elderly population of the North Fork and Shelter Island. The program offers advanced technology as well as traditional responses to the needs of patients and includes the services of a board certified geriatrician, educational programs and a nutritionist. Additional disciplines and specialties are always available for consultation. The staff of the center is committed to enhancing the quality of each patient’s life with an emphasis on maximizing their independence.
Rehabilitation Services – Eastern Long Island Hospital provides a comprehensive rehabilitation program with a multi-disciplinary team of trained, licensed therapists and rehabilitation professionals under the supervision of a Board Certified physician, often a neurologist or orthopaedist, who provides therapeutic and diagnostic consultation. Patients may receive rehabilitative treatment for neurological conditions due to stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular disease and Parkinson’s disease. Treatment is also available for musculoskeletal conditions related to a sprain or fracture, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, congenital deformity, amputation, joint deterioration of a hip, knee or shoulder, and work or sports related injuries as well as multiple trauma from a motor vehicle accident. Pulmonary rehabilitation is also offered with an extended maintenance program. Physical Therapy and Fitness Center – Eastern Long Island Hospital has a comprehensive physical fitness center in Southold. In addition to offering outpatient physical therapy, personal fitness training and an athletic injury-screening clinic, the spacious center features state-of-the-art equipment which is extremely popular with community members at every age – from students to senior citizens. The center specializes in treating musculoskeletal disabilities and athletic injuries.
Women’s Health Program – Eastern Long Island Hospital has installed advanced mammography and bone densitometry equipment in the Radiology Department. Educational programs focus on the importance of breast health through early detection, routine exams and breast self-examination. Treatment for osteoporosis, incontinence and nutritional counseling are also available. Nutrition Center – The services of a registered dietitian, certified dietitian/nutritionist and certified diabetes educator are provided to patients referred by their physicians. In addition, nutritional counseling is provided in seminars, through the Women’s Health Center, and through the Speaker’s Bureau. Diabetic education and self-management is offered through a program certified since 2001 through the American Diabetes Association. A herb garden is planted on Hospital grounds each year making fresh herbs available daily for patient and staff meals.
Lifeline – Eastern Long Island Hospital participates in Lifeline, a comprehensive multi-option service that enable elderly and handicapped members of the community to remain at home after discharge from the Hospital with emergency medical assistance only a push-button away. Subscribers to this service are equipped with a lightweight, waterproof help button on a bracelet or necklace that activates in a small in-home unit called a communicator. The communicator puts the person in touch with a Lifeline Monitor who evaluates the situation and responds by contacting a friend, neighbor, or relative to come to the home to check on the person, or by calling an ambulance or the police. Preventive Services and Educational Programs – Listed above are direct patient care services currently provided. In addition, the Hospital has offered a wide variety of preventive and educational services, including: Educational Programs by Staff Members – Hospital staff members regularly present programs to the Board of Trustees, to the Auxiliary, to students in the schools and to service organizations in the community. Communications and Publications – Eastern Long Island Hospital is committed to maintaining constant communication with the community it serves. The Development and Community Relations Staff works closely with local and regional media – newspapers, radio and television – to keep the community aware of the programs and services offered by Eastern Long Island Hospital. Since the forms of communication and technology are always changing, the public relations staff regularly evaluates the publications and brochures that are distributed to the community. Eastern Long Island Hospital has a web site which is accessed at www.ELIH.org.
The Hospital publishes a quarterly newsletter, entitled, “Better Health” which focuses on wellness. It features articles on timely health issues, nutrition, hospital services and events. The newsletter is distributed by mail and is available at community events, local libraries, schools, pharmacies, physician’s offices, and within the Hospital. The Hospital also distributes a first aid guide, and various other pamphlets on hospital services and health topics, including: men’s health, women’s health and nutrition. Insurance Counseling – Trained volunteers provide Medicare counseling to every individual who requests it. Medicare booklets are updated yearly and are made available in the Hospital lobby and patient waiting areas. ELIH has a formal policy for charity care that serves as a guide to those providing insurance counseling. Health Information Centers – Eastern Long Island Hospital has staffed health information seminars at a variety of community events which take place primarily in the summer and the fall. Blood pressure screenings are conducted by the nursing staff, and health and Hospital related literature is distributed. The hospital sends public service announcements to local radio stations making poison control information available. Telephone stickers with the toll free 24-hour emergency poison control number are available upon request and have been widely distributed. Stop Smoking and Weight Reduction Seminars – The Green Seminar, which is conducted approximately four times each year, focuses on smoking cessation and weight loss and is offered to Hospital employees and members of the community. The Seminar has been tested and proven in major corporations since 1981 and is now offered by more than 30 hospitals in the New York metropolitan area. The session provides participants with a hypnosis session, an audio cassette tape and supportive written material, and free follow up sessions, if necessary.
Work Experience Program – Eastern Long Island Hospital conducts an annual work experience program to provide qualified local high school students with a summer work opportunity in a hospital setting. Many departments, including patient care units, utilize these students. This experience provides students with the opportunity to learn about the healthcare field as an occupation. Immunization – Eastern Long Island Hospital offers flu vaccinations to the community through its emergency department, and at the local fire departments. Flu vaccinations are also available to physicians, employees and volunteers. The total number of people who take advantage of this valuable service continues to grow each year. Disaster Drills – Eastern Long Island Hospital conducts two disaster drills annually scheduled in concert with local community services (e.g. the ambulance corps) to test emergency systems to ensure timely response in the event of an area disaster. One of the drills is external, and the other internal. Organ Retrieval – Eastern Long Island Hospital participates in the New York Organ Donor Network, and regularly provides education to promote organ donation using in-hospital posters, brochures and notices in Hospital publications. Melanoma Screening – Annually, on the first Monday in May, Eastern Long Island Hospital and the American Academy of Dermatology co-sponsor a free melanoma screening. A dermatologist affiliated with ELIH conducts the screening free of charge by appointment. Informational flyers about skin cancer are distributed throughout the community.
Charity Care - Traditional charity care is free or discounted services which are provided to individuals who cannot afford to pay, and for whom a “charity” deduction has been taken on the statement of revenues and expenses. Eastern Long Island Hospital has always provided emergency care to patients, regardless of ability to pay. Generally speaking, however, all patients are billed, until a determination can be made that the patient is unable to pay even a portion of the costs. In 2004, a formal policy for charity care was established. (Attachment A) Corporate Compliance Hotline – Eastern Long Island Hospital established a new corporate compliance number for its hotline, 1-800-826-6762. This is essentially a live telephone wire for receiving reports on wrongdoing or dealing with other employee concerns. In the event, other resolution channels have been ineffective, or the caller wishes to remain anonymous, the hotline is available to provide an avenue for employees and interested parties to report suspected criminal activity, illegal or unethical conduct occurring within Hospital facilities. Hospital staff has been made well aware of the hotline, and notices about the hotline’s availability are posted on Hospital premises. Amenities – Eastern Long Island Hospital treats all its patients and visitors as though they are family and make every effort to provide all the comforts of home. A library service coordinated by the Auxiliary provides books, magazines, and newspapers on a daily basis. The service also includes “Books on Tape” which is a program available from the Library of Congress, administered by the Suffolk Library System. The Hospital Gift Shop sells greeting cards, snacks and gifts. The Greenhouse Grill, features a Four Seasons glass dining room, and is open to the public Monday through Friday. The Greenhouse Grill offers hot foods, sandwiches, homemade soup, a salad bar and daily specials.
Members of the clergy make regular visits to the Hospital . Pastoral visits may be arranged upon request by a family member or nurse. School Supply Drive and Holiday Drives – In 2004, Eastern Long Island Hospital collected school supplies for needy children which were donated to C.A.S.T. (Community Action Southold Town). Employees participate in a food drive each year for needy families as well. This year, Employees conducted a clothing drive for Tsunami victims. Annually, the Hospital conducts a gift drive in December. This year donations were given to CAST and residents of Sober House. A holiday gift-giving tree was set up at two sites, the main lobby of the Hospital and the Sports Rehab facility in Southold. Each tree is decorated with ornament tags representing the wishes and needs of sober house residents and the children of needy families.
FUTURE PLANS FOR MEETING COMMUNITY NEEDS
• Explore new model for Geriatric Center of Excellence – access for frail elderly population with case management component to help negotiate complex health system and determine what other needs are unmet. • Palliative Care program
• Geriatric orientation to Acute Psych Unit
• Complimentary Alternative Medicine
• Urology Program
• Enhance Diagnostic Imaging Suites
• Acquire Digital Imaging Technology
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Eastern Long Island Hospital is currently undergoing an audit by its independent auditing firm, Ernst and Young. Figures from the 2004 financial statements will be available in approximately mid-May of 2004. The Annual Report will be available in early June of 2005. The Annual Report is made widely available to the community. The 2004 financial information will be forwarded as an addendum to this Community Service Plan when it is available.
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
Eastern Long Island Hospital is a not-for-profit 501 © (3) charitable organization whose purpose is to provide for the health needs of its community. The hospital operates primary care centers in Greenport, New York. It also operates outpatient addiction services in Riverhead, New York and outpatient rehabilitation services in Southold, New York. Subsidiaries of Eastern Long Island Hospital include several branches of the ELIH Auxiliary, 1905 Enterprises, Inc; ELIH Venture, LTD; and ELIH Foundation, which is a wholly owned not-for-profit entity, whose purpose is to engage in fund development in support of Eastern Long Island Hospital and the community served. Eastern Long Island Hospital’s parent corporation is the Peconic Health Corporation, Inc., which is an affiliate member of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System. Subsidiaries of Peconic Health Corporation include Central Suffolk Hospital and Southampton Hospital.
COMMUNITY SERVICE PLAN DISTRIBUTION
The Eastern Long Island Hospital Community Service Plan will be available to the public after April 30, 2005. The residents of the community will be notified of the availability of the report in the local media, in the Hospital’s “Better Health” newsletter and on the Hospital’s web site, www.ELIH.org.
This report was prepared by:
Development and Community Relations Department
Eastern Long Island Hospital For further information contact:
Pat Kiernan, Director, Development and Community Relations
Eastern Long Island Hospital
201 Manor Place
Greenport, NY 11944
(631) 477-5164
Fax (631) 477-8218
www.ELIH.org