Gems
October 2020
Exceptional Lives Here.
Recognized Among the USA's Best Learn why on pages 3, 4 and 5
A Touching Tribute
John Lara with his family
Livette Plan
A sincere and heartfelt thank you to our clergy, staff, family and friends who came together to celebrate the lives of two cherished hospital family members who passed away from coronavirus. During a touching tribute in the Healing Garden at Garnet Health Medical Center on September 21, we honored the legacies of John Lara (Emergency Department Technician) and Livette Plan (Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse) by planting and dedicating trees in their memories. John and Livette will forever remain in our hearts. All employees are encouraged to take a moment to pay their respects and spend time near these moving memorials in the Healing Garden.
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National Press Ganey Awards Recognize Exceptional Care and Patient Experiences The delivery of quality healthcare to our community remains crucial during this global pandemic. That’s why it’s so gratifying to share that Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills’ Grover M. Hermann Hospital and Garnet Health have been nationally recognized with prestigious awards for exceptional care and patient experiences. Press Ganey, an independent organization that honors achievement in delivering reliable, safe, compassionate and high-quality care, has honored us with: • The 2020 Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award® for Patient Experience to the Emergency Department at Garnet Health Medical Center Catskills’ Grover M. Hermann Hospital. The hospital reached the 95th percentile in the Emergency Department Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) during each of the year’s reporting periods. This means performance in the top 5% nationally – and it’s the third time the hospital has earned this honor. • The 2 020 Press Ganey Pinnacle of Excellence Award® to Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills’ Grover M. Hermann Hospital for Patient Experience and consistently high excellence in its Emergency Department’s CAHPS. This is the first time the hospital has earned this honor. • The 2020 Press Ganey Success Story Award® for achievement to Garnet Health. This is an elite honor; only six healthcare organizations in the country were recognized for innovation and leadership.
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From left to right: Rolland “Boomer” Bojo, Vice President of Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer, Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills, and Administrator, Grover M. Hermann Hospital; Sam Berger, NP, Garnet Health Doctors, Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills’ Grover M. Hermann Hospital; Megan Heaphy, Clinical Director, Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills’ Grover M. Hermann Hospital; and Diana Duffy, RN, Emergency Services, Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills’ Grover M. Hermann Hospital.
Grover M. Hermann Hospital Emergency Department: Commitment to Community For Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills’ Grover M. Hermann Hospital, being a standout hospital in a tightknit community makes great care even more personal. For the staff, patients are often friends, neighbors and even family. Every day is an opportunity for the hospital’s skilled team to build trust and deliver diagnoses, treatment and aftercare that improve and save lives. This commitment to community care and compassion led to Press Ganey recognition. “Our team of nurturing and very engaged employees is committed to building relationships with patients by embracing safety and quality with compassion,” said Jodi Goodman, Director of Patient Experience, Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills. She added that the recipe for patient satisfaction includes effective communication, accountability, transparency, shared decision-making, teamwork and preciseness in coordinating care among employees, especially when providing emergency care.
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“It’s all about community,” said Rolland “Boomer” Bojo, Vice President of Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer, Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills, and Administrator, Grover M. Hermann Hospital. “Our staff and physicians are a part of the larger community. They understand that trust is key to delivering quality care. I am pleased the staff’s focus on high quality, patient-centered care is being recognized by Press Ganey at the national level.” Grover M. Hermann Hospital’s patient-centered care has received multiple honors in recent years. For example, the National Rural Health Association recently named it a Top 20 Critical-Access Hospital for patient satisfaction, based on a survey by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This is the ninth time since 2012 that Grover M. Hermann Hospital has been a Top 20 Critical-Access Hospital in either patient satisfaction or quality.
Why Garnet Health Is One of Six Organizations in the U.S. to Be Honored for Achievement The 2020 Press Ganey Success Story Award® across Garnet Health honors innovation, leadership and dedication in transforming the safety, clinical quality and patient care experience. Winners are chosen by a committee from hundreds of abstracts submitted by healthcare organizations across the nation. Garnet Health was honored for “Bundling Patient Safety, Experience and Engagement to Achieve Organizational Goals.” The Press Ganey Success Story Award® is a highly regarded symbol of achievement in the healthcare industry. We commend our staff for its dedication to innovation, leadership and improved performance and certainly for being one of only six organizations in the United States to achieve this prestigious honor. Press Ganey analyzes data and patient feedback to improve safety, clinical excellence, patient experience and workforce engagement, and works with 41,000 healthcare facilities. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was part of the assessment period, the entire Garnet Health team strategically and meticulously innovated to create even safer, more secure care environments for patients and their families, as well as all providers. Press Ganey will officially present the awards during its 2020 Press Ganey Virtual National Client Conference from November 16-18, 2020.
“These honors reflect our selfless commitment to touching the lives of our patients. Press Ganey’s recognition validates our mission to improve the health of our community by delivering exceptional care.” - President and CEO Scott Batulis Garnet Health
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Don’t Delay Routine Mammograms October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which promotes the importance of screenings, education and advances in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Don’t delay safeguarding your health – get your mammogram! The Ray W. Moody, MD, Breast Center’s advanced technology and our skilled team will provide exceptional care – and every precaution is taken to keep you and our patients safe during the pandemic. Nathaniel Margolis, MD There are two types of mammograms, according to Nathaniel Margolis, MD, the Breast Center’s Medical Director: • Screening mammograms are performed if there are no current breast problems. Regular screenings are an essential component of proactive healthcare. Studies have shown that an annual mammography reduces your risk of dying from breast cancer by 40%. • A diagnostic mammogram benefits patients with a concern about breast health. Immediately seek care if a lump is found or if there is breast pain. While these symptoms are common and usually benign, vigilance is essential. The Breast Center’s advanced technology, such as 3D mammography and breast MRI, detects cancers at a size smaller than ever before. Minimally invasive needle biopsies find cancer cells without surgery. Annual mammograms are recommended for women 40 and older, as long as you are in good health. All you need is a prescription from your doctor, and the Breast Center team can assist with that. A breast navigator/ liaison is also available to help with scheduling and insurance coverage.
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Additionally, qualified uninsured patients are covered by the New York State Cancer Services Program. Most private and New York State of Health Marketplace health plans cover breast-cancer screenings at no cost to the patient. Breast-cancer screenings are also fully covered through New York’s Medicaid program and the New York State Cancer Services Program. Social distancing, extensive cleaning regimens and requiring all patients and staff to wear masks are among the ways the Ray W. Moody, MD, Breast Center ensures safety. For an appointment, call 333-7040. For more information, visit garnethealth.org/breastcenter.
“Early detection is the key to ‘cure’ cancer,” Dr. Margolis said. “Treatments are most effective when the tumor is small and has not spread to other organs.”
Good Catch Awards
Tashica Brown
Chris Kuveke
Fran Predmore
Suzanne Toffallos
Carolyn Woods
Tashica Brown, Chris Kuveke, Fran Predmore, Suzanne Toffallos and Carolyn Woods received Good Catch Awards for their proactive patient care. A Good Catch occurs when corrective action and/or timely intervention prevents an incident or medical error. Thank you all for your attention and taking that extra step to ensure quality! For more information about the Good Catch Award, whose nominees are judged by the Patient Safety Subcommittee, contact Quality Business Intelligence Analyst Katie Haun at 333-1294 or khaun@garnethealth.org.
Appreciation From A Patient This letter, from a patient treated by the Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills’ physical therapy team, describes an excellent care experience. We thank our physical therapy staff for its professionalism and compassion. Great job!
I’m sending you m y experience at G arnet Health. First, upon enteri ng the reception room, a gentleman named Sergio gree ted me. He direct ed me to the seat and told me som eone would be ou t to get me. I was then introduced to a gentleman na m ed John. John had a number of questions and then explained his plan. Not only wer e they pleasant, bu t ever ything was on time. Their co urtesy, informatio n, confidence and sk ill made me feel better right away . John, later being on vacation, set m e up with Heather , who was also m therapist. She pick y ed up the ball an d followed through without missing a beat. I told the people assisting m that they had me e doing things that another outside care group never suggested or offer ed. When I leave, I want to run – I feel that good. I m entally feel better and feel like I got a second breath. — John “Bill ” Sipo s 7
Garnet Health Foundation Golf Classic Raises Over $220,000 Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and talented golfers, the Garnet Health Foundation’s 29th annual Golf Classic, sponsored by Healey Brothers, raised over $220,000 in net proceeds that will benefit the expansion and renovation of the Emergency Department at Garnet Health Medical Center. On September 14 and 15, 256 golfers participated in a safe and socially distanced event that took place at the Golf Club at Mansion Ridge in Monroe and West Hills Country Club in Middletown. “As a healthcare organization, it was important to design the event with participants’ health and safety as the top consideration, given the current COVID-19 situation the world is experiencing,” said Jay Anthony, Foundation Board Chairman. With careful planning, the event prioritized social distancing, offering “to-go” lunches and dinners. Each golfer had his or her own golf cart and received an insulated bag and a golf club travel bag. A virtual awards ceremony was held on September 16 to acknowledge all winners.
Better Ball Format: 1st Place Gross: Scott Kendrick, Scott Bonacic, Jim Bannon and Eric Weinstein 1st Place Net: Pam Murphy, Matthew Miller, Andrew Myles and Matthew DePasquale 2nd Place Net: Tim George, Michael Walker, Jason George and William Murphy Scramble Format: 1st Place: Marc Anthony, Jerry Levi, Dylan Barone and Mark Greene 2nd Place: Ray VanVoorhis, Mark Fellenzer, Paul Hoffner and James Feraca 3rd Place: Mark Hallinan, Rick Moeckel, John Talaver and Paul DeFrancis Basket Winners: Hawaii Vacation: Ray VanVoorhis Golf Experience: Lisa Soderblom Smart TV: Dolores Conrad
Foundation Board member Jason Giordano chaired the Classic, which was supported by 35 volunteers. Special thanks to Garnet Health President & CEO Scott Batulis for competing at the CEO Challenge Hole. Raffle winners were announced on Facebook Live by Brian and Jay Healey and Brian Tew, Garnet Health Medical Center CEO.
For the Wine Connoisseur: Heather Andrews
To learn more about the Garnet Health Foundation and to support the Emergency Department expansion at Garnet Health Medical Center, call 333-2333 or visit garnethealth.org/foundation.
Best of the Hudson Valley: Jean Braghirol
Gaming Bundle: Rob Lee Outdoor Kitchen: Anna Carbone NYC Experience: Joyce Timko Home Gym: Deborah Rogers
Apple: Patricia Diness Limited Raffle Winners: First place: Bill and Barbara Yosh Second place: April Alvarado Third place: Dina Kamrowski
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Buzzworthy Information Technology Department Takes Flight with 2nd Quarter Team BEE Award
Congratulations to our Garnet Health Information Technology Department for winning the 2nd Quarter 2020 Team Being Exceptional Every day (BEE) Award. The department was recognized for going above and beyond to enhance quality patient and employee experiences – and for its valuable contributions during the pandemic.
The quarterly team BEE Award is presented to a group, team or department that consistently demonstrates excellence that goes ABOVE the expectations of their job and in their interactions with their colleagues, patients, families and the community. Our IT Department continuously works behind the scenes every day to maintain and advance our healthcare system’s technology, and to ensure it serves employees, patients, family and visitors. IT members, always meticulous and available, worked tirelessly since the pandemic’s onset. They assisted in technologically transforming units to treat more COVID-19 patients; created new laboratory orders, dashboards and reports; implemented new share drives; and installed instant-messaging capabilities and remote desktop infrastructure and communications to support extensive COVID-19 needs. This all happened in seven days.
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IT launched Telehealth/video visits for Garnet Health Doctors, and set up, supported and implemented the use of iPads in inpatient units for patients and providers to communicate with family members when visitation restrictions made it impossible for loved ones to be together. All in all, our IT Department, cumulatively, completed about a year’s worth of planning, building and work in approximately 90 days. “They all have integrity, strive for operational excellence, and exhibit nothing but teamwork, collaboration, communication and accountability,” the nomination said. “When things get rough, they roll up their sleeves, pop their favorite snack in their mouth, grab another beverage and say ‘let’s do this’!” We thank you, IT Department, for your commitment to our hospitals and our mission! You inspire us! To nominate an employee, physician, volunteer, team or department, visit the intranet homepage, scroll down and click on the BEE Award icon.
Look Who’s Leading! Jacqulynn (Jackie) Carroll, RN, BSN, CIC, is our new Director of Infection Control (IC). Jackie provides system-wide leadership that includes planning, coordinating, implementing and evaluating Garnet Health’s Infection Prevention Program. She collaborates with multidisciplinary care teams to support and ensure compliance with policies and standards, and she educates staff on IC protocol.
Jacqulynn Carroll, RN, BSN, CIC
Jackie joined the IC Team in March 2018 as an Infection Preventionist. She offered support on organization training, policy development, data analysis and surveillance. Jackie serves on numerous committees and has been a key IC leader in regulatory surveys at our hospitals. She has provided extensive leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic by enhancing safety provisions for patients, staff and visitors. Jackie can be reached at jcarroll@garnethealth.org. Moira Mencher, MBA, has been promoted to Manager of Physician Relations and Community Health. Moira joined Garnet Health as Physician Liaison in 2019 and has developed an effective Physician Relations Program that promotes working relationships among Garnet Health, the medical staff, their office staff and physicians in the community. She also has worked closely with the Community Health Department to include physicians in community health initiatives.
Moira Mencher, MBA
In her new role, Moira oversees physician relations and community health, and facilitates synergy between the departments. She works with community organizations in Sullivan and Orange Counties to integrate and align Garnet Health’s community health programs with community health initiatives as outlined by each county’s Community Health Needs Assessment and Garnet Health’s Corporate Community Health Plan.
Additionally, Moira collaborates with community partners to improve the health of Sullivan and Orange counties through innovations in education, patient care, research, and community and physician engagement. She provides integrated research, planning and leadership and identifies grant opportunities. Moira previously worked at Good Samaritan Hospital as a healthcare analyst. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communication and a Master of Business Administration Degree in Human Resources and Healthcare Management. She can be reached at mmencher@garnethealth.org.
Thank You
Our sincere gratitude goes to the Garnet Health Foundation for its various roles in helping to fund our nurses’ attendance at the 2020 Sigma Theta Tau International 31st Nursing Research Congress. We appreciate the time, effort and generosity put forth so that members of our hospital family could share their clinical research on an international level.
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The Flu Vaccine Is More Important Than Ever!
Getting a flu vaccination is now more important than ever to protect yourself, your family and your community from flu. It’s the most effective way to prevent the flu. Your vaccination helps keep you healthy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. More vaccinations mean more people are protected, so it’s essential to do your part. To help prevent contracting the flu virus, keep your immune system strong and practice good, consistent hand hygiene. Anyone who is over six months of age can receive an immunization. Learn more from your doctor or contact Occupational Health with questions you may have.
Effectiveness of the flu vaccine The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. It contains an inactive or weak form of the flu virus or its components, and they cannot lead to illness. The vaccine’s effectiveness is typically strong, but some factors can influence that: • A ge and general health. The flu vaccine is most effective in healthy adults. For older adults, extra vigilance is required because of naturally weakened immune systems as we grow older and because the influenza virus is more dangerous for them. • Similarity of the vaccine to dominant flu strains. The flu vaccine, unlike other vaccines, is updated every season to protect against what are expected to be the dominant flu strains for that year, based on virus monitoring worldwide.
Benefits of the flu vaccine Garnet Health Director of Marketing & Corporate Communications Marcy Manheim receiving her flu vaccination from Garnet Health Director of Occupational Health and Wellness Chris Costello. All employees are encouraged to be proactive and get vaccinated.
There are several reasons to get the vaccine every year. A vaccination can protect: • You from getting the flu. • The community. • People with chronic health conditions. • Women during and even after pregnancy.
For more information on flu shots, contact the Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills Occupational Health office at 794-3300, ext. 2073 or the Garnet Health Medical Center Occupational Health office at 333-2060.
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Dr. Robert Lincer, Garnet Health Medical Director of Surgical Services
Members of Garnet Health Doctors ‘Prescribe’ Healthier Food
Robert Lincer, MD, MBA, FACS, has been appointed Medical Director of Surgical Services for Garnet Health. He partners with the health system’s administration to lead critical healthcare services across the organization. In addition to continuing his clinical practice as a General Surgeon and his role as General Robert Lincer, MD, MBA, Surgery Residency Program FACS Director at Garnet Health Medical Center, Dr. Lincer provides oversight of Garnet Health General Surgery and Surgical Subspecialties (along with Dr. Eric Martin) and oversight of the Trauma Program (along with Dr. Mohammad Siddiqui). Under Dr. Lincer’s leadership, Garnet Health Doctors will work to achieve an integration of the General Surgery Residency Program with the Trauma Program and all surgical services. In his new role, Dr. Lincer reports to Garnet Health Doctors’ Chief Medical Officer, Izabela Nowosielski, MD, FHM, MBA. Dr. Lincer joined Garnet Health Doctors in 2019. He is Board-certified in General Surgery. He received his Medical Degree from the Boston University School of Medicine in Boston and earned an MBA in Healthcare Leadership from the Yale School of Management in New Haven. Dr. Lincer completed his Residency as Chief Resident in General Surgery at New York University-Bellevue Medical Center and his Fellowship in Surgical Oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Society of Surgical Chairs for the American College of Surgeons, Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons and American Society of Breast Surgeons. Please offer your congratulations to Dr. Lincer.
Members of Garnet Health Doctors assist with the Sullivan Fresh Rx Program.
Garnet Health Doctors took part in a pilot program with Cornell Cooperative Extension and Sullivan Renaissance to offer food aid to Sullivan County residents in the Sullivan Fresh Rx Program. Garnet Health Doctors in Monticello “prescribed” $5 food coupons to patients to be redeemed for fresh fruits and vegetables from Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Sullivan Fresh Market on the Move. “Being able to eat a healthy balanced diet is so important for the health of our children and community,” said Dr. Joseph Chavez Carey, Medical Director of Primary Care at Garnet Health Doctors. “We were so excited to partner with Cornell Cooperative Extension to help our patients and their families gain access to healthy food in these difficult times.” For more information on Garnet Health Doctors and all of the great things our providers offer, visit garnethealth.org/doctors.
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Are You Cyber Secure?
It’s Phishing Season; Don’t Get Hooked In the cyber world, phishing is when you get emails, texts or calls from companies or people you know or don’t know. These emails are mostly from scammers who want you to click on a link, download an attachment or give personal information (like a password) so they can steal money, your identity, infect your computer with a virus or even take over control of your computer and demand payment to release it (a process known as ransomware). Although Garnet Health’s Information Technology (IT) team provides extensive protections for our computers and networks, it also relies on employees to be the first line of defense.
Tips to avoid a cyber attack 1. DO NOT click on links from senders you do not recognize. Be especially wary of .zip or other compressed or executable (.exe) file types. 2. DO NOT provide personal information, such as usernames and passwords, over email or on the phone, even if the email looks legitimate or the caller is persuasive and friendly. 3. WATCH for clues in emails, i.e. suspicious or misleading email addresses, misspellings or bad grammar. Sophisticated scammers can make illegitimate emails from companies and even people you know look very real. 4. Take CAUTION when opening attachments or clicking links in emails that contain warning banners indicating they originated from external sources. If you click on a link or attachment and are locked out of your computer, shut it down immediately and notify IT by calling the Help Desk at ext. 2020. If you question whether an email or phone call is legitimate, contact the Help Desk.
COVID-19 Safety: Protect Yourself and Others Coronavirus remains a serious threat and vigilance is still critical. That’s why social distancing, diligent hand hygiene and mask use are mandatory in all Garnet Health facilities. We have done a great job caring for our community, but local cases have increased recently and we must always remember the risk is still present. Don’t let your guard down! Stay masked! Stay socially distant! Perform hand hygiene frequently!
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Fall Back,
But Not Into Bad Sleeping Habits! Daylight Saving Time, which will end on November 1, is known to affect sleep habits as our internal body clocks adjust to the time change. If you are one of the many who find this adjustment difficult, Dr. Samer El Zarif, Associate Medical Director of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Services for Garnet Health Doctors, offers the following tips to get a good night’s sleep: • Establish a regular sleep schedule • Practice a relaxing “wind-down” bedtime routine • Avoid nicotine and caffeine close to bedtime • Exercise daily • Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet and comfortable For more information, visit garnethealth.org/sleepcenter.
Is Your Annual Education Complete?
Time is Running Out Please take action; annual Garnet Health education must be complete by November 5. For more information, contact Manager of Organizational Development and Learning Naomi Lippin at ext. 0228 or email nlippin@garnethealth.org.
Patient Safety Corner
The Good Catch Patient Safety Award The Good Catch Patient Safety Award honors employees who demonstrate a commitment to patient safety by preventing a potential issue. A Good Catch is an event or circumstance that could result in an incident or medical error, but did not occur due to corrective actions and/or timely intervention. Nominate a department or team for the “team” award! This honor recognizes the department or team that submits the most nominations each month. The winner is recognized with a trophy the team can showcase for that month. The trophy is then passed to the next monthly winner. It’s also simple to nominate a colleague or even yourself! On the Garnet Health intranet homepage, click on the baseball glove under Resources. Then click on the Garnet Health Good Catch Nomination Form. Complete and submit it. It’s that easy!
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Don’t Forget Looking for a Challenge?
Your Opinion ! Matters
Join Our Word Find! See how many of these words you can find inside of this issue of Gems. Community Engagement
Now is the time to share how you feel about your work and your work environment. Don’t stay silent; take the annual Gallup Employee Engagement Survey today! Look for the survey from “Gallup” in your Garnet Health email. The survey window is open through November 13 and it only takes five minutes. If you require help accessing the survey or you did not receive an email to take the survey, contact Gallup Client Support at 1-888-486-9104.
Fall in Love with a Superfood:
Cranberries
We thank Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills’ Director of Food and Nutrition, Colette Berger, for reminding us that cranberries have great nutritional benefits. Did you know they are rich in Vitamin C and fiber, and provide antioxidants? There’s a big benefit in this little fruit, so be sure to include cranberries in your diet and try this tasty recipe!
Salmon with Cranberry and Ginger Portion: 4 oz Serves: 4
Ingredients 4 oz. Fresh Leeks, Sliced 1 1/4 cup Frozen Cranberries 2 tbsp Light Brown Sugar 2 tsp Fresh Ginger Root, Grated 1/2 cup Water 1 tsp Canola Oil 4 ea. Wild Salmon Loin, 4 oz <1/8 tsp Kosher Salt <1/8 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Healing Courtesy Caring
Method 1. In a sauté pan, heat the oil and add the leeks. Sauté until softened and carmelizing begins. Add cranberries, brown sugar and ginger. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes. Add the water and let it reduce for 5-7 minutes. The cranberries will make a glaze. Set aside. 2. N ext, pre-heat broiler. Place the fish on a baking tray and season with salt and pepper. Broil each side for about 5-8 minutes until an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit is reached. Serve the fish with the cranberry leek sauce and enjoy! Calories: 210 Total fat: 6g Saturated fat: 1g Carbs: 17g Protein: 22g Dietary fiber: 2g Sodium: 105mg
Gems Newsletter Produced by Garnet Health Marketing & Corporate Communications. For more information, contact Lauren Kropf-Zuckerman at lzuckerman@garnethealth.org or call 333-2363. 16
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