newsletter MD Fa l l / Wi n te r 2 0 1 7
- New Bariatric Program - Transforming Behavioral Health Services Kenneth Cooper, DO on left and Jeffrey DeSimone, MD on right - Bariatric Surgeons
Oswego Health
I FOR PHYSICIANS — ABOUT PHYSICIANS
From the Desk of:
Michael Harlovic, CEO and President of Oswego Health
W
e’re pleased to highlight the implementation of several new initiatives in this issue of the MD Newsletter, which we expect will improve the health status of those who live in Oswego County. The Center for Weight Loss & Surgery continues to attract impressive numbers to its weekly free educational sessions. With the obesity rate in the county more than 30 percent, it’s not hard to imagine that this new service will assist in reducing this unacceptable statistic. Especially, when many patients are thanking us for making this service convenient to them, right here in the community. Turn to Page 3 to learn more about our new bariatric program. Along with this new service, we were very pleased to receive a $13 million state health department grant to completely upgrade our behavioral health services. Many staff members, along with local and state elected officials, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo, worked diligently to make the grant available to us. As you probably know by now, we are in the process of purchasing the former Price Chopper building in Oswego which
will be transformed into our new BHS facility. This completely renovated building will also transform the neighborhood. The physicians, staff, our patients and city officialsare excited to have this project get under way in the coming months. A complete story, including a rendering of our new BHS location can be found on Page 5. We are wrapping up our budget development process for 2018. The year’s major projects include the year-long implementation of Meditech 6.16, which will cost $4 million and our complete renovation of the patient rooms on Oswego Hospital’s third and fourth floors, which we anticipate costing around $7 million. Both projects will improve patient care, making it not only more efficient, but also more comfortable as we build private patient rooms. I will certainly keep you posted as both projects progress. In a few short weeks, it will be the holiday season. I hope to meet more of you at the upcoming physician party on Dec. 6th at the Foundry, here in Oswego.
From the Desk of:
Renato Mandanas, MD, Oswego Health Chief Medical Officer As we strive to provide the safest care at Oswego Health, we have recently participated in HANYS Antibiotic Stewardship program. This nationwide effort supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is assisting us in keeping the community from becoming resistant to antibiotic medications. While not the main benefit, the reduction in prescribed antibiotics will assist us in reducing costs as well. More on this program can be found on Page 7. Both our new services, the Center for Wound Care and the Center for Weight Loss & Surgery, have been well received by the community, with patient volumes either meeting or exceeding initial expectations. I am pleased to announce that Carlos Dator Jr., has been named the medical director for wound care, just as this new service begins use of the two hyperbaric chambers. The patients for both of these new Oswego Health services are allowing us to transform their health status. As for the Center
I
2 MDnewsletter
for Weight Loss & Surgery, the physicians, Dr. DeSimone and Dr. Cooper, anticipate that they will be performing their first surgeries at Oswego Hospital near the end of the year. In this publication, we also introduce several new physicians including a cardiologist, psychiatrist and obstetrician/ gynecologist, who have joined our medical staff. We continue to recruit physicians to ensure our community has the best healthcare available.
CONTENTS: p. 3 - Center for Weight Loss & Surgery p. 5 - BHS Plans, Transforming Care and A Neighborhood p. 7 - Future Construction Plans at Oswego Hospital
The Center for Weight Loss & Surgery Physician Lead Seminars Each Wednesday With the obesity rate for Oswego County adults hovering around 32 percent, there is now a safe option for community members wishing to lose weight and embrace a healthy lifestyle. Oswego Health, in collaboration with two physicians from Central New York Surgical Physicians, PC., is offering a comprehensive bariatrics program that assists community members to successfully lose weight and to embrace a healthier lifestyle. The Center for Weight Loss and Surgery at Oswego Health began providing services in September. Providing this specialized care are Jeffrey DeSimone, MD, and Kenneth Cooper, DO. The process begins with patients attending a free seminar to learn more about how they can become successful in obtaining their desired weight. As with any successful bariatric program, there is patient education, assistance from a dietician, psychologist and registered nurse, who remain available to patients throughout their lives.
Since the program was implemented, attendance at the educational seminars has exceeded expectations. “The turnout for our Wednesday seminars has been great,” Dr. Cooper said. “One thing that we are hearing is that patients have wanted to have the surgery for some time, but they didn’t want to leave the Oswego area for this care. There is a lot of patient education and follow-up care and by making it more convenient, patients are excited to have it offered in Oswego.”
Oswego Health held an Open House for its new Center for Weight Loss & Surgery on Wednesday, November 8th. Members of the medical staff and business leaders from the community attended the Open House, where they could take tours and listen to a brief presentation by the physicians. Among those in the photo from left are representatives from Oswego Health, Jeff Coakley, Dr. Cooper, Michael Harlovic, Dr. DeSimone, Chris Mitchell, with Katie Toomey, of the Greater Oswego Fulton Chamber, Micheal Stephens, MD,; and Renato Mandanas, MD.
Jeffrey DeSimone, MD
Dr. DeSimone is a board certified diplomate by the American Board of Surgery. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown University Medical College in Washington, D.C. Dr. DeSimone completed his internship, residency and fellowship at the State University of New York Health Science Center.
Kenneth Cooper, DO
Surgical Procedures Dr. DeSimone and Dr. Cooper will perform procedures in Oswego Hospital’s state-of-the-art surgery center. The physicians will perform laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomies, where 75 percent of the stomach is removed, and takes on the shape of a sleeve. This is a minimally invasive surgery. They will also perform the roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery, where during surgery a very small stomach is created. Patients who undergo this procedure may be hospitalized for several days, but can lose about 65 to 70 percent of their excess weight on average within 18 months of surgery. The surgeons perform nearly 450 bariatric surgeries each year and have brought their expertise to Oswego Hospital.
Dr. Cooper is a board-certified diplomate by the American Board of Surgery. He earned his medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine. Dr. Cooper completed his internship and residency at Upstate Medical University.
Wednesday Seminars
One of the two surgeons conducts a free community seminar each Wednesday in the JPC Conference Room. To learn more about the program or the time of the next seminar, please call 315-349-5822. The Center for Weight Loss and Surgery office is located at LL30 of the Oswego Health Services Center.
Winter 2017
I3
Care OnDemand
Telemedicine Program
Oswego Health will be the first in the area to introduce a new virtual service, Oswego Health Care OnDemand, which for a $39 fee will provide care from a board-certified physician. Patients will either call, click or skype and a physician will be available within 30 minutes. Oswego Health physicians interested in providing care through Care OnDemand should contact Chief Medical Officer Renato Mandanas, MD. This new initiative was made possible in part with a $35,000 gift from the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, which supports projects deemed a “Catalyst for Change” in order to create a vibrant community life for the Oswego County region. The health system is collaborating with Carena, which was founded in 2000 and operates virtual clinics for health systems throughout the country.
Dr.First: New Text-Like Tool Efficient, Fast Communication Among Providers Oswego Health is introducing a new, more efficient way to communicate with healthcare providers, area practices, pharmacies and patients themselves.
helps providers achieve better care coordination, better health outcomes, better transitions of care and lower hospital readmissions.
This new collaboration with DrFirst, called Oswego HealtheConnect, allows Oswego Health to be the first in the area to provide a new secure mobile messaging system between physicians, hospital departments and others to instantly communicate for more efficient patient care.
Backline also meets all of HIPAA’s security standards, guarding patients, caregivers and medical facilities against unintended disclosure of protected health information.
Quite simply, this mobile application will operate much like a text messaging system, but will be secure allowing the exchange of patient information in real time. Oswego HealtheConnect will take advantage of DrFirst’s Backline® and iPrescribe®. Backline®, a secure communication and collaboration platform that you can use for:
p Provider-to-provider/Provider-to-staff p Provider-to-pharmacy secure text messaging p Clinical content distribution and patient event notifications
p Referrals and consults p Prescription clarifications and follow-ups p Provider-to-patient secure communications DrFirst’s Backline communication and collaboration tool, specifically designed for use in healthcare environments,
I
4 MDnewsletter
iPrescribe®, a mobile app with which you can manage on-thego medication tasks such as:
p Writing new or renewing e-prescriptions for legend drugs and controlled substances
p Checking patient prescription benefits/costs p Viewing patient medication histories “DrFirst’s text-like tool provides efficient communication in a secure environment when arranging patient care among several providers,” said Oswego Health Chief Medical Officer Renato Mandanas, MD.
Transforming Behavioral Health Services And an Oswego Neighborhood
In the upcoming months, Oswego Health will not only renew its Behavioral Health Services (BHS), but will also transform an Oswego City eyesore into an attractive building where these services will be relocated. In September, Oswego Health reached an agreement to purchase the former Price Chopper building at 29 E. Cayuga St., in Oswego and will completely transform the building to house renewed BHS inpatient and outpatient services, with future plans to add more health services. Funding for the renewed services was provided in July, when Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a $13 million grant award to Oswego Health, as part of the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program. Under the state grant, Oswego Health is required to develop new BHS facilities. “We are excited to be moving forward with this project and I am sure physicians agree our patients deserve improved facilities,” said Oswego Health President and CEO Michael Harlovic. “While this project improves BHS services, it also allows them to remain close to Oswego Hospital, which is a critical aspect of this project as patients and their care givers frequently travel between these two locations.” Oswego Health initially plans on renovating 32,000 square feet of the 45,000 foot building for its renewed BHS departments. The health system will build a facility that fits the neighborhood by adding green space and providing private, off-street access to the current building. It will also provide an anchor for employment within the city of Oswego, including more than 80
jobs. An estimated 25 jobs are also planned to be created as the services at the location grow. The city of Oswego is also eager for the project to take place. “Obviously, the city is thrilled to have this long-time dilapidated building finally renovated,” said Oswego City Mayor Billy Barlow. “The $13 million grant is a significant investment in our community. With all our ongoing downtown revitalization occurring, this is an outstanding boost for downtown that brings jobs, which our downtown businesses will find beneficial.” Oswego Health has been the only comprehensive BHS inpatient and outpatient provider in Oswego County, since acquiring these services from Oswego County in 1981. In 2016, Oswego Health had 785 discharges from its BHS inpatient program. During that same time frame, there were 20,000 adult outpatient visits. The health system will relocate its inpatient and outpatient BHS from Bunner Street to the new site on East Cayuga Street. Oswego Health board members and administrators have been communicating with Oswego City officials as well as county, state and federal legislators regarding the need to improve BHS services through the development of a new facility for inpatient and outpatient services.
Winter 2017
I5
New Psychiatrist Vintee Narang, MD, has joined Oswego Health Behavioral Health Services staff at Bunner Street. Dr. Narang most recently completed her final year of residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA.
Physician Notes Obstetrician/Gynecologist Joins Community Oswego County OB-GYN, P.C. and Oswego Health welcome Obstetrician/ Gynecologist Ayesha L. Turner, M.D. A native of Brooklyn, Dr. Turner completed her medical training through a seven-year program that combined the required education for both her undergraduate and medical degrees. She attended the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education in New York City and took part in clinical rotations at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. She most recently completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Buffalo. Dr. Turner will provide a range of women’s services, including delivering babies, well women’s care and gynecological/ obstetrical services. Dr. Turner will be sharing 24-hour hospital obstetrical coverage at Oswego Hospital with Daniel Coty, D.O.; Raj Mahajan, M.D.; and certified nurse midwives, Theresa Naro and Malika Iton.
Cardiologist Welcomed The health system welcomes a new cardiology staff member, Interventional Cardiologist Oluwadamilola Ojutalayo, MD. Dr. Ojutalayo recently completed her interventional cardiology fellowship training at Drexel University College of Medicine/Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia. She also received fellowship training in cardiovascular disease at Drexel University. A graduate of Rutgers University, she earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine, located in Dominica, West Indies, where she graduated with highest honors. She completed her residency training at Drexel University.
I
6 MDnewsletter
She earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. Her undergraduate degrees in biology and philosophy, were obtained at the University of Alabama.
Operating Room Director Joining Oswego Health as its Operating Room Director is Shannon Campbell. Campbell arrives at Oswego Health with more than 11 years of experience working in the operating rooms of Crouse Hospital, which included serving as a supervisor who oversaw a staff of 30. During her career, Campbell, a Syracuse native, has advanced from a licensed practical nurse to registered nurse. She obtained her Bachelors of Nursing degree from Keuka College, graduating, summa cum laude and is currently earning her Master’s degree in Health Administration with a concentration in business operations through Capella University. Campbell is a Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR).
New Medical Director for Wound Healing Center Oswego Health’s Center for Wound Healing has named Carlos Dator Jr., as its medical director. Dr. Dator, Jr., an Oswego native, took part in specialized wound care training at Healogics University, located in Jacksonville, FL, enabling him to treat hard-to-heal wounds and provide hyperbaric medicine care. In his new role, Dr. Dator Jr., is responsible for reviewing patient care and results, evaluating new clinical products and providing oversight and guidance on policies and procedures. Joining Dr. Dator is Nurse Practitioner Kristine Strumpfler, who earned her degree from Keuka College. She has provided nursing care for more than 17 years and is also a member of the U.S. Navy Reserves serving as a Nursing Corp. Lieutenant Commander Officer. In this role she oversees the Syracuse Medical Unit.
Corporate Team’s Top Project Studying Feasibility of Renovated 3rd and 4th Floors
Oswego Hospital is reviewing the feasibility of renovating its third and fourth floor medical surgical floors, which will solve what patients and their physicians fear most during a hospital stay: infections, exhaustion and noise. Oswego Health President and CEO Michael Harlovic said the proposed project is the health system’s most important initiative. “It’s Corporate Team’s number one priority to design the most advanced inpatient facilities in the region that reduce infection rates, provide a restful patient environment and best of all, offer private rooms,” Harlovic said. “We expect to renovate the two floors to offer the best experience.” Cheryl Stilwell, RN, Director of Surgical/Medical Services, said her staff was looking forward to learning more about the project as it progresses. “The patients will love the privacy and having a quieter room will lead to better healing. It’s a proven fact. You need to get the proper sleep to heal. The staff and I are very much looking forward delivering care in this improved environment.” Oswego Health leadership will announce its plans in the near future for developing nursing floors that allow physicians and staff to deliver the best care in exceptional surroundings.
Reducing Antibiotic Use, Saving Lives While antibiotics certainly save the lives of patients, their misuse is leading to a major public health threat. The over prescribing of these medications has led to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. Oswego Hospital is among the healthcare facilities that are taking action to reduce the use of antibiotics through HANYS antibiotic stewardship program. As a result of the program, the hospital has reduced the time most patients are prescribed an antibiotic. Previously, a patient’s antibiotic use was reviewed after 72 hours, however, this has been reduced to 48 hours. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 20 percent of all antibiotics prescribed are inappropriate, the wrong dose or the wrong duration.
“By studying each patient’s antibiotic needs earlier, we are doing the right thing for them,” said Chief Medical Officer Renato Mandanas, MD. “We want to make sure the patient is receiving the right dose and when that they no longer need the medication, it is stopped.” Approximately 55 to 65 percent of all Oswego Hospital inpatients on the medical surgical floors are prescribed antibiotics. With the stewardship program in place, this is reduced by 34 percent on the third patient day. The program is also offering a side benefit, a reduction in costs. Mandanas said the hospital will save some $50,000 by implementing this safe drug prescription program.
Winter 2017
I7
The Year is Almost Over
Year-End Gifts Have You Met Your Goals for This Year? If you are like many people, you began this year with a number of resolutions. And like the rest of us, you found some of these resolutions difficult to keep. Why not consider a gift to our organization this year? If this was one of your goals, you still have time to achieve it. To learn more about fulfilling your year-end goals through charitable giving, please call or click today!
Oswego Health Foundation Call 315-326-3791 for more information
I
8 MDnewsletter