St. John's Hospital in Far Rockaway re-accredited on diabetes management

For the fourth consecutive year, St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway received accreditation by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists for its Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support program.

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provides authorization for accreditation for the program, and participants learn how to effectively manage their diabetes treatment. The program is aimed at teaching best diabetes self-management practices to people who are newly diagnosed with diabetes, and those who may need education and support with managing diabetes.

The self-management program consists of four on-site education sessions per year that are facilitated by an endocrinologist, pharmacist, dietitian and other expert hospital staff.

Each session consists of six separate workshops that focus on a specific topic. Program topics include understanding diabetes and diabetes treatment; healthy eating; being physically active; taking medication; checking blood sugar; reducing the risk of developing other health problems; and learning to cope with stress, depression, and other concerns.

Participants are supported throughout the process, and continue to be supported up to six months after completing the program.

“The specific mission of the DSMES program at St. John’s is to provide quality, comprehensive diabetes self-management education and support to those people on the Rockaway Peninsula and surrounding communities living with and affected by diabetes,”
Lorna Manning, a registered nurse who is the assistant vice president of integrated case management and population health, stated in a news release. “We believe that improved self-care behaviors, including healthy eating, being active, taking medication, monitoring, problem-solving, healthy coping, and reducing risks are key to improved clinical outcomes, avoidance of complications, and optimal emotional health.”

St. John’s Hospital is the only hospital on the Rockaway Peninsula. Its 257-bed facility serves southern Queens, the Five Towns and surrounding South Shore communities in Nassau County.

To take part in or to learn more about the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support program, call St. John’s Population Health department at (718) 869-7100.