By: Robert Remler
The fundraising gala, to be held at EAB Plaza in Uniondale on Saturday, Nov. 22, supports the Hospital's critical programs and services. Michael Pascucci, a former member of the St. Francis Hospital Board of Governors, will chair the event.The Castagnas, of Castagna Realty, are long-standing supporters of St. Francis Hospital and have demonstrated their commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Nassau County. Castagna Realty has developed more than 150 public buildings and complexes on Long Island, in the metropolitan area and in New England. The company's flagship property, Americana Manhasset, provides support for many St. Francis events, including "Champions for Charity" benefit shopping nights and annual fashion shows. Mr. Castagna also serves on the boards of the Tilles Center, the Nassau County Museum of Art and Old Westbury Gardens.Challenge 2003 chairman Michael Pascucci has spent decades in non-profit service. The former chairman of Oxford Resources and founder of WLNY TV, he serves currently as chairman of Telecare, the television station for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. He also is a trustee for the National Center for Disability Services and the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C.The annual St. Francis Hospital Challenge gala is one of the largest black-tie events on Long Island. For more information or to purchase tickets to the event, call the St. Francis Hospital Office of Development at (516) 705-6655.
Improved diagnose of acid reflux disease
Imagine a monitoring system the length of a quarter that can help diagnose acid reflux disease without the inconvenience or discomfort of traditional monitoring tests. In the Institute for Digestive Disorders at Winthrop-University Hospital, patients can now benefit from the use of the catheter-free Medtronic Bravo pH Monitoring System in diagnosing acid reflux disease. The Bravo is a small capsule equipped with a pH sensor that is temporarily attached to the wall of the esophagus to measure gastroesophageal acid levels (pH) in the evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. GERD is a leading cause of chronic heartburn and, in severe cases, can cause damage to the esophagus, chronic discomfort and even chest pain not associated with cardiac problems. Traditionally, acid levels in the esophagus were measured by placing a catheter, connected to a monitoring device, down the nose and into the esophagus for a 24-hour period. This procedure often causes nasal and throat discomfort and limits the activities a patient can do. The new minimally invasive monitoring system collects pH data over a 48-hour period for a more accurate assessment of a patient's condition. Winthrop is one of only a few regional hospitals to utilize the new catheter-free pH monitoring system, which has been making a world of difference in the diagnosis of acid reflux disease since it was introduced at Winthrop in July of 2003.In most cases, the capsule is placed through a routine endoscopy procedure where it is attached to the wall of the esophagus. It transmits real-life data to a pager-sized receiver worn on the patient's belt or waistband. Patients are also asked to keep a daily diary of reflux symptoms. This diary, along with the transmitted data from the Bravo capsule, is then analyzed and a report is generated for the patient's referring physician. Several days after the pH test, the capsule naturally falls off the esophagus wall and safely passes through the digestive tract.One of the leading benefits of the new system is the ability of the patient to go about their daily activities without restriction. In addition, the 48-hour study provides physicians with more true-to-life information on pH levels."The fact that our patients can go about their normal daily routines with this new monitoring technique is key in receiving more real-life data and more accurate results," explained Kavita Kongara, MD, director of the Diagnostic Motility Center in the Institute for Digestive Disorders at Winthrop. In addition, the monitoring system allows for more precise diagnosis of GERD in cases that may not present with symptoms (chronic cough, laryngitis, hoarseness and chest pain). Dr. Kongara added, "We have already diagnosed a few cases of GERD with the two-day Bravo study. The traditional 24-hour study might not have picked up the elevated pH levels and may not have been as well tolerated by the patient."Using advanced technology available, including the new Bravo pH Monitoring System, to effectively manage problems of the digestive tract, Winthrop's Institute for Digestive Disorders has helped restore quality of life to hundreds of patients. For more information, call the Institute for Digestive Disorders at 1-866-2-DIGEST.
Hospital receives grant to retain workers
The South Nassau Communities Hospital has been awarded $392,840 in state funds for an education and retraining program designed to ease workforce shortages in health care.The approved projects include training in hemodialysis for registered and licensed practical nurses; perioperative RN training; medical coder training; radiology technologist training; dietary planning training; and computer training. Completion of most projects will take one year."The shortage of skilled health care workers is a national problem," said Daniel Rowland, vice president of development. "While registered nurses are perhaps the most recognizable group impacted by the shortage, nationwide vacancy rates for imaging technologists have been cited as being more than 15 percent. Other non-clinical service areas in demand, such as dietary technicians and aides, play an integral role in the overall delivery of services."Recruitment and retention are two of South Nassau Hospital's strategic goals for 2002-2003. To that end, the hospital has already developed numerous educational and certificate programs for its employees and has hired a director of training programs to ensure that recruitment and retention remain a "constant, comprehensive activity," explained Mr. Rowland.In conjunction with the Town of Hempstead Workforce Investment Board, South Nassau has participated in numerous workforce retraining initiatives including the Nurse Aide Training for Incumbent Workers and the Hempstead Works Skills Shortages Phase II Initiative to Address Local Skills Shortages. In addition, the hospital was awarded funding for a New York State Department of Labor grant for "Career Ladder Training for Billers." Some 30 South Nassau employees throughout the hospital enrolled in the course earlier this year.South Nassau Communities Hospital is one of the region's largest hospitals, with 435 beds, more than 820 physicians and 2,200 employees. Located in Oceanside, NY, the Hospital is an acute-care, not-for-profit teaching hospital that provides state-of-the-art care in cardiac, oncologic, orthopedic, bariatric, pain management, mental health and emergency services. In addition to its extensive outpatient specialty centers, South Nassau boasts Long Island's first gamma knife and New York State's first acute angioplasty program. South Nassau is a member of the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System and a partner in the Winthrop-South Nassau University Health System. For more information, call 1-877-South Nassau.
