By: Robert Remler
The software would be used primarily by doctors, nurses and other health professionals to document their patients' progress and to receive results of laboratory tests. In addition, the actual images of an MRI, EKG or ultrasound, for example, would be transmitted from the laboratory or satellite facility to the health care professional-in the office or home."As long as our health care professionals have computer and Internet access, they can do this," said Stephen Zieniewicz, vice president of support services.The "user-friendly" system, which will operate over a secure connection, will be used throughout the hospital at fixed terminals in nurses' stations, the physicians' lounge, on wireless, mobile carts at the bedside and in outpatient areas."Eliminating the time and geographic barriers associated with the current manual or paper process will fundamentally change how patient care is managed at South Nassau Hospital," Zieniewicz said.But CPOE will do much more than streamline communications. It will improve patient safety by reducing medication mistakes, including transcription errors due to illegible handwriting, duplicate orders and drug allergies and cut down on waste due to the duplication of medical tests.What's more, hospital officials say, the system will lower overall labor costs and make efficient use of the resources and time of health care professionals, especially nurses, who will be freed up to spend more time delivering patient care.
North Shore Achievement Award
In October 2002, North Shore University Hospital at Glen Cove's Dual Diagnosis Continuing Day Treatment Center, which treats individuals diagnosed with mental illness and substance abuse, has received the New York State Office of Mental Health 2002 Achievement Award for Excellence in service.The Dual Diagnosis treatment center is the only program on Long Island to be recognized by OMH in this category."We have always been proud of the services we provide our patients," said Marc DeRicco, coordinator of the Dual Diagnosis Continuing Day Treatment Center since its opening in 1995."With this award, our staff and hospital have now been validated by OMH as leaders in the field."
Lectures at St. Francis
In celebration of heart month, St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center, is offering a free blood pressure screening followed by two lectures at The DeMatteiss Center for Cardiac Research & Education, Northern Blvd in Old Brookville. Reservations are required, please call (516) 629-2038 or 516-629-2035.Tuesday, Feb. 11:9 a.m.-10 a.m. - Free blood pressure screening10 a.m.-11 a.m. - "Peripheral Vascular Disease", by vascular surgeon Dr. Richard Matano 11 a.m.-noon "Foot Care Today", by Podiatrist Brian Lynn
Hearing Aids Lectures
With today's technology, you don't have to miss out on a conversation. Seniors who have difficulty with their hearing are invited to learn the facts about hearing loss at Winthrop-University Hospital's free Health Update for Seniors and Their Families lecture, "Hearing Aids: New Technologies" on Wednesday, Feb. 12. The program will be presented at the Mineola Community Center, 155 Washington Ave. in Mineola, beginning with registration and blood pressure checks at 1:15 p.m., followed by the lecture at 1:45. Admission is free, but reservations are required and can be made by calling (516) 663-3916.Roy Sullivan, Ph.D, audiologist, will discuss the different types of hearing loss, its effect on family relations, and an explanation of the history of hearing aids, including the latest advances in technology. A question-and-answer period will follow the program. Health Update for Seniors and Their families is a free community education program, coordinated by Geriatric Health Services and RISE (Referral, Information and Support-services for the Elderly) at Winthrop, part of the Institute of Family Care.
South Nassau Hospital helps ease blood emergency
To help ease Long Island's critical blood shortage, South Nassau Communities Hospital is to hold a blood drive on Jan. 31, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., in the hospital's Albert Conference Room.Long Island's blood emergency continues. Last year, the federal government banned importing European blood, which made up 25 percent of New York's blood supply. The ban was intended to reduce the possibility that the human form of mad cow disease could be spread through the blood.Now Long Island and the metropolitan area rely on other parts of the U.S. for their blood supply. However, about 60 percent of blood centers across the country are now experiencing shortages as well and have less than a two-day supply of blood, according to Long Island Blood Services officials. "The community's support and participation in this blood drive is vital to easing the blood shortage," said Joseph Quagliata, president and CEO, of South Nassau Hospital."While the rewards of donating blood are many, commitments and requirements are minimal," he said.Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in generally good health. To pre-register or for more information, call 1-877-South Nassau.
