By: Robert Remler
In addition, three special awards were also presented. Barbara Manzi, RN, emergency department, was given the Nurse of Distinction Award by the North Shore - Long Island Jewish Health System and received a day of beauty gift certificate. Michelle Osborne, RN, patient care coordinator, 2C unit, was selected as Franklin's nominee for the Nassau/Suffolk Hospital Council's Nurse of Excellence Award. Mary Jo Reilly-Beinert, RN, recovery room, received the $1,000 Zuckerberg Nurse of Excellence Award given by the North Shore - Long Island Jewish health System.
New blood donor site
In the first arrangement of its kind in the nation, South Nassau Communities Hospital and Long Island Blood Services (LIBS), a division of New York Blood Center, have established a relationship for the joint promotion of blood donation at Long Island Blood Services' Rockville Centre Donor Center.An official dedication of the center, 333 Merrick Road, was held on May 20. Signage at the donor center will now read "Long Island Blood Services Proudly Supported by South Nassau Communities Hospital."South Nassau will be able to accommodate blood donors even when the hospital is not sponsoring a drive by directing them to the Rockville Centre facility. The hospital will be continuing to fulfill its mission to collect as many blood donation as possible with the goal of helping Long Island achieve a self-sufficient blood supply. LIBS has to import 25 percent of Long Island's blood supply from other parts of the country in order to meet local demand for blood and blood products."Working together and sharing resources enhances the ability of both South Nassau and LIBS to respond to the needs of the communities we serve directly and the larger community of those needing blood," said Joseph A. Quagliata, president and CEO of South Nassau.Long Island Blood Services continues to be responsible for all activities related to the operation and maintenance of the facility. South Nassau will provide promotional support and outreach assistance through its existing community relationships and the production and implementation of collateral materials that promote blood donation."Long Island Blood Services is thrilled to have South Nassau as a partner," said James E. Louie, MD and executive director of LIBS."We look forward to working together to help ensure a safe and adequate blood supply for the patients and people of Long Island."
Mercy holds support group
Coping and Caring is a mutual aid support group for persons whose loved one has cancer. This ongoing support group will meet on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. in the St. Anne's Center conference room at Mercy Medical Center, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. Pre-registration is required and can be done by calling Chris Mulhern, CSW, at (516) 705-2430.
Weight management program expands
With obesity rapidly becoming a national health crisis, South Nassau Communities Hospital is expanding its Optifast Weight Management Program to its satellite Bellmore facility, 2750 Merrick Rd.Diane Barilli, program director, said Optifact is a comprehensive, medically supervised program designed to provide obese patients with the skills and tools to not only lose weight but also to those looking to maintain a healthier weight over time. For more information, or to schedule a free introductory consultation, call (516) 791-2539.
