Long Island College Hospital To Hold Town Hall Meeting On H1N1

photo: sunnybrook100 on Flickr

There is so much (mis)information out there regarding the H1N1 virus. Why not try to get some real answers from the experts? Come learn the facts from Long Island College Hospital physician specialists. At a town hall meeting, they will tell you what you can do to protect yourself and your family, talk about the vaccination issue and a lot more. Everyone is welcome.

Long Island College Hospital ( L.I.C.H.)

Thursday, October 29
from 6:00 to 7:30 pm
in Rooms A & B of the Avram Conference Center
(located on the 1st floor of the hospital’s main entrance, 339 Hicks St.).

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These Are The EMTs And Paramedics In Your Neighborhood!

Say hello to some of our neighborhood Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics.
The photo above was sent to me by Zipporah Dvash, Asst. VP of Public Affairs & Development Long Island College Hospital.

Zipporah writes:

We all hope never to have the need to call an ambulance, but just in case...it’s nice to know they’re here.
In honor of EMS week at LICH, the department’s managers and supervisors treated paramedics and EMTs (emergency medical technicians) a celebratory Bar-B-Que.

Proudly posing in front of the ambulances which serve the local community so well, are: (left to right):
1) Oscar Laporte, EMT
2) Keith Herrera, Paramedic
3) Adam Pace, Paramedic
4) Jason Burgos (student)
5) James Montesino, Paramedic
6) Elizabeth Serra (student).

Almost all the EMTs and paramedics in the photo are community residents themselves.

LICH’s Dept. of Emergency Services is now a teaching site for EMT courses. At the conclusion of the program, the graduates can become certified as New York State Emergency Medical Technicians. The instructor of the course is Edward Caballero, CCEMTP, CIC, LICH’s Senior Director of Emergency Medical Services & Logistics. “People’s lives often depend on the quick reactions and competent care of emergency personnel such as EMTs,” he says.

If anyone would like information on becoming an EMT, contact:
Zipporah Dvash phone: (718) 780-1234, or write to zdvash@chpnet.org

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L.I.C.H. To Host Educational Workshop Series On Diabetes

Photo Credit :Marc L. Photograph On Flickr.

Long Island College Hospital

Diabetes Alert – FREE Community Education Workshop Series

Diabetes is on the rise in the US, largely due to lifestyle choices. Long Island College Hospital (LICH) of Brooklyn, in conjunction with the Dodge YMCA at Atlantic Ave., is hosting a community education workshop series about diabetes. The sessions include use of medication, foot care, new technology, counting carbs, glucose monitoring, type “A” diabetes vs. type “B” and more. Registration is required, but the sessions are free to the community.

This free Community Education Workshop series is presented by Maura O’Malley ANP, BC-ADM, CDE a Diabetes Nurse Practitioner/Certified Diabetes Educator. This workshop will provide information about managing your or a loved ones Diabetes. Sign up for one session or all four, the choice is yours.

Week 1: 3/19/09: Overview of Diabetes, Type 1 vs Type 2; Use of Medication and Insulin; Low Blood Glucose; Home Blood Glucose Monitoring.

Week 2: 3/26/09: Diabetes & Nutrition: Eat Well and Know Your Carbohydrate Counts: What are Carbohydrates and Why Are They Important; Label Reading to Count Carbs (This sessions will include a Carbohydrate Gram Counting Booklet).

Week 3: 4/2/09: Foot Care; Exercise; Sick Day Rules; Coping Skills; Standards of Care for Risk Reduction.

Week 4: 4/9/09: Open to Topics as Directed by the Group; May Include Review of topics; new technology; Insulin Pumps, Continuous Blood Glucose Management.

WHEN:
Thursdays: March 19th, March 26th, April 2nd & April 9th

TIME: 6:30pm –8 pm,
community members may participate in any or all the workshops

WHERE:
Dodge YMCA
225 Atlantic Ave. (between Court St. and Boerum Place)

Pre-registration is required. To register, or for more information, please contact Sara Reyes – Dodge YMCA Membership Services@ 212-912-2421 or email SReyes@ymcanyc.org

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L.I.C.H. To Host Educational Workshop Series On Diabetes

Photo Credit :Marc L. Photograph On Flickr.


Long Island College Hospital

Diabetes Alert – FREE Community Education Workshop Series

Diabetes is on the rise in the US, largely due to lifestyle choices. Long Island College Hospital (LICH) of Brooklyn, in conjunction with the Dodge YMCA at Atlantic Ave., is hosting a community education workshop series about diabetes. The sessions include use of medication, foot care, new technology, counting carbs, glucose monitoring, type “A” diabetes vs. type “B” and more. Registration is required, but the sessions are free to the community.

WHEN:
Tuesday February 3, Tuesday February 10, Tuesday February 17, Tuesday February24

TIME: 1:00 – 2:30 pm,
community members may participate in any or all the workshops

WHERE:
Dodge YMCA
225 Atlantic Ave. (between Court St. and Boerum Place)
Classroom “B” (second level)

INFO/Registration: Sara Reyes – Dodge YMCA (212) 912-2421 or SReyes@ymcanyc.org

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Continuum Health Partners Still Selling Off L.I.C.H. Real Estate

photo credit: seeareelem on flickr

Friday, January 23, 2009
Crain's

LICH Land

Continuum Health Partners quietly put up for sale this month millions in real estate owned by Long Island College Hospital. The Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, real estate is one of the money-losing hospital's most valuable assets. It comprises multifamily townhouses used as residences and offices, two apartment buildings and a development site. Offered by Grubb & Ellis on an all-cash basis, the properties include 74, 76-78, 82 and 86 Amity St., and 113 Congress St. Of those, 74 Amity is a 12-unit walk-up apartment house; the others are townhouses. Also for sale is 43 Columbia Place, a four-story, 11-unit walkup. The last is 385-389 Hicks St., a one-building site that can be developed to about 23,000 square feet. Most of the buildings are vacant or will be by July.

For additional LICH info:

www.LICHmedicalstaff.org

Please continue writing letters and emails to Gov. Paterson, DOH, and Attorney General Cuomo in support of an independent LICH.

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L.I.C.H. Doctors On A "Mission" To Reverse Rumors

photo credit: seeareelem on flickr

The physicians and staff of Long Island College Hospital are on a mission to reverse the damage done to the hospital by Continuum Health Partners, the hospital's parent company.
As the hospital is working to sort out its conflict with Continuum, it found an ally in the NYS Department of Health which has approved a $3 million loan to L.I.C.H.
Dr. Tucker Woods, L.I.C.H's Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine and Doris Palazzo, an E.R. Administrator, attended Monday night's meeting of the Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association. Both Dr. Woods and Ms. Palazzo want Brooklynites to know that L.I.C.H. is still very much alive, is still operating as a full service hospital and is fully staffed with attending physicians.
In addition, they explained that the hospital has implemented an electronic medical record system. The emergency room has been able to cut down on the average waiting time. After triage, most patients are seen by an attending physician in about 30 minutes.
A separate area for less severe injuries has also been established. Also, L.I.C.H. has a Pediatric Emergency Center so that children do not have to wait in the regular emergency room.
Most impressively, L.I.C.H. has a cutting edge hypothermia center to treat heart attack victims. It is the first in Brooklyn. Employing a "cooling" technique, doctors can minimize the loss of brain function, which can occur during an attack.
Yes, the hospital still has financial woes, but according to Dr. Woods, "very few have no financial problems." He called L.I.C.H. " Brooklyn's best kept secret."

To learn more and to watch a video on L.I.C.H.'s hypothermia center, click here.


Related Posts:

State Denies L.I.C.H.'s Request To Close Their Obstetrics, Neonatal & Pediatric Services

Brooklyn Rallies Against Continuum Health 'Pirates'

A Message From LICH's Pediatric Ambulatory Care Unit

Carroll Gardens On The Losing End Of Continuum's LICH Sell-Off

For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Asking Read more

Continuum Health "Pirates" Still Not Doing Right By L.I.C.H.

Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association General Meeting

Dr. Toomas Sorra

Since the Department of Health denied Continuum Health Partners' request to shut Long Island College Hospital's obstetrics, pediatrics and neo-natal units in November, Continuum has not informed the community by refuting the letter which had announced the closings.
Last night at the Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association, Dr. Toomas Sorra, spokesman for the medical staff, stated that Continuum's refusal to make a statement has further drained the hospital financially and has been disheartening to all those who work so hard at keeping the hospital viable. LICH doctors are still intent on breaking ties with Continuum and to turn it back into an independent institution. Their hope is to replace the current board with one that would have more local representation and a new hospital administration that was more doctor and community friendly. Most importantly, they hope to find another medical institution to partner with.
One thing is for sure: Continuum has to go. It has become painfully clear that their plan has always been to run the hospital into the ground, to sell off the real estate, close the 150 year old institution and to pocket millions of dollars. In the meantime, as Brooklyn residents, we should support the medical staff. We can do that by writing to the Department of Health, to Governor Paterson and to Continuum.
Lets face it, L.I.C.H. may have some real problems, but if we don't fight for our hospital, we will lose a vital institution. I don't think that is in anyone's interest.

Related Posts:

State Denies L.I.C.H.'s Request To Close Their Obstetrics, Neonatal & Pediatric Services

Brooklyn Rallies Against Continuum Health 'Pirates'

A Message From LICH's Pediatric Ambulatory Care Unit

Carroll Gardens On The Losing End Of Continuum's LICH Sell-Off

For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Asking Read more

State Denies L.I.C.H.'s Request To Close Their Obstetrics, Neonatal & Pediatric Services

Citing financial trouble, Continuum Health Partners, recently announced the closing of several departments within the hospital, including the Maternity and the Pediatric Unit. This move seemed odd given the fact that there are more pregnant women and small children the downtown Brooklyn area than anywhere in the city. In addition, massive lay-offs have been announced at the hospital. This slow but purposeful dismantling of vital hospital services seemed to point at one thing: Continuum wants to close L.I.C.H., sell off its real estate assets and transfer the money to its Manhattan hospitals. Now the state has put a stop to those plans.
Maybe L.I.C.H. can move forward after all...

State orders hospital to continue OB services

From Crain's New York By Gale Scott

Published: November 18, 2008 - 5:59 am

Citing Brooklyn's shortage of maternity beds and pediatric care, the State Department of Health has denied Continuum Health Partners' request to end obstetrics, neonatal and pediatric services at Long Island College Hospital. The department has also ordered the hospital to continue running several school-based health clinics that the hospital wanted to close at the end of the year.

At the same time, state health officials approved a $3 million loan to the hospital, money available for hospitals that want to restructure to meet the mandates of the Berger Commission, the Pataki administration panel that targeted hospitals for downsizings, closures and mergers.

In a letter delivered Monday afternoon to Long Island College Hospital's interim chief executive officer, Dominick Stanzione, health department Deputy Commissioner James Clyne says those services are needed sorely in Brooklyn.

Click here to read rest of article

Related Posts:

Brooklyn Rallies Against Continuum Health 'Pirates'

A Message From LICH's Pediatric Ambulatory Care Unit

Carroll Gardens On The Losing End Of Continuum's LICH Sell-Off

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Brooklyn Rallies Against Continuum Health 'Pirates'

Our Local Elected Officials

Borough President Marty Markowitz

L.I.C.H. Dr. Toomas Sorra

Assemblywoman Joan Millman

Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association President Maria Pagano
and L.I.C.H. Dr. Jeffrey Viera


Rally To Save Long Island College Hospital

It seemed a bit sad and ironic to see all the banners commemorating Long Island College Hospital's 150 years in downtown Brooklyn. The slogan " Looking Back...Moving Forward" seems hollow ten years after Continuum Health Partners, took control of the hospital. Citing financial trouble, Continuum has announced the closing of several departments within the hospital, including the Maternity and the Pediatric Unit. It is quite hard to believe since we all know that there are more pregnant women and small children here than anywhere in the city. Just recently, massive lay-offs have been announced at the hospital. This slow but purposeful dismantling of vital hospital services only seems to point at one thing: Continuum wants to close L.I.C.H., sell off its real estate assets and transfer the money to its Manhattan hospitals.
At a rally yesterday, our local officials gathered at a rally and press conference to warn Continuum that cutting services or worse, closing the hospital, are not options. Borough President Marty Markowitz had strong words for Continuum when he spoke in front of the doctors, nurses and neighborhood residents. He accused Continuum of turning its back on Brownstone Brooklyn and of bleeding the hospital. He urged the management company to "open the books and to show us the money, or the lack thereof."
Markowitz reassured everyone present that he has reached out to N.Y.State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo who " is all over the issue" and has launched a complete investigation.

Congresswoman Nydia Velásquez, Assemblywoman Joan Millman, Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries and Councilmen Bill De Blasio all reiterated their commitment to saving the hospital so it can "serve the neighborhood for another 150 years." They demanded financial clarity and answers from Continuum. Bill DeBlasio stated that Continuum has been selling off some choice hospital real estate, but instead of reinvesting the money into L.I.C.H., the profits were taken out of our borough to be used in Continuum's Manhattan hospitals.
A big question mark also surrounds the roughly $140 million grant that was left to LICH by the estate of Donald and Mildred Otmer. Continuum has yet to account for that money.

Dr. Toomas Sorra, a gastroenterologist and spokesperson for LICH's doctors was last to speak, but probably illustrated the problem between Continuum and L.I.C.H. best when he mentioned that of the roughly 120 board meetings held by Continuum over the last 10 years, only three were scheduled here in Brooklyn. Board members had to take taxis because they had no idea where L.I.C.H. actually was.


Related posts:
A Message From LICH's Pediatric Ambulatory Care Unit
Carroll Gardens On The Losing End Of Continuum's LICH Sell-Off



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Rally To Save Long Island College Hospital

In order to stop the hemorrhage at Long Island College Hospital, local politicians and doctors urge you to show your support by attending a press conference and rally in front of L.I.C.H. this week. The loss of services at our local hospital is by far one of the most important issues here in the neighborhood. I urge everyone to attend. Here is further information from L.I.C.H. Medical Staff's web site.

Borough President Markowitz, Congresswoman Nydia Velásquez, Doctors and Community Groups To Demand Immediate Action To Resuscicate Long Island College Hospital

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14 at 1:00 P.M.
OUTSIDE LONG ISLAND COLLEGE HOSPITAL
HICKS STREET BETWEEN ATLANTIC AVENUE AND PACIFIC STREET
COBBLE HILL, BROOKLYN

On Tuesday, October 14, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez and Special Assistant to the Borough President Yvonne Graham will join other elected officials, community leaders and members of the medical community at a press conference and rally outside Long Island College Hospital (LICH). The borough president will call for immediate action in saving essential services at the hospital. CONTACT: Mark Zustovich 718-802-3830 email: mzustovich at brooklynbp.nyc.gov

If you cannot attend, please make sure to visit here for ways you can help save the hospital.


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A Message From LICH's Pediatric Ambulatory Care Unit

Yesterday, Dr. Hugh Gilgoff, Medical Director of Long Island College Hospital Pediatric Care Unit left a comment on a post I wrote about the potential closing of the hospital's pediatric unit. I am reprinting it here as a post because I feel very strongly that the community needs to support the dedicated medical staff that has served us so incredibly well. Please take a minute to follow the link below and voice your opposition to Continuum's ongoing dismantling of our local hospital.

From all of us at LICH - the nurses, the staff, and us doctors - we thank you for helping us in this fight. We have dedicated our lives to helping children and we need help in order to continue helping you and your family.
Please do whatever you can to help sway the state to stop this Manhattan group from taking away vital services to our wonderful Brooklyn community. See lichmedicalstaff.org for more ways to help.
Please also know that we have already begun planning on ways to continue providing the same top quality healthcare should the state fail to stop the closure of pediatrics.
Specifically, we will continue to operate as your pediatricians and healthcare providers here in the community - we will just find a new space! But the closure of the pediatric emergency room and the lack of space and support for our pediatric specialists will without a doubt create a void in our communities pediatric healthcare.

Thank you for your support.
Dr. Hugh Gilgoff,
Medical Director, Pediatric Ambulatory Care.

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Take A Moment To Save L.I.C.H.'s Pediatric's Department

photo credit: seeareelem on flickr

An email is being circulated on several list servers regarding Long Island College Hospital's proposed closing of their pediatric unit. It is a response to an announcement made at the Community Board 6 meeting.
According to the Daily News:

Brooklyn's Long Island College Hospital will close by the end of the year if the state does not approve a plan to shutter its money-losing units, the head of the institution said Monday night.
"I cannot go through the rest of the year without relief," said Stanley Brezenoff, president of the hospital's corporate parent, Continuum Health Partners.
Speaking at a packed Community Board 6 meeting last night, Brezenoff said he has asked the state Health Department for permission to shut down the pediatric and dentistry departments.
The latest cost-cutting measures come after the hospital asked for the state's okay in July to close its maternity ward.
"Sometimes an amputation is necessary," Brezenoff said.

( click here to read entire article)

After years of mismanagement, it seems clear that Continuum has brought Long Island College Hospital to its knees. Shame on them. If you are as outraged as I am, take a moment to read Dinah Gieske's email below and write a letter to Brezenoff.

Dear Friends,

Please take a minute to call Continuum Health Partners' - Stanley Brezenoff @ 212-420-2000 and John Wren @ 212-415-3776 to register your protest about the closure of LICH pediatrics. They are proposing closure of all in-patient and out-patient pediatric services there.
Our next closest hospitals are Brooklyn Hospital and Methodist Hospital, both with already overburdened emergency rooms.
LICH has a special pediatric emergency room that segregates the children from the
adults. It's quite good.
This has to be approved by the Department of Health, so it might be useful to contact them as well: http://www.nyc. gov/html/ mail/html/ maildoh.html

Thanks for your support in "thinking globally and acting locally."

Dinah Gieske

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