SBU Hospital Construction Continues
According to a recent press release, the SBU Hospital’s Major Modernization Project (MMP) has resumed its Phase I construction, a 150,000 square foot expansion and rebuilding of the hospital lobby and surgical suite. The Phase I construction, which began on April 3, 2006, is part of the MMP, now in its fourth year of implementation. Since the expansion will require a major excavation, the main traffic circle located in the front of the hospital will be closed during the month of May. The hospital report addresses some of the logistics of this mass construction concerning access modifications. For a complete view of the press release, which highlights the access modifications, as well as details of the progress of the MMP, please log on to stonybrookhospital.com and click on the Major Modernization Project link on the home page. Clinical Study Concerning Acid Reflux Disease
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a particular type of endoscopic therapy, the Full Thickness Plicator procedure, meant for alleviating the symptoms of and treating acid reflux disease. The Full Thickness Plicator procedure takes only 15-20 minutes and is heralded as an entirely outpatient based procedure. People between the ages of 18 and 75 years experiencing heartburn or regurgitation of stomach acid on a regular basis may qualify for this clinical study. Call Grace Walker, RN, GERD (Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease) Study Coordinator at 631-444-1759.
LI Geriatric Education Center Expands to SBU Hospital
Recently, the Long Island Geriatric Education Center (LIGEC) established an Eastern Long Island Extension for the purpose of catering to Long Island’s aging population. To facilitate the extension, the SBU School of Medicine is working with the Eastern Long Island Hospital and the Town of Southold. Paul Conner, III, the CEO of Eastern Long Island Hospital commented, “The East End Towns have a much higher percentage of elderly residents than the New York State norm and these communities are currently facing the challenges of an aging population.”
Higher Quality Healthcare Research Analysis
Several weeks ago, Suffolk County and Stony Brook University teamed up for the purpose of examining Long Island’s healthcare resources. The collaboration will allow the university to aid in providing research analysis of healthcare needs from the University’s Center for Health and Healthy Policy Research. Raymond Goldsteen, Doctor of PH, the main organizer of the Center for Health Policy and Healthy Policy Research is known for his writings on, according to a recent SBU Hospital press release, “the fairness and effectiveness of the allocation of healthcare resources.”
SBU Hospital Participates in National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
As of February 2006, SBU Hospital has been participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). According to a recent SBU Hospital press release, “The NSQIP is the first national validated, risk-adjusted, outcomes-based program to measure and improve the quality of surgical care.” In addition, “Medical centers participating in the NSQIP have improved health outcomes, reduced post-operative lengths of stay and hospital costs, and increased patient satisfaction.” Hopefully, we’ll be seeing some good things from SBU Hospital’s participation in NSQIP.
