Shefali Luthra, Kaiser Health News
2:47 AM, Mar 31, 2015
4 hours ago
New designs, though, can be expensive. After Valley Hospital of Ridgewood, N.J., switched to pajamas and gowns that provide extra coverage, costs went up $70,000 per year, said Leonard Guglielmo, the facility’s chief supply chain officer, because the new garments cost more to buy and maintain.
Whether a patient is in the hospital for an organ transplant, an appendectomy or to have a baby, one complaint is common: the gown.
You know the one. It might as well have been stitched together with paper towels and duct tape, and it usually leaves the wearer’s behind hanging out.
“You’re at the hospital because something’s wrong with you – you’re vulnerable – then you get to wear the most vulnerable garment ever invented to make the whole experience that much worse,” said Ted Streuli, who lives in Edmond, Okla., and has had to wear hospital gowns on multiple occasions.
Put another way: “They are horrible. They are demeaning. They are belittling. They are disempowering,” said Camilla McRory of Olney, Md.
The gowns are among the most vexing parts of being in the hospital. But if efforts by some health systems are an indicator, the design may be on its way out of style.
Reader asks I would like to know if Councilman Pucciarelli and Councilwoman Gwenn Hauck recused themselves from that closed session discussion on Valley
RULES FOR SOME BUT NOT FOR OTHERS ?
I would like to know if Councilman Pucciarelli and councilwoman Gwenn Hauck recused themselves from that closed session discussion on Valley. After all, Mr Pucciarelli stated during his campaign several times that he would recuse himself if Valley came to the council. In fact, he was very upset that one of his running mates, Russ Forenza, did not disclose his wife’s affiliation with Valley and therefore, Russ would have to recuse himself if he won a seat on council.
The Village Manager was so concerned whether Councilwoman Susan Knudsen should recuse herself from the (Residency) discussion because Susan had relatives on the current police or fire list that she informed Mr. Roger who then suggested to Susan that she recuse herself even though it plainly stated that they were not going to discuss police or fire. When question about this at an open meeting Mr. Roger said something to the effect that you never know were these discussion lead to. Whats changed? If these two did not recuse themselves then how do we know that Valley Hospital maybe privy to inside information. Our Mayor should have know that this would be a hot button item and for transparency reasons he could have made an announcement prior to going into closed session that these two would not attend. I get it .They are just to busy taking care of the chamber and the developers that they don’t have time for civility or transparency
Reader says There are many REAL charities that need financial support
$1,974,909 – Audrey Meyers President and CEO, Valley Hospital, Ridgewood Another leader of a single hospital in hospital-rich Bergen County, Meyers is again the only woman to make this list
Unfortunately many charities give grossly high salaries to their employees and the generous donations pay for that instead of research.
Don.t forget the “lustgarden foundation, curepc ” that spends 100% of the donations seeking a cure for pancreatic cancer, anyone could get it and it kills 95% of the victims so it’s a worthy cause. Anybody could get it and it kills you quick
There are many REAL charities that need financial support. Go to CharityWatch.org to see listings by category.
GENERAL
ALS Association B+
American Brain Tumor Association A-
American Kidney Fund A+
American Liver Foundation A
American Red Cross A
American Sexual Health Association A
City of Hope A-
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America A
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Reader states Why on earth doesn’t the Village ask Valley for a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) is beyond me
Why on earth doesn’t the Village ask Valley for a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) is beyond me… all Valley does is present ridiculous expansion plans based on ordinance 3066 -which former Mayor Pfund passed to allow them to apply for exceptions to the Village Master Plan – then waste Villagers time and money, and then sue us. Then they pay their CEO $2 million a year for running a single hospital – whereas the others on that list run hosital systems – and they can’t even pay their fair share of the costs for Villages services including Police, Fire, EMT, sanitation, snow removal, road and pothole repair, etc. Some non-profit that is, they’re a bad neighbor.
Reader says Community Hospitals Do Not sue the Community they Serve
Three lies by the current Valley Board and Audrey at odds with the fact that they are suing the Village of Ridgewood:
1) Ethics – They say, “We are honest and fair in all we say and do.” Suing the community that built and funded Valley is honest and fair?
2) The Valley Hospital Mission Statement – “The Valley Hospital serves the community…” – see above
3) According to https://www.valleyhospitalfoundation.org/who-we-are-auxiliary-70th-anniversary“Since 1951, The Valley Hospital has existed to care for the people of our community when they need it most. The Valley Hospital opened its doors on August 8, 1951 thanks to the 450 charter members of the Women’s Auxiliary of The Valley Hospital who helped to raise $140,000, enough to fully furnish and equip a new three-floor hospital thanks to their “Third Floor Drive”. The Valley Hospital opened its doors on August 8, 1951 in Ridgewood.” How is that consistent with Valley suing the Village? Audrey is clearly only in it for the money. She should resign post haste.
Audrey Meyers President and CEO, Valley Hospital, Ridgewood New Jersey’s 9th highest-paid hospital executive
Meanwhile Audrey just made #9 on the list of New Jersey’s 10 Top-Paid Hospital Executives here https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/15/03/23/the-list-names-and-numbers-new-jersey-s-10-top-paid-hospital-executives/ $1,974,909 for leading a single hospital in hospital-rich Bergen County… and for suing the Village of Ridgewood ! The List: Names and Numbers — New Jersey’s 10 Top-Paid Hospital Executives
Andrew Kitchenman | March 23, 2015
Once again, seven top execs on the list pull down more than $2 million in compensation
New Jersey’s highest-paid hospital executives have had a busy two years since the last time NJ Spotlight compiled this list — and the busiest execs have seen the sharpest pay increases.
Seven executives received more than $2 million in total compensation in 2013, the latest available data. That was the same number as the most recent NJ Spotlight list, which was based on 2011 information.
The List: Best-Compensated Nonprofit Hospital Executives
Merger of Two Hospitals Could Increase Quality, But Also Concentrate Power
New Medical School Will Strive to Entice Graduates to Stay in New Jersey
Three of the top four executives worked for Hackensack University Medical Center and Meridian Health System, which have proposed a merger to create the state’s largest system.
This list only includes nonprofit executives, whose compensation is available on the 990 forms required from all nonprofits
9. $1,974,909 – Audrey Meyers President and CEO, Valley Hospital, Ridgewood Another leader of a single hospital in hospital-rich Bergen County, Meyers is again the only woman to make this list.
MRI machine explodes at Oradell Animal Hospital, critically injuring repairman
March 6, 2015, 12:31 PM Last updated: Friday, March 6, 2015, 7:50 PM
By JOHN SEASLY, STEFANIE DAZIO and MARY DIDUCH
staff writers |
The Record
PARAMUS — An MRI machine exploded during maintenance at the Oradell Animal Hospital late Friday morning, critically injuring one repairman but sparing scores of employees and animals in the hospital, Police Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg said.
The critically injured worker suffered cuts and crushing-related injuries; the other two had minor to moderate injuries including respiratory complaints, the chief said. He said their identities were being withheld pending family notification.
As of mid evening, the chief said there was no update on the most-severely injured man’s condition.
The explosion caused a small leak of helium, which cools the inside of the machine and can be dangerous in a closed area. The area was subsequently ventilated and made safe, Ehrenberg said.
Responding to reports at 11:51 a.m. of a fire and an explosion at the animal hospital at 580 Winters Ave., police found the ceiling of the east wing collapsed, but the building remained structurally sound, the chief said. There was no evidence of a fire, he said.
About 60 animals and 100 employees were in the building, the chief said, and the staff subsequently accounted for all animals and employees. They were moved to several contingent sites in the county, he said.
Landmark Study Asks the Question: Are All Defibrillators Created Equal?
First U.S. Patients Enrolled in International Trial to Evaluate Implanted Defibrillator that Offers Protection with Less Risk to the Heart
RIDGEWOOD, NJ, February 12, 2015 — The Valley Hospital has been selected as the United States Coordinating Center for the PRAETORIAN trial, an international trial designed to compare for the first time the traditional implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) with a newer model that may reduce the risk of complications associated with these otherwise life saving devices.
Although ICDs have been used for decades to safeguard patients deemed at high risk for sudden death due to a heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia), the traditional model relies on a transvenous electrode or lead placed in the heart. A major drawback of these ICDs has been the lead, which can break, become infected, or injure the heart and surrounding blood vessels. The alternative is a newer form of ICD, called a subcutaneous or S-ICD that is implanted entirely under the skin without entering the heart or blood vessels. Valley was one of the first hospitals in New Jersey and one of only three hospitals in the tri-state area to have early experience with the S-ICD.
“Both types of ICDs have been shown to reduce the risk of sudden death,” says Suneet Mittal, M.D., Direct of Electrophysiology and the Principal Investigator at Valley for the Praetorian Trial. “The S-ICD, because it does not involve a lead within the heart, may significantly reduce the likelihood of lead-related complications. This trial is the first attempt to compare the two types of ICDs in a randomized trial.”
In the PRAETORIAN trial, which originated at the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, patients are randomly selected to receive either a traditional ICD or an S-ICD. Mark W. Preminger, M.D., Director, Implantable Arrhythmia Devices at Valley, enrolled the first patients in the United States into the study earlier this month.
“The S-ICD® is the world’s only subcutaneous ICD, and it represents a major step forward in the evolution of defibrillator technology,” Dr. Mittal says. “We are delighted to offer this advanced breakthrough in arrhythmia treatment to our Valley Hospital patients, and proud to be a leading participant in this important international trial.”
For more information please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Reality star Rosie Pope of Ridgewood partners with Valley Health System
JANUARY 19, 2015 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015, 1:21 AM
THE RECORD
Print
HEALTH: Reality TV star partners with hospital group
Ridgewood resident Rosie Pope, best known for her starring role in Bravo’s “Pregnant in Heels,” has partnered with the Ridgewood-based Valley Health System to promote pregnancy health and wellness.
The Valley Hospital Among America’s Best Hospitals to Have a Baby
January 14, 2015
Ridgewood NJ, The Valley Hospital has received the 2015 Women’s Choice Award® as an America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics . This evidence-based designation is the only award that identifies the country’s best healthcare institutions based on criteria that consider female patient satisfaction, clinical excellence, and what women say they want from a hospital.
The list of 371 award winners represents hospitals, including The Valley Hospital, which women can feel confident in choosing for their maternity needs.
“We are very pleased to receive this recognition,” said Claire Grande, Assistant Vice President of Women’s and Children’s Services at Valley. “We are gratified that so many new moms choose Valley for their care.”
“We understand that the birth of a child is a special time for patients and families, and that they require special care,” Grande said. “I think this recognition is a wonderful reflection of the standard of care we provide to all our patients and a testament to the priority Valley staff and physicians place on achieving the highest-quality clinical outcomes, while delivering the most compassionate care.”
“New moms have many choices when it comes to obstetrics. Now they can make informed decisions based on the recommendations of other moms who have experienced that hospital first hand,” says Delia Passi, CEO and Founder of the Women’s Choice Award, and former publisher of Working Woman and Working Mother magazines. “Most importantly, when a woman sees the Women’s Choice Award at her local hospital, she’ll know the hospital values her experience as a critical component of care for her and her loved ones,” added Passi.
The America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics scoring process is unique in that it is the only national list that focuses on female patient satisfaction. Only the hospitals who qualify for this highly selective designation provide the highest level of obstetric services based on their exceptional scores for patient recommendation, as provided by data reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys, as well as an analysis that weighs criteria identified as the most important to women for patient satisfaction, including early elective deliveries.
About The Valley Hospital
The Valley Hospital, a 451-bed, acute care, not-for-profit hospital located in Ridgewood, NJ, is part of Valley Health System, which also includes Valley Home Care and Valley Medical Group. Valley is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. These include 10 consecutive recognitions for service excellence by J.D. Power and Associates for inpatient care, six consecutive awards for patient safety and quality care from the Leapfrog Group, and Gold Seals of Approval from the Joint Commission in 12 clinical areas, including six for cancer care, more than any other hospital in the nation. Valley has also been recognized by Healthgrades as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for joint replacement and orthopedic surgery. Valley has also been honored three times with “Magnet” designation – the nursing profession’s highest honor. Key services include cardiology, oncology, women’s and children’s services, emergency care, orthopedics, and neurosciences.
For more information please visit www.ValleyHealth.com.
Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems
About the Women’s Choice Award®
The Women’s Choice Award sets the standard for helping women to make smarter choices for themselves and their families. The company and its awards identify the brands, products and services that are most recommended and trusted by women. The Women’s Choice Award is the only evidence-based quality designation that drives consumer and patient appreciation through education, empowerment and validation. Additionally, they recognize those that deliver a recommendation-worthy customer experience. Visit www.WomensChoiceAward.com to learn more.
Readers not very forgiving of BOE lack of Action in at lest voicing skepticism and Protecting Students of BF and Travell .
So sad that The Record (in an article posted to its website today) is trying to make it seem like Sheila Brogan (the Ridgewood Board of Education President) is happy about the Planning Board decision. She actively helped Valley Hospital by claiming that the massive 6-10 year construction proposed by Valley would have no impact on the education of Ridgewood students at the B.F. Middle School right next door to Valley. We won’t forget, Sheila.
Her testimony was disappointing and was not in line with the BOEs fiduciary duty to protect the students. Forget about the construction period, the final product of a 94 foot tall building and a building moved over next to BF on top of the current parking lot would impact the students forever. And the track and field participants.
Please explain how her saying “construction would have no impact on the education of kids at B.F and Travell” shows that she means well? If you’re saying she “meant” to help Valley, then I understand. But having BF and Travell kids go thru 6 years of construction doesn’t indicate that she means well. Remember this at election time ,br><br?>
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