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Major League Baseball’s Opening Day is always a special day, especially this year on April 1st for avid Philadelphia Phillies fan David J. Kovalsky, DO, a hospitalist at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital. Following a long, dark and cold baseball offseason, Opening Day marks the first of a 162-game season filled with excitement and warm weather. This year, the season opener is extra meaningful, as it will be the first time in 550 days that fans are allowed to watch “America's pastime” inside Citizens Bank Park. Due to the pandemic, last season was shortened to 60 games and seats were only filled with cardboard cutouts — dozens of which featured Jefferson employees. Now, as the Phillies welcome back fans, they are honoring frontline heroes in another... Read more →

The Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) Department at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital has been awarded ultrasound practice reaccreditation, through 2024, from the Ultrasound Practice Accreditation Council of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). AIUM Ultrasound Practice Accreditation is a voluntary peer-review process that allows practices to demonstrate they meet or exceed nationally recognized standards in the performance and interpretation of diagnostic ultrasound examinations. Jefferson’s MFM department achieved this recognition by meeting rigorous voluntary guidelines set by the diagnostic ultrasound profession. “We are honored to be recognized by AIUM for our efforts to provide quality obstetrical ultrasounds,” said Tammy Harold, Director of Business Development for Women's & Children's Services at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital. “This is one of the many ways we are showing our... Read more →

Jefferson Health - New Jersey has announced the appointment of its new Medical Staff officers, each elected for a two-year term: Dr. Daniel Tarditi, Medical Staff President, is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology. A graduate of RowanSOM, he is also fellowship trained in Cardiology. Dr. Tarditi is a member of the American College of Cardiology, American Osteopathic Association, American Society of Echocardiography, and American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. A cardiologist with The Heart House, Dr. Tarditi resides in Haddonfield, NJ. Dr. Alan Lucerna, Medical Staff Vice President, is an attending physician at the Jefferson Stratford Hospital Emergency Department. Board certified in Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine, Dr. Lucerna is a 2005 graduate of RowanSOM; he completed both his Internship and Residency through the... Read more →

Two Jefferson Health – New Jersey nurses, from the Jefferson Washington Township Hospital campus, were recently honored with DAISY Awards for their compassionate and skillful care: Medical/Surgical 2 nurse Iwona Soloff, RN, of Sicklerville, NJ, was nominated by a recently diagnosed cancer patient for making them feel better with her “delightful personality” and “warm, caring nature.” Surgical Center nurse Michelle Hudak, BSN, RN, of Williamstown, NJ, was nominated by a surgery patient for her positive attitude and ability to make them feel comfortable before their procedure. This is Michelle’s second DAISY Award at Jefferson. Iwona and Michelle were presented the awards by Helene Burns, DPN, RN, NEA-BC, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Jefferson Health – New Jersey. Part of an international program,... Read more →

Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital Surgical Services nurse Siobhan King, MA, BSN, RN, CPAN, CAPA, was recently honored with a DAISY Award for compassionate and skillful care. She was presented the award by Jefferson Health – New Jersey Chief Nursing Officer Helene Burns, DPN, RN, NE-BC, shown right. A grateful patient nominated the Mount Laurel, NJ, resident for her empathy, dedication, and use of humor to help him through a difficult recovery after a colonoscopy. Part of an international program, DAISY honorees are nominated by patients, family members, and colleagues for demonstrating excellence through clinical expertise, extraordinary compassionate care, and a high level of professionalism. DAISY Award winners are chosen following a review of nominations by Jefferson’s Clinical Recognition Committee in New Jersey. The nonprofit DAISY... Read more →

...in Confined Spaces with Airborne Viruses A computation shows air purifiers in elevators and other confined spaces can actually increase saliva droplet dispersal, spreading COVID-19. 25-Jan-2021 10:00 AM EST, by American Institute of Physics (AIP) 3 favorite_border Talib Dbouk and Dimitris Drikakis The video shows the velocity contour isosurfaces and droplet spread inside an elevator when using an air purifier. The air purifier increases the droplet spread because the air intake integrated inside the purifier equipment induces flow circulation that can add to the transport of contaminated saliva droplets in the cabin. Newswise — WASHINGTON, January 26, 2021 -- The positions of air inlets and outlets in confined spaces, such as elevators, greatly affect airborne virus transmission. In Physics of Fluids, by AIP Publishing, researchers... Read more →

Can athletes use CBD and CBD-based products? And what is the relationship of sports with cannabis use in general? Stay tuned to find out! With the Olympic cycle in full swing, questions about what substances athletes can legally use are the hottest topics. Drug use by athletes is one of the most popular and controversial subjects in sports in general, whether it’s to enhance their performance or just for recreation. Allegations and controversies have threatened and ended careers, and every big competition brings a lot of tension, with potential doping scandals ensuing at every corner. Everyone knows that steroid and performance-enhancing drugs aren't legal. But there are substances that are in a so-called grey-zone. People aren’t always sure if these are legal or not. CBD... Read more →

Jefferson Health – New Jersey’s Washington Township-based Maternity Center, a participating facility in Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey’s network, has been recognized with a Blue Distinction® Centers (BDC) for Maternity Care designation, as part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Racial and ethnic disparities are persistent and widespread across maternal healthcare, primarily driven by socioeconomic status, geographic location, and implicit provider bias. Compared to similarly developed countries, such as Canada, Germany, and Australia, the United State has the highest maternal mortality rate (MMR), at approximately 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, with the MMR steadily increasing since 20001. According to the CDC, non-Hispanic Black women are two to three times more likely to die from preventable... Read more →

Pictured, from left: the Silvestri Tower at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital under construction (scheduled for completion in July 2021) and the recently completed Patient Pavilion at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital Monumental changes at Jefferson Cherry Hill and Washington Township Hospitals will enhance the patient and family experience, enable new clinical programs in the community and keep specialized care close to home. Both hospitals have undergone multi-million dollar renovations over the past few years and now bring the latest technology and patient-focused care to South Jersey. In December 2020, Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital wrapped up a five-year, $250-million renovation project with the completion and opening of its new seven-story, 230,000 square-foot Patient Pavilion. Originally built in 1960, the updated hospital is now the first of the... Read more →

Jefferson President & COO Brian Sweeney addressed the onlookers at the launch of the new Camden County vaccination site at Camden County College in Blackwood. On Wednesday, January 13, The Camden County Board of Commissioners opened its new COVID-19 vaccination site at Camden County College in Blackwood with Jefferson Health – New Jersey playing an important supporting role. Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli, Jr., was joined by area healthcare professionals and institutional leaders to talk about the new COVID-19 vaccination site. Jefferson Health – New Jersey President Brian Sweeney was one of several officials to address a crowd of supporters and news media. The new vaccination site has four operational lanes for Phase 1A – which includes healthcare workers, residents of long-term care facilities, and effective... Read more →

The Comprehensive Breast Center, located at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township, recently welcome two new breast surgeons to its team of physicians: Kristin Brill, MD, FACS, and Susanna M. Nazarian, MD, PhD, FACS. We spoke with Dr. Brill and Dr. Nazarian about their experiences in the medical field, and what they look forward to bringing to Jefferson Health - New Jersey. One Passion, Two Stories Dr. Brill and Dr. Nazarian are both passionate surgeons who have a deep desire to help their patients by providing the best care possible. However, their individual stories as healthcare professionals are very different. Dr. Brill always knew she wanted to positively impact lives, but surprised herself when she became interested in surgery during medical school: “I... Read more →

as Blue Distinction® Center for Bariatric Surgery Jefferson Health – New Jersey has been recognized with a Blue Distinction® Centers for Bariatric Surgery designation as part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated healthcare facilities that show a commitment to delivering high-quality patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation/quality organizations. Jefferson Health – New Jersey - a participating facility in Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey’s network - earned this designation by meeting the rigorous Blue Distinction Center quality selection criteria for bariatric surgery. To receive this designation, a healthcare facility must demonstrate success in meeting patient safety measures,... Read more →

A new Patient Pavilion with all-private rooms has opened at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, the last phase of a five-year, $250 million-plus campus revitalization project. “This marks a new era for our health system and our Cherry Hill Hospital,” said Jefferson Health - New Jersey President Brian Sweeney. “It elevates the level of service and care we can provide our community members.” In addition to new patient care units with private rooms, the new Patient Pavilion also has new Medical Imaging facilities and a modern, full-service café. Designed with patients and their family members’ comfort and convenience in mind, some of the new amenities offered include: An iPad in every patient room (sanitized after every discharge) that allows patients to access MyChart (for information on... Read more →

A new medical practice – Jefferson Health Haddonfield Primary & Specialty Care (A LGBTQ+ Affirming Practice) – will begin seeing patients on Monday, January 4. Easily accessible by both car and public transportation, this practice will provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ patients to seek inclusive, multidisciplinary care. While focused on caring for LGBTQ patients, this new medical practice is open to all adult members of the community needing medical care. Jefferson Health Haddonfield Primary & Specialty Care, located at 80 Tanner Street, will offer services in infectious diseases care, HIV, behavioral health and primary care. “We will also provide hormone replacement therapy, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention upon opening. In the future, gynecology services and... Read more →

Sewell, NJ, January 1, 2021 – Clayton, NJ, resident Amanda Mitchell welcomed her fourth child – and Gloucester County’s first baby of 2021 – at 1:07 a.m. Friday, January 1st at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital. Little London Grace Mitchell will join mom Amanda, dad Malcolm Forbes, and three older siblings, ages 13 to four. All four of Amanda’s children were born at Jefferson Washington Township. London, who was delivered by Dr. Deborah White, is wearing an “onesie” created by Labor & Delivery Nurse Jill Reilly, who, each year, creates a new “fashion statement” for the hospital’s first baby of the New Year. Read more →

How will New Jersey distribute a COVID-19 vaccine? Is there a plan? New Jersey will roll out COVID-19 vaccines step-by-step to serve all adults who live, work, or are being educated in the state. Vaccination Phases Currently, vaccines are available to those who are in Category 1A which includes paid and unpaid persons serving in health care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials and long-term care residents and staff. Once vaccine availability expands, essential workers, which fall into Category 1B, will be able to get vaccinated. The next category of individuals, Category 1C, are adults 65 and over and adults with underlying medical conditions. After these phases are complete, the general public will be eligible for... Read more →

for ICU Staff at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital on Dec. 17 Ashley Kulikowski of Glassboro, NJ, knows first-hand the impact of COVID. Not only did the 23-year-old battle the disease herself, she also lost her beloved grandfather to the pandemic in October. “I know how awful it feels to have COVID, and I know how much worse it is to lose someone to it,” the young nonprofit leader said. “I can only imagine how hard it is for the healthcare workers dealing with COVID-19 patients and seeing the pain they face every day. If my grandpa was here, he would be showing his gratitude through giving himself.” That sense of understanding and empathy ignited Ashley’s desire to help lift the spirits of frontline healthcare workers... Read more →

in Fall 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade Jefferson Health’s three New Jersey hospitals – located in Cherry Hill, Stratford and Washington Township – were each awarded an ‘A’ in the Fall 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing achievements in protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to health care quality and safety. The Safety Grade assigns an ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’ or ‘F’ grade to all general hospitals across the country and is updated every six months. It is based on a hospital’s performance in preventing medical errors, injuries, accidents, infections and other harm to patients in their care. “At a time when healthcare organizations are more vital than ever,... Read more →

The Garden State Council of the Boy Scouts of America has recognized Jefferson Health – New Jersey’s Senior VP & Chief Nursing Officer, Helene Burns, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, as the 2020 Woman of Achievement for Camden County. Dr. Burns was one of seven women honored at the Women of Achievement event, held virtually this year on December 10th. Now in its 9th year, the annual event recognizes outstanding women leaders in the South Jersey counties of Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem, for their commitment to the communities they serve, and for exemplifying the ideals of the Scout oath and law. An innovative and inspiring nurse leader, Dr. Burns led Jefferson Health – New Jersey to receive its first Magnet® designation in August... Read more →

Jefferson Health – New Jersey Infection Control Officer Cindy Hou, DO, FACOI, FIDSA, has been appointed to a three-year term on the Board of Directors of Sepsis Alliance. She previously had served as the first Infectious Diseases physician ever appointed to the national organization’s Advisory Board. “Dr. Hou is going to be an incredible addition to our Board of Directors,” said Thomas Heymann, Executive Director of Sepsis Alliance. “As we continue to grow and make local and national governments take notice of the burden of sepsis, we need passionate individuals, like Cindy Hou, to help us navigate the system for possible change. Dr. Hou will be invaluable in this pursuit.” In 2016, Dr. Hou was part of the Jefferson Health team in New Jersey (then-Kennedy)... Read more →

Jefferson Health’s three New Jersey-based hospitals, have each maintained “Exemplar” status for their NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) program. The Jefferson Health Care Center, a Sewell, NJ, skilled nursing facility and sub-acute rehabilitation center, has also been recognized as a NICHE “Member. NICHE is the only international designation indicating a hospital's commitment to excellence in the care of patients 65 and older. NICHE “Exemplar” and “Member” status recognize the ongoing dedication of Jefferson Health – New Jersey to geriatric care, its success in the implementation of high-quality, system-wide interventions, and initiatives that demonstrate commitment to the care of older adults. The “Exemplar” status, the highest of four possible program levels, was again awarded to Jefferson Health’s hospitals in Cherry Hill, Stratford and Washington... Read more →

Jefferson Health’s 3 New Jersey hospitals have been awarded the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) 2020 NJ Gold Antimicrobial Steward Award for their ongoing antimicrobial stewardship program. The award is presented by the Communicable Disease Service of the NJDOH. Jefferson Health – New Jersey is among an elite group of facilities statewide that have remained steadfast, from 2019 to 2020, to promote antimicrobial stewardship practices — which encourage and maintain the health of patients, residents, personnel, and the general population. The award was presented at a special virtual award ceremony today, where Dr. Emily Heil, University of Maryland Assistant Professor, spoke about antimicrobial stewardship during pandemic situations. Established in 2014, the goals of the Jefferson NJ Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) include preventing antimicrobial overuse/misuse... Read more →

Two Jefferson Health - New Jersey nurses — Jeong Kim, MBA, BSN, RN, PCCN, of Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital Tower 2, and Melissa Slotterback, BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, of the Jefferson Washington Township Hospital Emergency Department — have received third-quarter 2020 DAISY Awards for extraordinary care. Part of an international program, DAISY honorees are nominated by patients, family members, and colleagues for demonstrating excellence through clinical expertise, extraordinary compassionate care, and a high level of professionalism. Jeong Kim, of Maple Shade, NJ, was nominated for her extraordinary care of a patient who said they have “never met anyone so comforting and compassionate … Jeong is just fantastic!” Not only did Jeong go out of her way to ensure the patient would be comfortable and able... Read more →

The 11th annual Tree of Lights event – which gives area residents the opportunity to honor, remember, and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have battled cancer – will be held virtually this year at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township on December 2nd. Registration for the free event is now open. The 11th annual Tree of Lights event, which begins at 5 p.m. — will include a tree lighting ceremony, where honorees’ names are recited aloud. Community members are also invited to honor their loved one by sharing a photo and short message about them. To register, visit NewJersey.JeffersonHealth.org/TOL. For more information about the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township, visit NewJersey.JeffersonHealth.org/cancer. During the COVID-19 crisis, the Sidney Kimmel Cancer... Read more →

The average soccer player heads the ball 12 times in a game, and each header carries up to 100g acceleration, enough to cause serious brain damage. A Purdue study led by Prof. Eric Nauman quantifies how inflating balls to lower pressures, and subbing them out when they get wet, has the potential to reduce head injuries by about 20%. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Up to 22% of soccer injuries are concussions that can result from players using their heads to direct the ball during a game. To reduce risk of injury, a new study recommends preventing how hard a ball hits the head by inflating balls to lower pressures and subbing them out when they get wet. The study, conducted by Purdue University engineers, found... Read more →

The 11th annual Tree of Lights event – which gives area residents the opportunity to honor, remember, and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have battled cancer – will be held virtually this year at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township on December 2nd. Registration is now open for this free event. The 11th annual Tree of Lights event, which begins at 5 p.m. — will include a tree lighting ceremony, where honorees’ names are recited aloud. Community members are also invited to honor their loved one by sharing a photo and short message about them. To register, visit NewJersey.JeffersonHealth.org/TOL. For more information about the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township, visit NewJersey.JeffersonHealth.org/cancer. During the COVID-19 crisis, the Sidney Kimmel Cancer... Read more →

In recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month in November, Jefferson Health’s Center for Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy — with two locations in southern New Jersey — is participating in Healogics’ national education campaign about the importance of awareness, early intervention and specialized care for diabetes-related chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers. An estimated 30.3 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, including 7.2 million who are unaware they are living with the disease. In addition to age, diabetes risk factors include diet, activity level, obesity, and heredity. High blood sugar levels, poor circulation, immune system issues, nerve damage, and infection may contribute to a diabetic foot ulcer. With the diabetic population expected to nearly double by 2030 in the U.S., it is... Read more →

CONGRATULATIONS (October 30, 2020)--Four Jefferson Health - New Jersey Department of Nursing employees have been named recipients of Annual Nursing Scholarships at the Magnet®-designated healthcare organization. They were chosen by the Nursing Selection Committee based on their academic achievements and support of Jefferson Health’s mission, vision, and values. Each year, Jefferson Health - New Jersey offers various nursing scholarships: an Entry-Level BSN Scholarship, open to all clinical and non-clinical employees aspiring to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree; the Gartzman Fund RN to BSN Scholarship; the RN to BSN Scholarship; and the Leadership Scholarship, open to current BSN- and MSN-level nurses aspiring to earn a Master’s (MSN) or Doctorate in Nursing (DNP) degree. 2020 Scholarship Recipients: · Entry-Level BSN Scholarship of $12,000: Bryanna... Read more →

(NAPSI)—Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells. It first gained national attention as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the famous baseball player who was diagnosed with ALS in 1939. To date, the cause of ALS is unknown, and there is still no known cure. The disease strikes quickly, usually leading to death within 2–5 years of diagnosis. But every person with ALS has an individual story, and understanding these stories will help researchers ultimately piece together clues about the disease. Ed Tessaro was diagnosed with ALS in 2009. As he learned to cope with this diagnosis, he reflects, “I’ve never considered myself a victim of the disease, because I believe in my heart all of us have a... Read more →

Jefferson Health - New Jersey Home Care nurse Katherine Fritzsche, RN, was recently honored with a nursing DAISY Award for compassionate and skillful care. She was presented the award by Chief Nursing Officer Helene Burns, DPN, RN, NE-BC, shown left. A recent patient nomination singled out the Pittsgrove, NJ, resident for her "above and beyond" attitude: "Katherine is a true example of a DAISY nurse. She has been my wound care nurse since February. With every encounter, she is kind, caring, and provides excellent care. She collaborates with my surgeon to keep me healthy and at home. Recently, I was not feeling well and there was a concern I developed cellulitis in my leg. Katherine FaceTimed my doctor and saved me an ER visit. She... Read more →

Thank you to three Jefferson Health – NJ Washington Township Surgery Center staff members who recently delivered and cooked a meal at the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia for families of patients hospitalized at nearby Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Shown here, from left, are “cooks” Kashmira Patel, Certified Surgical Technologist; Nikki Lore, Anesthesia Technician; and Helaine DiFranceisco, Certified Surgical Technologist. Way to go, ladies! Read more →

A COTA Family is Celebrating Their Toddler’s Now Healthy Liver and Their Donor Family’s Selfless Decision October 1, 2020 -- October is Liver Awareness Month, which is the month touted by the American Liver Foundation to raise public awareness of the importance of liver health. More than 30 million Americans suffer with some form of liver disease. This October a Florida transplant family is thrilled to be celebrating their daughter’s now healthy liver and her second chance at life. Elizabeth Puglisi and Zach Jones of Daytona Beach, Florida, were excited to find out they were pregnant with their first child. Elizabeth remembers the day their little girl came into this world and instantly stole their hearts, Teagan Danielle was born bright and early in the... Read more →

Jefferson Health – New Jersey has received a “Companies That Care” Award from the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ) in recognition of the generous donations provided through its recently renamed Devine Fund for Employee Assistance. Since 2006, the Jefferson New Jersey employee assistance fund — now called the Devine Fund in honor of former Jefferson NJ President Joseph W. Devine, who retired earlier this year — has helped nearly 500 employees facing unforeseen financial hardship, giving out more than $700,000. For each request, the Devine Fund provides grants of up to $2,000 following a rigorous application review and approval process. “The Devine Fund for Employee Assistance embodies of our culture of caring,” said Jeffrey Dubnow, Associate VP of Development, Jefferson Health Foundation... Read more →

When Joseph W. Devine, FACHE, retired from his role of Executive Vice President with Jefferson Health and President of Jefferson Health - New Jersey earlier this year, colleagues decided to honor his longtime commitment to the people of Jefferson in a special way. Devine, who resides in Washington Township, NJ, is the namesake of the longtime Emergency Financial Assistance Fund for employees at Jefferson Health – New Jersey facing unexpected hardships. The former Emergency Financial Assistance Fund is now called The Devine Fund for Employee Assistance. The Fund provides grants of up to $2,000 per request; since 2006, it has helped more than 480 associates through grants totaling more than $700,000. “It is a tremendous honor for me to be remembered through the naming of... Read more →

...as 2020 ACOI Researcher of the Year - National Award Recognizes Excellence in Osteopathic Medicine Jefferson Health Infectious Diseases specialist Cindy Hou, DO, FACOI, FIDSA, will be honored this fall as Researcher of the Year by the American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI), a national professional organization dedicated to promoting the principles of osteopathic medicine. ACOI will bestow the honor on October 23 during its Annual Convention (#ACOI2020), which will be held virtually this year. Each year, physicians are chosen from a pool of ACOI members nominated for their accomplishments and activities. Winners are selected by the ACOI Honors and Awards Committee based on specific criteria for each award, which include Researcher of the Year, Internist of the Year, and Teacher of the Year. To... Read more →

Throughout the month of September, Jefferson Health’s Center for Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy – with two locations in southern New Jersey – will recognize Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month. PAD is a condition that develops when arteries that supply blood to internal organs, arms, and legs, become blocked as a result of atherosclerosis. Jefferson’s wound care centers, a member of the Healogics® network, treats chronic wounds related to PAD, performs non-invasive tests for PAD, and counsels patients on how to manage the illness which, if left untreated, can lead to lower limb amputation and death. PAD affects between 8-12 million people in the U.S., and up to 40 percent of those do not experience any symptoms. Risk factors and symptoms include:... Read more →

Two Jefferson Health – New Jersey nurses — Britney Bailey, RN, and Frances Heimgartner, RN, were recently honored with 2020 second quarter DAISY Awards for compassionate and skillful care. Bailey, who works on the Medical-Surgical Unit/MS4 at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital, left, was nominated for her extraordinary care and willingness to jump in and assist others throughout the COVID-19 crisis. The Cedar Brook, NJ, resident is “always on the pulse of every aspect of her assignment and what is happening on her unit,” the nominator wrote. Heimgartner, of Marlton, NJ, was praised for offering comfort, kindness, and sympathy to parents of an infant who was urgently admitted to the Jefferson Stratford Hospital Emergency Department. Part of an international program, DAISY honorees are nominated by patients,... Read more →

Jefferson Health’s three New Jersey Hospitals — located in Cherry Hill, Stratford and Washington Township — have received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor RollTM awards. These awards recognize the hospitals’ commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines using the latest scientific evidence. Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, Jefferson Stratford Hospital and Jefferson Washington Township Hospital each earned the Gold Plus award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients. Before discharge from the hospital, patients should also receive education, have a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions. “Our three New Jersey Hospitals have improved... Read more →

in U.S. News & World Report 2020-2021 “Best Hospitals” Ranking Jefferson Health New Jersey is ranked as the 9th-best hospital in New Jersey and the 11th-best in the Philadelphia metropolitan area in the just-released “Best Hospitals” ranking by U.S. News & World Report. Comprised of three acute care hospitals – located in Cherry Hill, Stratford and Washington Township – Jefferson Health New Jersey is also “Recognized in Southern New Jersey” in the rankings for its quality care. U.S. News & World Report also praised Jefferson New Jersey as “High Performing” in four specific clinical areas: Congestive Heart Failure, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Knee Replacement surgery and Hip Replacement surgery. The annual rankings, now in their 31st year, are designed to assist patients and their... Read more →

International Program Recognizes Jefferson’s Commitment to Provide Internship Opportunities to Young Adults with Disabilities Jefferson Health in New Jersey has been named the winner of an international Project SEARCH award in the category of Innovative Employment for its internship program for young adults with disabilities. This marked the second year for the Project SEARCH Spotlight on Model Fidelity awards. A total of three Spotlight Awards are given out each year in three different categories. The Spotlight on Innovative Employment, which Jefferson won, recognizes teams that develop quality jobs and rewarding careers that make use of the skills and experience participants gained in their internships. The Project SEARCH leadership team — which selected the winners — was particularly impressed with the examples of hired Project SEARCH... Read more →

Jefferson Washington Township Hospital has been named New Jersey’s winner in the Reader’s Digest 50 Nicest Places in America 2020: United in Kindness contest. The story from New Jersey of how area resident JoAnn Kates’ decision to donate her $1,200 stimulus check to buy meals for hospital employees inspired Life Church of Williamstown – where she is a congregant and also works – to donate $1,000 more to also buy meals for hospital workers led to winning a Reader’s Digest contest on kindness. The article also mentions South Jersey-based Food4Staff, a nonprofit effort spearheaded by area resident John Chirico that has resulted in literally thousands of meals being donated to hospital workers throughout the Philadelphia region during the COVID-19 pandemic. Published online, the article features... Read more →

Jefferson Health New Jersey Senior Magnet Data Analyst Roisin Welsh, MLS, shown right, was recently presented with the DAISY Champion Award. The DAISY Foundation™ defines a Champion as someone who has worked diligently to make the DAISY Award program meaningful for nurses and successful for an organization. Jefferson Health New Jersey partnered with the DAISY Foundation in 2015 to recognize its nursing staff for its positive impact on patients and families. Since then, more than 70 Jefferson New Jersey nurses have been honored with the DAISY Award. Welsh, a resident of West Berlin, NJ, has been instrumental in developing the process for nomination submissions, committee review, and award presentations. Chief Nursing Officer Helene Burns, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, shown left, said “the DAISY Award is held... Read more →

It was time to celebrate a milestone Monday at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital: Dr. Roy Sandau – Chief of Surgery at Jefferson Health New Jersey – performed the 3,000th robotic surgical procedure at the hospital on July 3, 2020, using the da Vinci® Surgical System. Dr. Sandau, shown here with members of the hospital’s surgical team, has performed well over 800 cases using the da Vinci robot at the hospital, which first began offering robotic surgery in 2008. In 2016, Dr. Sandau was awarded the Distinguished Surgeon Award by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., creator of the da Vinci system. He performed New Jersey’s the first EndoWrist® Stapler technology on the da Vinci system, as well as South Jersey's first robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Single Incision (SILS) colon surgery.... Read more →

Brian Sweeney, RN, MBA, FACHE, has been named President and Chief Operating Officer of Jefferson Health in New Jersey. A 23-year Jefferson Health veteran, Sweeney was appointed Interim President in early March, replacing the New Jersey division’s previous President, Joseph W. Devine, FACHE, who remains with the organization in an enterprise role. Since joining the New Jersey leadership team, Sweeney managed through many operational challenges surrounding the COVID-19 crisis, as South Jersey emerged as one of the early regional hotspots for the virus. Previously, he had most recently led daily hospital operations across all Thomas Jefferson University Hospital campuses in Philadelphia as Chief Operating Officer, as well as leading the enterprise’s digestive health and transplant service lines, among other roles. “Throughout this pandemic, Brian has... Read more →

COVID-19 patient and survivor Paul Beaulieu of Maple Shade, NJ, recently became the first Jefferson New Jersey recipient of convalescent plasma donated by a recovered COVID-19 patient. Part of a regulated research project, blood is collected at the Jefferson Blood Donation Center in Philadelphia from qualified, recovered Jefferson COVID-19 patients. The blood is then centrifuged, or “spun down,” to separate the plasma, which is thought to contain antibodies. The research hopes to prove that the antibodies help to aid in COVID patients’ recovery. Mr. Beaulieu, 65, said that what he assumed was a cold soon felt like there was a “car sitting on his chest,” before being admitted to Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital on May 18th. He was suffering from pneumonia brought on by COVID-19.... Read more →

Jefferson Washington Township Hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse Linda McAllister, BSN, RN, shown right, was honored with a 2020 first quarter DAISY Award for compassionate and skillful care. Jefferson New Jersey Chief Nursing Officer Helene Burns, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, made the presentation to McAllister at the hospital on June 3. Part of an international program, DAISY honorees are nominated by patients, family members, and colleagues for demonstrating excellence through clinical expertise, extraordinary compassionate care, and a high level of professionalism. A resident of Sewell, NJ, McAllister was nominated for her extraordinary care of a man who - when accompanying his girlfriend to the hospital for a surgical procedure in January 2020 - collapsed due to what was later determined to be a pulmonary embolism.... Read more →

For Immediate Release Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital ICU Team, Emergency Department Nurse Receive DAISY Awards VOORHEES, NJ, May 19, 2020 — Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital’s ICU nursing staff was recently honored with the 2019 DAISY Team for extraordinary, compassionate and skillful care. Additionally, Cherry Hill Emergency Department nurse Erica Ceron BSN, RN, received the first-quarter 2020 DAISY Award for individual achievement. Part of an international program, DAISY honorees are nominated by patients, family members, and colleagues for demonstrating excellence through clinical expertise, extraordinary compassionate care, and a high level of professionalism. The DAISY Team Award honors collaboration among two or more nurse-led associates who meet family or patient family needs by going “above and beyond” the traditional role of nursing. A grateful widow who nominated... Read more →

TURNERSVILLE, NJ (May 18, 2020) — In a show of support for the Class of 2020, residents of the Jefferson Health Care Center – a long-term care facility in Gloucester County - have launched a #Seniors4Seniors2020 social media campaign to send congratulations to area graduates whose final semester of school was disrupted by COVID-19. “This inter-generational social media campaign is a morale-booster and reinforces that we are all in this together,” says Health Care Center Executive Director Gary Pizzichillo, adding that it has provided residents with a feeling of connection to the younger generation, as well as to their families. With help from its activities staff, Health Care Center residents have created congratulatory signs and offered well wishes to 2020 graduates via photos, all while... Read more →

Jefferson Health’s three New Jersey hospitals — located in Cherry Hill, Stratford and Washington Township — each were awarded an ‘A’ in the spring 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing achievements in providing safer health care. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to healthcare quality and safety; the Safety Grade is a letter grade assigned to all general hospitals across the country and is updated every six months, assessing how well hospitals prevent medical errors and other harm to patients. “At a time when healthcare organizations are more vital than ever, we are especially honored to be recognized for our ongoing commitment to safety,” said Interim President Brian Sweeney. “It is especially gratifying to have all three of... Read more →

Washington Township, NJ, April 28, 2020 - Members from EMS, Police and Fire departments from across South Jersey drove through the Jefferson Washington Township Hospital campus on April 27 to thank their fellow frontline heroes during the COVID-19 crisis. The 15-minute parade, featuring hundreds of vehicles from dozens of area municipalities, began at Washington Township High School on Hurffville Cross-Keys Road, and traveled through the Jefferson campus — including past the seven-floor Silvestri patient tower currently under construction. Here, an employee of Jefferson Washington Township Hospital snaps a cell phone photo of the parade passing by. Read more →