CNBNews

Jefferson has announced that Aaron Chang, FACHE, has been named President of Jefferson Health – East, effective October 16, 2023. Chang brings vast experience in the academic, non-profit, and private sectors, with a passion for improving community health. In his new role, Chang will be responsible for overseeing daily operations of Jefferson’s three New Jersey acute care hospitals in Cherry Hill, Stratford and Washington Township, NJ, recently ranked among the top 10 in New Jersey... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews CAMDEN CITY, NJ (September 15, 2023)(CNBNews)--Our Lady of Lourdes/Virtua Hospital is planning an expansion. The hospital announced to the Courier Post on August 20, 2023 that it has plans to construct a six-story tower addition amounting to 254,155 square feet. The expansion will not include any new patient rooms but will include new elevators and renovations to the existing hospital to be completed in two phases. The tower will include new... Read more →

(SEPTEMBER 11, 2023)(CNBNews)--Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration took action approving and authorizing for emergency use updated COVID-19 vaccines formulated to target currently circulating variants more closely and to provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. Today’s actions relate to updated mRNA vaccines for 2023-2024 manufactured by ModernaTX Inc. and Pfizer Inc. Consistent with the totality of the evidence and input from the FDA’s expert advisors, these vaccines have... Read more →

Jefferson Health recently presented two of its Washington Township Hospital employees — Jeffrey Szurek, RN, and Spencer Reitano, PCT — with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses and a Beyond Expectations of Excellence (BEE) Award. Jeffrey Szurek, an Emergency Department (ED) nurse, was recognized with a DAISY Award for providing compassionate patient care and assisting a co-worker. He stayed beyond his shift to offer support in a situation involving an Emergency Department patient (and his... Read more →

Jefferson Health recently hosted a networking event in partnership with the South Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO SJ). The Network Connect event, held at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital, provided an evening of conversation, networking, and valuable information on women’s health topics. A Jefferson physician panel featuring Interventional Cardiologist Jeffrey Ogbara, MD; Neurosurgeon Richard F. Schmidt, MD; and Obstetrician–Gynecologist Tameka Sisco, DO, discussed heart health — including risk factors, symptoms,... Read more →

(CAMDEN CITY, NJ) – Pulmonary experts at Cooper University Health Care were the first in the world to use Boston Scientific’s iNodTM Ultrasound Guided Biopsy Needle in conjunction with robotic bronchoscopy, a new tool used to investigate suspicious peripheral pulmonary lesions in the lung, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Peripheral pulmonary lesions are small suspicious growths located in distant outlying regions of the lung that are often hard to reach... Read more →

Danielle Coates, BSN, RN, a Registered Nurse on the 2-East unit at Jefferson Stratford Hospital, was recently honored with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The Williamstown, NJ, resident — a seven-year employee — was recognized for her positive attitude and establishing connections with patients and families. "I have watched Danielle become so compassionate and always find a 'soft spot' for patients," a colleague wrote in their nomination. "Her compassion and empathy inspire me." A... Read more →

Donna Cybulski, MSN, RN, CCRN — Intensive Care Unit/Intermediate Care Unit Nurse Manager at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital — was recently honored with a DAISY Team Leader Award for Extraordinary Nurses. A 12-year Jefferson employee, Cybulski, of Stratford, NJ, was nominated by a nursing colleague who praised her for being a transformational leader who puts others before herself and inspires, trusts, and believes in her staff. Donna became the team’s Nurse Manager during the pandemic.... Read more →

Jefferson Health recently hosted 15 fifth through 12th-grade teachers from schools throughout the region, as part of the South Jersey Summer Institute for Educators, offered by the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ). The annual three-week-long summer program helps regional teachers keep pace with changes in the business community while providing tools for them to better prepare their students — our future workforce. Since the Institute’s inception 30-plus years ago, more than 690... Read more →

Two Jefferson Health employees in New Jersey were recently honored with a Beyond Expectations of Excellence (BEE) Award for Extraordinary Caregivers — MaryAnne Metzger, a Silvestri-4 Patient Care Technician at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital, and Matthew Rappa, a Regional Marketing and Communications specialist. Metzger, of Pilesgrove, NJ, was nominated by a patient for her empathy and compassion, who wrote: “Thank you for taking time to understand who I am, rather than considering me just an... Read more →

British Columbia is known for producing some of the best cannabis strains in the world. The province's unique climate and growing conditions make it the perfect place for growing top-quality cannabis. In this blog post, we will take a look at the top shelf BC weed strains that you need to try. From the earthy and piney flavors of Pine Tar Kush to the sweet and fruity aroma of Blueberry, there is a strain for... Read more →

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control invites families with young children to come out to DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) near Smyrna and enjoy exciting outdoors programs called “Small Fry Adventures” this summer. These events, put on by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, are geared toward giving youngsters ages 4 to 7 the opportunity to satisfy their curiosity about fish and other aquatic critters that live in the tidal... Read more →

Helene Burns, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Senior VP & Regional Chief Nursing Officer for Jefferson Health – New Jersey, has been selected for induction as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Induction is a significant milestone in a nurse leader’s career, where their accomplishments are honored by colleagues both within and outside their profession. Fellows are selected based on their contributions and impact to advance the public’s health. With more than 40 years of... Read more →

(MARLTON, N.J., June 29, 2023) Virtua Health, South Jersey’s largest health system, has begun using artificial intelligence (A.I.) to help doctors detect the presence of possible precancerous lesions during colonoscopies. Virtua is the first in the Greater Philadelphia region and New Jersey to implement this technology at all of its hospitals. The GI Genius™ intelligent endoscopy module is now available at all five Virtua hospitals in Burlington and Camden counties. GI Genius™ helps physicians identify... Read more →

Members of the Jefferson Stratford Hospital 3-West patient care team — Norman Kiersznowski, RN (Glassboro); Paige Fiedler, RN (West Deptford); Stephanie Marucci, APN (Williamstown); Jenn Roach, RN (Berlin); Amy Santos, RN, CMSRN (Somerdale); and Nutrition Care Associate Sandra St. Germain (Woodbury) — were recently honored with a DAISY Team Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The team was recognized for their high level of care and compassion shown to a grateful patient admitted to the hospital last... Read more →

Two Jefferson Surgery Center employees — Certified Surgical Technician Meghan Cummings and Registered Nurse Jacqulen McCann — recently went “above and beyond” when reporting to the nearby Operating Room (OR) at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital. Despite working in an ambulatory setting for several years, Meghan and Jackie jumped in to assist the OR team — Certified Surgical Technician Kari Dayton, Registered Nurses Robin Collins and Jennifer Delaney, and OB/GYN Chief Kenneth Covone, DO — with... Read more →

Jefferson Health's Surgical Services team in New Jersey recently performed its 5,000th robotic procedure. The surgical milestone took place on June 19, at Jefferson Stratford Hospital and was performed using the da Vinci® Xi robotic surgery system. Several Jefferson Health NJ surgeons are trained in robotic procedures; this particular robotic cholecystectomy was performed by surgeon Adeshola Fakulujo, MD. Celebrations noting the milestone were held at Jefferson Stratford and Washington Township hospitals. The da Vinci robot... Read more →

Eighteen young adults received Project SEARCH graduation certificates, marking their participation in a longstanding work-transition program at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, Jefferson Stratford Hospital, and, for the first time, Jefferson Washington Township Hospital. These Project SEARCH interns attended classes at the hospitals every day throughout the school year, working and learning alongside Jefferson Health's employees. Jefferson Health – New Jersey has been involved with Project SEARCH -– an international work-transition program for young adults with... Read more →

Jefferson Health's campuses in Cherry Hill, Stratford and Washington Township have achieved Magnet® Redesignation. In 2018, Jefferson Health’s three New Jersey hospitals became the first in Camden and Gloucester counties to receive Magnet designation. The American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program recognizes organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence, based on professionalism, teamwork and patient care. It is considered the most prestigious and coveted recognition a hospital can achieve for nursing excellence.... Read more →

Children of two Jefferson Health - New Jersey employees have been named recipients of the annual Sanderson Memorial Scholarship. A $2,500 scholarship is awarded each year to two eligible dependent children of regular full- or part-time employees with at least one year of service. The scholarship is in memory of Sarah Sanderson, an original Board Member of then-Kennedy Health. Sanderson generously bestowed funds to promote the continuation of health education among promising young students. The... Read more →

Environmental Services Associate Laura Gamez, of the 4-East unit at Jefferson Stratford Hospital, was recently honored with a Beyond Expectations of Excellence (BEE) Award for Extraordinary Caregivers. The Willingboro, NJ, resident was nominated by a nursing colleague for treating patients and families with dignity and respect, building trusting relationships, and displaying a “can-do” attitude. “Laura makes a positive difference with a smile,” writes Deborah Malone, MSN, RN, adding that Laura has done everything from washing... Read more →

Man Sentenced for Fatal Shooting of Pemberton Resident Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a Medford Township man was sentenced today to 20 years in state prison for fatally shooting a 64-year-old Pemberton Township resident three years ago outside of the victim’s home. The Hon. Mark P. Tarantino, J.S.C., handed the sentence in Superior Court in Mount Holly to Tristan Majeed, who pled guilty earlier this year to Aggravated Manslaughter (First Degree). Majeed,... Read more →

Jefferson Stratford Hospital and Jefferson Washington Township Hospital have each been honored with a 2022 Hospital Quality and Safety Award by the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health (GPBCH). The awards were announced at the recent GPBCH Regional Leapfrog Quality and Safety Awards event at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. Hosted by GPBCH and the Health Care Improvement Foundation, the awards program brought together healthcare leaders and employers to discuss the value... Read more →

Jada Griffin-Howard, BSN, RN, a registered nurse on the C4 Patient Pavilion unit at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, was recently honored with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The Cherry Hill, NJ, resident was recognized for establishing a connection with a patient through trust and emotional support. "Jada cared for me as if she knew me all of her life. She made me feel comfortable, loved, and like I was her mother," wrote a grateful... Read more →

The $1 million, customized van will enable six times as many screenings, including free mammograms and other services in underserved communities (MARLTON, N.J., April 17, 2023)….When Linda Curlis was unemployed and without health insurance, the Audubon Park resident couldn’t afford the cost of a mammogram. But when Curlis learned she could get a free mammogram through Virtua Health, the then 59-year-old got the test. As a result, her breast cancer was caught early. She was... Read more →

Jefferson Health – New Jersey is now offering a new treatment option for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, a common condition resulting from an enlarged prostate. As men age, their prostate naturally enlarges, but when this condition causes urinary issues or sexual dysfunction, it is diagnosed as BPH. This non-cancerous condition is common, especially in older men, and there are a variety of treatments to relieve or address this issue. One of the newest treatment... Read more →

Jefferson Health – New Jersey is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $150,000 grant by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) for the COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Uptake Initiative. The program is supported with funding from the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The grant will support Jefferson Health’s work in making it as easy as possible for older adults and people with disabilities to get their... Read more →

Black Maternal Health Week, April 11 – 17 Local mom advocates for her health – and her child’s wellbeing – after medical scare while pregnant The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income countries. Black Maternal Health Week, from April 11 through April 17, 2023, brings attention to the rate of maternal mortality for Black women in this country which is, alarmingly, two to three times the rate of women... Read more →

Three Jefferson Health nurses — Florence Ihenacho, BSN, RN, CMSRN (Intermediate Care Unit, Jefferson Washington Township Hospital); Ingrid Myles, BSN, RN (4-East, Jefferson Stratford Hospital); and Traci Loud, BSN, RN, OCN (Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center) — were each recently honored with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Ihenacho, of Sicklerville, was nominated by a colleague, who wrote: “We had a patient from Nigeria who suffered a stroke and was being weaned off a... Read more →

Newswise — NEW ORLEANS (March 2023) — Hair loss in women can be emotionally devastating and may negatively impact quality of life, and new research suggests that it can also be associated with having other common medical conditions. A board-certified dermatologist at the American Academy of Dermatology’s Annual Meeting in New Orleans will discuss the types of hair loss seen in women with darker skin tones, common types of medical conditions associated with hair loss,... Read more →

Jefferson Washington Township nurse Virginia “Ginny” Rossi, BSN, RN-C, was recently honored with the Project Heart NICU Award for 2022 – one of 10 nurses from around the country so recognized. A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse for 44 years, Ginny Rossi, a resident of Westampton, NJ, was honored for her courage, passion and dedication to improving outcomes for NICU babies and their families. An employee at the Jefferson Washington Township NICU since 1994,... Read more →

Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures, an annual report released by the Alzheimer's Association, reveals the burden of Alzheimer's and dementia on individuals, caregivers, the government and the nation's health care system. The accompanying special report, The Patient Journey in an Era of New Treatments, examines the importance of conversations about memory at the earliest point of concern, as well as a knowledgeable, accessible care team to diagnose, monitor disease progression and treat when appropriate. This... Read more →

image courtesy of https://www.dreamstime.com/ Swoosh. March Madness will bring out the college basketball fans next week, starting March 16th. Below please find a list of top spots to catch the game in Philadelphia and Bucks County - with the game on and specials from the kitchen and bar. Top spots for March Madness include: * Tradesman's in Center City - Launch party on March 16th with special six-foot cheesesteaks, food and drink specials, and the... Read more →

Jefferson Health - New Jersey has announced the appointment of its new Medical Staff officers, each elected for a two-year term: · Alan Lucerna, DO, FACOI, FAAEM, Medical Staff President, is an attending physician at the Jefferson Stratford Hospital Emergency Department. Board certified in Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine, Dr. Lucerna is Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Jefferson Stratford Hospital, as well as Director of Jefferson’s Emergency Medicine Residency Program. He is a... Read more →

A plaque was unveiled at Jefferson Stratford Hospital in honor of the late Joseph Pitone, DO, on March 2, 2023. Dr. Pitone, who died in 2018, was a beloved physician who had served as Medical Director of the Kennedy and Jefferson Health New Jersey Dialysis Program since its inception in the 1990s. Known as a true advocate for his patients, his legacy was honored by his wife, Gail, who made a generous gift in support... Read more →

More than 425 supporters of Jefferson Health – New Jersey attended the recent fundraising 2023 Gala held at Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa. The fun-filled event raised nearly $600,000 to support various programs and services offered by the healthcare system. The iconic, soulful Kool & The Gang provided entertainment. Shown here are several key Jefferson NJ leaders and their spouses. From left, John Dutterer and his wife, Lisa, who serves as Chief Administrative... Read more →

South Jersey community members, both English and Spanish-speaking, are invited to take an online training course that will enable them to help guide Spanish-speaking patients through the healthcare system. The training program is aimed at helping community members become bilingual patient navigators or assist in their journey to become a medical interpreter. It is being offered at no cost through a Jefferson Health language services grant. These self-paced, online Medical Spanish and Medical English courses... Read more →

A new Interventional Radiology Laboratory – which will be used for an array of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures – has opened at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital. The $2.5 million, 1,380 square-foot facility houses the newest Philips Azurion imaging system. A team of board-certified Interventional Radiology physicians will perform diagnostic and treatment procedures related to a range of conditions, including vascular and cancer. “We are thrilled to have a state-of-the-art facility that will allow us to... Read more →

The Bill Bottino Cancer Foundation, a longtime supporter of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, recently donated $35,000 to the Patient Assistance Fund at Jefferson Health - New Jersey. Last year, 40 cancer patients who needed help with rent, utilities, or transportation received financial assistance from this fund, allowing them to continue focusing on their treatment and care. "We offer sincere thanks to the Bill Bottino Cancer Foundation for their ongoing support of the critical needs... Read more →

Jefferson Health - New Jersey has received a grant award from the American Nursing Association (ANA) to create a “Pretty Please: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Roadshow” teaching event for clinical staff at the three Jefferson Health hospitals in New Jersey. Jefferson Health – New Jersey Infection Control Officer Cindy Hou, DO, FIDSA -– who will lead the project –- will present to staff, along with nurses and other educators, about PPE and other infection control... Read more →

Assistant Nurse Manager of the Operating Room at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital — was recently honored with a DAISY Team Leader Award for Extraordinary Nurses. A 29-year Jefferson Health employee, LaFrance, of Audubon, NJ, was nominated for the third-quarter 2022 award by a colleague, who praises her ability to “break down negative thinking and use positive energy.” During the peak of the pandemic, some of LaFrance’s staff were re-assigned to care for patients on COVID-19... Read more →

Gloucester County’s first baby of 2023 was born at 9:59 a.m. on Sunday, January 1, at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital. Little Olive Mattioli was born to parents Francesca and Andrew Mattioli of Glassboro, NJ. Olive has a 13-month old big sister at home named Eliza, who was also born at Jefferson Health – New Jersey. Francesca Mattioli, a patient of Obstetrician-Gynecologist Kenneth Covone, DO, was scheduled to have a planned C-section on January 11, but... Read more →

by Nicole Pensiero CHERRY HILL, NJ (December 30, 2022)--Sharanda Williamson knew from the time she awoke the morning of January 17 that something was seriously wrong. The Cherry Hill ED behavioral health clinician and 51-year-old mother of two, had been out of work for a few months with a shoulder injury when her health took a terrifying turn. Williamson had been feeling sluggish and short of breath for a few days but assumed it was... Read more →

West Virginia, New Mexico, and Tennessee have been named the top three worst states to raise an autistic child. The states have been named after analysis of data looked at resources available for people with autism, individual state laws requiring insurance coverage, if a state is part of the ADDM Network and grants available to families. One in 54 children have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the US. The research also revealed... Read more →

Three Jefferson Health nurses — Samantha Funk, BSN, RN (Same-Day Surgery, Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital); Karen McCusker, MSN, RN (Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center - Washington Township); and Dipixaben Patel, RN (Silvestri 4, Jefferson Washington Township Hospital) — were recently honored with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Funk, of Camden, NJ, was recognized for thoroughly explaining postoperative procedures to a patient. "We had additional questions and Samantha followed up with the doctor who... Read more →

Local businesswoman Julie Bertonazzi, of the Haddon Heights-based Jules Portrait/ShowUrSexy, recently celebrated her 20th year in business by raising $2,000, supporting the Comprehensive Breast Center at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center advanced care hubs in Cherry Hill and Washington Township, NJ. Bertonazzi offered discounted rates and donated the proceeds during Breast Cancer Awareness Month from her portrait photography services, which promote empowerment and confidence in women. Funds raised will provide patients assistance with transportation, medical... Read more →

The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township held its 13th Annual Tree of Lights on December 6, honoring loved ones with cancer and remembering those who have passed. Names were read aloud as ornaments were placed on the tree. The annual fundraiser supports Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center’s New Jersey Cancer Transportation Fund. For more information, visit www.JeffersonHealth.org/cancer. Read more →

Jefferson Health recently hosted a Network Connect event in partnership with the South Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO SJ). Behavioral Health Clinical Educator Susan Szilagyi, MSN, RN, PMH-BC, shared valuable information on mental and emotional health during the holidays — encouraging community members to choose joy instead of stress. The event was held at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, whose Emergency Department serves as the Camden County Crisis Center. Behavioral... Read more →

For the fourth year in a row, Jefferson Health’s three New Jersey hospitals — located in Cherry Hill, Stratford, and Washington Township — have been recognized as New Jersey Antibiotics Aware Gold Stewards, as part of the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) Antimicrobial Stewardship Recognition Program. In earning Gold Steward recognition, Jefferson Health’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) is recognized for promoting a higher standard of care in the State of New Jersey, in conjunction... Read more →

For many, this time of year is marked with holiday celebrations which are often filled with sharing, laughter and memories. But for a family impacted by Alzheimer’s or another dementia, the holidays can also bring stress, disappointment and sadness. To help you navigate the holidays, we’ve compiled a list of tips and ideas for engaging with family and friends while lessening stress and creating moments of joy. Before the celebrations begin, be sure to register... Read more →