Sherry Patterson Becomes First Woman Chair

Peconic Bay Medical Center marks a milestone in the hospital's history, as the Board of Trustees elect Sherry Patterson as chair of the Board, the first woman to lead the PBMC board in the medical center's 61-year history. Sherry succeeds Jesse R. Goodale III, who served as chair for the past four years.

After acknowledging and recognizing Goodale's dedication and commitment, board members officially welcomed Patterson to her new role as chair in early 2012. She has been a member of the PBMC Board of Trustees since 2000.  Since then, she has served as vice chair of the Board of Trustees, was a member of the Board's Executive Committee and Finance Committee and currently serves on the Joint Conference Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Nominating Committee and Government Relations Committee. "Sherry's commitment to PBMC is exemplary. Consistently, she has demonstrated leadership qualities and has worked tirelessly on behalf of the medical center's mission and remains committed to the medical center's Foundation. She is an invaluable member of the PBMC Board, willingly sharing her wisdom, perspectives and ideas," says Andrew J. Mitchell, President and CEO. 

Patterson is a businesswoman and longtime realtor in Riverhead, NY, where she is actively involved in the local community.  She is a member of the board and past president of the Riverhead Rotary Club, and was also the first woman to serve that organization as president. She serves on the board of the East End Health Alliance, a partnership between Long Islanda's three East End hospitals, and is a former trustee of the Riverhead Free Library. Sherry has been honored as East End Women's Network Woman of the Year and News Review Civic Person of Year.

"Sherry has played an integral role on our board to advance healthcare at PBMC," says Mitchell. "She has served the medical center in many critical capacities, and I look forward to her leadership as we continue to work with Sherry in building an even stronger healthcare system, extensively engaging in stimulating and promoting our women's health care initiatives, meeting the challenges of the national healthcare reform and rolling out a reappraisal of our brand, PBMC Health."

"It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead such a distinguished organization and serve with a group of individuals who passionately work toward the mission of PBMC," said Sherry Patterson. "My governing priority is to ensure that PBMC transitions into the next phase of developing its healthcare services and continues providing clinical excellence to fulfill our nonprofit mission and meet the needs of the communities we serve."

Sherry resides in Riverhead, NY with her husband Stephen Patterson.

See attached pdf download for Sponsorship Form and ticket information

See attached pdf download for information on  the Great East End Car Raffle for a chance to win $20,000 or a car!

Prior to his arrival at PBMC, Demetrios served five years as a consultant and executive director with CCS Fundraising, following seven years as a production coordinator and manager in the film and television industry.

A respected consultant, advisor and mentor within the not-for-profit landscape, Demetrios has worked with healthcare, cultural, faith-based and social service institutions and organizations ranging from local to international in scope. His professional acumen in fundraising and organizational development includes directing capital campaigns; conducting feasibility studies; organizing assessments and providing strategic development, management and communication services.  

While serving as a fundraising and development consultant for PBMC, Demetrios demonstrated strong execution skills, the ability to lead top performing fundraising teams and a track record in driving development activity and building momentum. Demetrios impresses an understanding of the role of culture in an organization's success and places emphasis on developing internal talent, while reaching outside to create a synergy between donors, board members, employees and executive leadership. "Demetrios' enthusiasm and unifying style has won the respect of PBMC's employees, board members and volunteers. His experience in healthcare philanthropy and strategic planning made him the outstanding choice to design and lead a comprehensive development program for PBMC's Foundation," said Andrew J. Mitchell, President and CEO.  

"I am excited to have been selected for this new leadership role," said Kadenas. "The medical center is positively impacting the lives of so many by the compassionate and innovative care it delivers. The dedicated physicians and medical staff are driven to provide excellent care and make a difference in patients' lives, while we continue to expand our services to meet the growing health care needs of this region. I am excited about the opportunity to work more closely with our community friends and partners who support PBMC's mission and vision."

One out of Five National Board Certified Medical Interpreters in New York State

At the age of seven Jessica Ruiz already understood the difficulties of language barriers and the importance of communication in a culturally diverse society.  As an interpreter for her grandparents, whose preferred language is Spanish; Jessica took on the responsibility of enabling the cross-cultural communication necessary in today’s society by interpreting one language into another.  It was not something Jessica Ruiz enjoyed doing as a child but it later proved to be advantageous for Ms. Ruiz. Growing up, surrounded by different cultures, Jessica strengthened her proficiency in various Spanish dialects and soon developed an interest in helping those who had limited English proficiency.

Jessica Ruiz,  who is a Social Worker Assistant/Certified Medical Interpreter at Peconic Bay Medical Center, successfully completed and passed the written and oral exam for the National Certification for Medical Interpreter. She is one out of five National Board Certified Medical Interpreters and the first woman in New York State.  Receiving this gold standard is proof of the level of quality achieved and personal commitment to her profession. “Having qualified interpreters to facilitate communication between patients with limited English proficiency and their physicians, nurses, lab technicians, and other care providers is key to providing quality healthcare services. The ability to address the patient's symptoms, concerns or questions, helps prevent wrong diagnoses and miscommunication,†says Jessica.

The responsibilities of a qualified Medical Interpreter have evolved over the years, making them a vital and highly valued member of the healthcare team. "We are very proud of Jessica's accomplishment and we are glad that she is part of the Peconic Bay Medical Center team," said Andrew Mitchell, President & CEO of Peconic Bay Medical Center.

“In achieving Joint Commission certification, Peconic Bay Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients undergoing joint replacement surgery of the hip and knee,” says Jean Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q. Executive Director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, The Joint Commission. “Certification is a voluntary process and I commend Peconic Bay Medical Center for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”

"With Joint Commission certification, we are making a significant investment in quality on a day-to-day basis from the top down. Joint Commission certification provides us a framework for maintaining a culture of excellence that meets and exceeds the medical needs of our community.” says Andrew J. Mitchell, President & CEO. “Achieving Joint Commission certification in Total Joint Replacement of the Hip and Knee, is a major step toward maintaining excellence and continually improving the care we provide. It reinforces PBMC's commitment to continuously provide exceptional, quality care and to bring 'The Knowledge of Experts…The Compassion of Neighbors' to our communities every day."

The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification Program, launched in 2002, and is designed to evaluate clinical programs across the continuum of care. Certification requirements address three core areas:  compliance with consensus-based national standards; effective use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care; and an organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities.

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value.  The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 18,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. The Joint Commission also provides certification of more than 1,700 disease-specific care programs, primary stroke centers and health care staffing services. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.

National Nurses Week Awards Ceremony

On May 12th Peconic Bay Medical Center celebrated National Nurses Week with an awards ceremony honoring the passion and dedication of PBMC nurses who are not only committed to patient safety, but also optimize the 2011 theme for National Nurses Week - "Nurses Trusted to Care."  National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Nurses Day, through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

The following awards were presented:

Nassau-Suffolk Nurse Excellence Award - Judie Lizewski, RN, BSN, CWCN

Home Care Award - Susan Johnson, RN

Ginny Zaborowski Mentoring Award (presented by the Zaborowski family in their mother's honor) -

Marsha Fusco, RN, MSN, CNM

Charlotte Eliopoulous Award - Wendy Dolan, RN, WCN

Dottie Tyska Compassion Award - Bernadette Petersen, RN

LPN of Excellence Award - Andrew Fleming, LPN

2010 Physician Nurse of Excellence Award - Joan Hoil, RN, MA

Certification in Critical Care Nursing - Anne Marie Dillion, RN, MSN, CCRN,

Claudia Drobny, RN, CCRN, Cindy Howell, RN, BSN, CCRN,

Mary Ellen Schaefer, RN-C, BSN, CCRN, Suzanne Barreto Wansor, RN, MSN, APRN, CCRN

Certification in Medical-Surgical Nursing - Maureen Stefanidis, RN-BC,

Theresa Strack, RN-BC, Patricia Oberhausen, RN-BC

Certification in Orthopedic Nursing - Theresa Aragon, RN, ONC, Victoria Bass, RN, ONC, Ann Buckley, RN, MSN, ONC, Sheree Cambra, RN, ONC, Shirley Crews, RN, ONC, Heather Sterling, RN, BSN, ONC, Carolyn Triolo, RN, ONC

Certified Obstetrics Nurses - Joan Benken, RNC, MSN, C-LRN, OB, EFM, WHNP-BC, IBCLC, LCCE,

Marsha Fusco, RN, MSN, CNM, Audrey Whalen, RN, BSN, CCE

Certification in Wound Care Nursing - Judie Lizewski, RN, BSN, CWCN

Certification in Perianesthesia Nursing - Donna Collins, RN, MSN, CPAN, Amy Ferraro, RN, BSN,CPAN

Certification in Perioperative Nursing - Dallas Dodge, RN, CNOR, Monica McDermott, RN, CNOR,

Ita Berry, RN CNOR

Certification in Emergency Nursing - Denise Gluck, RN, MSN, MHA, CEN,

Christine McKeon, RN, MSN, CEN, Donna Roberts, RN, CEN,

Bernadette Slovensky, RN, MSN, CEN, Mary Jo Stark, RN, MS, CEN

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Sherry and Stephen Patterson's dedication to improving our community and transforming healthcare on the East End is evident through their generous gift to create the beautiful landscaped garden that decorates the grounds in front of Peconic Bay Medical Center, along Roanoke Avenue. The waterfall garden donated by the Pattersons is a tranquil setting that welcomes  patients and visitors and embodies Peconic Bay Medical Center's belief that caregiving encompasses body, mind and spirit.

"Peconic Bay Medical Center extends a special thank you to Sherry and Stephen Patterson for their continued partnership and support to the hospital", said Andrew Mitchell, President and CEO of Peconic Bay Medical Center.

In 2000 Sherry Patterson joined Peconic Bay Medical Center's Board of Directors and currently serves as 1st Vice Chair. Sherry also serves on the Board of Trustees for The East End Health Alliance and Riverhead Rotary, and is a former board member of the Riverhead Public Library. Stephen Patterson is the former co-owner and operator of Patterson Energy Group.

Visit Photo Gallery to see Pictures of the Beautiful

Waterfall Garden

Peconic Bay Medical Center's Auxiliary Volunteers were honored at an Auxiliary Awards Luncheon held recently at Giorgio's Fox Hill.

Auxiliary volunteers are an essential part of the PBMC team, giving more than 22,000 hours annually of service to a variety of areas, including greeting patients and visitors at the front desk and in the Emergency Care Center, assisting on the patient care units and performing clerical work. 

Every year one outstanding volunteer has been given the honor of receiving the Jeanne Shaffery Lifetime Achievement Award of Excellence. This year that award went to Marion Harrison. Marion has been a dedicated volunteer since 1994. Her invaluable service in the Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is welcomed and appreciated by staff and patients.  Ms. Harrison embodies the word caring and her love for visiting with the patients is expressed in her smile and the time she gives to each patient.

Anyone interested in becoming a hospital volunteer can call Lynne LaGrua, Director of Volunteer Services at 631-548-6021.

Peconic Bay Medical Center's Auxiliary recently presented Andrew J. Mitchell, President & CEO of Peconic Bay Medical Center and Jesse R. Goodale III, Chairman of Peconic Bay Medical Center Board of Directors, with a check for $300,000.  The money was raised through the hospital Gift Shop and a variety of events and activities. The Auxiliary has additionally made a commitment of a $2 millionpledge  over the next 7 years toward the facilities expansion and modernization projects.  Auxiliary volunteers are a key part of the Peconic Bay Medical Center team, giving more than 22,000 hours annually of service to a variety of areas including, fundraising to benefit various hospital programs and services, greeting patients and visitors at the front desk and in the Emergency Care Center, assisting on the patient care units and performing clerical work.

Anyone interested in becoming a hospital volunteer can call Lynne LaGrua, Director of Volunteer Services at 631-548-6021.

 Photos compliment of Jim Lennon Photography

Enjoy!

EAST END HEALTH ALLIANCE AND AETNA INSURANCE ANNOUNCE CONTRACT AGREEMENT

Long Island, NY   East End Health Alliance hospitals—Eastern Long Island Hospital, Peconic Bay Medical Center, and Southampton Hospital—and Aetna US Healthcare have reached a contract agreement that keeps these hospitals in Aetna's network.  The final contract will extend for a two-year term. 

"This agreement ensures that high quality, affordable health care will continue to be available to our Aetna subscribers in Suffolk County," Paul J Connor III, Alliance, Managed Care Spokesperson.