Tuned in to Your Health

Transcription

1 Tuned in to Your Health 2013/2014 ANNUAL REPORT Meridian Health 2013/2014 Annual Report 1

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3 Letter from the President What a difference a year makes! While many of us are still recovering from Superstorm Sandy, we ve seen positive progress towards recovery. Our slogan became Powered by Dedication and Hope and we raised $1.6 million to help more than 190 Meridian team members who were severely devastated by the storm, and helped five local community organizations. The storm wasn t the only factor to throw a hefty punch our way. Health care reform continues to have an impact on hospitals and physicians across the country. During the past two years, Meridian has seen significant reductions in our reimbursement. Despite ongoing challenges, Meridian is financially strong and continues to develop and implement programs to integrate patient care while reducing costs and increasing quality. This includes the formation of an accountable care organization with more than 800 participating physicians that will establish new and innovative ways to redesign and integrate care; the Meridian Healthy Advantage team member pilot to help team members better manage their health through preventative health and chronic disease management; a Medicare Palliative Care Demonstration Project designed to provide more resources to primary care physicians and improve coordination of care for end-of-life patients; a partnership with Geisinger Health System to form a Medicare Advantage plan, Meridian Geisinger Gold; and the establishment of Meridian Health Partners, our clinically integrated network. With so many visionary initiatives, it s no surprise that Meridian is a leading health care system in New Jersey and has been ranked among the best in the state and nationally. Our hospitals and nursing and rehabilitation facilities have been ranked by U.S. News & World Report Best Regional Hospitals and Best Nursing Homes. And, for the fifth consecutive year, Meridian has been recognized as a Top 100 Company to Work For by FORTUNE Magazine. Tuned in to Your Health has become Meridian s way of packaging our health and wellness initiatives to help our communities stay healthy and well. In addition, we have expanded this initiative and have partnered with Townsquare Media, who awards prizes to their radio station listeners who engage in healthy activities. Just like listeners tune-in to a radio station, Meridian is Tuned in to Your Health by promoting a healthy and happy lifestyle that will endure for generations. Thank you for your interest in Meridian Health and our mission to continue Taking Care of New Jersey. John K. Lloyd, FACHE President, Meridian Health Meridian Health 2013/2014 Annual Report 3

4 Meridian s Continuum of Care Health System Statistics More than 100 Convenient Locations $1.6 Billion in Annual System Revenues Long Term Care More than 12,000 Team Members 2,100 of the Area s Finest Physicians More than 2,500 Volunteers 6 Hospitals: 1,800+ Beds Ambulance In Home Services Jersey Shore University Medical Center K. Hovnanian Children s Hospital Ocean Medical Center Riverview Medical Center Southern Ocean Medical Center Fitness & Wellness Hospitals Staf ng Bayshore Community Hospital Partner Companies Post Acute Care: 6 facilities, 906 beds At Home Nursing, Hospice and Rehabilitation: 7 divisions serving all of central New Jersey Ambulatory Care: 22 service locations Rehab & Occupational Health Physician Services Insurance Fundraising Primary Care Network: 18 physician practices Ambulance/Medical Transport: 90+ vehicles Occupational Health: 6 centers Rehabilitation: 9 outpatient, 2 inpatient facilities Fitness & Wellness: 5 centers Behavioral Health: 5 outpatient, 2 inpatient In Home Technology Real Estate Holding Comapny Group Purchasing Surgery Centers Imaging Centers

5 Tuned in to Reformation through Transformation Like a rolling tide, health care challenges continue to impact the work that we do every day at Meridian. But despite what may arise, we are meeting these challenges head on. With reform has come a new way of caring for our community that has a tremendous focus on preventive medicine and wellness. Today, we have five major pilot programs that clearly have put us on the right path toward this new concept of population health management, while reducing costs and increasing quality. Most recently, Meridian Health Partners, our clinically integrated network, was launched in January 2014 with nearly 400 physicians already participating. Our goal is to significantly grow physician and other health care provider participation in the network over the next few years and enter into shared savings programs with commercial health insurers. Moving forward, our clinically integrated network will be the backbone of many initiatives associated with population health management. Raymond M. Masterson, M.D., medical director of Meridian Accountable Care Organization, reviews charts with Lucricia Schwartz, nurse manager at Jersey Shore. Nancy Cuppari enjoys a Meridian Healthy Advantage lunch at Riverview Medical Center. Our Accountable Care Organization (ACO), established in 2013 with 750 of our physicians, is now caring for more than 50,000 Medicare patients in Monmouth and Ocean counties with a goal of reducing costs and improving quality. And we have seen some success with our Healthy Advantage team member pilot, which was launched in 2012, and included over 7,000 covered lives and 330 primary care physicians. The goal of this program was to help team members better manage their health through preventive health and chronic disease management. We are planning to launch a second Meridian Healthy Advantage team member pilot in There are currently more than 1,200 patients enrolled in our Medicare palliative care demonstration pilot designed to provide more resources to primary care physicians so that they can improve the coordination of care for end-of-life patients. The results of the pilot have been outstanding. Additionally, more than 4,100 beneficiaries have enrolled in our Medicare Advantage insurance product in Monmouth and Ocean counties. We launched this joint venture with the Geisinger Health Plan in January 2013, an exceptional plan ranked seventh in the country for quality. In 2013, we continued to focus on care integration, which became even more evident in September when Meridian entered into an alliance with six other health systems to form AllSpire Health Partners. The new consortium will carry out joint activities in the areas of patient care services, research, and education to enhance the value of health care that communities receive. The other member systems are: Atlantic Health System (Morristown, NJ); Hackensack University Health Network (Hackensack, NJ); Lancaster General Health (Lancaster, PA); Lehigh Valley Health Network (Allentown, PA); Reading Health System (Reading, PA); and WellSpan Health (York, PA). As the paradigm of health care delivery is currently shifting, the era of fee-for-service medicine is shifting to a value-based model of care, delivery, and reimbursement. The alliance has many synergies and will hopefully enable us to accelerate some of the things we can do to better integrate care. Together, we will look at ways to improve the patient experience and provide better outcomes in a manner that is cost accessible for our patients and their families. Meridian Health 2013/2014 Annual Report 5

6 Going for the Gold Susan L. Borea of Ocean Township, a member of Meridian Geisinger Gold since 2013, is part of a growing community of Medicare participants who are choosing Meridian Geisinger Gold because of the quality and value it offers.

7 Meridian Geisinger Gold Meridian Health s collaboration with Geisinger Health Plan, which offers Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans throughout the communities of Monmouth and Ocean counties, continues to grow. Meridian Geisinger Gold provides me easy access to the physicians I want and the coverage I need, says Susan L. Borea of Ocean Township, who has been a Meridian Geisinger Gold member since As part of a commitment to develop and cultivate ongoing clinical integration with our affiliated physicians and practices, Meridian launched its joint venture with Geisinger Health Plan in January 2013, aiming to provide the highest quality coverage to our Medicare beneficiaries. The results of the pilot have been outstanding, with more than 4,100 beneficiaries enrolled in our Medicare Advantage insurance product in Monmouth and Ocean and more than 900 physicians in the Geisinger Health Plan network. We are proud to say that because of this relationship, our senior communities now have access to a Medicare plan that features better management of chronic conditions and better health care outcomes than currently available through traditional Medicare and Medigap coverage. I m a healthy, active person - and I plan to stay that way, Susan adds. I can take comfort knowing that Meridian Geisinger Gold is there when I need it most. The service I have received by Meridian Geisinger Gold has been wonderful. Geisinger Gold was rated number seven in the nation for quality and service, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance s Medicare Health Insurance Plan Rankings , and Geisinger Health Plan has been recognized nationally as a model for health care reform with documented success in innovative programs that include the patient-centered medical home. Geisinger Health Plan has developed new, innovative models of care that are raising the bar for quality, member experience, and cost effectiveness, says GHP President and CEO Duane E. Davis, M.D. According to John K. Lloyd, FACHE, president of Meridian Health, offering the best coverage for the Medicare population of Monmouth and Ocean counties while further integrating patient care is yet another reason Meridian Health is committed to taking care of New Jersey. At Meridian Health, we are always working hard to better integrate patient care, says John. This is an exciting opportunity to partner with like-minded people, dedicated to providing quality, patient-centered care. Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, HMO POS, HMO SNP, and MSA plans are offered by Geisinger Health Plan/Geisinger Quality Options, Inc., health plans with a Medicare contract. Continued enrollment in Geisinger Gold depends on annual contract renewal. Meridian Health 2013/2014 Annual Report 7

8 Health System Updates Meridian s vision and foresight since its inception has created a comprehensive full continuum of care that is a model in the health care industry. By providing integrated services every step of the way, we ensure that our patients receive coordinated and seamless care from diagnosis to treatment to rehabilitation. The following updates demonstrate how we are tuned into the changing health care environment and remain committed to the optimal health and wellness of those we serve. Maintaining a Strong Beat Through Meridian CardioVascular Network Meridian CardioVascular Network provides the most comprehensive heart and vascular services in the region. It s an overarching umbrella coordinating all aspects of heart and vascular care from research and education to diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and post-hospital care. Meridian became the only health care system in New Jersey to receive the highest designated Chest Pain Center Accreditation by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care (SCPC), distinguishing itself by providing the best care available for patients who present with symptoms of a heart attack. The accreditation was received after each of Meridian s five hospitals successfully met stringent SCPC criteria, and verifies that Meridian CardioVascular Network provides a seamless, coordinated approach to cardiovascular care, which ensures the best outcomes for our patients. Several other areas of distinction were earned throughout the year, including: Heart Failure Accreditation by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care for Jersey Shore, Ocean and Riverview Medical Centers; three-star quality designation by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for cardiac surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center; Get with the Guidelines Heart Failure Gold Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association for Jersey Shore; Lifeline Silver Quality Achievement Award by the American Heart Association for Riverview Medical Center; and distinction for Jersey Shore as one of only a handful of hospitals around the country performing the FDA-approved LARIAT Suture Delivery Device procedure. In 2013, Meridian continued its 365 Days of Heart campaign with engaging programs and services that brought increased attention to critical topics in cardiac and vascular health. Creative initiatives such as the Meridian Health Heart and Sole Cup reached experienced and novice athletes through a series of three 5K races in Monmouth and Ocean counties. More than 1,000 community members participated in the 2013 races, a significant milestone for this annual event. Runners take part in the 2013 Meridian Health Heart and Sole Cup.

9 Health System Updates Fighting and Surviving With Meridian Cancer Care From the beginning, decisions about cancer treatment can be overwhelming for patients and their families. To help patients get back to the life and people they love, Meridian Cancer Care offers every medical advantage through the collaboration of dedicated specialists and a unique multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. This proactive approach to cancer treatment results in comprehensive, coordinated care throughout all Meridian s hospitals, and the first and only System Partner of the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Meridian s patient-oriented approach provides opportunities for both state-of-the-art care and research trials. In 2013, Xofigo became a new treatment option offered at Ocean Medical Center for men who have been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. Recently approved by the FDA and offered at a handful of community hospitals in the United States, this intravenous injection treats metastatic prostate cancer that is resistant to medical or surgical treatments, offering an increase in the patient s life expectancy and improving quality of life. Sara Auerbach, child life specialist at K. Hovnanian Childrens Hospital, interacts with a patient. Prevention and education in cancer care reached new levels in 2014 with Meridian s signature initiative, Paint the Town Pink, expanding to two counties and 35 towns with an important message about mammography and early detection of breast cancer. Nearly 800 businesses in Monmouth and Ocean counties helped share the message. Additionally, Pink Funds were established at all Meridian hospitals to meet community need and provide mammograms to uninsured and under-insured women in our community. Big Care for Little Patients Through Meridian Pediatric Network Meridian Pediatric Network continues addressing and meeting the needs of our youngest patients and their families. In addition to providing access to more than 100 pediatric specialists and the full continuum of care for children in Monmouth and Ocean counties, enhanced services and programs keep the network evolving. Two brand new Pediatric Care Centers at Southern Ocean Medical Center and Ocean Medical Center were opened and provide a new care environment and guest experience for children and their parents. The Pawsitive Action Team from K. Hovnanian Children s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center was introduced in 2008 as a fun and memorable way to educate children about making healthy choices. Since that time, over 50,000 children have been taught to eat right, stay fit, be safe and act responsibly. The team includes Doctor Bernard, the director of Fun and Good Health at K. Hovnanian Children s Hospital, along with Hopscotch and Picatso. Picatso is the third and final character to join the Pawsitive Action Team, and made his debut in early Picatso, who wears glasses, is an artistic cat who loves to read, write and draw. Thoughtful and creative, he wants to teach children the best ways to show respect for one another. Meridian Health 2013/2014 Annual Report 9

10 Harry Carson and Christie Rampone Harry Carson, pro Football Hall of Famer and former captain of the New York Giants, is spokesperson for Meridian Neuroscience. Christie Rampone, Olympic Gold Medalist and captain of Sky Blue, a women s professional soccer team, is spokesperson for K. Hovnanian Children s Hospital. Together they are helping Meridian to educate the community about living active and healthy lives.

11 Health System Updates Mind Matters at Meridian Neuroscience With 15 neurosurgeons on staff, Meridian continues to be among the states largest neuroscience programs. Jersey Shore University Medical Center is the only stroke rescue center in the region, performing advanced endovascular neurosurgery (1 of 13 in New Jersey). Illness or injury can happen at any time, and having an exceptional team of specialists available for life changing moments is critical. Thanks to Meridian Neuroscience, programs and services are close to home and available to diagnose and treat a range of conditions such as stroke, brain tumors, spine injuries, epilepsy, movement and memory disorders, and even sleep disorders. Meridian s facilities continue their focus on excellence in neuroscience, as demonstrated by the following accomplishments throughout the year: Jersey Shore, Riverview and Ocean medical centers received the Gold Plus Performance Award from the American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association (ASA); and the Target Stroke Award from AHA/ASA and Joint Commission recertification as a primary stroke center was granted to Riverview Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Harry Carson, Hall of Famer and former New York Giant, continues to be the spokesperson for Meridian Neuroscience. Harry writes a monthly blog that can be viewed at MeridianHealth.com/HarryCarson. Meridian is Tuned in to Your Health In 2013, Meridian Health began its partnership with Townsquare Media, serving as the exclusive sponsor for their radio stations loyalty programs, which include NJ 101.5, 92.7 WOBM, 94.3 The Point, The Hawk and WOBM-AM. With this collaboration, our sole mission is to encourage and motivate our community to take control and improve their health. This is just another way that Meridian is Taking Care of New Jersey. Townsquare Media s loyalty programs provide opportunities for members to earn points through various online activities. With more points comes a greater chance to win prizes from gift cards and electronics to concert tickets and vacations. Members can now earn points and gain valuable health information at the same time, whether it s by reading a helpful Meridian article, watching a video featuring our very own Meridian physicians, or attending a Meridian event. Today, there are over 25,000 loyalty members and over 500,000 page views for all the Meridian content. It s a sweet-sounding way to get healthy and stay healthy! Meridian Health 2013/2014 Annual Report 11

12 Health System Updates Online Appointments Help Patients Manage Their Health In today s digital world, patients are constantly in search of new and better ways to manage their health, let alone their busy lives. Meridian Health Resources introduced a new service ZocDoc instant online appointment scheduling which provides access to 95 of Meridian s primary care, OB/GYN, and Ear, Nose and Throat physicians. Patients can utilize their computers, tablets, or mobile devices to use this free service and schedule appointments in the same manner they are accustomed to making restaurant and airline reservations. In its first few months, nearly 3,000 appointments were made with participating Meridian physicians. In addition to growing our physicians business, ZocDoc offers patients the opportunity to easily manage their care while better meeting their access and convenience expectations. Convenient Care, After Hours Providing the right level of care, at the right time, are key elements that led Meridian and Ocean Medical Center to pilot a new service called AfterHours. Designed to offer a quick and convenient health care solution for non-emergent health needs, AfterHours locations were opened in Toms River in November 2013 and in Brick in March The model utilizes a nurse practitioner to treat patients of all ages during nights, weekends, and holidays. This new service creates enhanced access to after-hours care for patients with non-life threatening needs, while providing an option for physicians burdened by on-call demands. AfterHours is part of a larger strategy to improve access to care, which will include the development of Meridian Urgent Care sites in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Lighting the Shore After Superstorm Sandy Hundreds of team members gathered in Jersey Shore s Kurr Atrium to Light the Shore a year after Superstorm Sandy, to remember the fortitude and compassion that unified us, and to reflect on our communities continuing journey toward a brighter future. The event featured New Jersey Health Commissioner Mary E. O Dowd, who spoke about the great partnership the Department had with Meridian during the storm. Unbeknownst to Meridian President and CEO John K. Lloyd, the night was also a celebration of his own efforts during the storm, as he was presented with the Spirit of Meridian Award, the highest honor bestowed by Meridian. This ultimate recognition is given to those who have distinguished themselves at the highest level of their profession or service, and who best exemplify the values and spirit of Meridian Health. Gordon N. Litwin, Esq., chairman of the Meridian Health Board of Trustees, and Mary E. O Dowd, New Jersey Health Commissioner, surprise John K. Lloyd, with the Spirit of Meridian Award.

13 Health System Updates Sky Blue Tints Meridian s Color Palate Meridian entered into a new and exciting relationship with women s professional soccer team Sky Blue FC, as the title sponsor for the team s 2014 season. Meridian s orthopedic and rehabilitation staff provide the players with high-quality evaluation and treatment as an extension of the great care provided to the community at large. Partnering with Sky Blue also helps us to educate families and fans across the state about the importance of health and wellness and the potential that exisit in young girls who are determined and work hard. Tony Novo, president and general manager of Sky Blue FC, Christie Rampone, captain of Sky Blue, and John K. Lloyd, FACHE, president of Meridian Health, reveal Sky Blue s 2014 uniform. What Women Want The Mommy Bloggers of Meridian Momtourage keep women in our community informed, healthy, fashionable, and connected. As the primary health care decision makers for their families, women look for resources that are credible, accessible, and can deliver on what s in it for me? With that in mind, Meridian completed a makeover of its online community and optimized MeridianMomtourage.com for mobile and tablet users. A full range of interactive tools now gives women an even greater breadth of options for staying healthy, informed, and involved. And, for those women who still enjoy face-to-face interaction, women s health events like Girls Night Out at Ocean Medical Center, Women s Health Night at Southern Ocean Medical Center and Meridian s sponsorship of the New Jersey Women s Expo continued to actively engage hundreds of women with education, screenings, physician lectures and fun activities that promote health and wellness resources provided by Meridian. Team Member Reunion Becomes Internet Sensation Leslie Ann Ruggiero, a nurse at Ocean Medical Center, receives the surprise of a lifetime. On Christmas Eve, a very special event took place at Ocean Medical Center. Maternity nurse Leslie Ann Ruggiero was surprised by her son, whom she believed to be serving in Afghanistan. The event was caught on tape and quickly became an internet sensation through outlets such as CNN and AOL. The video has received more than 175,000 views, the biggest in Meridian history. People around the world shared in the mother and son reunion which was featured on ABC News and ABC World News Tonight on Christmas Eve, appeared front page in The Star-Ledger on Christmas Day, and was featured during a live interview on NBC s The Today Show. Meridian Health 2013/2014 Annual Report 13

14 Meridian Fitness & Wellness Eula Penn of Jackson Township works out with a trainer at the new Meridian Fitness & Wellness at Meridian Health Village at Jackson.

15 Doors Open, Lights On! Meridian Health Village at Jackson Offers One-Stop Access Meridian Health envisioned and created a revolutionary concept that will lead the way for health care delivery in the future with the Meridian Health Village at Jackson. The new 150,000 square-foot facility, which opened its doors in March 2014, brings experienced clinicians, medical services, and a world-class fitness center close to home in a modern facility that combines elegant design and old-world charm. This state-of-the-art medical facility is a one-stop shop designed to offer both private health care services and services that are traditionally limited to locations within hospitals all under one roof in an easily accessible environment. Physician practices include pediatrics, internal medicine, family care, ob/gyn and women s services. As more components of the health village are added, community members will have access to cardiac diagnostic and rehab services, physical therapy, ambulatory surgery, pharmacy, diagnostic laboratory, and a conference center. There are also plans for comprehensive cancer services in the future. Residents of Jackson and the surrounding communities now have a convenient way to stay healthy, have access to Meridian s powerful continuum, and can fill most medical and wellness needs in one location. For more information, visit MeridianHealthVillage.com. Kent Pediatrics got a little help Turning on the Lights at their new office. What you ll find at Meridian Health Village Fitness & Wellness Center Primary Care Physicians Pediatricians and Pediatric Specialist Center Specialist Physicians OB-GYN and Women s Services Walk-In Urgent Care Center Cardiac Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Services Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology Services Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Services Surgery Center Laboratory Services Pharmacy Conference Center and Meeting Rooms Comprehensive Cancer Care Services Food Service Meridian Health Village at Jackson, now open. Meridian Health 2013/2014 Annual Report 15

16 Linda Jansen, Local Singer As an original member of the Angels, Linda Jansen was used to being in the spolight. Thanks to her double hip replacement surgeries and the rehab she received from Meridian, she is enjoying performing once again.

17 Continuum of Care in Action and Center Stage Meridian Health prides itself in offering patients a full continuum of care, regardless of the health challenge they are facing. From children to seniors, illness to injury, Meridian s team of experts works side by side with each patient to provide quality care that gets you back to optimal life and living. Local singer Linda Jansen put Meridian s system to the test when she underwent double hip replacement surgeries at Ocean Medical Center. Meridian Health provided a one-stop shop healing journey and continuum of care that would get her back to what she loved most. After hip surgeries at Ocean conducted by orthopedic surgeon Joseph Bogdan, M.D., Linda continued with Meridian Health through a variety of partner company resources. She found that each surgery would lead to a different approach to recovery, which Meridian was well equipped to handle. After her first hip surgery in April 2013, she received home therapy from Meridian At Home. I had physical and occupational therapy in the comfort of my home. The coordinated care from Meridian At Home was extraordinary and the therapy team was terrific. In August 2013, Linda had her second hip surgery at Ocean. Following this surgery, Linda spent five days at Meridian Subacute Rehab at Wall. My physician suggested a few days at an inpatient subacute rehabilitation facility to build up my strength after having the other hip done just a few months earlier. I knew I would receive great care at Meridian Subacute Rehab at Wall. The ability to choose the right rehabilitation option for each patient is an important benefit, according to Linda s surgeon, Dr. Bogdan. Linda s case is a great example of how a coordinated continuum of care through Meridian Health allowed her to receive the most appropriate level of care and therapy in a variety of settings best suited to her needs, Dr. Bogdan says. Linda made a triumphant return to the stage in fall 2013, joyfully swaying both new hips while singing The Angels golden oldies. She received a standing ovation from nostalgic fans at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. According to Linda, the care she received at Meridian Health has helped her return to center stage. I cannot say enough about my treatment and care during every stage of my hip replacements and rehabilitation at Meridian, Linda says. Everyone was so nice. It was like spending time with a bunch of friends. Meridian Health 2013/2014 Annual Report 17

18 Jersey Shore s Exceptional Cardiac Surgery Team is Proud of the New CardioVascular Intensive Care Unit (left to right) Benjamin A. Youdelman, M.D.; Brook A. Dejene, M.D.; Richard M. Neibart, M.D.; David L. Johnson, M.D.; and Drew P. Greeley, M.D.

19 Jersey Shore University Medical Center New CardioVascular Intensive Care Unit Unveiled Jersey Shore opened a new CardioVascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) a 12-bed critical care unit providing post-operative care for cardiac surgery patients, including those who receive traditional open heart surgery and newer, complex interventional cardiovascular procedures. Jersey Shore is among the three largest programs in the state for cardiac surgery, cath and electrophysiology. Jersey Shore is among less then 100 hospitals in the country performing innovative TAVR surgery. The cardiac surgery program consistently ranks amongst the best in the Northeast and the team perfromed 831 cases last yeare. Jersey Shore s new CVICU delivers the most advanced care available for cardiovascular patients requiring intensive monitoring, with an emphasis on patient comfort and convenience. Inpatient Diabetes Care & The Stroke Center Get The Gold! Jersey Shore earned The Joint Commission s Gold Seal of Approval for its inpatient diabetes program by providing the best care available for patients with diabetes, and successfully meeting The Joint Commission s national standards for health care excellence and safety. Jersey Shore is the first hospital in central New Jersey to receive accreditation, a testament to the quality of Jersey Shore s comprehensive approach towards inpatient diabetes care. The Stroke Center at Jersey Shore also continued to earn top honors a reflection of the program s commitment to excellence. The Stroke Center received reaccreditation of its Joint Commission Advanced Primary Stroke Certification, and was honored with The American Heart/ American Stroke Association 2013 Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award and the Honor Role Target Stroke Award. Recognitions from The American College of Surgeons The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons accreditation recognizes Jersey Shore s multidisciplinary team approach to diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating patients with cancer. Only 30 percent of hospitals in the United States have received this designation, marking Jersey Shore as a center of excellence for cancer care. Additionally, Jersey Shore s Trauma Center was recertified by The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma as a Level II Trauma Center. This achievement, first received by Jersey Shore in 1991, distinguishes the hospital as the only trauma center in Monmouth and Ocean counties to provide advanced trauma care. Research Advancements As the home of Meridian Health Research Services, Jersey Shore conducts innovative research through clinical trials dedicated to advancing tomorrow s medical breakthroughs. Jersey Shore was one of the few institutions in the state to participate in groundbreaking vaccine studies focused on eliminating hospital-acquired infection. In collaboration with the Center for Thyroid, Adrenal and Parathyroid Disease at Jersey Shore, the medical center was an international leader in trials investigating genetic changes in patients with endocrine cancers, such as thyroid and pancreatic cancer. Through programs in oncology, cardiology, neuroscience and pediatrics, researchers at Jersey Shore and Meridian provide our community with access to novel therapies, cutting-edge treatment, and new diagnostic possibilities. Meridian Health 2013/2014 Annual Report 19

20 Caring for Our Youngest Patients Lauren Gaines, R.N., cares for a patient at K. Hovnanian Children s Hospital, home to more than 100 pediatric specialists.