Video: Englewood Health signs CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ pledge
March 1, 2021 — Last week, Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health, joined the over 1,600 CEOs from across the country who have signed the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ pledge, committing to encouraging diversity and inclusion within the workplace. In the pledge, Englewood Health leadership agrees to provide equal access to vaccines, helping to mitigate risk factors for those most vulnerable to COVID-19; enhancing and expanding training programs for new and current employees, focused on diversity and inclusion; and to continue on the path to diminishing healthcare disparities with the support of the Diversity and Inclusion Education Council (DIEC).
In an inspiring video, Warren Geller reminds us, “Englewood Health will continue to do more, and do better, to ensure equality for all that we serve. This is the beginning of our journey,” he says, “not the end.”
As the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe in 2020, physicians poured time and effort into research that would help our nation, and others, navigate living in a world with coronavirus. Jeff Pavell, DO, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Englewood Health, contributed to a federal study with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, analyzing preventive measures taken at four summer camps in Maine to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Multiple layers of mitigation used included testing, masking, social distancing, limiting high-risk activities, using outdoor facilities as often as possible, and creating a culture in which hygiene became commonplace. These practices not only created a safe space for youth to learn and interact even in these high-stress times, but also resulted in important takeaways for emerging from quarantine and safely returning to schools and workplaces, while minimizing risk. “By using multiple layers of mitigation, you can reduce the spread,” said Dr. Pavell, “and, should someone contract the virus, internal contact tracing allows you to say who needs to be isolated right away. It’s about knowing what the protocols are and then normalizing them so they become habitualized.”
Read the full study, “Preventing and Mitigating SARS-CoV-2 Transmission — Four Overnight Camps, Maine, June — “August 2020,” on the CDC website.
Given the quickly evolving nature of our understanding of COVID-19, parents and school systems should always consult their local health department for the most current guidance on the safety of activities involving children.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only added to the challenge of staying on top of heart health. Life as we know it has changed in many ways. Spending more time indoors, working from home, snacking more, and exercising less has led to weight gain for many of us. One of the most alarming trends has been the delay in seeking routine and preventive health care. These factors have negatively impacted heart health and are putting individuals at risk of developing heart disease.
Though we are living through difficult times, putting off health screenings and continued care is not the answer. “When it comes to heart health, there should be no hesitation,” said Jennifer Wellings, MD, a cardiologist at Englewood Health. “It is important to not only take personal action, but also consult with a doctor on additional steps that can be taken to maintain a healthy heart.”
According to the CDC, in the United States there are an estimated 30.3 million adults diagnosed with cardiovascular disease—including coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and rheumatic heart disease, among other conditions. It is the leading cause of death globally. Of these cardiovascular-disease-related deaths, four out of five are a result of heart attack and stroke.
Coronary artery disease (CAD)—sometimes called coronary heart disease—is the most common type of heart disease in the United States. It is caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. When this happens, the arteries narrow, which can lead to chest pain and discomfort. Other symptoms of CAD include weakness, light-headedness, nausea, shortness of breath, and pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulders. Sleep apnea, high triglycerides, autoimmune diseases, and alcohol consumption can be contributing factors to developing CAD.
Preventing coronary artery disease, providing early intervention for arrhythmia management, and offering the latest technology for treating structural heart disease and aortic disease are some of the key focuses of the team at Englewood Health. They achieve this by using electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, cardiac CT scans, exercise stress tests, nuclear stress tests, and several other tools for early intervention and diagnosis.
“The goal is to work with our patients early on to ensure that any modifiable heart disease risks do not escalate,” said Dr. Wellings. “If conditions have already developed, patients can count on us to provide them with safe, advanced care.” When evaluating patients and tailoring their care plans, the cardiology team uses innovative diagnostic and treatment options, including the Watchman™ and MitraClip® devices, and offers the latest in surgical and nonsurgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The team of specialists treat thousands of patients with heart conditions from across New Jersey each year. Englewood Health provides ongoing care to help reduce the risk of developing cardiac disease and help patients achieve their heart health goals.
Offering full-service diagnostic imaging and breast center services
February 3, 2021 — Driven by a need in the community for better access to high-quality medical imaging, Englewood Health has opened the doors on a new three-story 30,000-square-foot facility, 9,500 of which will be dedicated to a new diagnostic imaging and breast center. The new location makes advanced imaging services easier to access for residents of western Bergen County and Passaic County. Located at 22-02 Broadway in Fair Lawn, Englewood Hospital Imaging at Fair Lawn offers highly sophisticated technology and advanced diagnostic testing in a modern newly constructed building with free parking, access to public transportation, same-day appointments, and walk-ins with a doctor’s prescription. Englewood Hospital Imaging at Fair Lawn is open for appointments, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and accepts most insurance plans.
“Imaging tests, such as CT scans and MRIs, are integral in the early detection of cancer, heart disease, joint and spine injury, abdominal disease, and problems related to brain function. Many of these conditions, if found early, are treatable and curable,” said Mark Shapiro, MD, chief of radiology at Englewood Health. “Physicians and surgeons rely on quality imaging and expert interpretation to support their diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance recommendations. By expanding Englewood Health’s diagnostic imaging and breast center locations, and by using the most up-to-date technology and highly-experienced, patient-focused radiology technologists—all supported by board-certified sub-specialty trained radiologists at Englewood Hospital—we are improving care in our community.”
“The importance of community-based care has never been greater,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “No one wants to travel far for health care. Our main hospital facility is in Englewood, but we are continually expanding throughout the region, and this new location in Fair Lawn will be a game-changer for the community. Access to care is critical—not only access to a hospital, but also to preventive care where people live and work.”
The new facility includes a range of imaging and breast services, including:
3D mammography (tomosynthesis) and stereotactic biopsy
Breast ultrasound;fine needle aspiration and core needle biopsy
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (3 Tesla – wide bore MRI)for breast; whole body; musculoskeletal; and neuro MRI, with capacity to accommodate patients up to 550 lbs.
Ultrasound
X-ray
A major focus of this new center is to bring Englewood Health’s expert breast center services into the community. “When getting your annual mammogram is made accessible, patients are more likely to undergo routine screening,” said Mindy Goldfischer, MD, chief of breast imaging at Englewood Hospital and medical director of The Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnosis Center at Englewood Health, which is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. “At Englewood Hospital Imaging at Fair Lawn, screening mammography, diagnostic evaluations, and advanced breast procedures are performed by our breast imaging specialists onsite. Having outstanding breast care available for individuals right in their own community will save lives.”
Englewood Health is a regional leader, accredited and recognized by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. In addition, Englewood Health’s breast cancer disease management team, which includes medical oncologists, breast surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, and geneticists, works together to create individual care plans for each patient. The new imaging center extends Englewood Health’s expertise to those who live and work in western Bergen and Passaic Counties.
“When follow-up studies are needed, the imaging center team can expedite all tests to ensure that patients are not waiting for days or weeks for tests or results, which can cause undue concern about abnormalities,” added Dr. Shapiro. “During ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirations, and any other biopsies, Englewood Health’s pathologists look directly at the specimen in real-time to help ensure an adequate sample is retrieved at the time of biopsy. Englewood Health’s radiologists maintain close communication with referring physicians.”
With the opening of Englewood Hospital Imaging at Fair Lawn, Englewood Health now offers diagnostic imaging and breast center services at three convenient locations across northern New Jersey (Englewood, Emerson, and Fair Lawn), as well as cardiac imaging at four locations (Fair Lawn, Glen Ridge, Pompton Plains, and Woodland Park). For more information or to make an appointment at Englewood Health Imaging at Fair Lawn, visit englewoodhealth.org/imaging or call 551-299-2900.
January 19, 2021 — Englewood Health has named thoracic surgeon Christos I. Stavropoulos, MD director of thoracic oncology at The Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center. In this capacity, Dr. Stavropoulos will lead and develop a multidisciplinary lung and thoracic cancer program within the cancer center and further expand the advanced, minimally invasive, and robotic thoracic surgery expertise at Englewood Health. He joins the Englewood Health Physician Network and Englewood Hospital, and welcomes new patients.
“I am excited to welcome Dr. Stavropoulos to our growing team of renowned specialists and providers,” said Dr. Stephen Brunnquell, president of the Englewood Health Physician Network. “As an accomplished surgeon specializing in thoracic surgery, Dr. Stavropoulos will help meet an important need in our community and further expand the areas of expertise that our organization offers. He will work closely with our regional physicians and see patients in our locations in Englewood, Fair Lawn, and Hudson County.”
Dr. Stavropoulos’s primary clinical interests are chest, mediastinal, and esophageal diseases, with a particular interest in the management of pulmonary nodules. His surgical expertise includes robotic surgery, endobronchial ultrasound, navigational bronchoscopy, and thoracoscopy. Prior to joining Englewood Health, Dr. Stavropoulos held leadership positions and provided clinical care in healthcare systems throughout Hudson County, New Jersey; Westchester County, New York; and New York City.
“At Englewood Health, our comprehensive lung cancer program includes both screening for high-risk patients and all aspects of multidisciplinary care,” said Steven Brower, MD, medical director of The Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center at Englewood Health. “Dr. Stavropoulos will lead a subspecialized group of physicians caring for patients with lung, esophageal, and mediastinal tumors. He is a respected leader in the field of thoracic oncology and brings expertise in minimally invasive techniques for managing patients’ disease, as well as leadership in developing novel programs for preventing and treating cancer.”
Board certified in thoracic surgery and in general surgery, Dr. Stavropoulos completed a general surgery residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital (New York Medical College) in Manhattan, followed by a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital (Drexel University College of Medicine) in Pittsburgh, PA. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, and a co-author on numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications.
A nurse checks on a patient in an orthopedic room. Note: Photo taken prior to masking requirements.
Better health outcomes result not only from personalized medicine. Patient advocacy and education, often implemented by nursing staff, have also been shown to provide multiple benefits, from decreased patient pain scores to greater postsurgical satisfaction (Health Expect 2018; 21[1]: 57‑63; Spine J 2019;19[5]:840-845).
Englewood Health’s Spine Center prioritizes patient comfort as a way to ensure both patient satisfaction and optimal outcomes. The nurses at the Spine Center rely on training, compassion, and depth of experience to provide continuity of care with the utmost professionalism, from the preoperative stage all the way up to three months after surgery.
“I’ll never ask, ‘How is your pain? Does your pump work properly?’ I’ll ask a patient to hand me something that I can’t reach. That way, I examine their functional mobility and recovery without heightening any anxiety.”
Wen-Chiao Peng, APN
“I always try to speak to patients as if I’m talking to family or a close friend,” said Wen-Chiao Peng, APN, who practices in the neurology and neuro-spine units at the Spine Center. Peng, who has worked at Englewood Health for 18 years, uses the preoperative period to forge a connection with her patients so they will open up to her about their concerns and so she can gauge their anxiety. This preoperative period also provides an opportunity to arrange physical therapy and visiting nurse services for postoperative recovery.
“We make sure to empower patients with knowledge so they can feel comfortable and know we will make the right decisions together,” Peng said. “When patients feel at ease and have a sense of responsibility, it makes outcomes better.”
In her initial consultations, Peng explains the virtues of neuro-spine surgery at Englewood Health, offering patients the opportunity to talk to former patients who have undergone similar procedures; notes the latest technology used to improve outcomes and mitigate complication rates; and addresses the many concerns patients may have developed through their own internet research of worst-case scenarios. This patient education can be especially important, as studies have shown large gaps in patients’ health literacy in low back pain management and other spine conditions, which can affect how patients prepare for surgery (Spine J 2018;18[2]:370-376; Orthop Nurs 2019;38[4]:253-261).
“For spine surgery, sometimes it’s just about letting the patient know that advanced technology will monitor their nerves and alert the surgeon if they are too close to the nerve,” Peng said. The Spine Center provides every patient with a comprehensive book on what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Peng and her colleagues encourage patients to pepper them with any questions that may arise after reading the guide.
Patient Advocacy Plays a Crucial Role
“Sometimes patients can be overwhelmed, so we prioritize bringing family members into the fold and making sure we’re always available to answer their questions as well,” said Colleen Wojna, RN, who works in the ortho-spine and joint replacement units at Englewood Health. A proud graduate of Englewood’s nursing school, Wojna has spent her entire career at Englewood, honing her skills as a patient advocate.
As a patient advocate, a nurse navigator, and a care coordinator, Wojna introduces herself to all of the patients who come in preoperatively for the “Joint University” class taught by her colleague, Marie Sarubbi, APN, ONP-C, who coordinates nursing care for the orthospine unit.
Wojna disseminates her contact information so patients and family members can contact her anytime with any questions and concerns. She provides patients with answers, and on those rare occasions she doesn’t know an answer, she finds it.
Not only does she offer emotionally supportive care, but she also arranges appointments, secures referrals, and facilitates medical clearances.
“Being available to provide reassurance for the patients and their families is vital to making them comfortable in our hands,” Wojna said. “Equally important is serving as their medical liaison and booking appointments to take as much off their plate as possible, like paperwork and phone calls. That’s not what any patient should worry about in an anxious time.”
The preoperative relationship paves the way for a patient’s successful journey and decreases readmission rates, which is why its importance is stressed by nurses.
“My role increases patient and family satisfaction and decreases anxiety,” Wojna added.
During the preoperative stage, Wojna completes a functional, frailty, and pain assessment of the patient. She also makes sure the patient’s discharge plan is in place and the home environment is ready with whatever they will need, such as walkers and commodes. She ensures that a complete physical therapy program is in place, that the patient understands their pain management plan, and that a visiting nurse and visiting physical therapist are regularly scheduled.
“We go to great lengths to reassure patients that we have a great team collaborating to make sure every part of their care plan is taken care of,” Wojna said.
After surgery, Peng keeps patients comfortable through humor and casual conversation while performing a physical examination. Through experience and empathy, she has learned to engage patients in conversations that will solicit responses about their recovery.
“I’ll ask, ‘How was your last night here? Were you able to sleep well?’ I’ll never ask, ‘How is your pain? Does your pump work properly?’ I’ll ask a patient to hand me something that I can’t reach. That way, I examine their functional mobility and recovery without heightening any anxiety,” Peng said.
On the joint replacement side, the continuity of care goes on postoperatively as Wojna checks on patients, answers lingering questions, and explores ways to help them further. After discharge, Wojna monitors the patient for up to 90 days, maintaining a relationship with the patient and family. She confirms patients’ post-op checkups, monitors progress in reaching their recovery goals, and arranges for any appointments or additional equipment they may need.
“The continuity of care from pre-op to well after they have been discharged means we are a one-stop shop for patients,” Wojna said. “They can call their one contact to address all of their needs and rely on our team to help resolve their issues. We consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from patients, so our process must be working.”
Current literature on postoperative pain has shown that multimodal pain treatment options can be an alternative to opioids after total joint replacement surgery. These regimens can provide comparable analgesia, without the well-known consequences of opioid reliance (J Arthroplasty 2017;32[9S]:S69- S73; Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol 2019;33[1]:111-123).
Over the past several years, orthopedic surgeons, pain management physicians, and nurses at Englewood Health have diligently worked together to reduce opioid reliance following total joint arthroplasty.
As an example, the orthopedic surgeon will place a long-acting numbing agent, usually bupivacaine, into the surgical site toward the end of surgery. The anesthesiology team will also typically inject one or two nerve blocks before and after surgery that last from 24 to 72 hours, which relieve postsurgical pain without decreasing mobility of the muscle or joint.
“Such a strategy has been found to have better patient outcomes,” said Vinnidhy Dave, DO, director of palliative medicine for the Englewood Health Physician Network. “When patients require more opioids during surgery, they tend to have more side effects, such as constipation, nausea, and higher risk for falls. The recovery process also takes longer.”
“We know that when patients have expectations set and are given more information, there is definitely a significant decrease in anxiety after the surgery, in part because they know how much pain to expect. We really want to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.”
Vinnidhy Dave, DO, director of palliative medicine
Multimodal pain regimens increase the number of nonopioids prescribed in an attempt to reduce pain while minimizing the need for opioids. After surgery, patients are given acetaminophen 24 hours a day.
“There is significant literature showing that when patients take acetaminophen around the clock after joint replacement, the requirement for opioids decreases [JAMA 2019;321[6]:562-571],” Dr. Dave said.
Patients may also be prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as celecoxib, and the nerve pain agent gabapentin to further reduce pain (BMJ Open 2020;10[1]:e030501; Pain Med 2020;21[1]:161-170).
Starting physical therapy and increasing activity as soon as possible result in less pain overall (Physiotherapy 2018;104[1]:25-35). “Our physical therapists become involved very early to get patients up and moving,” Dr. Dave said. However, if pain persists, a low-dose opioid will be prescribed.
Over the past year, Englewood Health has stopped dispensing long-acting opioids for total joint arthroplasty, without a change in patient outcomes. “This has resulted in at least a 30% to 40% reduction in opioid usage,” Dr. Dave explained.
“It used to be that after surgery, patients would be given a full month’s supply of opioids, but research recently has shown that if you send patients home with less opioids, they usually do not ask for refills.”
For the past six months, Englewood orthopedists have been giving patients a five-day supply of opioids to take home with them, plus a reduction of daily tablets from between six and eight to between four and six. “We are trying to reach that balance of patients having enough pain medication at home without needing to call frequently for extra medication,” Dr. Dave said.
Prior to surgery, patients also enroll in a roughly one-hour educational seminar at the hospital called Joint University, where they learn about joint replacement surgery and recovery. The seminar, which is conducted by a pain nurse and a surgical nurse, reviews what to expect from the procedure, including postoperative pain management. Most patients welcome the use of multiple analgesic agents and physical therapy to try to minimize abusable narcotics.
“The class is to relieve anxiety and answer questions,” Dr. Dave said. “We know that when patients have expectations set and are given more information, there is definitely a significant decrease in anxiety after the surgery, in part because they know how much pain to expect. We really want to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.”
Dr. Steven Elias is first in New Jersey to perform procedure
The Department of Vascular Surgery at Englewood Health in Englewood New Jersey has announced that Steven Elias, MD, FACS, DABVLM, director of the Center for Vein Disease, is the first in New Jersey to implant the Zilver® Vena™ Venous Self-Expanding Stent.
Used to help patients suffering from symptomatic iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction (narrowing of the veins in the pelvic area), this new FDA-approved stent (once implanted) expands to keep blood flowing through narrow or blocked veins. Designed to balance flexibility and strength, the stent is flexible so that it can conform to a patient’s unique anatomy while it provides sufficient balance of expansion and strength to open blocked veins. Patients who have the stent implanted will go home the same day as the procedure and, in most cases, they can return to full activity the next day.
“When it comes to venous disease, being able to provide the latest advancements and procedures for our patients at Englewood Health is paramount to maintaining and improving patient outcomes,” said Dr. Elias. “These procedures can improve symptoms by about 75% – 80%, leading to a big improvement in a patient’s quality of life.”
To receive this FDA premarket approval, Cook Medical provided scientific evidence, gathered through an FDA-approved trial, that the device is safe and effective for its intended use in treating venous outflow obstruction.
Hospital partners with Bergen Family Center’s school-based family programsto provide supportive services for youth and families
In response to the growing number of children and teenagers experiencing anxiety and depression in the U.S., intensified by the emotional toll COVID-19 has taken on the youth population in 2020, Englewood Health is expanding its behavioral health and emotional wellness programming for youth at risk for poor health outcomes. To do this, Englewood Health has partnered with Bergen Family Center’s (BFC) Division of Adolescent Services—which includes the ZONE, a school-based youth services program—to support the emotional and mental health of the youth they serve, as well as their family unit as a whole.
Funded by a three-year grant, made to Englewood Health from the Palestroni Foundation, the program—which began in January 2020—aims to provide psycho-education for youth and caregivers through workshops, webinar series, educational materials, and support groups offering coping skills for navigating various challenges.
Recognizing a need for increased access to support, the Englewood Health team started accepting referrals to begin individual therapy using diverse modalities, assessing the needs of youth participants, and providing a range of support-based services to address specific concerns.
“We recognize the unmet need for quality behavioral health services to address the challenges faced by our youth,” said Darline Jerez, LCSW, community health program liaison at Englewood Health. “Prior to COVID-19, the rising rates of anxiety and depression alone showed us that youth interventions are a major need in our communities. Since COVID-19, not only have the rates increased but the severity of symptoms has worsened. The pandemic uncovered concerns that were once minimized, even neglected. The time has come for youth mental health challenges to be viewed and addressed with the same intensity and significance as any other need.”
Additional youth interventions focus on artistic expression and healing, such as yoga and art therapy, and self-care strategies promoting mental and emotional stability, accessible through podcasts, presentations, and online material.
Caregiver support workshops—conducted in English and Spanish—educate caregivers on the specific needs of children and adolescents, providing a processing space, building on parenting skills, and strengthening familial relationships.
“Our partnership with Englewood Health will expand our reach to teens and their families as they navigate this public health crisis,” said Elizabeth Corsini, MPH, vice president at Bergen Family Center. “Englewood families have been disproportionately impacted by the combined trauma brought on by COVID-19 and systemic racism. This partnership will help mitigate the stress, anxiety, loneliness, fear, and uncertainty that today is a reality for so many young people and their families.”
The series of initiatives resulting from the local partnership have seen strong engagement from youth and families. Both the Englewood Health and BFC teams are confident this influential work will equip the community at large with the coping skills and resiliency necessary to make it through difficult times and come out stronger on the other side.
The close of 2020 is proving to be an exciting time at Englewood Health as we wrap up our first wave of COVID-19 vaccinations. With close to 1,200 team members vaccinated in less than a week’s time, the organization is breathing a collective sigh of relief, applauding the selflessness of our frontline healthcare workers, and celebrating the beginning of the end for the COVID-19 pandemic. After nine long months battling COVID-19, the Englewood Health team has been reenergized by this turning point. The vaccine has brought a real sense of hope to the surface as the first step in getting back to the way of life we knew before COVID-19, albeit with some modifications. As the New Year approaches, what matters most is the commitment to caring for ourselves, our colleagues, our families, and our world. This is not the end, but it’s one step closer. Ready, set, vaccinate!
Englewood Health is currently following the CDC guidance on administering the vaccine to frontline healthcare workers. We expect to offer the vaccine to patients and the general public in 2021. More information will be posted here when those details are available.
Posted on December 22, 2020
Cookie Consent
We use cookies and other tools on this website to enhance the user experience and to analyze our web traffic. By continuing to use this site, you agree to the use of cookies and similar technologies. For more information, see our Terms of Use.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
