Englewood Health Nationally Recognized for Cardiac and Stroke Care

Posted on by John Williams

The American Heart Association presents the Get With The Guidelines awards for proven dedication to best practices and life-saving care.

July 18, 2023 — Englewood Health has received two of the American Heart Association’s Get With the Guidelines achievement awards, which recognize the health system’s dedication to best practices and life-saving care in the treatment of stroke and cardiac arrest.

  • Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
  • Get With The Guidelines® – Resuscitation Silver quality achievement award, recognizing Englewood Health’s commitment to treating in-hospital cardiac arrest patients with best practices, ultimately helping to improve survival rates.

In addition, Englewood Health received the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke℠ Elite award, meeting specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with clot-busting medications.

The health system also received the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award, which aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes—who might be at higher risk for complications—receive the most up-to-date care when hospitalized due to stroke.

“At Englewood Health, we know that adhering to the most current, evidence-based guidelines improve patient care and help save the lives of patients who experience cardiac arrest and stroke,” said Erik Chu, MD, chief of emergency medicine at Englewood Health.

Tina Bloemer, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CPHRM, FASHRM, vice president for quality at Englewood Health adds, “The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines program makes it easier for our teams to engage in continuous quality improvement measures, with the end goal of ensuring those in our community live longer, healthier lives.”

Englewood Health Named on Becker’s Hospital Review’s “Great Hospitals in America” List

Posted on by Brenna Holland

July 12, 2023 — Englewood Health has been named one of the great hospitals in America by Becker’s Hospital Review. 

Becker’s annual “Great Hospitals in America” list recognizes hospitals for their clinical excellence, patient safety, innovation efforts, research and education, patient satisfaction and more. Englewood Health was one of just four New Jersey hospitals to receive this prestigious honor. 

In their announcement, Becker’s highlighted Englewood Health’s physician network, which comprises more than 600 office and hospital-based providers at more than 140 locations across New Jersey. Last year, the health system included around 3,900 employees and a 1,200-plus member medical staff.  

“The system also focuses on health equity and population health statewide,” Becker’s stated. “Englewood earned a spot as one of Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals in 2023 and was recognized as a top regional hospital by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital has also earned HealthCare’s Most Wired designation since 2014.” 

For more information about rankings and methodology of the list, visit: beckershospitalreview.com/great-hospitals-in-america 

Englewood Health Recognized for Excellence in Lactation Care

Posted on by John Williams
Lactation consultants at Englewood Health. (L-R) Teresa Mancuso, Erica Cantatore, and Robin Petrick.
Lactation consultants at Englewood Health. (L-R) Teresa Mancuso, Erica Cantatore, and Robin Petrick.

July 11, 2023 — Englewood Health has been recognized by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) for excellence in lactation care.

The IBCLC Care Award puts Englewood in elite company, honoring its commitment to staffing professionals who hold the prestigious IBCLC certification* and for providing a robust lactation program for breastfeeding families. In addition, Englewood Health demonstrated that it has cultivated programs and activities that help protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.

“Helping families prepare for and succeed at breastfeeding begins even before the baby is born,” said Valerie M. French, MBA, BSN, RNC, senior director of nursing for maternal/child health at Englewood Health. “At the Karen and Gary Singer Family Family Birth Place, we are committed to providing professional lactation support that is an integral part of our maternal-child services. Our specialists educate parents about the benefits of breastfeeding during pregnancy and provide support and assistance after the birth of their child.”

“Our team of lactation consultants support families during and after pregnancy, enabling them to successfully initiate breastfeeding and overcome any breastfeeding challenges they might face,” said Arthur Gross, MD, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Englewood Health. “We’re happy to see that important work recognized by the IBLCE and ILCA.”

Breastfeeding provides proven and substantial health benefits to both mothers and babies. At Englewood Health, IBCLC professionals assist families returning to work or school; help families in more unusual situations, such as breastfeeding more than one baby or nursing a sick or premature infant; help train nursing staff to manage basic breastfeeding care; and continue to support families as their baby grows.

*As allied healthcare professionals with the leading internationally recognized certification for professional lactation services, IBCLC professionals work in hospitals and birthing centers, clinics, public health agencies, private practices, community settings, and government agencies. They also help in research. There are currently nearly 36,000 IBCLCs in 131 countries worldwide (iblce.org). The IBCLC certification program is accredited by the NCCA, the accreditation arm of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. NCCA accreditation represents a mark of quality for certification programs.

Englewood Health Among Nation’s Top Performing Hospitals for Heart Attack Treatment

Posted on by John Williams

June 21, 2023 — Englewood Health has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2023. Englewood Health is one of only 262 hospitals nationwide to receive this honor.

“We are proud to receive the Platinum Performance Award from the American College of Cardiology, which recognizes the commitment of our cardiology and emergency medicine teams to ensuring we deliver comprehensive care and expedient intervention for all heart attack patients,” said Barbara Schreibman, MD, medical director of emergency medical services (EMS) at Englewood Health.

The award recognizes Englewood Health’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.

“We are continuously improving and evolving in our treatment of heart attack patients to ensure the best possible outcomes and quality of life,” said Aron Schwarcz, MD, chief of invasive cardiology at Englewood Health. “Our collaborative team approach centers on achieving exceptional care for every patient. We achieve this through comprehensive, safe, and efficient diagnosis and treatment–available 24 hours a day–by a team of specialists using advanced techniques and technologies and adhering to best practices.”

To receive the Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, Englewood Health has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain – MI Registry for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022), performed at the highest level for specific performance measures, and participated in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements.

“It is an honor to award Englewood Health with the Platinum Performance Award for their valuable national leadership and dedication to meeting comprehensive performance measures in patient care,” said Michael C. Kontos, MD, FACC, chair of the NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Steering Subcommittee, and cardiologist at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. “The receipt of this award indicates that Englewood Health remains committed to providing top quality, guideline-driven care for heart attack patients. Their success ensures patients are receiving the highest quality cardiovascular care.”

Englewood Health Receives Accreditation for Emergency Medical Services

Posted on by John Williams

June 9, 2023 — Englewood Health has received re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) for its compliance with national standards of excellence.

“Accreditation for our ambulance service represents our deep commitment to supporting the health of our patients and community,” said Michael Geisler, assistant director of emergency medical services at Englewood Health. “Our entire EMS team dedicates themselves to delivering outstanding care on each and every call, and to continuously improving as individuals and as a service, which is acknowledged by this outstanding achievement.”

To receive this re-accreditation, Englewood Health completed an assessment and a site visit performed by CAAS, including an independent external review by national experts in emergency medical services (EMS). Englewood Health is one of just four CAAS accredited ambulance services in New Jersey and is the only accredited service in Bergen County.

“Receiving this verification of the quality care we provide in the community followed a rigorous process that all of our team members participated in,” said Barbara Schreibman, MD, medical director of EMS at Englewood Health. “We are proud that our assessment and site review revealed zero adverse findings, which is a testament to the commitment of our entire team to meeting the commission’s high standards every day.”

CAAS is a non-profit organization that encourages and promotes quality patient care in the EMS system by establishing national standards—often exceeding state or local licensing requirements—which address not only the delivery of patient care, but also the ambulance service’s total operation and its relationships with other agencies, the general public, and the medical community.

Englewood Health Appoints EVP of Legal Affairs and Chief Legal Officer

Posted on by John Williams

June 1, 2023 — Englewood Health has appointed Matthew Amodeo, Esq., as its new executive vice president of legal affairs and chief legal officer.

Amodeo has served as Englewood’s external legal counsel since 2009, while a partner with law firm Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. During that time, he has helped guide Englewood Health on its growth strategy, integration of the physician network, and managed care contracting, among other efforts.

“It is with great pleasure we officially welcome Matt as in-house counsel for Englewood Health,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “As we continue to grow, Matt’s extensive health law background combined with his years of service as outside counsel for Englewood make him a valuable addition to our health system family.”

In his new role, Amodeo will plan and lead all legal activities of the health system, overseeing in-house counsel and coordinating activities of outside counsel, ensuring all are in alignment with Englewood Health’s mission, values, and goals.

Amodeo received his undergraduate degree from the College of the Holy Cross and his law degree from New England School of Law.

Englewood Health Clinicians Honored with Healthcare Hero Awards

Posted on by John Williams

May 19, 2023 — Two Englewood Health clinician leaders have been honored with NJBIZ Healthcare Hero awards. Hillary Cohen, MD, MPH, senior vice president of medical affairs, and Jill Cox, PhD, RN, APN-c, CWOCN, have both been recognized by the statewide publication.

Hillary J. Cohen, MD

Hillary J. Cohen, MD

Emergency Medicine | Full profile

Dr. Cohen is being honored in the Public Health category for her outstanding leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as her dedication to improving community health and reducing healthcare disparities. She is an emergency medicine physician at Englewood Health, board certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine, and has extensive experience in population health management and preventive health initiatives.

Dr. Cohen has helped Englewood Health prioritize healthcare accessibility within the community by focusing on the social determinants of health. She leads the institution in addressing health equity, food insecurity, and other health-related issues through annual screenings and vaccinations, nutritional education, and more.

Jill Cox, APN

Jill Cox, APN

Primary Care Advanced Practice Nurse | Full profile

Dr. Cox is being recognized in the Education category. She has excelled as a clinical nurse specialist, a nurse educator, and a leader in the field of pressure injury prevention. Her research on pressure injuries has been published in over 25 peer-reviewed publications. One of her articles was distinguished as one of the most frequently cited in the history of the American Journal of Critical Care.

Dr. Cox is also an industry leader, serving in multiple leadership positions and holding appointments on national and global health initiatives. In 2020, she was recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.

“Dr. Cohen and Dr. Cox truly represent Englewood Health’s commitment to the patients, families, and communities we serve,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “Their forward-thinking leadership and clinical expertise, as well as their dedication to providing state-of-the-art, compassionate care, make them well deserving of this recognition.”

The NJBIZ Awards program was created to honor excellence, promote innovation, and reward the efforts of individuals and organizations making a significant impact on the quality of healthcare in New Jersey.

Winners are chosen by a panel of independent judges who recognize individuals and organizations across 12 categories. An awards ceremony will take place June 27. See the full list of honorees here.

Englewood Health Named One of the Best Hospitals in the U.S. for Maternity Care  

Posted on by Brenna Holland

May 11, 2023 — Englewood Health has been named one of the best hospitals in the U.S. for maternity care for the second year in a row by Newsweek in their 2023 Best Maternity Hospitals list. 

“We are honored to be ranked as one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals for the second year in a row,” says Valerie M. French, MBA, BSN, RNC-LRN, senior director of nursing for maternal/child health at Englewood Health. “With only 350 hospitals from across the U.S. included on the list this year, this distinction is particularly special because it recognizes our team’s enduring commitment to delivering the highest quality maternity care throughout pregnancy, birth, and post-partum.” 

“Englewood Health prioritizes quality, safety, and providing an outstanding patient experience,” says Arthur Gross, MD, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Englewood Health. “We deliver over 3,000 babies each year. Whether it is a routine delivery or managing a high-risk pregnancy, our team is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for every mother and baby and this ranking affirms that commitment.” 

This accolade was given by Newsweek and consumer data company Statista Inc., following a rigorous evaluation process in which three data sources were considered. 

Those sources are: 

  • A nationwide online survey: 10,000 medical professionals with knowledge of maternity care processes—including midwives, neonatal specialists, and OB/GYNs—were asked to recommend leading maternity hospitals. 
  • Hospital quality metrics: key performance indicators relevant to maternity care, including those relating to cesarean births, elective deliveries, and perinatal care. 
  • Patient satisfaction surveys: hospital patient surveys on topics like cleanliness, communication, staff responsiveness, and care transitions. 

At Englewood Health’s Karen and Gary Singer Family Family Birth Place, moms and babies receive expert care and attention, and a full spectrum of services including prenatal care, high-risk testing and monitoring, childbirth education, and post-pregnancy resources and support.  

The newly constructed facility offers entirely private rooms. Maternal-fetal medicine specialists and neonatologists are available on-site to care for high-risk mothers and newborns and provide timely, high-quality care in a modern neonatal intensive care unit. 

For more information about the rankings and methodology of Newsweek’s America’s Best Maternity Hospitals list, visit: newsweek.com/rankings/americas-best-maternity-hospitals-2023. 

Englewood Health Receives ‘A’ Leapfrog Hospital Safety Rating

Posted on by John Williams

May 3, 2023 — Englewood Health has received an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade, from The Leapfrog Group, for spring 2023. The ‘A’ rating is a national distinction that Englewood Health has achieved consecutively for over three years from The Leapfrog Group, an independent nonprofit organization committed to driving quality, safety, and transparency in the U.S. health system.

“We are proud to receive an ‘A’ rating once again from The Leapfrog Group,” says Kathleen Kaminsky, MS, RN, NE-BC, senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Englewood Health. “Up and down the line, our team prioritizes patient safety. It is our team’s commitment to high quality and effective care that has allowed us to be consistently recognized with a top safety grade.”

“At Englewood Health, we continuously establish and refine systems that ensure our patients are safe throughout our hospital,” says Tina Bloemer, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CPHRM, FASHRM, vice president for quality at Englewood Health. “We are pleased to see this work recognized by The Leapfrog Group with yet another ‘A’ grade.”

“This new update of Hospital Safety Grade shows that, at the national level, we saw deterioration in patient safety with the pandemic,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “But this hospital received an ‘A’ despite those challenges. I congratulate all the leaders, staff, volunteers, and clinicians who together made that possible.”

The Leapfrog Group updates hospital safety grades twice annually, in the spring and fall. To see Englewood Health’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in hospitals, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in Health Care Has Never Been a More Pressing Goal

Posted on by John Williams

Englewood Health reflects on three years of initiatives to bring about social change and meeting the needs of its diverse communities of patients and employees

April 26, 2023 — Three years since a pandemic and a sociopolitical movement altered the public’s consciousness on racial justice, organizations and companies nationwide continue to incorporate diversity, inclusion, and equity initiatives into the employee and customer experience. For healthcare organizations, addressing racial disparities has never been more important or a greater focus by its leaders committed to the goals of a healthier population.

Englewood Health, located in northern New Jersey in the suburbs of New York City, has long been committed to a healthcare experience centered on the individual patient. The past three years, however, have propelled this health system to recommit its focus on reducing healthcare disparities and fostering an inclusive workplace through innovative efforts.

In 2020 Warren Geller, Englewood Health’s president and CEO, was the first healthcare leader in New Jersey to sign the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge, the largest CEO-driven business commitment to encouraging diversity and inclusion within the workplace. In the pledge, Englewood Health leadership agreed to provide equal access to vaccines, helping to mitigate risk factors for those most vulnerable to COVID-19; enhance and expand training programs for new and current employees focused on diversity and inclusion; and continue on the path to diminishing healthcare disparities, with the support of the organization’s newly founded Diversity and Inclusion Education Council.

“We are not naïve in thinking we can change deep-seated inequities easily or quickly, but any worthwhile effort takes time and commitment,” said Geller. “Over the last three years, I can confidently attest to the efforts from our leaders and teams across Englewood Health to continually do better and serve our communities more effectively and with greater empathy.”

Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives developed at Englewood Health over the past three years include:

Formation of the Diversity and Inclusion Education Council

Founded in fall 2020, the council brings together a cross section of Englewood Health leaders, physicians, and front-line staff, representing the diversity of its workforce. The council provides guidance to the health system’s leadership on two areas of focus: reducing healthcare disparities and enhancing diversity in the workplace. It has also participated in health promotion and disease prevention efforts in the communities the health system serves, including underserved communities.

Fostering Diversity and Inclusion Among Employees

Englewood Health expanded content available on its employee education platform to include diversity and inclusion education and unconscious bias training. This training content was integrated into candidate interviews, employee performance evaluations, and compliance coursework. “We all have unconscious biases and, although we may not realize it, unconscious bias can affect how well we do our jobs,” said Eva Matos-Botex, senior director of talent acquisition and development. “Our goal is to cultivate a workplace where different points of view are welcomed and where we feel empowered to discuss tough issues in an open, productive, and respectful way.” In addition, to attract local talent in Jersey City, Englewood, and Fair Lawn, Englewood Health hosted hiring events throughout the year. The events were aimed at recruiting diverse candidates for essential roles across the organization.

Improving Access to Community-Based Care

Nestled in a suburban setting in the far northern reaches of Bergen County, Englewood Health has long been a destination hospital for the local region. Yet its leaders understand that transportation barriers and patients’ schedules have necessitated new tactics to improve access. With a strategy of growing its services across the region, Englewood Health opened several important outposts in the past three years. The Englewood Health ZT Systems Outpatient Center at Jersey City, a 73,000-square-foot facility in the heart of Journal Square, opened in 2022, offering urgent care, primary care, specialty care, breast center services, diabetes care, and advanced diagnostic imaging services. Residents of Jersey City—one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the nation—and the greater Hudson County now have convenient access to comprehensive, culturally sensitive healthcare services. In addition to this facility, Englewood Health over the past three years also opened urgent care centers in Cresskill, Fair Lawn, and downtown Englewood.

Opening of The Shirvan Family Live Well Center

Englewood Health will open The Shirvan Family Live Well Center in the coming months in the heart of downtown Englewood. The center will focus on promoting the health and wellness of the community through free education and hands-on experiences and will engage community members of all ages in making healthier choices to prevent health problems or in response to chronic conditions. Live Well Englewood builds on the success of a three-year Live Well pilot program designed to proactively prevent chronic disease among at-risk community populations through access, awareness and resources that promote healthy lifestyles. The center’s programs focus on nutritional, emotional, and physical well-being for all ages. It will feature a demonstration kitchen, meeting rooms, and workshop space. To date, Live Well Englewood has served thousands of families challenged by obstacles to preventive care because of social status, education, culture, or financial circumstances. The center is made possible thanks to the Sylvia and Stanley Shirvan Foundation, the Amy and Mark Shirvan Family Foundation and many other generous donors.