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

Posted on by John Williams

June 20, 2024 — Englewood Health has been named one of the best hospitals in the U.S. for maternity care for the third year in a row by Newsweek in their 2024 Best Maternity Hospitals list.

“We are thrilled to be named one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals for the third year running,” says Valerie M. French, MBA, BSN, RNC-LRN, senior director of nursing for maternal/child health at Englewood Hospital. “Being among just 404 hospitals selected nationwide is a special honor that highlights our team’s dedication to providing exceptional maternity care throughout pregnancy, delivery, and post-partum.”

“At Englewood Hospital, quality, safety, and exceptional patient care are our top priorities,” says Arthur Gross, MD, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Englewood Hospital. “We deliver approximately 3000 babies each year, and whether it’s a standard delivery or a high-risk pregnancy, our team is devoted to achieving the best outcomes for every mother and baby.”

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

Those sources are:

  1. A nationwide online survey of healthcare professionals and hospital managers with knowledge about maternity processes.
  2. Results from patient experience surveys.
  3. Hospital quality metrics with a focus on indicators relevant to maternity care.

At Englewood Hospital’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.

Englewood Hospital First in Northern NJ to Offer New Device for Detection of Precancerous Anal Lesions

Posted on by John Williams

June 13, 2024 — Englewood Hospital is the first hospital in northern New Jersey, and one of just 80 in the nation, to offer patients access to the THD® HRStation. This state-of-the-art system is the first and only designed specifically for the detection and treatment of precancerous lesions of the anus.

“This technology allows us to provide immediate and effective treatment, significantly reducing the risk of progression to anal cancer. We are proud to be at the forefront of this innovation, offering our patients the highest standard of care,” said Peter Kaye, MD, colorectal surgeon at Englewood Hospital.

The THD® HRStation supplies high-resolution videos and images of the anal canal to detect dysplasia, abnormal changes in the cells lining the canal that, if left untreated, can progress into anal cancer.

After detecting anal dysplasia, the all-in-one THD® HRStation allows physicians to treat the lesions immediately by cauterizing and thermally closing the blood vessels connected to them, thereby preventing their progression into cancer.

“Screening for anal dysplasia is recommended for individuals at higher risk of anal cancer, including those with HIV or HPV, men who have sex with men (MSM), women with history of cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancer, transgender individuals (especially transgender women), and individuals with a history of anal warts,” said Dr. Kaye.

“We want to get the word out to everyone but especially those disproportionately affected, including some members of our LGBTQ+ community. By providing this service at the highest level of care, we can make strides in reducing health disparities we see in our diverse communities,” said Anita Ramsetty, MD, director of health equity at Englewood Health.

Screening for anal cancer is not recommended for everyone. Patients should discuss anal cancer screening with their healthcare provider to decide if it’s right for them. If you are considering getting screened, the first step is an anal Pap smear. This simple swab test checks for abnormal cells that could indicate cancer.

To schedule your screening, contact Dr. Kaye’s office of Colon and Rectal Surgery by calling: 201-608-2800.

Englewood Health Receives “Equality Builder” Designation for LGBTQ+ Inclusion Efforts

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June 3, 2024 — Englewood Health has received the Equality Builder designation from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2024 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). This accolade recognizes Englewood Health’s commitment to establishing foundational policies that ensure LGBTQ+ inclusion across all areas of service.

The HEI is the nation’s foremost benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and best practices in healthcare facilities. In its 16th iteration, the HEI evaluated 1,065 healthcare facilities across the United States, with fewer than 50 facilities in New Jersey participating, including Englewood Health.

Englewood Health was assessed on several key criteria, including patient non-discrimination, employee non-discrimination, and staff training in LGBTQ+ culturally competent care. Englewood Health demonstrated that foundational policies in these areas are not only in place but are also publicly communicated.

“We are deeply honored to receive the Equality Builder designation and to be recognized for our efforts in fostering an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and staff,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to compassionate, comprehensive healthcare that acknowledges and addresses the specific needs of the diverse communities we serve.”

“We are committed to not just meeting but exceeding the standards for LGBTQ+ inclusion. This recognition from the HRC Foundation is a testament to our ongoing efforts to provide a welcoming and safe environment for everyone who steps through our doors,” said Anita Ramsetty, MD, director of health equity at Englewood Health.

The HEI’s rigorous evaluation process also includes criteria on patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and patient and community engagement. Englewood Health’s achievement signifies its early and impactful steps towards full LGBTQ+ inclusion.

This progress has been significantly shaped by the dedicated efforts of Englewood Health’s Diversity & Inclusion Education Council and Population Health team, both of which have been instrumental in integrating LGBTQ+ inclusive practices across employee training, clinical care, and community outreach initiatives.

For more information about the HEI and to view the full 2024 report, please visit reports.hrc.org/hei-2024.

Englewood Health Secures Top Rating in New Jersey for Electronic Medical Record Maturity

Posted on by John Williams
HIMSS designation group photo
IT and clinical leaders paved the way for Englewood Health’s HIMSS designation.

May 23, 2024 — Englewood Health has earned a Stage 6 designation, the highest rating for a New Jersey health system, from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM™), recognizing the healthcare system’s clinical use of electronic medical records (EMR) as approaching the top level at both Englewood Hospital and throughout the Englewood Health Physician Network.

EMRAM is a maturity model assessment designed to measure clinical outcomes, patient engagement, and use of EMR technology to strengthen organizational performance and health outcomes across patient populations. With eight stages from 0 through 7, HIMSS EMRAM provides a proven roadmap toward expert-level EMR usage.

“Attaining HIMSS EMRAM Stage 6 is a testament to Englewood Health’s dedication to adopting leading-edge technology and seamlessly integrating it into our clinical processes to drive better patient outcomes,” says Inderpal Kohli, vice president and chief information officer at Englewood Health. “This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional patient care through the strategic deployment of advanced EMR capabilities across our healthcare system.”

To arrive at Stage 6, the second highest level, Englewood Health has implemented advanced EMR capabilities across patient care service areas, including full physician documentation (charting) integrated into the EMR, and deployment across all practice settings; computerized physician order entry for all orderable services; closed-loop medication administration (using technology to prevent medication errors); and advanced clinical decision-making support and evidence-based protocols.

As a Stage 6 organization, Englewood Health has also accomplished advanced interchange and wearable device integration. For example, in some specialty areas, Englewood Health Physician Network patients use wearable devices or implants supported by remote monitoring and allow for remote patient care.

Englewood Hospital Named a Top Hospital in New Jersey by Jersey’s Best Magazine

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Among the top 82 hospitals ranked in New Jersey, Englewood Hospital was the highest-ranking hospital in Bergen County.

May 9, 2024 — Englewood Hospital has been named a top hospital in New Jersey by Jersey’s Best magazine.

In partnership with Castle Connolly Top Doctors, Jersey’s Best magazine awarded Top Hospital designations for hospitals with more than 350 beds, and for those with 350 beds or fewer. All told, 82 hospitals across New Jersey were ranked and Englewood Hospital was the highest-ranking hospital in Bergen County in the category of 350+ beds.

Englewood Hospital was also named a top hospital for the treatment of specific medical conditions and ranked third in the state for the treatment of high-risk pregnancy and childbirth; prostate cancer; breast cancer; knee and hip replacement; congestive heart failure; neurological disorders; coronary artery bypass surgery; pain management; and stroke. Patient reviews of Englewood Hospital also elicited high satisfaction rates and special mentions of cleanliness and excellent communication with patients and their families.

“Being recognized as the premier hospital in Bergen County is a tremendous honor,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “This accolade underscores the exceptional expertise, empathy, and unwavering commitment of our healthcare team at Englewood Hospital.”

The top hospitals list was compiled following a rigorous vetting process in which Jersey’s Best magazine and Castle Connolly performed analytics on patients’ post-discharge evaluations and a nation-wide physician survey.

For the complete list and more information about the rankings and methodology, visit Jersey’s Best Hospitals List.

Englewood Hospital Receives Leapfrog ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade for Spring ‘24

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Hospital Has Achieved Top Safety Grade for 22 Rating Periods

May 1, 2024 — Englewood Hospital has received an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for spring 2024. The ‘A’ rating is a national distinction that Englewood Hospital has achieved for 22 rating periods since The Leapfrog Group—an independent nonprofit organization committed to driving quality, safety, and transparency in the U.S. health system—established the safety grade in 2012. The grade is released twice a year.

“We are honored to receive an ‘A’ rating from The Leapfrog Group,” stated Kathleen Kaminsky, MS, RN, NE-BC, senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Englewood Hospital. “Patient safety is a top priority at Englewood Hospital—one that we emphasize must always be at the forefront of our minds when delivering care. Thank you to our entire team whose commitment to the safety of our patients is evident in this top safety grade.”

Tina Bloemer, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CPHRM, FASHRM, vice president for quality at Englewood Health, said “Englewood Hospital is committed to safeguarding our patients and ensuring consistent, high-quality care. Safety is everyone’s job, and our team members are earnest in their personal commitment to prioritizing patient safety. Receiving this ‘A’ grade, once again, is a national recognition of the entire team’s dedication to delivering quality care day in and day out.”

“Everyone who works at Englewood Hospital should be proud of this ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “It takes complete dedication at every level, and an ironclad commitment to putting patients first. I thank Englewood Hospital, its leadership, clinicians, staff, and volunteers for caring so deeply for its patients and their safety.”

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

Englewood Hospital Introduces New Treatment for Patients with Irregular Heartbeat

Posted on by John Williams

April 2, 2024 — Cardiac electrophysiologists at Englewood Hospital have successfully treated their first patient using an emerging technology called pulsed field ablation. This technology offers patients with atrial fibrillation access to more precise procedures, improved outcomes, and enhanced quality of life when they pursue treatment for their abnormal heart rhythm.

“Pulsed field ablation is a game-changer in the treatment of atrial fibrillation,” said Grant Simons, MD, chief of heart rhythm services at Englewood Hospital. “It offers a safer and more efficient way to treat atrial fibrillation while minimizing damage to surrounding heart structures. Englewood Hospital is proud to offer this cutting-edge solution to patients across northern New Jersey.”

Atrial fibrillation occurs when electrical signals in the heart’s upper chambers misfire, leading to irregular and rapid heartbeats. This can raise the risk of complications like blood clots or stroke if left untreated.

Unlike traditional methods of ablation that use heat or cold to destroy abnormal heart tissue and treat atrial fibrillation, pulsed field ablation employs pulsed electric fields. These fields are delivered through a specialized catheter, disrupting irregular electrical impulses by creating tiny pores in the tissue. This process interrupts the abnormal pathways causing atrial fibrillation.

By targeting precise areas, pulsed field ablation can prevent faulty signals from spreading to other parts of the heart. Cardiac electrophysiologists at Englewood Hospital are leveraging the newly FDA-approved Medtronic PulseSelect™ pulsed field ablation system to deliver this novel therapy.

Englewood Health and ColumbiaDoctors Announce Program for Advanced Heart Failure

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Goal is to improve patient outcomes by extending advanced heart failure care to local communities

March 21, 2024 — Working in collaboration with cardiologists from Englewood Health, ColumbiaDoctors experts will be offering consultations to advanced heart failure patients hospitalized at Englewood Hospital. Outpatient care also will be provided by the two institutions, with ColumbiaDoctors providing heart failure care. The collaboration aims to reduce readmissions and improve outcomes for patients with advanced heart failure by expanding access to a world-class program in Bergen County.

“One of our goals is to work together to establish a robust remote patient monitoring program to track and effectively manage care for heart failure patients in the outpatient setting,” says Joseph De Gregorio, MD, Executive Director of Cardiovascular Services at Englewood Hospital. “This collaboration enables our health system to enhance our program by leveraging the expertise and resources of one of the world’s premier heart failure programs, benefiting some of our most critically ill patients.”

“There are many reasons to be excited about our collaboration with Englewood Health, chief among them the ability to bring advanced treatments to patients in need. Whether a patient requires a ventricular assist procedure or multi-organ transplantation, we are committed to delivering seamless world-class care,” says Nir Uriel, MD, Director of Advanced Heart Failure Services and Cardiac Transplantation at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

“The launch of the Englewood Health and ColumbiaDoctors advanced heart failure collaboration exemplifies the dedication of our medical staff and community physicians to advancing cardiac care,” says Hillary Cohen, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Englewood Hospital. “Through this initiative, our patients will benefit from all the expertise, research, and technology of Columbia’s heart failure program right in their own community.”

“The intention of this collaboration is to bridge the gap between expertise and accessibility. We are proud to bring our institution’s decades of experience in advanced heart failure care to patients at Englewood Hospital and the communities they serve,” says Allan Schwartz, MD, Chief of the Division of Cardiology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

“The Englewood Health and ColumbiaDoctors advanced heart failure collaboration represents a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing cardiac care for our communities,” says Dennis Katechis, DO, Chief of Non-Invasive Cardiology at Englewood Hospital. “We have been at the forefront of advanced cardiac care for northern New Jersey and the surrounding regions. Through this collaboration with ColumbiaDoctors, we will continue to strive to deliver the best possible care to our patients.”

Advanced heart failure is a progressive and debilitating condition that requires strict adherence to therapies and lifestyle changes. It is the leading cause of hospitalization in the United States for adults 65 and older, and patients with heart failure are frequently readmitted to a hospital.

Text Messaging Gets Patients to Schedule Overdue Mammography

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Englewood Health Study Findings Presented at National Cancer Conference

March 19, 2024 — A retrospective study conducted by Englewood Health demonstrated that text messaging communications can impact patient compliance with screening and potentially improve outcomes. Englewood Health’s findings were included in the American College of Surgeons’ ACS Cancer Conference 2024, as a poster presentation at the national conference, held in Austin, Texas.

Englewood Health implemented its Overdue Screening Mammogram Campaign in 2023, which used two-way text message reminders for women who were overdue for their screening mammography. The objective was to close care gaps and improve health outcomes using a personal outreach approach that specifically targeted patients with a gap in recommended breast cancer screening. The text message campaign emphasized the importance of mammography screening, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted patient compliance with annual screenings. In the campaign, patients received a two-way text message reminding them of the need to schedule their overdue mammogram. The message included a link to allow for self-scheduling of appointments.

Of the more than 7,000 women who received a text message, close to 20 percent of patients scheduled a breast imaging appointment. Breast cancer was detected in 0.5 percent of patients.

The team’s research indicates that digital outreach, including text reminders, can enhance early diagnosis and patient outcomes in conditions such as breast cancer. Englewood Health has expanded the text reminder campaign to other screenings, such as lung cancer and colorectal cancer.

Englewood Health Announces New Trustee Appointments

Posted on by John Williams

February 22, 2024 — Three business leaders and a nonprofit executive have been named to the Board of Trustees of Englewood Health and its fundraising organization, the Englewood Health Foundation. Joining the health system board is Kalpana Bains; community members David Plutzer, Michael J. Rhee, and Elizabeth Seth have joined the foundation’s board.

“We welcome our new trustees and the fresh thinking they bring, as we pursue meeting the health care needs of our community,” says Richard Lerner, chairman of the Board of Trustees of Englewood Health. “We rely on these volunteers and their stewardship to help ensure that our health system consistently delivers quality care and meets the philanthropic goals that support our mission.”

“It is important to have diverse points of view contributing to our boards,” says Michael Gutter, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Englewood Health Foundation. “We are pleased that Ms. Bains, Mr. Plutzer, Mr. Rhee, and Ms. Seth are volunteering their time and energies to help Englewood Health continue to evolve as an exceptional health care system. Their perspectives and expertise will be invaluable.”

“We are fortunate to have such extraordinary individuals, with a depth and range of experience in finance, law, risk management, nonprofit management, and fundraising, joining the boards of Englewood Health and the Englewood Health Foundation,” says Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “As we expand services across northern New Jersey and ensure that wellness, mental health services, primary care and top-quality tertiary services are readily available for all members of our communities, we know that having strong leadership to help steer the institution into the future is a key component to our success.”

Joining the Englewood Health Board of Trustees is:

Kalpana Bains

Kalpana Bains

Trustee, Englewood Health

Kalpana Bains most recently served as the Director of Global Commercial Credit Strategy and Integration at American Express, where, through a variety of roles, she was responsible for risk management, governance, credit strategy, and customer service for over a decade. Bains is a dedicated volunteer and board member of the Dwight-Englewood School Parents Association and serves on several committees for the school. Bains has a BA in economics from Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York.

The following community members have joined the Englewood Health Foundation Board of Trustees:

David Plutzer

David Plutzer

Trustee, Englewood Health Foundation

David Plutzer is General Counsel for the Asset and Wealth Management business at Goldman Sachs. He is a partner with the firm and has been a leader in its legal department for close to 20 years. Plutzer received a BA in political science and government from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a JD from Fordham University School of Law. An experienced board member, he has served as president of the Alpine Country Club for three years.

Michael J. Rhee

Michael J. Rhee

Trustee, Englewood Health Foundation

Michael J. Rhee is Senior Vice President and General Counsel for The Durst Organization, a world leader in the development of high-performance and environmentally advanced commercial and residential buildings. A practicing attorney for over 25 years, he also serves as an advisory board member of St. John’s University School of Law–Mattone Family Real Estate Law Institute and as a member of the Board of Trustees for The Dwight-Englewood School. Rhee received a BS from Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York and a JD from St. John’s University School of Law, in Queens, New York.

Elizabeth Seth

Elizabeth Seth

Trustee, Englewood Health Foundation

Elizabeth Seth is Vice President of Resource Development at Habitat for Humanity, New York City and Westchester County, where she leads philanthropic fundraising for this nonprofit organization that seeks to build and preserve affordable housing in pursuit of a more equitable New York. She is also a board member for American Jewish World Service, an international human rights organization. Seth received a BA in biology and religion from Swarthmore College, in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, and a MA in philosophy of religion, from Columbia University, in Manhattan.