Jamaica Hospital Medical Center -- Department of Public Affairs -- 8900 Van Wyck Expressway Jamaica, New York 11418
For Immediate Release
Name: Michael Hinck
Telephone: 718-206-8973
Email: mhinck@jhmc.org
Jamaica Hospital Opens Hospice Unit
Jan 10,2011
Contact Information:
<br>Natifia Gaines
<br>(718) 206-6020
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<br>January 11, 2011 (Jamaica, NY)— Jamaica Hospital, in collaboration with the Hospice of New York, recently opened its much-needed hospice unit. The four-bed inpatient unit, managed by the hospital’s Palliative Care Program, provides interdisciplinary care to patients with terminal illnesses.
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<br>The unit consists of a team of physicians, nurses, social workers, and dieticians, who offer pain management services, skilled nursing care, medical social services, medical supplies, and counseling to hospice patients. In addition, they provide spiritual support and bereavement services to the families of patients.
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<br>The over two dozen member hospice care team received comprehensive re-training, equipping them with the knowledge and experience needed to provide patients with the very best care.
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<br>“The goal of the unit is to ensure that end of life patients receive comfort care,” explained Dr. Alan Roth, Chairman of Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Family Medicine and Palliative Care Medicine. “We offer our patients a home-like environment that addresses their medical and spiritual needs; as well as the emotional needs of their families.”
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<br>To ensure that patients and their families are at peace during their stay, the hospice unit boasts extra large private patient rooms with brand new furniture and amenities. The unit also includes a family meeting room and lounge. Overnight accommodations and meals are also available for family members of hospice patients.
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<br>Individuals who meet the following criteria are eligible for admission into the hospice unit: have less than two weeks to live; whose medical needs cannot be cared for at home; and/or can be medically stabilized to continue care at home.
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<br>Jamaica Hospital Medical Center serves a population greater than 1.2 million in Queens and eastern Brooklyn. This 431-bed medical center is an accredited community teaching hospital with a large network of community-based ambulatory care centers. JHMC offers an array of acute inpatient, rehabilitation and mental health services, and is one of the busiest Level 1 trauma centers in New York City. The hospital provides general medical, pediatric, and dental services, in addition to home health services. The Palliative Care Program at Jamaica Hospital began in 2001 as a collaborative of health care professionals with the goal of improving the care of patients facing life threatening illnesses. The program has grown to offer culturally sensitive care, including pain and symptom management, psychosocial support, and end of life care, to patients facing advanced chronic and/or terminal illnesses. For additional information, please contact Public Affairs at 718-206-6020.
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