Englewood Health is one of only 259 hospitals nationwide to be recognized by the American College of Cardiology for high-level performance in quality of care.
September 12, 2024 – Englewood Health has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2024, one of only 259 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor. The award recognizes Englewood Health’s commitment to and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients.
Platinum status means Englewood Health has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain – MI Registry for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023) and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.
“To meet this aggressive goal for a third straight year highlights what we have long known—that Englewood Health is a proven leader in cardiac and vascular health,” said Aron Schwarcz, MD, chief of invasive cardiology at Englewood Hospital. “This award is only possible through the expertise and close collaborations of our medical staff and hospital teams, who work together tirelessly to provide the best cardiac and vascular care possible.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot in a coronary artery partially or completely blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. Treatment guidelines include administering aspirin upon arrival and discharge, timely restoration of blood flow to the blocked artery, smoking cessation counseling, and cardiac rehabilitation, among other important treatments and support services.
Full participation in the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry empowers healthcare provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines. It also signifies adherence to a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety, and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients.
Health Equity Monthly Focus By Anita Ramsetty, MD, Director of Health Equity
September 2024
Did you know that suicide remains among the most common causes of death in this country?
Here are some sobering statistics:
Men ages 75 and older have the highest rate of any age group.
When adjusted for age among the entire population, rates of suicide are highest among those who identify as non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaskan Native.
Even though overall suicide among youths is lower by age, it is the second leading cause of death for those aged 10-24 years. And further worrisome is that it has increased by over 50% between 2000 and 2021. In 2021 almost 1 in 10 high-schoolers reported a suicide attempt in the past 12 months.
Among our youth who identify as sexual minorities (lesbian, gay or bisexual), rates are even higher at 25%.
Among our veterans, suicide is the second leading cause of death for those under the age of 45 years.
While we have gained insights and made steps forward in talking openly about mental health concerns including depression and suicide, we have a long way to go still. For many of us growing up, suicide was not openly spoken about. Whether for cultural or religious reasons, the stigma associated with it, or just discomfort speaking about something so personal, suicide may be a taboo subject for many. In the years since my childhood some of this has changed but still, many communities (families and larger groups of people) are challenged talking about suicide.
One question I sometimes hear discussed a lot is “Should you even talk about it? Out in the open?”
My answer is “yes”! Recent research, including information from people who are struggling with depression and thinking about suicide, shows that it is incredibly important to talk about it. Talking about suicide does not suddenly make people want to take their own lives. In fact, talking about it may open the door for someone struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts to open up and seek help.
So that’s the first step: encouraging open conversation. And then sharing information about suicide hotlines available at all times.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression and thoughts of self-harm including suicide, please seek help immediately. Do not wait!
In the U.S., call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach a trained counselor. Call 988 and press “1” to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.
The NJ Mental Health Cares hotline is also a good resource. The number is 866-202-HELP (4357).
August 27, 2024 – The structural heart team at Englewood Hospital successfully performed its first procedure using the Abbott TriClip™ transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system, a first-of-its-kind device, to repair a leaky tricuspid valve, a condition known as tricuspid regurgitation (TR).
“We are excited to be one of the very first hospitals in New Jersey, and the country, to implant TriClip, and offer this revolutionary treatment for patients with tricuspid valve disease,” said Joseph De Gregorio, MD, executive director of cardiovascular services at Englewood Hospital. “TriClip is a minimally invasive, non-surgical option to restore normal blood flow patterns on the right side of the heart for patients with tricuspid valve regurgitation, and ultimately improve symptoms, quality of life, and outcomes.”
Until now, the only treatment option for patients with tricuspid regurgitation not successfully managed with medications was open-heart surgery. However, most patients with tricuspid valve disease are not candidates for surgery due to co-morbidities and the complexity of the procedure making them high-risk for surgery. With the use of the TriClip, more patients are able to access effective treatment that was previously unavailable to them, offering hope for improved quality of life and better long-term outcomes.
“Using catheter-based techniques, we can maneuver to the right side of the heart and clip the tricuspid valve leaflets together, reducing leakage,” said Ramin Hastings, MD, medical director of the Structural Heart and Valve Program at Englewood Hospital.
Dr. Hastings performed the first procedure using the TEER system at Englewood Hospital. He added, “This minimally invasive approach is ideal for high-risk patients, minimizing recovery time, reducing complications, and improving overall outcomes, allowing patients to experience quicker and safer relief from symptoms.”
Life-changing device for patients with obstructive sleep apnea allows for better sleep and improved health.
August 23, 2024 – Englewood Health is now offering Inspire® therapy, a breakthrough obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment option that can provide patients with better quality sleep and improved health.
Inspire® therapy is a minimally invasive, implantable treatment device that offers a safe alternative for those who cannot use or tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
“Many patients struggle with sleep apnea because they cannot tolerate the standard treatment, CPAP, with its mask and hose,” said Srikant Kondapaneni, MD, co-medical director of Englewood Hospital’s Center for Sleep Medicine. “Now we can offer our patients another effective option that will improve their sleep and ultimately their health. And for sleeping partners, 90% report that snoring goes away or becomes softer, helping everyone improve their sleep.”
OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep, causing the airway to collapse and blocking the flow of oxygen to the brain. The brain senses a lack of oxygen and wakes the body up just long enough to take a breath. This cycle repeats throughout the night and causes poor, disruptive sleep. OSA is associated with long-term health problems.
For most patients, OSA is successfully treated with a CPAP machine. But for patients with moderate to severe OSA, who cannot wear a CPAP mask, Inspire® can be a life-changing alternative.
Inspire® therapy is the only FDA-approved OSA therapy that works inside the patient’s body. The device, implanted during a quick outpatient procedure, emits mild stimulation to open the airway during sleep, allowing oxygen to flow naturally. A small handheld remote is used to turn Inspire on before bed and off upon waking.
“The test and the treatment for OSA are much more convenient than in the past,” adds Kirk Levy, MD, co-medical director of Englewood Hospital’s Center for Sleep Medicine. “Because sleep apnea can lead to other serious health problems, particularly affecting the heart and brain, it is important to get diagnosed and treated at the first signs of concern. We are excited to offer this clinically proven therapy to sleep apnea patients who struggle with CPAP.”
Adding Inspire® therapy to its expertise and technological advancements in sleep medicine, Englewood Health remains a prime destination for sleep health and now for this safe and effective treatment.
Inspire device
If you have sleep apnea, use a PAP device, and are interested in the Inspire device, the first step is to make an appointment with a doctor who offers Inspire evaluations.
Englewood Health president and CEO Warren Geller and AHA regional executive Michael Draine flanked by the health system’s team members.
August 19, 2024 – The American Hospital Association (AHA) has honored Englewood Hospital for its remarkable 100 years of membership and leadership.
On August 13th, AHA regional executive Michael Draine visited Englewood Hospital to present the prestigious award to Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health, and health system team members.
“Reaching this milestone with the AHA underscores our unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Geller. “Over the past 100 years, Englewood Hospital has grown from a community hospital into a comprehensive health system serving patients all across northern New Jersey. We are honored to continue this journey of providing exceptional care.”
Englewood Hospital’s clinical excellence spans cardiac surgery and cardiac care, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, primary care, spine surgery, vascular surgery, and women’s health, as well as bloodless medicine and surgery. Additionally, the hospital’s imaging centers across the region enhance access to vital diagnostic, breast, and cardiac imaging services.
Founded in 1890, Englewood Hospital has been distinguished for its high-quality care, nursing excellence, and status as a top teaching hospital over the past decade.
“The American Hospital Association is proud to recognize Englewood Hospital for 100 years of membership in the AHA and for their dedication to northern New Jersey,” added Draine. “We thank their leaders, medical staff, caregivers and other colleagues for providing a full range of medical care that is tailored to meet each patient’s needs.”
This is the second recent honor that the AHA has bestowed on Englewood Hospital. Earlier this summer Englewood Health was named a finalist for the AHA Foster G. McGaw Prize for excellence in community service. This prestigious national honor recognizes Englewood Health’s leadership in driving improvements in community health.
August 9, 2024 — Englewood Hospital has received two top recognitions from the American Heart Association (AHA): the AHA’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Award, its highest-level recognition for stroke care, and the AHA’s Get With The Guidelines® –Resuscitation Gold Award, its highest-level recognition for in-hospital cardiac resuscitation.
Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Award underscores Englewood Hospital’s dedication to providing exemplary stroke care and advancing excellence in the neurosciences
Get With The Guidelines® – Resuscitation Gold Award recognizes Englewood Hospital’s outstanding quality in treating in-hospital cardiac arrest, ultimately helping to improve survival rates
In addition to the Stroke Gold Plus Award, the hospital achieved the AHA’s Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll by meeting specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment to remove the clot causing the stroke.
Englewood Hospital also achieved the Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, for ensuring patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to a stroke.
“These prestigious recognitions from the American Heart Association reflect our commitment to high quality stroke care and early neurological interventions, as well as to providing effective and timely emergency response for patients experiencing cardiac arrest in the hospital,” said Erik Chu, MD, chief of emergency medicine at Englewood Hospital. “Our team’s adherence to national clinical guidelines and swift, coordinated responses for stroke emergencies or cardiac arrest are pivotal in improving patient outcomes and saving lives.”
“We are proud to be recognized for our rigorous standards in both stroke care and in-hospital cardiac resuscitation,” said Tina Bloemer, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CPHRM, FASHRM, vice president for quality at Englewood Health. “Excelling by these national standards demonstrates our dedication to continuous improvement and delivering evidence-based, patient-centered care. Our unified goal is to give our patients the best chance at experiencing longer, healthier lives.”
Recognition highlights Englewood Health as a leader in lowering door-to-balloon time, ensuring faster treatment for heart attack patients and better outcomes.
August 1, 2024 — Englewood Health’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has received the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold with Target: Heart Attack Honor Roll achievement award, the highest possible award, for its commitment to delivering rapid and research-based life-saving care.
This is the ninth time that Englewood Health EMS has received the Mission: Lifeline EMS award, with the last eight years awarded at the gold level. Englewood Health’s average door-to-balloon time—the time from a patient’s arrival at the hospital to the moment they receive balloon angioplasty to open blocked arteries during a heart attack—with EMS transportation is 55.96 minutes. This is significantly better than the national benchmark of 90 minutes, showcasing Englewood Health’s exceptional efficiency in emergency cardiovascular care and ensuring faster treatment for heart attack patients and better outcomes.
“This nationally coveted award recognizes the dedication of our EMS team to ensuring swift and effective treatment from the moment of first medical contact through patient transport and transfer to definitive care at the hospital emergency department,” said Richard Sposa, MA, NRP, MICP, director of EMS/emergency preparedness at Englewood Health.
Achieving the esteemed Lifeline EMS Gold award means that Englewood Health’s EMS team consistently adhered to the AHA’s rigorous guidelines and demonstrated excellence in the rapid identification and treatment of high-risk, time-sensitive conditions, such as ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI heart attacks) and strokes.
“Englewood Health exemplifies excellence in rapid response, coordination, and communication during critical interventions. The collaboration between our EMS and hospital teams enables this high level of care. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to each team member for their exceptional dedication to our community,” said Barbara Schreibman, MD, FACEP, EMS medical director and associate chief of emergency medicine at Englewood Hospital.
July 25, 2024 — Englewood Hospital is among America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals according to Newsweek’s inaugural list, America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals 2024. This prestigious accolade was presented to Englewood Hospital by Newsweek and consumer data company, Statista Inc., following a rigorous evaluation process.
“We are proud to be among this elite group of heart hospitals across the U.S. that are recognized for their superior cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and vascular/cardiothoracic surgery programs,” said Joseph De Gregorio, MD, executive director of cardiovascular services at Englewood Hospital. “Patients can rely on Englewood Hospital for safe, high-quality, innovative cardiac care and this is a special recognition of our team’s ranking among the best in the country.”
Only 175 of the leading hospitals in the field of cardiac care in the U.S. were included in the America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals 2024 rankings.
“Being nationally recognized on Newsweek’s first list of America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals is an exceptional honor,” said Adam Arnofsky, MD, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Englewood Hospital. “As a leader in tertiary-level heart care, for all types of cardiac conditions, Englewood Hospital is using the latest technology and evidence-based practices, combined with surgical and interventional expertise to save lives and improve health.”
“Our outstanding team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, cardiac electrophysiologists, and interventional cardiologists are top experts in treating the most complex cases and are pushing boundaries to deliver exceptional outcomes for our patients,” said Dennis Katechis, DO, chief of non-invasive cardiology at Englewood Hospital.
To compile the top cardiac hospitals list, Newsweek relied on the following sources:
A nationwide online survey: Health care professionals and hospital managers with knowledge about cardiology, e.g., cardiologists, cardiac/thoracic surgeons, and cardiac nurses, were asked to recommend leading cardiology hospitals in the U.S. The survey was also promoted on newsweek.com.
Hospital quality metrics: Hospital quality metrics with a focus on indicators relevant to cardiology care were considered.
Patient outcome data and results from patient experience surveys.
For more information about the rankings and methodology of Newsweek’s America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals list, visit newsweek.com/rankings.
July 23, 2024 — Englewood Health has received a distinguished recognition from the American Hospital Association (AHA), being named a finalist for the Foster G. McGaw Prize for excellence in community service. This prestigious national honor recognizes Englewood Health’s leadership in driving improvements in community health through innovative programs, strong community partnerships, and increased access to high-quality, safe, and equitable health care.
More than 100 hospitals nationwide apply each year, and Englewood Health soared to the top, being named a finalist alongside NewYork-Presbyterian. While Boston Medical Center was awarded the top prize, Englewood Health’s selection as a finalist in its first year of participating underscores the extraordinary impact of its initiatives and relentless dedication to the communities it serves.
“This acknowledgment is a powerful testament to the hard work and commitment of our entire team and our dedicated community partners. Together, we have made significant strides in ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the vital services and support they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “To be recognized as a finalist in our very first year of participation is an incredible honor and a moment of immense pride for all of us.”
Englewood Health was chosen after a comprehensive application and review process, followed by an immersive day-long site visit by the AHA, which reviewed the health system’s extensive health equity and community health initiatives. Five key programs were highlighted:
Englewood Health Center for Korean Health and Wellness
Comprehensive Health Equity: Empowering Korean Patients with Accessible Healthcare
Englewood Health’s Center for Korean Health and Wellness, established in 2012, addresses healthcare barriers faced by the Korean community. With Korean patient volume growing by 10% annually, the center collaborates with trusted Korean organizations and maintains an active presence on Kakao Talk, a popular Korean text-messaging service. The center’s YouTube channel, with over 2 million views and nearly 15,000 subscribers, further engages the community by providing accessible health information.
The Shirvan Family Live Well Center
Community Outreach: Health E Englewood and the Shirvan Family Live Well Center.
Health E Englewood began in 2018 as a four-week workshop, available in both Spanish and English, focusing on physical, emotional, and nutritional wellness. The initial program included fitness education and the incorporation of wearable tech monitoring devices, practical and budget-friendly nutrition education, cooking lessons, grocery shopping techniques, and stress management tools.
In 2023, the program expanded with the opening of the Shirvan Family Live Well Center, a space focused on improving the health of the community by providing free health education and hands-on programs to support the development of healthy lifestyle skills for all ages. To date, the center has served thousands of families facing barriers to preventive care due to social, educational, cultural, or financial obstacles.
The Gregory P. Shadek Behavioral Care Center at Englewood Hospital
Innovative Mental Health Support: Transforming Behavioral Health Services in the Community
In response to high rates of behavioral health disorders and a lack of available services, Englewood Health opened the Gregory P. Shadek Behavioral Care Center in 2018. This comprehensive outpatient program integrates psychotherapists into primary care practices. All providers are credentialed to take insurance, reducing financial barriers to seeking care. By working with regional partners, the center provides front-line clinical, educational, preventative, and navigation services with a focus on mental health and substance use disorders.
Englewood Health Food Insecurity Response Initiative
Nutrition and Wellness Programs: Fighting Food Insecurity and Promoting Healthy Eating
Englewood Health’s Food Insecurity Response Initiative (FIRI), launched in 2019, screens all patients for food insecurity and refers them to local food banks. The initiative also provides guidance to food pantry recipients on how to prepare healthy meals with the ingredients distributed by most pantries. Budget-conscious education materials, cookbooks, and portion plates were also developed and distributed.
A 2021 survey of nearly 300 patients revealed that three-quarters of participants suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes, heart problems, and cancer, suggesting that FIRI not only addresses immediate food insecurity needs but also potentially improves long-term health outcomes.
The Institute for Patient Blood Management and Bloodless Medicine and Surgery at Englewood Health
Partnerships with Local Organizations: Pioneering Bloodless Medicine for Improved Patient Outcomes
Three decades ago, members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses community asked Englewood Health to provide care for its members without using blood transfusions and the health system embraced the challenge. Englewood Health is now a leader in bloodless medicine and surgery, and the birthplace of patient blood management, a new clinical standard for all patients that reduces infection risk and speeds recovery times.
Today, more than 90% of Englewood Health’s cardiac surgeries utilize bloodless techniques, improving surgical outcomes for all patients. Leveraging the trust with this community to deliver necessary health information, the health system offers frequent educational seminars, with one virtual session attracting over 16,000 participants.
The Foster G. McGaw Prize was created to recognize hospitals that have distinguished themselves through efforts to improve the health and well-being of everyone in their communities. Being honored as a finalist acknowledges Englewood Health’s mission to transform lives through healthcare on a national level. It highlights their leadership in enhancing community health and well-being, and their lasting impact on the lives of those they have the privilege to serve.
July 18, 2024 — The cardiothoracic surgery program at Englewood Hospital has again achieved a three-star rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, the top overall quality score.
The recently published data covers CABG cases from December 2020 through December 2023. In addition to the 3-star overall composite quality score, the team achieved near perfect scores for use of internal mammary artery for bypass grafting (99.88) and for medication use (99.77). Englewood Hospital performed better than the STS average score in all CABG Composite Quality Rating categories, once again.
“This quality score is a reflection of the commitment of our entire team to pursuing the best possible outcomes for every patient,” said Adam Arnofsky, MD, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Englewood Hospital. “Englewood Hospital is a leader in delivering quality cardiac surgery in a safe and caring environment, using advanced techniques and technologies and the latest evidence-based procedures, to improve the lives of patients with heart disease. Congratulations to the entire team on achieving this well-respected recognition, once again.”
The STS National Database is the premier cardiothoracic surgery clinical outcomes registry. The STS helps hospitals and CT surgeons assess and benchmark their performance to improve quality, safety, and patient outcomes. Englewood Hospital voluntarily submits CABG surgery clinical data to the STS. The STS calculates performance scores and star ratings for isolated CABG using 3-year analytic data windows.
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