News Releases

In addition to supporting Lower Naugatuck Valley’s cancer survivors through its annual 5K Walk/Run, The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital is proud to be a sponsor of the 2012 Relay For Life of Shelton and Naugatuck Valley set for June 2-3 at the Riverwalk in Shelton.

Staff from The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, from left, Sue Anderson, RT, Chief Radiation Therapist Lori Murphy, Laura Howell, RT, and Fran Kennedy, RT, recently finalized The Center’s sponsorship of The Relay For Life of Shelton and Naugatuck Valley with American Cancer Society Partner Breigh Garguilo and Relay Chair Kristen Ostrowski, far right.

DERBY, CT (May 2, 2012) - Renowned nutrition expert and exercise physiologist Samantha Heller, MS, RD, will share simple lifestyle changes that can boost brain power during a free cancer survivorship event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on May 23 at The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave. in Derby.

Based on her best selling, medically peer reviewed book, “Get Smart: Samantha Heller’s Nutrition Prescription for Boosting Brain Power & Optimizing Total Body Health,”...

DERBY, CT (April 27, 2012) - The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital was recently featured in Wavelength magazine for its patient-centered programs and welcoming environment.

The Center was one of four cancer centers around the world praised by the magazine for working to change the reputation for cancer centers from the unfriendly “cancer ward” of the past into a “home away from home” that is full of optimism and hope. The Center was selected for its inviting design and unique offerings to patients, including holiday celebrations, a Guided Imagery program, custom...

DERBY, CT (April 18, 2012) - Griffin Hospital will offer a free four-week nutrition course beginning Wednesday, April 25. The free course, "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Nutrition, But Were Afraid to Ask," will be held over four sessions, May 2, 9, and 16 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Avenue, Derby.

This groundbreaking series of fun, informative classes is taught by registered dietician and exercise physiologist Samantha Heller, a nationally known nutrition expert who regularly appears on television and radio programs such as Good Morning America, the TODAY Show, the CBS Early Show, and Doctor Radio on Sirius XM.

Participants will learn about a variety of nutrition topics, including how to:

Reach and maintain a healthy weight Manage Type 2 Diabetes Lower cholesterol Reduce blood pressure Boost stamina and energy Reduce the...

DERBY, CT (March 22, 2012) - U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-4) recently visited Griffin Hospital in Derby to tour its Center for Cancer Care and discuss issues facing the healthcare industry.

Congressman Himes discussed pension reform legislation with Griffin Hospital President Patrick Charmel along with the hospital’s efforts to improve community health and lower the rate of obesity with tools like the NuVal® Nutritional Scoring System.

Congressman Jim Himes (D-4) talks with Griffin Hospital President Patrick Charmel about the benefits of the hospital’s Center for Cancer Care, including its state-of-the-art...

DERBY, CT (March 9, 2012) - Griffin Hospital will offer free oral, head and neck cancer screenings from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 24. The event, held during the 15th annual Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week®, will be held at the Center for Cancer Care at 300 Seymour Avenue in Derby.

“Unfortunately, many Americans do not recognize the symptoms of these life-threatening diseases, which include cancers of the oral cavity, larynx and pharynx, and by the time they are diagnosed, for some, it’s too late,” said Ken Yanagisawa, M.D.,...

DERBY, CT (February 21, 2012) - Griffin Hospital has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).  The accreditation, which applies to both the hospital-based MRI and the Hitachi Oasis open MRI at the Griffin Imaging & Diagnostics Center at Ivy Brook in Shelton, comes as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). 

MRI of the breast offers valuable information about many breast conditions that may not be obtained by other imaging modalities, such as mammography or ultrasound.

"We are proud to receive ACR accreditation for Breast MRI, which represents our most recent diagnostic imaging modality...

DERBY, CT (January 12, 2012) - The Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys & Girls Club and Father Leonard Kvedas, pastor of St. Michael’s Parish in Beacon Falls, will share honors as recipients of the 4th Annual “Caring Heart” Award.  The award is presented each year to an individual and a community organization in recognition of initiatives that support, promote, and improve the general health and well-being of the community. 

Sponsored by the Woman and Heart Disease Committee at Griffin Hospital, in conjunction with American Heart Month, the award presentations will take place on February 2nd at Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby. Registration and a silent auction will begin at 5:00 pm, followed by dinner at 6:00 pm and the program and awards. The guest speaker...

DERBY, CT (December 28, 2011) - Griffin Hospital will offer a free four-week nutrition course beginning Wednesday, January 18. The free course, "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Nutrition, But Were Afraid to Ask," will be held over four sessions, January 18 and 25, and February 1 and 8 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Avenue, Derby.

This groundbreaking series of fun, informative classes is taught by registered dietician and exercise physiologist Samantha Heller, a nationally known nutrition expert who regularly appears on television and radio programs such as Good Morning America, the TODAY Show, the CBS Early Show, and Doctor Radio on Sirius XM.

Participants will learn about a variety of nutrition topics, including how to:

Reach and maintain a healthy weight...

DERBY, CT (December 6, 2011) - With your car, a little preventive maintenance goes a long way.  Now, thanks to Curtiss-Ryan Honda, every oil change performed at its award-winning service department over the past year will go a long way toward fighting breast cancer in our area.

As part of the Griffin Hospital Campaign for BreastWellness, Curtiss-Ryan pledged to donate a portion of the cost of each oil change its service department performed since January 1 of this year to the campaign effort.  That total recently surpassed $10,000, and Curtiss-Ryan Chief Operating Officer Edward DeMarseilles will present a check to Patrick Charmel, President and CEO of Griffin Hospital and Co-Chairs of the Campaign Susan Coyle and Patricia Tarasovic at 1:00 pm Thursday, December 8 at the dealership’s 333 Bridgeport Avenue locationin...

DERBY, CT (November 2, 2011) - The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital now offers Cancer Genetic Counseling Services to individuals and families as part of the Center's comprehensive model of patient-centered care.

The new service, offered in collaboration with the Yale Cancer Center Genetic Counseling Program, is provided by a team of graduate-trained counselors who are certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

Cancer genetic counseling is the process of collecting a patient's detailed personal and family history, assessing their personal risk, and discussing their genetic testing options. Genetic tests are tests on blood and other tissue used to identify genetic disorders.

The Center for Cancer Care is now able to offer the services to anyone with an increased risk of developing hereditary forms of cancer, including breast and ovarian (BRCA), colorectal (HNPCC, FAP), and others (Li-Fraumeni, Cowden, etc.).  These services can help patients identify if they are at increased risk genetically of developing cancer, enabling them to consult with their physician(s) to make important informed medical decisions about screening and prevention to reduce cancer risk.

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DERBY, CT - As part of Griffin Hospital’s grassroots Campaign for Breast Wellness, the Valley will “go pink” throughout October to help raise support for the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness.

During this month-long, community-wide effort, a number of area businesses, municipalities, clubs, individuals, and other organizations will be helping to create awareness about breast cancer programs in the Valley while raising funds to support Griffin Hospital’s new Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness.

Area businesses will be joining Griffin Hospital in “Pink-ifying” their establishments during the month. Some will be donating a percentage of sales during The Valley Goes Pink, including proceeds from the sale of special pink items for sale at Griffin Hospital or Blanchette Sporting Goods; others will be creating their own events to support the effort.

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Get your walking shoes/sneakers out for the 3rd annual Center for Cancer Care 5k Walk/Run beginning at 9:00 am Saturday, October 1.

DERBY, CT (July 12, 2011) - Griffin Hospital will host the second annual "Housy One-Miler" swim at 10:00 am Sunday, August 14. This one-mile swim event, sponsored by Prudential, will begin at the Housatonic River Bank, 36 Birchbank Road in Shelton.

In concert with a committee of volunteers and the residents of the Birchbank area of Shelton, Griffin Hospital launched the Housy One-Miler swim last year to raise money for the Campaign for Breast Wellness, which aims to raise $1 million for the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness. The event experienced such an outpouring of support and enthusiasm from the community that the hospital decided to produce a second swim. “With the leadership and support of so many dynamic volunteers, led by Charlie Sullivan and Pat Tarasovic, we are...

DERBY, CT - The Valley Women's Health Initiative is seeking nominations for "outstanding women" who have made positive contributions to the community. Award winners will be recognized on October 6, 2011 at the 11th annual "Women Making a Difference in the Valley" luncheon and fundraiser. The event is slated to take place at Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby.

Over the past 10 years, 70 women from various walks of life who live or work in the Valley have been honored. Individuals, business leaders, and organizations alike are invited to submit nominations. Nominees should exemplify the multi-dimensional role women play in today's society as demonstrated by the contributions they have made to positively affect their community. Nominees must live or work in one of the Valley towns: Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, and Naugatuck.

Nominations should be submitted by July 30, 2011. To request...

DERBY, CT - Kim Hall, senior applications coordinator, Information Services, and Wes Valentine, RN, Evening Supervisor, Emergency Department, will share honors as the 2011-12 "Employees of the Year." The staff of the Center for Cancer Care/Radiation Oncology, was named "Department of the Year" at Griffin Hospital's annual Employee Recognition ceremony, held May 11 at the Crowne Plaza in Southbury.

Griffin Hospital CEO and President Patrick Charmel and Medical Staff President Paul Nussbaum, M.D. made the award announcements at the event, held each year during National Hospital Week, which recognizes employees and physicians for years of service and for outstanding performance.

In announcing the...

The Ansonia Rod and Gun Club, a key sponsor of the 2nd Annual Center for Cancer Care 5k Walk/Run in 2010, has stepped forward once again, generously donating $5,000 to help sponsor this year's event, scheduled for 10 am Saturday, October 1, 2011 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.

The donation was spearheaded by Ansonia Rod and Gun Club Treasurer Horace Behrle, who also serves as a Volunteer Ambassador at the Center for Cancer Care, and fellow member Arthur Davies, who joined in presenting the Club's sponsorship check to Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel, Vice President for Ambulatory Care Services Marge Deegan,...

DERBY, CT (January 24, 2011) - Griffin Hospital will present "Advances in Breast Care" at 6:30 pm Thursday, February 10.  This free health talk, which is part of the Griffin's popular Health Empowerment Series, will be presented by fellowship-trained breast surgeon Zandra Cheng, MD, FACS.

Dr. Cheng, Medical Director of the new Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital,will discuss the latest advances in breast care and breast wellness, as well as the comprehensive range of services provided at Griffin Hospital's new Center.

Dr. Cheng is board-certified in General Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is accredited in breast ultrasound by the American Society of Breast Surgery. Dr. Cheng comes to Griffin Hosptial from Annapolis, Maryland, where she has...

DERBY, CT (October 14, 2010) - Learn from the experts at the Health Empowerment Series designed to encourage attendees to be active participants in their health care and to educate them on some of the latest treatments and procedures being used at Griffin Hospital. All sessions begin at 6:30 p.m. To register, call Griffin Hospital Infosource at 203.732.1511 or register online at www.griffinhealth.org. Click on Programs & Events.

The upcoming Health Empowerment Series includes:

Wednesday, Oct. 20 - “Trouble Going: A Surgical Approach to Constipation and Incontinence.” Constipation and incontinence are common medical conditions; however, many people choose not to seek the assistance of their doctor. Careful evaluation by a qualified specialist is essential to achieving effective treatment. In this talk, Dr. John Aversa,...

DERBY, CT (August 16, 2010) - Griffin Hospital will offer a Fall session of its free 10-week “Mini-Med School” course beginning Thursday, September 16, 2010. The free course, which will be conducted over 10 consecutive weekly sessions by various Griffin Hospital physicians who serve as faculty, will meet Thursdays from 6:30 – 9:00 pm in the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center. The Mini-Med School will culminate with a “graduation” ceremony for participants on November 18.

The course is specifically designed for the layperson with little or no medical background, providing a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of how the human body works, insight into common disorders of the various organ systems, as well as information about disease prevention. Each weekly session will be divided into two hour-long presentations on different medical topics with a refreshment break between presentations and ample time for questions and answers.

This is the seventh time Griffin Hospital has offered...

DERBY, CT - The Valley Women's Health Initiative is seeking nominations for "outstanding women" who have made positive contributions to the community. Award winners will be recognized on October 7, 2010 at the tenth annual "Women Making a Difference in the Valley" luncheon and fundraiser. The event is slated to take place at Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby. Over the past 9 years, 65 women from various walks of life who live or work in the Valley have been honored.

Individuals, business leaders, and organizations alike are invited to submit nominations.  Nominees should exemplify the multi-dimensional role women play in today's society as demonstrated by the contributions they have made to positively affect their community. Nominees must live or work in one of the six Valley towns:...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DERBY, CT (February 10, 2010) - The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) has granted Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation to the cancer program at Griffin Hospital.

The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital received the Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation following an on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor, during which the Center demonstrated a Commendation level of compliance with one or more standards that represent the full scope of its cancer program (cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach, and quality improvement).

"We are very pleased to receive this CoC Accreditation with Commendation, which recognizes the comprehensive model of care we have put in place at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital," said Marge Deegan, Vice President for Ambulatory Services. "The Center recently celebrated its first year of service to the community,...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DERBY, CT (December 15, 2009) - If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from sleepless nights due to snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, blurred vision due to cataracts, or painful joints due to arthritis, here's an opportunity for a face-to-face discussion with an expert in the field. Griffin Hospital's ongoing Health Empowerment Series - presented by Griffin Hospital physicians to empower people to make informed decisions about their health care - offers the latest information on the diagnosis and treatment of these and other topics.

Upcoming sessions include:

"Snoring - It's No Laughing Matter!" on January 7, featuring pulmonologist and sleep specialist Dr. K. Marya Chaisson "Is Your Best Vision Ahead of You?", on January 13,...

DERBY, CT - Retired nurses can make a difference by continuing their wonderful and caring work by becoming a volunteer at Griffin Hospital. There are currently volunteer opportunities available in a variety of clinical areas that enable nurses to use their skills and healthcare experience.

For more information about volunteer opportunities at Griffin Hospital and the Center for Cancer Care, call Tricia Wanciak at 203.732.7555.

Griffin Hospital is a full-service, 160 bed not-for-profit acute care community hospital committed to providing high quality, state-of-the-art medical care in a healing, nurturing environment. Griffin Hospital has earned local, national and international recognition and praise for its unique facility, innovative programs and services, and patient-centered Planetree model of care.

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DERBY, CT - It has been said that everyone has a story -- and for a number of the patients at Griffin Hospital their stories are captured by community members who participate as "Vital Patient Stories" (VPS) volunteers.

"This is certainly one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had," said Sister Mary Bernard Wiecezak, CSFN, a Griffin Hospital volunteer since 1998 who has donated over 300 hours to the Vital Patient Stories program. "Every week I visit with a few of the patients, asking them if they would be willing to share a story with me. I tell them that the story is purely for them and that my hope is to create a brief narrative that will capture some of their reflections, praise their accomplishments and spotlight some of their memories. Many of the patients are eager participants and I believe our time together is a true treasure for both of us."

Sister Mary Bernard has written over 100 patient stories and assists with training other volunteers who wish to work in the Vital Patient...

DERBY, CT (August 14, 2009) - The latest imaging and diagnostics technology, chronic knee or hip pain, single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), arthritis, and syncope, a temporary loss of consciousness or fainting, are among the scheduled talks by Griffin Hospital physicians to be presented as part of the ongoing Health Empowerment Series. Other topics include shoulder pain, reconstructive breast surgery, congestive heart failure, and complementary medicine. Registration is requested. Please call (203)732-1511 or register online at www.griffinhealth.org.

The schedule of topics and presenters is:

Aug. 20, “A Radiologist’s View,” Dr. Diego Nunez Aug. 25, 6:30 pm and Oct. 15, 2:30 pm – “Is Chronic Knee or Hip Pain Slowing You Down?” Dr. Ignatius Komninakas...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DERBY, CT (August 3, 2009) - The Fall 2009 session of Griffin Hospital's popular "Mini-Med School" course will begin Thursday, September 17, 2009. The free course, which will be conducted over 10 consecutive weekly sessions by various Griffin Hospital physicians who serve as faculty, will meet Thursdays from 6:30 - 9:00 pm in the hospital's Meditation and Learning Center. The Mini-Med School will culminate with a "graduation" ceremony for participants on November 19.

The course is specifically designed for the layperson with little or no medical background, providing a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of how the human body works, insight into common disorders of the various organ systems, as well as information about disease prevention. Each weekly session will be divided into two hour-long presentations on different medical topics with a refreshment break between presentations and ample time for questions and answers.

This is the sixth time Griffin...

DERBY, CT - The Valley Women's Health Initiative is seeking nominations for "outstanding women" who have made positive contributions to the community. Award winners will be recognized on October 1, 2009 at the ninth annual "Women Making a Difference in the Valley" luncheon and fundraiser. The event is slated to take place at Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby. Over the past eight years, 59 women from various walks of life who live or work in the Valley have been honored.

Individuals, business leaders, and organizations alike are invited to submit nominations. Nominees should exemplify the multi-dimensional role women play in today's society as demonstrated by the contributions they have made to positively affect their community. Nominees must live or work in one of the six Valley towns: Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour,...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DERBY, CT (June 19, 2009) - Griffin Hospital is hosting a 100th Birthday Party on Saturday, June 27, from 11 am to 3 pm and the entire community is invited. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour Griffin Hospital's new Clinical Laboratory and the completed Phase I of the Emergency Department. The final phase of this three-year project, which began in 2007 and included the opening of the Hewitt Ambulatory Care Services Pavilion and the Center for Cancer Care last October, will coincide with the centennial celebration at the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the move into the new Clinical Laboratory was completed this week along with Phase I of the Emergency Department expansion including the new Emergency Department lobby and half of the treatment rooms. When fully completed, the Emergency Department expansion will increase the size...

DERBY, CT - If you were to ask Derby resident Nellie Hapak about one of her favorite parts of her week, she'd undoubtedly smile and tell you about the time she spends Monday through Wednesdays at Griffin Hospital. A hospital volunteer of 28 years, Nellie has worked in both Griffin Hospital's Central Scheduling and Gift Shop areas and has donated a total of over 13,500 hours of volunteer service over that time.

Over the past few years, Nellie has dedicated the majority of her time in the Gift Shop where, among other tasks, she prices and sells merchandise, assists customers with selections and gift wrap, operates the cash register/computer, and keeps records of the sales. A former waitress at Grassy Hill Lodge, Nellie says that serving people has always been in her blood. "I like meeting people and helping them when I can," said Mrs. Hapak. "When my husband passed away, I was looking for something to do and wanted a volunteer experience that would be rewarding and one where I could become a part...

DERBY, CT - Interested individuals will be able to learn more and sign up for a 12-week phlebotomy course at Griffin Hospital during an open house on Saturday, June 27, from 11am to 3pm. On that date, Griffin Hospital will host a birthday party to celebrate a century of caring for its community. Valley residents are invited to "come back where it all began."

The phlebotomy course will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and run for 12 consecutive weeks with both morning and evening schedules. The course is open to anyone age 18 or older with a High School Diploma or GED. Tuition includes CPR certification, a 40-hour externship, national certification, lab coat and books.

Griffin Hospital's 100th Birthday Party promises to be a fun-packed event. Free cake and ice cream, kids' activities, musical entertainment and "behind the scenes" tours of the Operating Room, Childbirth Center, Digestive Disorders Center and Health Resource Center are...

StoryCorps, a national initiative to document everyday history and the unique stories of Americans, visited Griffin Hospital's Center for Cancer Care on May 27 and 28, 2009 to celebrate the stories of Griffin Hospital's community as part of the hospital's Centennial Anniversary. StoryCorps is a national independent nonprofit project in partnership with NPR and the American Folklife Center (AFC) at the Library of Congress.

Participating in the 45-minute interview sessions were a mixture of Griffin Hospital employees, nurses, physicians, donors, and friends: Dr. Jeff Yale and Lenore Yale; Griffin Hospital chaplain the Rev. JoClare Wilson and Maria Sylvestre, RN; Joseph Pagliaro, Jr. and Edward Sheehy, Jr. ; Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel and Griffin Hospital Vice President Bill Powanda; Dr. Kenneth Dobuler and daughter Zoe; Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell and The Valley United Way President Jack Walsh; Community Outreach & Parish Nurse Program...

DERBY, CT - StoryCorps, a national initiative to document everyday history and the unique stories of Americans, will visit Griffin Hospital's Center for Cancer Care on May 27 and 28, 2009 to celebrate the stories of Griffin Hospital's community as part of the hospital's Centennial Anniversary celebration. StoryCorps is a national independent nonprofit project in partnership with NPR and the American Folklife Center (AFC) at the Library of Congress.

StoryCorps was created by award-winning documentary producer and MacArthur "Genius" Grant recipient Dave Isay. This unprecedented project has traveled to every corner of America, instructing and inspiring individuals to record their stories in sound. StoryCorps is the largest multi-year oral...

DERBY, CT - More personal than "putting out the welcome mat" for its patients, Griffin Hospital staffs its main entrance with volunteer Ambassadors who are the first smiling faces patients see upon arrival at the hospital. Every morning and afternoon a team of two volunteers, donning navy blue blazers with white carnations tucked neatly in the lapels, stand at the mahogany podium in the front hospital lobby welcoming visitors and guests with open arms. Acting as a liaison for patients, the Ambassadors willingly assist them to their desired destination with the hospital - whether that is to the admitting area, physician's offices or the lab.

John Radovich, a Seymour resident and hospital volunteer who has served over 900 hours has been a part of the Valley all his life and a part of the volunteer corps since 1998 (left click link to download image). "I get such a kick out of being an Ambassador," said Mr. Radovich. "I think I have the greatest job here -- being able to meet new people and catch up with old...

DERBY, CT - The Integrative Medicine Center at Griffin Hospital is offering an introductory meditation workshop begining on Monday, April 20 at 6:30 PM.

This four-week program will introduce participants to the basic concepts of meditation and provide opportunity for guided practice. Instruction is provided by Holly Major, MSN, ANP-BC, QTTT, a nurse practitioner at the Integrative Medicine Center. Holly is also the Therapeutic Touch Coordinator at Griffin Hospital and a Therapeutic Touch instructor.

The program will be held in the conference room in the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, located at 350 Seymour Avenue in Derby. The workshop fee is $100.

For more information about the program, contact Holly Major at hmajor@griffinhealth.org or at (203) 732-1297.

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