Griffin Hospital News Releases

Griffin Hospital to host Child Passenger Safety Clinic on May 22

kroberts@griffinhealth.org — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:44:00 GMT

Make sure your infant or child car seat is installed correctly at a Child Passenger Safety Clinic from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22 at 4 Mountain Street in Derby.

Hosted by the Griffin Hospital’s Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley Chapter, this clinic offers car seat checks and instruction on how to properly install child safety seats from Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians.

The Chapter hosts car safety seat clinics throughout the year with the help of a grant from the BJ’s Charitable Foundation.

Appointments are encouraged by calling 203.732.1337. There will be a limited number of free car seats given to those who qualify.

More ...

Center for Cancer Care Supports Relay For Life of Shelton and Naugatuck Valley

kroberts@griffinhealth.org — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:04:00 GMT

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.

Griffin Hospital Receives Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award

kroberts@griffinhealth.org — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:27:00 GMT

DERBY, CT (May 9, 2012) – Griffin Hospital has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines^®-Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award.

The award recognizes Griffin Hospital’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations.

To receive the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award, Griffin Hospital achieved at least 12 consecutive months of 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Achievement indicators and achieved at least 75 percent or higher compliance with six of 10 Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Measures during that same period of time, which are reporting initiatives to measure quality of care.

These measures include aggressive use of medications, such as tPA, antithrombotics, anticoagulation therapy, DVT prophylaxis, cholesterol reducing drugs and smoking cessation, all aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients.

“With a stroke, time lost is brain lost, and the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award demonstrates that our staff is committed to providing care that has been shown in the scientific literature to quickly and efficiently treat stroke patients with evidence-based protocols,” said Griffin Hospital Stroke Program Coordinator Carolyn Sylvester RN, BSN, CCRN.

“Griffin Hospital is to be commended for its commitment to implementing standards of care and protocols for treating stroke patients,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., chair of the Get With The Guidelines National Steering Committee and director of the TeleStroke and Acute Stroke Services at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “The full implementation of acute care and secondary prevention recommendations and guidelines is a critical step in saving the lives and improving outcomes of stroke patients.”

Get With The Guidelines-Stroke uses the “teachable moment,” the time soon after a patient has had a stroke, when they are most likely to listen to and follow their healthcare professionals’ guidance. Studies demonstrate that patients who are taught how to manage their risk factors while still in the hospital reduce their risk of a second heart attack or stroke. Through Get With The Guidelines-Stroke, customized patient education materials are made available at the point of discharge, based on patients’ individual risk profiles. The take-away materials are written in an easy-to-understand format and are available in English and Spanish. In addition, the Get With The Guidelines Patient Management Tool provides access to up-to-date cardiovascular and stroke science at the point of care.

“The time is right for Griffin Hospital to be focused on improving the quality of stroke care by implementing Get With The Guidelines-Stroke. The number of acute ischemic stroke patients eligible for treatment is expected to grow over the next decade due to increasing stroke incidence and a large aging population,” Sylvester said.

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is one of the leading causes of death and serious, long-term disability in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

Get With The Guidelines^® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that empowers healthcare teams to save lives and reduce healthcare costs by helping hospitals follow evidence-based guidelines and recommendations. For more information, visit heart.org/quality.

More ...

Griffin Hospital Receives $50,000 Grant to Expand Breast Cancer Education in Naugatuck Valley

kroberts@griffinhealth.org — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:56:00 GMT

Griffin Hospital will be able to expand breast cancer education to women in the Naugatuck Valley, thanks to a $50,000 grant from Komen Connecticut.

“We are tremendously grateful to Komen Connecticut for supporting our work, which is educating women and saving lives in our community,” said Griffin Hospital President & CEO Patrick Charmel.

The grant will support the Valley Breast Health Initiative, which provides outreach and education to all women, including the uninsured or underinsured, about the importance of breast wellness and early detection and provide screening mammograms to women who otherwise couldn’t afford them.

The initiative will maintain a presence in neighborhoods, businesses, churches, health clubs, etc. in the greater Valley area, with a special focus on Shelton and Naugatuck, and will help navigate patients through the local health care system, working in tandem with partnering organizations.

“Two critical statistics drive Komen Connecticut’s work. Approximately 3,000 Connecticut women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. And Connecticut has the second highest incidence of breast cancer in the United States,” said Anne Morris, Executive Director of Komen Connecticut. “The work of Griffin Hospital is critically important, and we are very pleased to support their efforts to fight breast cancer in Connecticut. Their dedication and resolve is truly commendable.”

“Komen Connecticut and the thousands of volunteers who support their work throughout Connecticut are having a tremendous impact on the health of women in our state – helping to save lives every day. We are pleased to be part of that effort, and will work together in the year ahead to respond to real needs in our community,” said Director Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach & Parish Nursing Program Daun Barrett, RN.

Komen Connecticut funds innovative and effective, community-based breast health programs that provide education, screening and treatment in local communities throughout the state. Annual grants are determined by the Komen Connecticut Board of Directors in accordance with the Community Profile of Breast Health in Connecticut, a comprehensive local project that researches the breast health services currently available in Connecticut and identifies the gaps in service to our communities.

Based on the Community Profile, Komen Connecticut’s priorities include strengthening and building the capacity of existing breast health providers, promoting the importance of screening and early detection, and increasing screening resources available to underserved women and women with the highest risk. In each of the past three years, Komen Connecticut has invested over $1 million in Connecticut-based breast health programs throughout the state.

“Until we find the cures for breast cancer, these local programs are essential in ensuring that women in our communities have the support and care they need to get and stay healthy,” Morris said.

Griffin Hospital is a 160-bed acute care community hospital serving more than 100,000 residents of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Region. The hospital also serves as the flagship hospital for Planetree, an international leader in patient-centered care and has received national recognition for creating a facility and approach to patient care that is responsive to the needs of patients. The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital combines state-of-the-art technology, a team of highly trained physicians and staff, and the Planetree healing environment to offer patients a comprehensive range of personalized breast care and wellness services.

###

More ...

Bereavement and Grief Support Program Starts May 8

kroberts@griffinhealth.org — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:09:00 GMT

Griffin Hospital’s Bereavement and Grief Support Program will be starting a new Tuesday evening support group for anyone who is experiencing the loss of a loved one beginning May 8 from 6:30 – 8 p.m.

The group will run for eight weeks through June 19. Facilitated by a member of the hospital's Pastoral Care Staff, the group provides grief education and support.

There is no charge and the group is open to the public, but preregistration is required. Please contact Jo Clare Wilson, Hospital Chaplain, at 203.732.1100 to register or for more information.

More ...

Boost your brain power with simple changes

kroberts@griffinhealth.org — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:29:00 GMT

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,” Heller’s presentation will show ways to boost brain power, dodge dementia, reduce chemo brain, improve memory, and lower your risk for cancer, heart disease and diabetes. She will also reveal which foods are best for your brain and heart, and which foods to avoid. The presentation incorporates music by well-known jazz musician Michael Coppola, compelling visuals and proven science that take attendees on a journey to a healthier brain.

While this event will benefit cancer survivors and their family members and friends, it is open to the general public and offers useful information for everyone looking to strengthen their minds.

“We all want a better memory, more energy and a healthy brain,” Heller said. “Every 68 seconds someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. This event is an entertaining and informative way to learn how you can boost your brain power, reduce the risk for mental decline and remember where you put your car keys.”

Heller is the clinical nutrition coordinator at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital. She is an author and nationally known nutrition expert who regularly appears on television and radio programs such as Dr. Oz, Good Morning America, the TODAY Show, Better Connecticut and NY1. Heller hosts her own weekly show on Sirius XM’s Doctor Radio.

Attendees will be entered into a raffle. Copies of Heller’s book will be available for purchase and she will autograph copies at the end of the event.

For more information or to register, go to www.griffincancercenter.org, call 203.732.1260, or visit the calendar listing.

More ...

Magazine praises patient-centered programs at The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital

kroberts@griffinhealth.org — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:20:00 GMT

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 music during treatment, patient birthday celebrations, art therapy and exercise programs.

“In addition to offering a calm, comfortable environment with wood accents, artwork and soft lighting, the staff at The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, is always looking for ways to enhance the patient experience,” the article stated. The article also highlighted The Center’s private patient lounges, complimentary massages, fresh-baked cookies and visits from pet-therapy dogs.

Published by Elekta, the Sweden-based manufacturer of radiation therapy technology and software systems, Wavelength is an international publication, reporting on significant innovations in clinical solutions for treating cancer and brain disorders. The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital is one of just two Elekta “show sites” in the country, and the only one on the East Coast. Healthcare professionals and organizations from across the country come to The Center to see its state-of-the-art Elekta Synergy Radiation Treatment System and the radiation room’s patient-centered design that features soothing art and decorative wood paneling to help make treatment a relaxing experience.

Click here to read the article. For more information about The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, call 203.732.1260 or visit www.griffincancercenter.org.

More ...

Learn about the link between diabetes and stroke

kroberts@griffinhealth.org — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:09:00 GMT

DERBY, CT (April 26, 2012) - In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month, the Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host a free presentation on the connection between diabetes and stroke from 6:30 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8 in the hospital’s dining room at 130 Division Street in Derby.

Primary Care Physician Shyla Muriel, MD, of Griffin Faculty Practice in Seymour, will discuss how diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke. Attendees will learn how a stroke happens, risk factors, prevention, symptoms, what to do during a stroke and treatment.

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September - June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, its challenges and day-to-day dietary concerns. This group is open to all diabetics and their families, at no charge. For more information, call Mary Swansiger, R.N., MPH at 203.732.1137.

More ...

Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers to Offer Phlebotomy Course in May

kroberts@griffinhealth.org — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:48:00 GMT

DERBY, CT (April 19, 2012) - Applications are being accepted for the next Phlebotomy course being offered by the Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, 300 Seymour Ave. in Derby. Anyone age 18 or older with a High School Diploma or GED may apply for admission. Early registration is encouraged, as space is limited.

The popular 13-week Phlebotomy course begins Tuesday, May 22, with classes held Tuesday through Thursday. Students can choose to attend either day (9:00 a.m. to noon) or evening (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) sessions to accommodate their schedules. Tuition is $1,995 and includes lab coats, books, national certification exam fee, and a 40-hour externship.

For more information or to apply, contact course instructors Joanne Halstead RN, BSN, MS at jhalstead@griffinhealth.org or Tracy Huneke CP, NPA, CHI, at thuneke@griffinhealth.org, or call the school at 203.732.1276.

Griffin Hospital’s School of Allied Health Careers is one of the first hospital-based schools of its kind to be authorized by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and offers Phlebotomy and other professional educational programs to provide training, education, and certification in selected health careers. Classes are taught by certified instructors in the Griffin Hospital Medical Building, located at 300 Seymour Avenue in Derby.

###

More ...

Griffin Hospital to Offer Free Four-Week Nutrition Class Beginning April 25

kroberts@griffinhealth.org — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:54:00 GMT

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 risk of cancer and other diseases
Improve memory & sharpen the mind, and more.

The course will also feature special cooking demonstrations by Griffin Hospital's Executive Chef, Greg O'Gorman.

For more information, or to register, visit our calendar listing or call 203.732.1260. Space is limited, but interested individuals can reserve a spot for the next series of classes.

More ...