PHCS News

University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro Earns an "A" in Patient Safety

() — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:00:00

University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro (UMCPP) has earned an "A" for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits.

The top grade was awarded as part of The Leapfrog Group's Hospital Safety Score, which is calculated and published twice a year based on preventable medical errors, injuries, accidents, and infections. UMCPP has earned all "A" grades since the scores were first released in June 2012.

"To be recognized again for the safety of our clinical care demonstrates the values that exist here," said Barry S. Rabner, President and CEO of Princeton HealthCare System, which includes UMCPP. "From our Board and senior management to our excellent medical staff and Magnet-recognized nurses, there is an organizational commitment to patient safety that has been repeatedly affirmed by independent experts such as The Leapfrog Group."

Calculated under the guidance of The Leapfrog Group's nine-member Blue Ribbon Expert Panel, the Hospital Safety Score uses 26 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to produce a single score representing a hospital's overall capacity to keep patients safe from infections, injuries, and medical and medication errors. The Hospital Safety Score is the only hospital safety rating to be peer-reviewed in the Journal of Patient Safety.

About The Leapfrog Group
The Leapfrog Group (www.leapfroggroup.org) is a national nonprofit organization using the collective leverage of large purchasers of health care to initiate breakthrough improvements in the safety, quality and affordability of health care for Americans. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey allows purchasers to structure their contracts and purchasing to reward the highest performing hospitals. The Leapfrog Group was founded in November 2000 with support from the Business Roundtable and national funders, and is now independently operated with support from its purchaser and other members.

About Princeton HealthCare System
Princeton HealthCare System is a comprehensive, integrated healthcare system that strives to anticipate and serve the lifelong needs of central New Jersey residents, including acute care hospital services through University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro, behavioral healthcare through Princeton House Behavioral Health, rehabilitation, home care, hospice care, ambulatory surgery, a primary and specialty medical practice, and fitness and wellness services. For more information, visit www.princetonhcs.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Andy Williams, (609) 252-8785
anwilliams@princetonhcs.org

Princeton HealthCare System Sets Board of Trustees for 2013

() — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:00:00

The Board of Trustees of Princeton HealthCare System (PHCS) this year welcomed a new member and thanked three departing Trustees for their service to PHCS and its patients.

Craig A. Gronczewski, MD, MBA, Chairman of Emergency Medicine at University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro (UMCPP), joined the board as President of the PHCS Medical Staff, replacing Gerard A. Compito, MD, who recently concluded his term as Medical Staff president.

Also departing the board this year were:

Stephen P. Distler, a Trustee for nine years who formerly served on the PHCS Foundation Board of Directors and chaired Design for Healing, the capital campaign to support construction of UMCPP, from 2006 to 2008. Mr. Distler is founder and vice chairman of The Bank of Princeton and the retired managing director and treasurer of Warburg Pincus LLC, a global private equity investment firm.
David F. Ertel, who served eight years on the board, most recently as Vice Chairman and Treasurer. This year, Mr. Ertel was named Chief Financial Officer of the Einstein Healthcare Network in Philadelphia.

"Serving the community is the primary mission of Princeton HealthCare System," said Board Chairman Donald J. Hofmann. "The Board of Trustees includes members who are representative of the communities served by PHCS. By having a board that welcomes different ideas and viewpoints, we can help to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our patients in central New Jersey."

For a list of the 2013 PHCS Board of Trustees, click here.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Andy Williams, (609) 252-8785
anwilliams@princetonhcs.org

Art for Healing: UMCPP to Host Artist's Reception

() — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:00:00

University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro (UMCPP) will host an opening night reception Friday, April 26, for a display of mixed media original works of art on canvas by artist Hetty Baiz.

The wine and cheese reception will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Art for Healing Gallery, located in the concourse connecting UMCPP to the Medical Arts Pavilion. Attendees should park in Lot V1 and arrive at UMCPP's East Entrance. They will be directed to the gallery for the reception.

Please RSVP to Linda Spurlock at (609) 252-8794 or lspurlock@princetonhcs.org. For directions to UMCPP, visit www.princetonhcs.org/directions.

Baiz, who maintains a studio in Princeton, has exhibited her work in venues such as the Tenri Cultural Institute, New York City; Morpeth Contemporary, a fine art gallery in Hopewell; DrawingSpace in Melbourne, Australia; the Morris Museum, Noyes Museum of Art, Monmouth Museum and New Jersey State Museum, all in New Jersey; and the International Women Artists' Biennale in Incheon, Korea. She has also participated in artistic collaborations in Tibet, China, Korea and France.

The Art for Healing Gallery will display Baiz's work through August. The works will be available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds benefit UMCPP.

In addition to the exhibit gallery, UMCPP maintains a permanent collection of more than 200 original paintings, sculptures and photographs that are displayed throughout the hospital as part of its Art for Healing Program. Research shows that viewing certain types of art can promote healing, reduce patients' stress levels and even decrease their need for pain medication.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Andy Williams, (609) 252-8785
anwilliams@princetonhcs.org

Open for Fitness

() — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:00:00

OPEN FOR FITNESS—Plainsboro Mayor Peter Cantu cuts the ribbon to open Princeton Fitness & Wellness at Plainsboro, a 50,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art wellness center adjacent to University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro (UMCPP). The center is a joint venture between Fitness & Wellness Professional Services (F&WPS) and Princeton HealthCare System (PHCS). Pictured, left to right, are Plainsboro Township Committee Member Michael Weaver; Bruce Traub, Partner and CFO, F&WPS; state Sen. Linda R. Greenstein, D-14th District; Steve Noyes, Vice President of Public Affairs, Novo Nordisk; Steve Kay, Partner, F&WPS; Peter Crowley, President and CEO, Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce; Leslie Adelman Banks, Partner, F&WPS; Barry S. Rabner, President and CEO, PHCS; Mayor Cantu; Linda F. Sieglen, MD, MMM, Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs, PHCS; Mark Jones, President of UMCPP and Senior Vice President, PHCS; Pam Hersh, Vice President for Government and Community Affairs, PHCS; Plainsboro Township Committee Member Ed Yates; state Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson, D-14th District; and Plainsboro Planning Board Chairman Arthur Lehrhaupt. Absent from photo: Gary Reidy, Partner, F&WPS.

Princeton House Donates Kitchen Equipment to Area Charities

() — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:00:00

Princeton House Behavioral Health (PHBH) donated surplus commercial kitchen equipment to Ewing-based charities that deliver meals to homebound individuals and train people with developmental disabilities to work in the food service industry.

The equipment, including a commercial refrigerator, two freezers and a cafeteria-style serving line, was delivered this month. Meals on Wheels of Trenton/Ewing received the refrigerator. Arc Mercer received the freezers and serving line.

"Meals on Wheels of Trenton/Ewing is extremely grateful for the donation of this equipment," said Judy Shouse Levy, Executive Director. "The doors to our old refrigerator had literally fallen off, and the equipment from Princeton House is a godsend.

"We are extremely grateful to Princeton House for their equipment donation, which will not only benefit Meals on Wheels but aid in our program to train the developmentally disabled Arc Mercer clients for employment in the food service industry," said Dilys Henninger, nutritionist for Arc Mercer. "Partnerships such as this are beneficial to all!"

The items became surplus as a result of the renovation of the kitchen and dining facilities at PHBH's main campus in Princeton.

"As an organization, we strive to be an integral part of the communities we serve," said Marguerite Pedley, PhD, Executive Director, Inpatient Services, for PHBH. "Naturally, we wanted to donate our equipment to partners in the community who would make good use of it to serve others."

PHBH, a unit of Princeton HealthCare System, is a leading provider of highly skilled and compassionate behavioral healthcare. For more information, visit www.princetonhouse.org.

UMCPP Earns a Place on 100 Great Hospitals List

() — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:00:00

University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro (UMCPP) was named to this year's 100 Great Hospitals list, which is published annually by Becker's Hospital Review and includes some of the nation's best-known and well-respected hospitals.

Becker's Hospital Review, a magazine and website that provides news coverage geared toward hospitals and health systems, develops the list through nominations, its own research, and by considering recognition that a hospital has received for the quality of care it provides, clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, management capabilities and cost-effectiveness. Becker's reviews hospital rankings by U.S. News & World Report, Truven Health Analytics' 100 Top Hospitals, HealthGrades, Magnet^® Recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the Studer Group and Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Awards.

In selecting UMCPP for the 100 Great Hospitals list, Becker's Hospital Review cited the hospital's new state-of-the-art campus in Plainsboro; the hospital's arrangement into distinct centers of care; its Magnet® status, the highest institutional recognition for nursing excellence; and partnerships with The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for enhanced pediatric services and Penn Medicine for advanced maternal-fetal services for high-risk pregnancies.

In addition to UMCPP, the 2013 list includes The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md.; Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.; Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio; Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, two Boston-based teaching hospitals affiliated with Harvard University; Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, both in Philadelphia; and NYU Langone Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York.

"It's an honor to be listed in such company and to be recognized again for the quality and safety of our patient care," said Barry S. Rabner, President and CEO of Princeton HealthCare System, which includes UMCPP. "This shows the leadership of our Board and the passion and commitment of everyone in this organization, from our medical staff and nurses to all the other employees and volunteers who help serve our patients every day."

Princeton Fitness & Wellness at Plainsboro Grand Opening Health Fair

() — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:00:00

Princeton HealthCare System (PHCS) will celebrate the Grand Opening of Princeton Fitness & Wellness at Plainsboro with a community health fair Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The community health fair, featuring free health screenings, activities and games for the whole family, will be held at the fitness center, 7 Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro, adjacent to University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro (UMCPP).

PHCS Community Education & Outreach will perform non-fasting glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. Staff from Krogh Outpatient Rehabilitation-a new site of UMCPP's Outpatient Rehabilitation Network located within Princeton Fitness & Wellness at Plainsboro-will provide a balance and movement lecture followed by balance screenings.

The day will be filled with scuba demos, swim lessons, Parent and Me swim classes, face painting, Earth Day crafts, games and prizes. Eliot the Super Magic Man and various other performers will provide entertainment for all ages.

In addition, there will be a variety of fitness, health and fun activities. The trainers will conduct free functional movement screenings and provide a variety of demos and workshops including: functional small group training, a kettlebell demo and form workshop and a squat and dead lift form workshop.

Pilates Reformer instructors will lead demo classes with class topics ranging from Pilates Reformer for Golfers to Pilates Reformer for Back Pain Relief.

The group fitness department will present a showcase of introductory classes and a yoga alignment workshop. Also during the health fair, there will be a variety of tutorials from how to use your Polar Heart Rate Monitor to how to set up your cycle bike correctly. The classes are for all abilities and ages. A special family Zumba class will be held in the afternoon as well!

All in the community are welcome and encouraged to join in the festivities. An Open House is scheduled for Sunday, April 21, offering one last chance to take advantage of the Grand Opening Discounts.

For more information, call (609) 799-7777 or visit www.princetonfitnessplainsboro.com.

Media Contact:
Jackie Loyer
Phone: (609) 683-7888
Fax: (609) 683-7805

Princeton Fitness & Wellness at Plainsboro
7 Plainsboro Road
Plainsboro, NJ 08536
Phone: (609) 799-7777
Fax: (609) 799-7790

Princeton Medicine: New Name for Established Physician Practice

() — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:00:00

The primary care and specialty medical practice of Princeton HealthCare System (PHCS), which employs nearly 40 practitioners from a wide range of specialties, has changed its name to Princeton Medicine.

Princeton Medicine replaces the former name, Princeton Health Medical & Surgical Associates, along with some related, previous practice names.

"The Princeton Medicine name was chosen because it is direct and instantly recognizable," said David Lazarus, MD, Chairman of the Department of Medicine at PHCS and President of Princeton Medicine. "It perfectly communicates what we do and at the same time maintains our connection to the central New Jersey region."

Princeton Medicine employs internists and family medicine practitioners who provide a comprehensive range of preventive, routine and acute care for adults and children, including: office visits, physicals, management of acute or chronic health conditions, immunizations, flu shots, screenings and consultations.

Princeton Medicine also offers specialized care in areas such as:

Bariatric Surgery
Cardiology
Gastroenterology
Geriatric Medicine
Hematology/Oncology
Obstetrics/Gynecology
Pulmonology
Sleep Medicine
Thoracic Surgery

Twenty of the Princeton Medicine physicians see patients in the Medical Arts Pavilion, 5 Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro, N.J., adjacent to PHCS' acute-care hospital, University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro.

Princeton Medicine has additional locations in Princeton, Monroe and the Dayton section of South Brunswick. Two medical practices that are part of the Princeton Medicine group will retain their former names. They are: Comprehensive OB/GYN Care of Princeton, located at 638 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ, and Rednor-Risi Family Medicine, 1 Washington Blvd., Suite A, Robbinsville, NJ.

To find a Princeton Medicine physician near you, call 1-800 FIND A DR (346-3237) or visit www.princetonmedicine.org.

University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro Seeking New Volunteers

() — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:00:00

University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro (UMCPP) is accepting applications from adults and college students who would like to volunteer as greeters from 6 to 9 a.m. on weekdays.

Volunteer greeters at UMCPP fulfill a vital role in serving patients and their families. They welcome patients and visitors and escort them to destinations within the hospital, such as an inpatient or outpatient service area or the room of a loved one who is staying in the hospital. This position is best suited for those who like to interact with people and enjoy walking.

UMCPP has a significant need for greeters weekdays between 6 and 9 a.m. Priority will be given to finding volunteer greeters for those hours. Those who would like to volunteer but cannot fill that time slot may still submit applications.

In applying for a volunteer position at UMCPP, volunteers must:

Submit an application with a letter of recommendation from someone other than a family member or friend.
Commit to at least eight weeks of an introductory period.
Complete an interview with volunteer services staff.
Attend mandatory orientation to learn more about infection control, patient confidentiality/HIPAA, fire/safety, age-specific competency, customer satisfaction and cultural diversity.
Have a tuberculosis screening test provided free of charge.
Adhere to all hospital and department policies and procedures at all times during their shift.

Thorough training for volunteer greeters will be provided.

Volunteer applications are available online at www.princetonhcs.org/volunteers or may be obtained by calling Volunteer Services at (609) 853-6010.

Joint Commission Survey Notice

() — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:00:00

PHCS welcomed The Joint Commission to our organization today. We anticipate they will be here through 3/29/2013 surveying all of our facilities. If you would like to have an interview with the Surveyors, you may contact The Joint Commission with this request at 1-800-994-6610 to schedule.

University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro Opens Fitness & Wellness Center

() — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:00:00

University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro (UMCPP) has opened a much-anticipated fitness and wellness center on the hospital campus at 7 Plainsboro Road in Plainsboro.

Princeton Fitness & Wellness at Plainsboro offers a personalized approach, providing each member with quarterly health risk and fitness assessments and personalized training programs, all included in the user-friendly month-to-month memberships. Having built-in follow-up with the center's nurses and trainers allows every member to attain results safely and effectively. The center also offers classes and seminars that target a myriad of topics such as nutrition, stress management, CPR training, water safety certifications and FitKids youth programming.

A multidisciplinary Medical Advisory Panel ensures the highest standards in programming, training and education. Princeton Fitness & Wellness at Plainsboro is designed to satisfy the needs of all who demand structure, education, motivation and supervision to help you not only achieve your fitness goals, but also closely integrate and monitor your progress and health.

"When we were planning the hospital and the larger campus, our goal was to transform the way illness is prevented, health is maintained, care is delivered and families are supported," said Barry S. Rabner, President and CEO of Princeton HealthCare System (PHCS), which includes UMCPP. "Princeton Fitness & Wellness at Plainsboro was always a part of that vision."

The 50,000-square-foot facility includes state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength equipment, an aquatic center featuring three salt water filtered pools, Group Fitness studios, a Pilates Reformer studio, complimentary childcare, locker rooms with a steam room and sauna and a day spa.

"Princeton Fitness & Wellness at Plainsboro offers a unique experience in fitness, nutrition, education and prevention," said Robert Murphy, General Manager of Princeton Fitness & Wellness at Plainsboro. "We provide the proper resources to comfortably and safely aid members of all ages and fitness levels to achieve their wellness goals."

Krogh Outpatient Rehabilitation, a new location of UMCPP's Outpatient Rehabilitation Network, is contained within Princeton Fitness & Wellness at Plainsboro. Directed by a doctoral-level physical therapist, Krogh Outpatient Rehabilitation offers evidence-based care in physical therapy, orthopedic and sports injury rehabilitation, neurological injury and condition therapy, hip and knee surgery rehabilitation, balance & gait therapy, and specialization in spine and manual therapy. In addition to its treatment areas and private rooms, the rehabilitation site will have full access to the fitness and wellness center's facilities.

UMCPP's Outpatient Rehabilitation Network serves patients at four locations—Hamilton, Monroe, Plainsboro, and Princeton. Please call (609) 853-7840 for more information. PHCS provides a continuum of rehabilitation services that includes an inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Unit at UMCPP, in-home rehabilitation provided through Princeton HomeCare, and the Outpatient Rehabilitation Network.

For more information or to become a member of the center, please contact:

Princeton Fitness & Wellness at Plainsboro

7 Plainsboro Rd
Plainsboro, NJ 08536
(609) 799-7777
www.princetonfitnessplainsboro.com

CONTACT:

Jaclyn Loyer, (609) 799-7777
jaclynl@fitnessandwellness.org

Andy Williams, (609) 252-8785
anwilliams@princetonhcs.org

Novo Nordisk Gift to Benefit Diabetes Programs, Outpatient Rehabilitation at UMCPP

() — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:00:00

Novo Nordisk Inc., a global pharmaceutical company with U.S. headquarters in Princeton, donated $550,000 to support diabetes programs at University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro (UMCPP) and to help fund construction of a new Outpatient Rehabilitation center on the hospital campus.

Combined with prior gifts, Novo Nordisk has contributed more than $1 million to Design for Healing, the capital campaign for UMCPP.

To acknowledge the latest gift, the 2,500-square-foot Outpatient Rehabilitation facility—part of Princeton Fitness & Wellness Center at Plainsboro, which opens this month next door to UMCPP—will be named "Krogh Outpatient Rehabilitation" to honor Novo Nordisk's founders, Drs. August and Marie Krogh.

"As a world leader in diabetes care and an active member of this community, Novo Nordisk considers this gift an extension of our triple bottom line philosophy," said Jerzy Gruhn, President of Novo Nordisk Inc. and also a Trustee of Princeton HealthCare System, which includes UMCPP. "Supporting diabetes treatment and the construction of this comprehensive healthcare campus aligns with our belief that our neighbors and employees and should have access to high quality care close to home."

Staffed by a skilled team of licensed physical therapists, Krogh Outpatient Rehabilitation is the newest location of UMCPP's Outpatient Rehabilitation Network. The new site features an open physical therapy area, individual treatment rooms, and access to Princeton Fitness & Wellness Center's amenities, such as cardio equipment, strength-training machines and a therapy pool.

PHCS offers a continuum of rehabilitation services that includes the Outpatient Rehabilitation Network, an inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Unit at UMCPP and in-home rehabilitation provided through Princeton HomeCare.

Launched in 2008 and concluding at the end of this month, Design for Healing has raised more than $159 million, making it one of the most successful capital campaigns ever for a hospital of UMCPP's size. The original fundraising goal—$115 million—was eclipsed by early 2011. Funds raised through the capital campaign facilitated new clinical and operational efficiencies and enhanced Princeton HealthCare System's capabilities in cardiac care, emergency services, maternity and neonatal care, and surgical interventions.

About Novo Nordisk
Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company also has leading positions within hemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. For more information, visit novonordisk.com. For more information about our US activities, follow us on Twitter at @NovoNordiskUS.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Awards Two Grants to Support Comprehensive Cancer Community Collaboration at Several Hospitals in New Jersey

() — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:00:00

Grants to American Cancer Society and Princeton HealthCare System support navigation programs designed to improve outcomes and promote efficient, cost-effective care for patients with cancer

(PRINCETON, NJ - March 13, 2013) — Bristol-Myers Squibb has awarded grants totaling $175,000 to the American Cancer Society Eastern Division and Princeton HealthCare System (PHCS) to support comprehensive navigation services for patients with cancer both independently and as part of a collaborative effort among several hospitals in central New Jersey.

Several studies have linked patient navigation to improvements in patient outcomes and survival rates, particularly for patients with cancer. Navigation is viewed as an integral component of cancer services. Navigators help coordinate patients' care and guide them to resources that can provide psychosocial support and address financial concerns, language or cultural issues, and day-to-day needs such as transportation.

The grant to PHCS supports the expansion of a successful patient navigation program at the system's acute-care hospital, University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro (UMCPP) in Plainsboro, N.J. The program was first piloted at UMCPP's Breast Health Center in East Windsor, N.J., under the guidance of a breast health navigator, and also among UMCPP's patients with lung and esophageal cancer. The move toward a Comprehensive Oncology Patient Navigation Program will expand navigation services to encompass all cancer patient categories at UMCPP's Edward & Marie Matthews Center for Cancer Care.

The Matthews Center for Cancer Care at UMCPP regularly refers patients to the American Cancer Society, and the two jointly offer the "Look Good Feel Better" program. In addition, the Matthews Center for Cancer Care regularly offers collaborative programs with Cancer Support Community Central New Jersey and frequently refers patients to Cancer Care for counseling and psychosocial services.

PHCS used the Bristol-Myers Squibb grant to expand its patient navigation staff to include a full-time senior navigator at UMCPP, fund a patient orientation program and provide more materials to help patients better understand their diagnoses.

"We envision a program in which all patients who receive a cancer diagnosis at UMCPP [approximately 800 to 900 per year] and patients who are returning for cancer treatment [approximately 200 per year] will be routed through an integrated program in which they will be supported from inception to aftercare," said Judy Neuman, CTR, director, Cancer Services, Edward & Marie Matthews Center for Cancer Care at UMCPP. "We believe that making this available to our patients will help them to better cope with their diagnoses and to better understand and manage their experiences through a complex healthcare system as they receive treatment."

Jeff Descoteau, whose mother undergoes treatment at UMCPP, said the navigator service proved invaluable. Patients and their families can be overwhelmed when they receive a diagnosis of cancer. But Descoteau said the navigator at UMCPP, Lori McMullen, RN, MSN, OCN, relieved the stress by helping them understand the treatment options and available resources. McMullen explained which expenses were covered by insurance or secondary insurance and also informed the family about national programs that offer additional financial aid. She made them aware of in-home services, including medical care and assistance with household tasks. She also helped them with assistance for the cost of prescriptions and connected them to transportation services for medical visits or treatments.

"Lori McMullen is an angel in our eyes," Descoteau said. "She took the time to learn of our personal situation, and she not only shared her knowledge about the resources available to us but also did the legwork to get the results we needed for any situation. With her assistance, my mom was able to focus on what she needed to do to get back to a normal life. And I was able to focus on what is most important to me: my mom."

The American Cancer Society Eastern Division (ACS) will use its Bristol-Myers Squibb grant to support onsite patient navigation program and services for underserved, newly diagnosed cancer patients in Mercer and Middlesex counties in New Jersey. In addition, the grant will enable ACS professional staff to develop or work with existing patient navigation teams at area health systems, including the Matthews Center for Cancer Care at UMCPP. ACS professional staff will spend two half-days per week at UMCPP as well as at the sites of its other health system collaboration partners.

ACS uses a team-based, on-site approach to providing underserved patients with increased access to essential non-clinical services including transportation, financial assistance, support services and cancer information. ACS navigators also link patients to hospital and local community resources. Another key feature of the program is the close collaboration with health system partners: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Capital Health System and UMCPP.

"A cancer diagnosis can be a life-changing experience for patients, their families and their caregivers," said Natasha Coleman, MPH, regional vice president, ACS. "Our patient navigators will be able to provide cancer patients in Middlesex and Mercer counties support every step of the way, from explaining what to expect with chemotherapy to making sure patients have transportation to and from appointments. Fighting cancer is a difficult, challenging journey; with the help of this grant, patients don't have to go through it alone. This close collaboration with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro and Capital Health System allows all health partners to increase our capacity to serve newly diagnosed and underserved patients in our area."

Collaborations such as those among UMCPP, ACS and other service organizations have the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of cancer patients, says Murdo Gordon, senior vice president, Oncology, U.S. Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "Bringing together organizations with common goals, similar programs and potentially complimentary services can lead to efficiencies in immediately tangible ways," he says. "With the coming changes of the Affordable Care Act, the financial impact on organizations and individuals will likely be profound, and the entire cancer community will need to work together to address these concerns. Collaborative approaches, such as those being taken by UMCPP and the American Cancer Society, which bring together meaningful services from various providers to support a given community, is a refreshing solution."

UMCPP Outpatient Rehabilitation Network Opens Monroe Location

() — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:00:00

MONROE, N.J. (March 11, 2013)—University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro's (UMCPP) Outpatient Rehabilitation Network has opened a new location, moving its former Cranbury office to a larger space in neighboring Monroe Township.

The address of the new office is 2 Centre Drive, Suite 500, Monroe, NJ 08831. The phone number remains (609) 655-4586.

The Monroe office will continue to offer the same services formerly available in Cranbury, including:

Physical therapy
Industrial rehabilitation
Certified lymphedema therapy
Vestibular rehabilitation
Orthopedic rehabilitation
Sports injury
Certified hand therapy
Kinesio® taping

Open Monday through Friday, the Monroe site features free van service for residents of neighboring adult communities. The Outpatient Rehabilitation Network has additional locations in Hamilton, Princeton and Plainsboro.

An Open House at the new Monroe location is scheduled for Thursday, April 11, from 3 to 7 p.m. For details, visit www.princetonhcs.org/calendar.