The EERC at Work!

The North Shore-LIJ Helps Website is inspiring employees to come together to carpool, give away clothing, provide information on where to find a hot meal, and much, much more.  Almost 250 employees and their family members have been placed in temporary housing due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy, and more than 1,000 hours of colleagues' personal vacation time has already been donated to help victims.  The response to the Emergency Employee Resource Center has been overwhelming, and its efforts are not going unrecognized.

Watch this video from CBS 2 News of the EERC in action.  Mary LaPorta, a Franklin Hospital employee, lost everything after the hurricane.  North Shore-LIJ's EERC is not only helping Mary get back on her feet with temporary housing, but also her sister and her son with special needs.  This is just one of several hundred inspiring cases in which North Shore-LIJ is helping employees recover.

Don't Forget Your Health!

With all that's been going on in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, it is certainly not uncommon to overlook your personal health.  North Shore-LIJ encourages all employees to acknowledge any health problems they may be experiencing and to take action if necessary, despite the other new-found concerns on our minds in the wake of the hurricane.

If you need help finding information about medical care, prescription refills, vision coverage and more, visit the Medical Care & Prescription Information section of the North Shore-LIJ Emergency Employee Resource Center.

Here you'll find information on Employee Health Services offices, making doctor appointments, urgent care, pharmacies, as well as discounts and free replacements on eyeglasses.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, you should go to your nearest hospital or call 911.  All North Shore-LIJ emergency rooms are open.

Find carpools, meals, and more on our forums

NEW! EERC Online Community Forums

Hurricane Sandy has caused hardship for so many, whether it be loss of belongings, power outages, trouble getting gas - the list goes on. But North Shore-LIJ is here to help its employees through these tough times, in a variety of ways through the Emergency Employee Resource Center (EERC).

Visit the EERC website (www.northshorelijhelps.com) and check out the employee-led interactive Community Forums to connect with your co-workers on a range of topics, including getting matched up with a carpool, available rooms and apartments, clothing and housewares drives, help dealing with government agencies, and more. 

Whether you want to offer assistance, receive help, or simply connect with your colleagues about logistics related to resource scarcity and property damage, we encourage you to participate in the conversations - happening now! 

Download the instructions to register for a community forum. Once registered you will be able to join the conversation and access valuable information.
The health system continues to arrange resources and assistance programs to help employees in need. Thanks to all who have generously offered to help our co-workers in need of assistance. Please continue to check the EERC website and Community Forums periodically as new topics and information are shared.

When to Call for Help

North Shore-LIJ is committed to helping its employees in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. At this time, the Emergency Employee Resource Center (EERC) is solely focused on aiding employees who have suffered catastrophic loss, including losing a home or transportation. If you are in dire need please call for help: 516-734-7000, press option 1. 

If your needs are less severe, please visit our EERC website at www.NorthShoreLIJHelps.com to find additional resources.  And we invite all employees to use the website to connect with each other to arrange carpools and share information in various community forums.

Need a Hot Shower? Here Are Some Options

While the health system continues to put together programs to assist employees in dire need from the storm's aftermath, there are resources available for employees who just need a hot shower (we know it's not much but it may help bring a team member back to "normal!") Head over to our Vivo Health Fitness Center in Lake Success - at 3 Delaware Drive. The Center has power, heat and hot water and is open for North Shore-LIJ employees who would like to take a shower from 9AM-4PM and anytime after 7PM.  Bring your ID Badge if possible.

In addition, all New York Sports Club locations are opening their doors to those impacted by Hurricane Sandy, so they can shower and charge electronics.  To find a location near you, visit http://www.mysportsclubs.com/default.htm

We also received word that the Bay Shore YMCA has opened the use of their showers to the community - located at 200 West Main Street in Bay Shore.

Tips to Coping with the Aftermath

Shared by Russell Joffe, MD, Chairman of Department of Psychiatry at Staten Island University Hospital 

Our communities, both its people and its environment, have been dealt a heavy blow suffering the consequences of Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy’s almost unimaginable force and scope. There is much we need to do, as a community, to cope, to heal, and eventually to rebuild. In order to meet these challenges, we, as healthcare providers, must take care, first, of our own health, so that we may continue to be able to help others.

We have all experienced, and will continue to be confronted with, events that profoundly sadden, disturb and distress us. It is normal, in the face of these assaults on our sensibilities, that we may manifest signs and symptoms of stress. Normal responses to crises such as this include:

Insomnia and intense, disturbing dreams; loss of appetite; extreme variations of mood (irritability, tearfulness, anxious laughter); feeling numb or appearing detached and “unemotional;” problems concentrating; intrusive thoughts and images related to the storm and its aftermath, including “reliving” or “re-experiencing” the events; anxiety,  being startled easily; restlessness and excessive caution and watchfulness; and avoiding people or places that “trigger” thoughts or feelings about disturbing events, especially losses

It is important for us to understand, and to similarly educate our colleagues and families, that behaviors such as the ones noted above are not in themselves signs of mental illness, and most importantly not a sign of “weakness.” This is how our nervous systems respond to shocking events.

However, when symptoms such as these impair our ability to do our work, or cause us deep distress, it is very important that we seek professional help, to prevent matters from getting worse. In general, though, there are useful steps we all can take to keep ourselves healthy:

1)  If you need to talk, find someone who can be an “active listener,” who will let you tell your story without offering advice, and who will not be judgmental – someone who will just listen, thoughtfully. Telling our stories is part of how our minds naturally begin the process of healing. And be an active listener for others, if you are able.

2) Avoid alcohol and other substance use – it will make matters worse, despite how much you convince yourself it will help. If you are having trouble sleeping, there are safer alternatives, including behavioral approaches, and, if necessary, medications that are not addictive or harmful.

3) Sleep, Nutrition and Exercise – most healthcare providers enjoy being thought of as dependable and tough in crises, but that can lead us to neglect our own health. It is vitally important, essential to our ability to think and make critical decisions, that we are rested and in good health. Use common sense, avoid the temptation to eat unhealthily to power yourself through fatigue and stress, carve out time in your day to get physical activity, because it is as important as drinking water to our well-being during periods of stress. And remember that the most important factor in establishing a good sleep regimen is to get up at the same time each day, and avoid caffeine and other substances in the evening.

4) Recognize that it can take months to feel “normal” after living through a disaster such as this. Be patient with yourself and others, and educate and encourage others to do the same.

5) There are effective treatments, most not involving medications, to help those who feel that the symptoms they are experiencing are painful and/or interfering with their ability to fulfill their responsibilities to their patients, coworkers, or families.

North Shore-LIJ has diverse behavioral health and psychiatric resources available at NO cost. These can be accessed through our corporate Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at: 1-877-EAP-4YOU (1-877-327-4968). Don't hesitate to make the call - it's confidential.

EAP at Work!

For all North Shore-LIJ employees directly or indirectly affected by Hurricane Sandy, please know that the North Shore-LIJ Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to help!  Through the EAP, emotional support and confidential counseling with a licensed counselor are available to all health system employees at all locations within North Shore-LIJ at no cost.

The EAP offers many services and resources designed to help employees cope with a wide range of life issues, including grief, financial worries, job performance, substance abuse and more.

All you need to do is call 877-EAP-4YOU (877-327-4968) or email EAP@nshs.edu.

You can also visit EAP’s website on HealthPort by clicking on “Employee Assistance Program” in the Focus on Employees box on the homepage.

Storm Damage in North Woodmere

Rita Obregon, a North Shore University Hospital employee captured some of the damage from Hurricane Sandy in North Woodmere (Branch Blvd.)


Stay safe and please do not take storm clean-up into your own hands; let the experts handle the removal of the trees and downed power lines. Also, assume all power lines are live!

Hurricane Sandy UPDATE: November 1

As of November 1, all North Shore-LIJ hospitals are fully operational and continue to accept patients from some of our neighboring hospitals. However, we know that returning to "business as usual" is difficult for so many of our colleagues who have been devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

If you are in need of counseling, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Employee Assistance Program at 1-877-EAP4YOU (1-877-327-4968).

As of today, all of the health system's administrative services offices have resumed operation. While the majority of our physician practices (PAANS) have reopened, others are in the process of assessing their current power, phone, Internet and staffing capabilities to determine when they can resume operating.  If they haven't already, PAANS supervisors will be in touch with staff members to let them know whether their offices are open.  For the latest on PAANS, go to: www.nslijdocs.com/documents/mdgroup_status.pdf 

Follow our Blog!

All North Shore-LIJ employees can receive the latest updates from our Emergency Preparedness Blog.  

We will be making important announcements throughout the duration of recovery from Hurricane Sandy and you can be sure not to miss them!

Just go to the right of this page and type in your preferred email address (use any email address.)

Post Sandy at Plainview

Kathleen Lanzo, RN, Clinical Practice Coordinator sent us these pictures from Plainview Hospital in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

All staff across the entire health system is coming together in the same way these folks are at Plainview.  Do you have pictures to send us from your facility?  Email vcangero@nshs.edu.

Administrative Director of Plainview Hospital Periop, Kelly Treacy, discusses hurricane preparedness with her staff during their huddle on Monday.

Plainview Hospital Staff, the morning after Hurricane Sandy hit. The staff was deployed to several areas around the hospital in order to chip in as best as possible. Everyone went above and beyond to make patients and staff comfortable.

Hurricane Sandy UPDATE 10/31

All North Shore-LIJ hospitals are open. All are operating on full power – with the exception of Staten Island University Hospital (South)- which is open and operating on back-up power. 

Emergency Departments (EDs) are expected to be extremely busy. Community residents should NOT to go to the ED unless they are experiencing a true medical emergency. 

If you are seeking shelter, click here or see the blog post below for a list of Red Cross shelters and NYC Evacuation Centers. 

For those who have a scheduled medical appointment to see one of our physicians, please call the physician office to confirm prior to traveling. Get more information here: http://www.northshorelij.com/NSLIJ/hurricane-sandy-preparedness-information

Emergency Shelters

If you or a loved one are in need of shelter in light of Hurricane Sandy, please check out the links below for New York City Evacuation Center locations, as well as American Red Cross shelters.

Red Cross Shelters (New York State)
NYC Evacuation Centers

The New York City Office of Emergency Management says all of these locations have electric and oxygen capability if patients bring their oxygen compressors. They are also wheelchair accessible.

If you live in New York City and your situation is less severe (downed trees in your yard, power outages, etc.) you can call 311 to report your incident or visit http://www.nyc.gov/apps/311/. 

Southside Survives

Because of its proximity to the Great South Bay, Southside Hospital in Bay Shore was expected to take a beating from Hurricane Sandy Monday night and Tuesday morning, but escaped with relatively minor flooding damage. 

With nearby Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip on diversion, Dr. Sunil Sood discusses how Southside Emergency Department dealt with the influx of patients seeking medical care during the storm.

Where You Can Find Relief from Hurricane Sandy

North Shore-LIJ wants its employees to know the health system is here for them – whether they’ve been directly or indirectly affected by the tragedies of Hurricane Sandy.

Through North Shore-LIJ’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), employees can find emotional support and confidential counseling with a licensed counselor, at no cost.

All you need to do is call 877-EAP-4YOU (877-327-4968) or email EAP@nshs.edu.

The EAP offers many services and resources designed to help employees cope with a wide range of life issues, including grief, financial worries, job performance, substance abuse and more.

You can also visit EAP’s website on HealthPort by clicking on “Employee Assistance Program” in the Focus on Employees box on the homepage.

Looking to donate toward the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts or need information on shelters? Visit the American Red Cross of Greater New York’s website - http://www.nyredcross.org/.

Also – please know that early Tuesday, President Barack Obama declared New York a major disaster area, paving the way for federal money and resources to help New Yorkers recover.

The declaration allows individuals to apply for federal funds if they are on Long Island or live in New York City. Help can include grants for temporary housing, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and programs for businesses.

Residents and business owners may begin applying online at disasterassistance.gov or at 800-621-FEMA. 

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES -- FACILITY CLOSURES FOR WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31

In the interest of employee safety, North Shore-LIJ administrative buildings will be closed on Wednesday, October 31.  

Each department head will be contacting staff members individually to advise if their job function is considered critical during this period and if so, where and when they should report to work on Wednesday.

A decision regarding the status of administrative facility closures for Thursday will be made on Wednesday afternoon.

If you have any questions or have not been notified, please contact your immediate supervisor directly.

New Life at LIJ, Despite Hurricane Sandy

These pictures were sent to us from North Shore-LIJ employee Amit Powar.  He welcomed his baby girl Arya Amit Powar into the world at Long Island Jewish Medical Center on Sunday. The damage to his home in Commack was certainly extreme, but has certainly been mitigated by the healthy, beautiful newborn baby brought into his world.  Congratulations to Amit & family! 

Storm Damage in Plainview

Allison Bunin, AVP of Internal Communications sent in these pictures from Plainview.  Downed trees and power lines, and mail is still being delivered! 

Stay safe everyone and do not go near any wires! Assume they are live!

Do you have pictures from Hurricane Sandy that you'd like to share with us?  Email them to Vicki Cangero (vcangero@nshs.edu).

Hurricane Sandy UPDATE - Tuesday Morning

As Long Island and the NY Metro area begin to recover from the effects of Hurricane Sandy, here is a summary of its impact on North Shore-LIJ hospitals and facilities: 

UPDATE 1: All North Shore-LIJ hospitals and emergenc

y departments are operational, although the following are relying on back-up power only: Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, NY, Staten Island University Hospital’s (SIUH) South Division, Glen Cove, Huntington, Plainview and Syosset hospitals, and the Stern Family Center for Rehabilitation in Manhasset, NY.

UPDATE 2: All hospital emergency departments are expected to be extremely busy on Tuesday. We are encouraging community residents NOT to go to the emergency room unless they are experiencing a medical emergency.

UPDATE 3: Community residents who have sustained damage to their homes and have to evacuate should go to a shelter, NOT the hospital.

UPDATE 4: Elective surgeries and physician appointments scheduled for Wednesday at hospitals operating on back-up power are cancelled (see list above). We encourage you to call ahead of time to confirm all medical appointments scheduled for Wednesday.

You can check back here and at the  North Shore-LIJ website for further updates.

EAP is Here for You

When disasters like Hurricane Sandy strike, it can be incredibly difficult for those who have family or friends directly affected by the catastrophe. For all North Shore-LIJ employees directly or indirectly affected by this tragedy, please know that the North Shore-LIJ Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to help.

Through the EAP, emotional support and confidential counseling with a licensed counselor are available to all health system employees at all locations within North Shore-LIJ at no cost.

The EAP offers many services and resources designed to help employees cope with a wide range of life issues, including grief, financial worries, job performance, substance abuse and more.

All you need to do is call 877-EAP-4YOU (877-327-4968) or email EAP@nshs.edu.

You can also visit EAP’s website on HealthPort by clicking on “Employee Assistance Program” in the Focus on Employees box on the homepage.

The Streets of Long Beach

Coastal towns in New York are already beginning to experience the wrath of Hurricane Sandy. Below is a video taken around 11:00a.m. today from Long Beach, sent to us from North Shore-LIJ employee Siu-Wan Elsie Low.

Have pictures or video of the storm you'd like to share on our blog?  Email them to vcangero@nshs.edu.

Michael Dowling: "We're Fully Prepared"

North Shore-LIJ's President & CEO Michael Dowling says the health system is extremely prepared for whatever Hurricane Sandy may bring.  He is visiting as many facilities as possible today to ensure that everything is running smoothly both for our patients, and our employees.

Watch this video to hear more from Michael Dowling on North Shore-LIJ's Hurricane Sandy preparations.
Video courtesy of North Shore-LIJ Media Studios.

Beginnings of Hurricane Sandy via: Brooklyn

Check out the pictures below from Brooklyn, sent in from North Shore-LIJ's VP of Talent, Elaine Page.

If you happen to capture any videos or pictures of the storm, send them our way! Just email vcangero@nshs.edu.  We of course encourage all employees to stay inside and stay safe as winds pick up and the water levels begin to rise!

UPDATE: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - FACILITY CLOSURES

In the interest of employee safety, North Shore-LIJ administrative buildings will be closed on Tuesday, October 30.  Each department head will be contacting team members individually to advise if their job function is considered critical during this period and if so, where and when they should report to work.

A decision regarding the status of administrative facility closures for Wednesday will be made on Tuesday afternoon.

If you have any questions or have not been notified, please contact your immediate supervisor directly.

Share Your Pictures & Videos with Us!

Share with us! We encourage our dedicated employees to connect with us. Your experiences are worth sharing!

Got photos or videos of the storm? Have an interesting story about yourself or a co-worker during the Hurricane? Are you in one of our hospitals and seeing tremendous teamwork? We want to hear about it - inspire us and your co-workers!

Send your stories, videos or photos to vcangero@nshs.edu and they may be posted right here on the blog! Note: Please do not send any photos or video of patients and remember to keep patient information confidential.

What's in Your GO! Kit?

As Hurricane Sandy rapidly approaches the east coast, employees are being urged to prepare a GO! Kit – an emergency kit that will keep you and your family safe in uncertain times when you least expect to be without necessities such as food, water and electricity.

If you can still get to the store safely, stock up on some of the items below to make sure you’re prepared for whatever the storm may bring. Stay connected to your local stores and ask employees when they expect items to be restocked in the event they’ve run out of anything.

Prepare Your ‘GO! Kit’ Today!

Recommended items to include in a basic supply kit:

           

- Water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)

- 3-day supply of non-perishable foods, such as bars and canned goods

- Flashlight and extra batteries

- First aid kit

- Prescription medications/glasses

- Chargers for cell phone and computer

- Cash or traveler's checks

- Copies of personal identification (e.g., license, social security card, birth certificate) - suggest this be stored on a flash drive in a waterproof container

Other important items:

- Can opener

- Hand hygiene gel (e.g., Purell)

- Whistle to signal for help

- Dust mask to filter contaminated air

- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in-place

- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation/personal hygiene

- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both

So – tell us, are you prepared for Hurricane Sandy?  Share comments or advice on your GO! Kit below.

Attention NURSES: Volunteers Needed!

Nurse volunteers are needed. If you are able to volunteer, please contact us. Call 516-719-5100 and ask for the staffing desk. Or, email: nursestaffing@nshs.edu. Someone will get right back to you with details. 

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to providing exceptional patient care.

Hotline for North Shore-LIJ Patients

North Shore-LIJ has created a Patient Information Hotline in light of Hurricane Sandy.  Family members and loved ones can check on the status of transferred patients by calling 1-855-473-6399.

All North Shore-LIJ Hospitals and emergency departments will remain open throughout Hurricane Sandy, although patients who are dependent on a ventilator from Staten Island University Hospital and Southside Hospital have been evacuated.

Also, all elective surgeries and procedures scheduled for Monday and Tuesday at Physician and Ambulatory Network Services (PAANS) have been cancelled, and all North Shore-LIJ Medical Group Practices will be closed.

The health system will continue to closely monitor the conditions of Sandy and make amendments to its plans in the best interest of patient and employee safety.

Employees who are scheduled to staff patient care facilities today have already been advised to be prepared to work beyond their regular shifts, and the health system is prepared to provide food, beds and beverages to all those staff members during the storms.

Please know that North Shore-LIJ is continuing to provide exceptional care as usual to those within our facilities and to those in the community who need us.  Get the word out about the Patient Information Hotline (1-855-473-6399) and encourages those with loved ones at our facilities to call for the latest updates.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - FACILITY CLOSURES

In the interest of employee safety, North Shore-LIJ administrative buildings will be closed on Monday, October 29.  Each department head will be contacting staff members individually to advise if their job function is considered critical during this period and if so, where and when they should report to work on Monday.‬
‪
A decision regarding the status of administrative facility closures for Tuesday will be made on Monday afternoon.‬
‪
If you have any questions or have not been notified, please contact your immediate supervisor directly.‬

Preparing for the Storm Continues

Preparations for Hurricane Sandy continue across the North Shore-LIJ Health System, taking precautions to ensure our patients, employees and community members remain safe and well. In the interest of patient safety, all elective surgeries and procedures scheduled for Monday and Tuesday are cancelled.  In addition, all North Shore-LIJ Medical Group offices and ambulatory sites will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. Employees working in those sites will be notified.

More information about additional office closures will be posted shortly. 

Stay connected 
We care about your safety! Be sure to check back on this blog for frequent updates. Stay close with your supervisor and facility to be in-the-know. Check your email through Employee Self Service (http//:ess.nslijweb.com). Updates will also be shared on the Employee Intranet which can be accessed from any computer. Go to NorthshoreLIJ.com > HealthPort > Remote Access Portal and then login with your North Shore-LIJ Universal ID & Password.

Preparing for Hurricane Sandy

It’s been over a year since Hurricane Irene made its way up the east coast, but the effects of that storm are still fresh in our minds. The health system demonstrated in extraordinary fashion how our preparedness measures are second to none, and that our team members are the most reliable when it comes to protecting the wellbeing of our community no matter the conditions.

Now, as Hurricane Sandy approaches Long Island and New York City, the North Shore-LIJ Health System is taking the same cautious steps it did last year to prepare all facilities to respond to this potentially destructive storm, while also making sure all employees remain safe.

The health system is currently working to make sure all hospitals and long-term care facilities have back-up power generators, pumps, and other emergency equipment and supplies that will be needed in the event of power outages.

Be Prepared!

As we take these steps to ensure our patients are being taken care of, we are also urging all employees to take care of themselves.  Read the health system’s emergency preparedness brochure, which outlines the steps needed to be prepared for a hurricane, including items you should have on hand this weekend and into next week.  You should also take a moment to update your personal/emergency contact information in Employee Self Service (http://ess.nslijweb.com).  You can do this from any computer with Internet access.

We recognize team members’ concerns about keeping their families safe.  At the same time, we need to keep our facilities staffed appropriately to support patient care.  Please note that those employees who are scheduled to staff our patient care facilities from Sunday, Oct. 28, through Wednesday, Oct. 31, should be prepared to work beyond their regular work shift. 

The Storm’s Projected Path

Hurricane Sandy is expected to make landfall as early as Monday afternoon as a category one hurricane.  Based on its current trajectory, the storm will likely cause severe flooding and widespread power outages in our area.  For the latest updates on the storm, visit HealthPort and check out the Emergency Management Department’s synopsis on the main page.  If you are not on a North Shore-LIJ network computer, you can get the latest forecast information at www.weather.com.