Bringing You the Latest from Bergen County Hospitals
Welcome to the mybergen.com Bergen County Hospital Spotlight, your source for staying up-to-date with the latest news, events, and innovations from the leading medical institutions in Bergen County, New Jersey.
In this mybergen.com feature, we shine a spotlight on hospitals such as Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Englewood Health, Hackensack University Medical Center, Holy Name Medical Center, The Valley Hospital, John Theurer Cancer Center, and more.
Bergen County’s Local Hospitals: Anchors of Healthcare Excellence
Local hospitals in Bergen County hold a paramount position in our communities, serving as cornerstones of healthcare accessibility, and fostering a sense of security and well-being.
Accessible Healthcare
Bergen County’s local hospitals are the first line of defense during emergencies, ensuring swift and life-saving medical interventions. They offer essential medical treatments, preventive care, and wellness programs tailored to the needs of our community.
Boosting the Local Economy
Beyond healthcare, these hospitals are major employers in Bergen County, contributing significantly to the local economy and creating job opportunities that support our community’s prosperity.
Community Outreach and Education
Bergen County’s local hospitals actively engage in community outreach, education, and health promotion initiatives, enriching the overall well-being of residents. They are not merely healthcare providers; they are indispensable pillars of our community, dedicated to enhancing the lives of Bergen County residents.
Keeping You Informed
As Bergen County residents, it’s essential to stay informed about the healthcare resources available in our community. The Bergen County Hospital Spotlight is your go-to destination for news and information about our local hospitals, their initiatives, and their commitment to excellence in healthcare.
What to Expect
This regularly-updated mybergen.com feature curates a selection of news stories, events, and healthcare breakthroughs from Bergen County’s hospitals, including cutting-edge medical research, attending community health seminars, or hearing inspiring patient success stories.
A Window into Local Healthcare: News for All Bergen County Hospitals In One Place
Our feature serves as your window into the dynamic and ever-evolving world of healthcare in Bergen County. We’ll shine a spotlight on the incredible work, compassion, and dedication exhibited by our local Bergen County area hospitals. We’re committed to showcasing the people, stories, and advancements that make Bergen County’s healthcare institutions vital contributors to our community’s well-being. Stay connected and informed with Bergen County Hospital Spotlight – your mybergen.com dose of local hospital news.
Englewood Hospital Named One of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals by Newsweek
November 2024-Englewood Hospital has been recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals by Newsweek, ranking among the top three in New Jersey. This distinction results from a comprehensive evaluation by Newsweek—in partnership with consumer data company Statista—assessing hospitals nationwide on quality of care, patient outcomes, and safety.
Newsweek’s 2025 ranking of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals recognizes 600 top hospitals nationwide, emphasizing the importance of local access to quality healthcare. The Best-In-State rankings aim to guide patients in finding the best care options close to home, acknowledging that proximity to high-quality facilities can be crucial for timely and effective treatment.
- A nationwide online survey of over 10,000 medical professionals (doctors, hospital managers, and healthcare workers) who were asked to recommend the best hospitals (in and out of state) based on their expertise.
- Quality metrics drawn from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) using available data for mortality, safety, readmission, and timely and effective care were considered.
- Patient experience data, publicly available information regarding cleanliness of the hospital and quietness, communications of the nurses/doctors and staff responsiveness, care transitions, communication about medicines, and discharge information.
- PROMS Implementation Survey data to account for the increasing importance of Patient Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMs).
Additionally, information from the Joint Commission, including accreditation, patient safety, and patient experience, was taken into consideration.
“We are proud to be named one of America’s Best In-State Hospitals by Newsweek, once again,” says Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “At Englewood Health, our team strives continuously to deliver the highest quality care for our communities. This award speaks to the unwavering commitment of our entire healthcare team to ensuring top-level care.”
For more information on Newsweek’s Best-In-State Hospitals list, visit newsweek.com.
September 2024-The introduction of the HYDROS Robotic System at Hackensack University Medical Center represents a significant advancement in men’s health. The AI-powered system enables a more precise and personalized approach to treating BPH. The HYDROS System includes:
FirstAssist AI™ Treatment Planning: Uses artificial intelligence to create a detailed, patient-specific treatment plan.
Robotic Resection and Image Guidance: Combines next-generation ultrasound and digital imaging to give surgeons a multi-dimensional view of the prostate.
Enhanced Workflow: Streamlines the procedure, allowing for faster, more efficient operations with improved accuracy.
“We’re proud to be the first hospital in the world to offer this revolutionary treatment for BPH,” said Mark D. Sparta, FACHE, president of Hackensack Meridian Health’s Northern Region. “This milestone demonstrates our commitment to leading the way in men’s health and advancing patient care.”
First Patient Success Story: A Revolutionary Treatment for BPH
One of the first patients to undergo Aquablation therapy with the HYDROS System was Abdo Saad, a 66-year-old computer engineer who had long struggled with the symptoms of BPH. After researching his options, Mr. Saad sought out Dr. Munver for a more innovative approach.
“I did my research and found that Hackensack University Medical Center was offering something truly groundbreaking,” Saad said. “I wasn’t satisfied with the traditional options, and Aquablation therapy with the HYDROS System was exactly what I was looking for.”
Following the procedure, Mr. Saad returned home the next day, thrilled with his results. “I’m proud to have been part of such an innovative treatment. This has truly restored my quality of life.”
What Sets the HYDROS Robotic System Apart?
Aquablation therapy using the HYDROS System is the first to combine the precision of robotic technology with the power of artificial intelligence. This next-generation platform allows surgeons to remove only the necessary tissue while preserving the surrounding anatomy. The result is effective symptom relief with minimal risk of side effects, including complications affecting sexual function and continence.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been dedicated to bringing cutting-edge technology to my patients,” said Dr. Munver. “The HYDROS System represents a revolutionary step forward in treating BPH. It’s not just an improvement; it’s a whole new level of care.”
Leading the Way in Men’s Health and Robotic Surgery
As one of the top urology programs in the country, Hackensack University Medical Center is known for its commitment to clinical excellence. The Urology Department, ranked #17 nationally by U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 Best Hospitals list, continues to be a leader in innovative treatments like Aquablation therapy.
“The future of medicine is personalized, precise, and minimally invasive,” said Lisa Tank, MD, FACP, acting president and chief hospital executive at Hackensack University Medical Center. “Aquablation therapy with the HYDROS System embodies all three of these principles, offering men a new, advanced solution to a common problem.”
Learn More About Aquablation Therapy
If you or someone you know is suffering from the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), contact Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center to learn more about Aquablation therapy with the HYDROS Robotic System. This breakthrough treatment is offering hope and relief to men dealing with BPH, and Hackensack University Medical Center is proud to be at the forefront of this exciting advancement.
For more information, visit aquablation.com or click here to learn more about urology advancements at Hackensack University Medical Center and to book an appointment.
Holy Name Medical Center Performs First Ultrasound Renal Denervation Procedure in New Jersey: Groundbreaking Treatment Designed to Lower High Blood Pressure
August 2024-Holy Name Medical Center recently became the first hospital in New Jersey to successfully perform an ultrasound renal denervation (RDN) procedure, a groundbreaking treatment designed to lower high blood pressure. This FDA-approved therapy is a new option for hypertensive patients who have not responded well to traditional treatments, such as lifestyle changes and medications. Nationwide, more than 54 million adults suffer from high blood pressure, putting them at increased risk for serious cardiovascular conditions like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
The procedure, performed by Dr. Jaffar Raza, MD, FACC, FSCAI, an interventional cardiologist at Holy Name, utilizes the Paradise® Ultrasound Renal Denervation system. This minimally invasive treatment has been proven safe and effective across three randomized clinical trials and offers hope for patients struggling to control their blood pressure. For many, the side effects of medications or difficulty adhering to daily regimens make controlling hypertension particularly challenging.
“This is a significant milestone for Holy Name and our patients,” said Dr. Raza. “We are committed to providing the most advanced treatments to improve health outcomes in our community, and the introduction of ultrasound renal denervation reflects that commitment.”
This cutting-edge procedure is minimally invasive, with most patients returning home the same day. It provides a new avenue of care for those who remain “uncontrolled,” meaning their blood pressure remains outside the normal range despite other treatments. High blood pressure that remains uncontrolled puts patients at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems, and cognitive issues.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jaffar Raza, contact Holy Name Medical Center at (201) 991-8565.
Valley Hospital Ranked Among the Best Hospitals in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report for 2024-25
July 2024-The Valley Hospital has been recognized as one of the top hospitals in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report for 2024-25, securing the third spot out of 63 evaluated hospitals in the state. Valley has earned an impressive overall ranking as the 15th best hospital in the entire New York metropolitan area.
In addition, The Valley Hospital has earned the highest possible rating of “high performing” in 16 adult procedures and conditions, including abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart bypass surgery, heart failure, hip fracture, hip replacement, kidney failure, knee replacement, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, stroke, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Additionally, Valley was recognized as high performing in the adult specialties of orthopedics and urology.
“These distinctions are a reflection of Valley’s longstanding commitment to providing
high-quality clinical care and service,” said Robert Brenner, MD, MMM, FACHE,
President and CEO, Valley Health System. “I would like to recognize our dedicated staff
for all that they do each day to care for our patients and their families. I would also like
to thank our community for choosing Valley for their healthcare.”
According to U.S. News & World Report, the organization has been publishing hospital ratings since 1990 under the title “America’s Best Hospitals.” The goal is to identify medical centers that excel in treating patients with particularly difficult conditions across various specialties. The analysis covers more than 4,500 hospitals nationwide, reviewing data from multiple clinical specialties, procedures, and conditions. Ratings are based on patient outcomes, patient experience, a variety of care-related factors, and expert opinions obtained through physician surveys.
To learn more about The Valley Hospital’s ratings by U.S. News & World Report, click here.
For more information on the programs, services, and doctors at Valley, visit
ValleyHealth.com.
Englewood Health Secures Top Rating in New Jersey for Electronic Medical Record Maturity
May 2024-Englewood Health has achieved a Stage 6 designation, the highest rating for a New Jersey health system, from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM™). This prestigious recognition highlights Englewood Health’s advanced clinical use of electronic medical records (EMR) at both Englewood Hospital and across the Englewood Health Physician Network, approaching the top level of EMR adoption.
The EMRAM is a maturity model assessment designed to evaluate clinical outcomes, patient engagement, and the use of EMR technology to enhance organizational performance and health outcomes across patient populations. Comprising eight stages from 0 to 7, the HIMSS EMRAM offers a proven roadmap for achieving expert-level EMR usage.
“Attaining HIMSS EMRAM Stage 6 is a testament to Englewood Health’s dedication to adopting leading-edge technology and seamlessly integrating it into our clinical processes to drive better patient outcomes,” says Inderpal Kohli, vice president and chief information officer at Englewood Health. “This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional patient care through the strategic deployment of advanced EMR capabilities across our healthcare system.”
To achieve Stage 6, the second highest level, Englewood Health has implemented advanced EMR capabilities across all patient care service areas. This includes comprehensive physician documentation (charting) integrated into the EMR and its deployment across all practice settings. They have also established computerized physician order entry for all services, closed-loop medication administration to prevent errors, and advanced clinical decision-making support with evidence-based protocols.
As a Stage 6 organization, Englewood Health has achieved advanced integration of wearable devices and remote monitoring systems. In certain specialty areas, patients within the Englewood Health Physician Network use wearable devices or implants that support remote monitoring, enabling effective remote patient care.
To find more information about Englewood Health, visit englewoodhealth.org.
Valley Hospital Now Open in New Paramus Location
April 2024-Valley Hospital has officially relocated from its longtime Ridgewood address to a new state-of-the-art facility in Paramus, New Jersey. The hospital is fully operational at its new address, 4 Valley Health Plaza, providing acute and emergency care to the community.
The transition began early morning on Sunday, April 14, as patients from the Ridgewood location were transported to the new facility in Paramus, 2.5 miles away. Each patient was moved by OnTime Medical Transportation under the supervision of Valley’s medical staff to ensure safety and continuity of care.
“The Valley Hospital’s move to Paramus marks an exciting new chapter for Valley. All those who come through our new location’s doors will continue to be well served by Valley’s compassionate staff in this outstanding facility for generations to come,” said Audrey Meyers, Chief Executive Officer of Valley Health System. “We thank our patients for entrusting their care to Valley and our staff for all they do to serve and care for our patients, their families, and our community.”
The journey to the new hospital began with its announcement in 2017, followed by a groundbreaking ceremony on November 1, 2019. A significant milestone was celebrated in December 2020 with a “topping-out” ceremony to place the final structural beam.
Dr. Robert Brenner, MD, MMM, FACHE, President of Valley Health System, highlighted the benefits of the new location, stating, “The Valley Hospital in Paramus is at the heart of a forty-acre health and wellness campus that offers our patients the opportunity to receive virtually every healthcare service they may need in one location, including inpatient care, outpatient procedures, cancer care, the ability to see many of Valley’s doctors and more.”
The newly built 370-bed state-of-the-art facility is designed with the comfort of patients, their loved ones, and staff in mind. It features single-patient rooms for privacy and healing inclusive of a 75-inch footwall to display key patient details and display entertainment options; single-patient rooms for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients; an expanded Emergency Department; an intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite; park-like grounds and green roofs; and the latest technology.
“At Valley, we provide patient- and family-centered care, and that is exemplified in the new hospital by the provision of single-patient rooms to enhance patient privacy and provide a superior healing environment,” said Karteek Bhavsar, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Valley Health System.
The former Ridgewood location at 223 North Van Dien Avenue has been renamed Valley Health System – Ridgewood Campus. Services include full-service outpatient laboratory services; outpatient diagnostic imaging; outpatient endoscopy services; Valley’s Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Center; The Valley Breast Center; and The Valley Hospital Community Care Clinic. The Ridgewood Campus will also serve as the home of Valley’s Graduate Medical Education programs.
For further details about The Valley Hospital’s services and facilities, visit ValleyHealth.com.
The Valley Hospital Named a Winner of the Center to Advance Palliative Care’s John A. Hartford Foundation Tipping Point Challenge
February 2024-The Valley Hospital has announced it is a winner in the Clinical Training category of the Center to Advance Palliative Care’s third John A. Hartford Foundation Tipping Point Challenge. This esteemed recognition underscores Valley’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery, particularly for individuals with serious illnesses.
Recognizing Excellence in Palliative Care
The John A. Hartford Foundation Tipping Point Challenge serves as a national platform to propel the dissemination of essential skills and elevate healthcare standards for individuals facing serious health conditions. Amongst a pool of over 1,700 contenders, Valley Hospital emerged victorious by completing the highest number of Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) courses in the Large Hospitals category.
Elevating Clinical Expertise
This past year, Valley’s dedicated staff across the organization completed a significant number of CAPC courses, enhancing the clinical skills that are needed to improve the care of people living with a serious illness.
“Winning the Tipping Point Challenge is a remarkable achievement for our team,” remarked Yusimi Sobrino-Bonilla, APN, Clinical Supervisor of Palliative Care Services for Valley Health System. “The level of engagement was phenomenal, with employees across all departments participating and increasing their palliative care knowledge. We are very proud of this accomplishment!”
To learn more about palliative care services at Valley, visit ValleyHealth.com/PalliativeCare.
Englewood Health is First in NJ to Enroll Patient in Global Study on Women’s Heart Surgery
January 2024-Englewood Health in Bergen County, New Jersey, has enrolled a patient in an international research study on coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in women. The study, which is being led by Molly Schultheis, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Englewood Health, aims to compare multiple arterial grafting (MAG) and single arterial grafting (SAG) methods in women.
Englewood Health: First NJ Health System to Enroll a Patient in ROMA: Women
Englewood Health is the first health system in New Jersey to participate in ROMA: Women, an international research study on CABG surgery in women. The study is sponsored by Weill Medical College of Cornell University and is nested in the ROMA trial, aiming to enroll 2,000 patients over seven years.
CABG Surgery for Improving Blood Flow to the Heart
CABG surgery is used to improve blood flow to the heart. The graft uses blood vessels from other parts of the body, such as the arm, chest, or leg, to bypass the blockage in the artery, allowing cardiothoracic surgeons to “revascularize” one or more arteries in the heart.
An International Study of Vast Importance
Adam Arnofsky, MD, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Englewood Health, praised Dr. Schultheis’s contributions to the data as this is a first-of-its-kind clinical trial to determine the best surgical approach for women with coronary artery disease. The ROMA: Women study seeks to assess the impact of MAG and SAG methods on cardiac and cerebrovascular events, quality of life, and symptoms in different subgroups.
To learn more, visit clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04124120 or englewoodhealth.org/service/heart-care.
The Valley Hospital Earns Eleventh Cardiovascular Imaging Quality Award
January 2024-The Valley Hospital’s advanced cardiovascular imaging team has received the HeartFlow® CT Quality Award for the 11th quarter in a row. They were recognized for their exceptional cardiovascular imaging program for the third quarter of 2023. The hospital has been acknowledged as a regional and national leader, placing among the top 2% in the northeast region and top 5% nationally, based on HeartFlow’s 2023 data. The program is essential in helping patients and doctors understand imaging tests, the results, and implications for treatment. The team collaborates with other heart subspecialists to ensure patients receive optimal care.
HeartFlow Analysis
HeartFlow Analysis is a noninvasive heart test that provides a personalized 3D model of a patient’s coronary arteries, showing how each blockage impacts blood flow to the heart. This detailed information helps the patient’s clinical team determine the next step in their treatment plan, which could include coronary stenting, coronary artery bypass surgery, or medications. Dr. Himanshu Gupta, Director of Cardiac Imaging, expressed his gratitude for the 11th consecutive CT Quality Award from HeartFlow. He stated that this recognition highlights the program’s commitment to quality, excellence, and high reliability.
State-of-the-Art Technology in Bergen County
Dr. Gupta further added that HeartFlow Analysis provides essential information that can help determine the right approach for a patient’s treatment using a convenient, noninvasive platform. This is state-of-the-art technology, making it easier for patients to receive optimum care. Kristien Zingone, Director of Diagnostic Imaging for The Valley Hospital, expressed her pride in the team for providing advanced cardiac imaging to patients.
If you want to know more about HeartFlow Analysis at The Valley Hospital, you can visit ValleyHealth.com/CardiacImaging.
Englewood Health Introduces Robotic-Assisted Technology to Biopsy Distant Areas of the Lungs
December 2023-Englewood Health is introducing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, using the Ion endoluminal system from Intuitive Surgical, to improve the early diagnosis of lung cancer. This advanced technology allows doctors to perform minimally invasive biopsies in distant areas of the lungs, including small nodules in the peripheral regions.
Detecting Lung Cancers in Earliest Stages
According to research published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, seventy percent of nodules lie in the outer third of the lung. Therefore, reaching peripheral nodules is critical in order to detect lung cancers in their earliest stages, when they are most likely to respond to treatment.
“With this technology, we can access lung lesions that were previously unreachable with standard bronchoscopy techniques,” says David Shiu, DO, chief of pulmonary medicine at Englewood Health. “Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy allows for more reach, more stability, and greater precision over traditional bronchoscopy.”
“We’re entering a new era in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment with the introduction of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy,” says Christos Stavropoulos, MD, director of thoracic oncology at The Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center and chief of thoracic surgery at Englewood Health. “This technology grants us unprecedented access to peripheral lung nodules, enhancing our ability to detect and combat lung cancer in its earliest stages, ultimately giving our patients a better chance at a healthier future.”
Latest Addition to Advanced Technologies
The robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is the latest addition to Englewood Health’s armament of advanced technologies that ensure world class care is delivered close to home.
The Ion bronchoscopy platform has an ultra-thin, maneuverable catheter, with an integrated vision probe for visualization while navigating to the target, and stability that allows pulmonologists to extend their reach far into the peripheral areas of the lung. Additionally, the tool has unique shape-sensing technology that gives doctors detailed, real-time information, and greater control of the catheter position to locate and take tissue biopsies with a high degree of accuracy.
Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center Performs Milestone 300th Organ Transplant on Grateful 37-Year-Old Patient from Teaneck
Jose, who has been managing kidney failure due to high blood pressure for the last two years, was shocked to get the call. “I started dialysis about six months ago and had only been on the kidney transplant waitlist for about a month, so I wasn’t expecting to get a call so soon,” says Jose, who was under the assumption it could take months if not years for the right kidney match.
Outstanding Achievement for Hackensack University Medical Center
“This is truly an outstanding achievement for Hackensack University Medical Center and our entire network,” said Robert C. Garrett, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health. “With this milestone, we celebrate the transplant team and all of their efforts to make Hackensack University Medical Center one of the top transplant hospitals in the nation, benefiting the lives of so many patients and their families.”
“Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center is now part of an elite group of hospitals in the U.S. to have performed this many kidney transplants in one year,” says Mark D. Sparta, FACHE, President & Chief Hospital Executive, Hackensack University Medical Center and President, North Region, Hackensack Meridian Health.
“Patients who come to us for kidney transplantation have much shorter waiting times to receive a deceased donor kidney than other centers in the tri-state area,” explains Michael J. Goldstein, MD FACS, Director, Division of Organ Transplantation. “We have experienced more than 1,200% growth in the last five years alone and have become a destination center for organ transplantation.”
Jose’s kidney transplant was the team’s 300th this year, a significant milestone for any hospital offering organ transplants.
“This is the greatest Christmas present I’ve ever gotten,” says Jose, who was so happy to go home to his family less than a week after his procedure so he could get ready for the holidays. “Before starting dialysis, I was exhausted, and while it helped me feel better, I had to go three hours a week, 4 hours a day,” explains Jose, who says he was excited to find out he was the hospital’s 300th organ transplant recipient and is now looking forward to resuming his life before getting so sick. “I’m especially looking forward to celebrating Christmas with my two daughters and fiance.”
HUMC Center for Transplantation Ranked Among Best in the Nation
Further distinguishing Hackensack University Medical Center’s Center for Transplantation, the program was recently ranked by Definitive Healthcare among the top 10 hospitals in the United States performing the most kidney transplants. Hackensack University Medical Center is one of only a few certified transplant centers in New Jersey and the only New Jersey center to make this list.
“The 300th transplant milestone and this ranking demonstrate Hackensack’s experience and high volumes in kidney transplantation, the best treatment for people, like Jose, with progressive, chronic kidney disease or kidney failure,” explains Dr. Goldstein, who also credits his collaborative and caring team. “We’ve built a robust team with exceptional experience whose primary focus is to provide our patients with early access to transplantation, the most effective care.”
Patients are also matched with a donor’s kidney more quickly at Hackensack because the hospital accepts organ offers at a rate four times higher than the national average and transplants at almost twice the the national average. (Data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, report published January 2023.)
Hackensack University Medical Center is also a leader in organ preservation technologies, making more donor kidneys available to the patients who need them. “We employ New Jersey’s first and one of the nation’s few hospital-based machine perfusion centers to preserve donor kidneys better and increase organ utilization from across the nation. We use machine perfusion on nearly 90% of deceased donor kidneys, allowing patients to have improved immediate organ function after transplantation and reduced length of stay in the hospital,” says Dr. Goldstein. Additionally, all kidney transplant procedures are performed in the new Helena Theurer Pavilion, which features organ preservation facilities directly within the operating room.
New Jersey’s Only Donor Care Network Center
Patients also have top access to community living donor transplant organizations. Hackensack is the only Donor Care Network center of excellence in New Jersey for the National Kidney Registry, the world’s largest kidney-paired exchange matching program. “We are committed to ensuring that our patients and the people of the communities we serve have the best access to a donor’s kidney when they are in need,” said Mark D. Sparta, FACHE, president and chief hospital executive of Hackensack University Medical Center and president, Northern Region, Hackensack Meridian Health. “We are proud that one of the top kidney transplant programs in the country is right here in Hackensack.”
Additionally, the program offers patients a full range of supportive services for kidney transplant candidates both before and after surgery, including:
- Mental health care
- Financial counseling,
- Post-surgical and follow-up care,
- Education to teach you how to monitor your condition, administer anti-rejection medications, and safely return to everyday activities.
Click here to learn more about kidney transplantation at Hackensack University Medical Center.
Holy Name Physician Performs Total Ankle Replacement Using 3D Printed Bone
December 2023-Holy Name Medical Center announced completion of its first surgery using a custom 3D printed bone implant to repair a patient’s foot and ankle. This groundbreaking technology represents a significant leap forward in the field of orthopedic patient care.
Revolutionary Surgery
Peter J. Iannuzzi, DPM, FACFAS, a Holy Name podiatric surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery, performed the revolutionary surgery on a patient who suffered with chronic pain and had difficulty walking.
The new 3D procedure utilizes state-of-the-art technology, including advanced imaging, to provide physicians with an enhanced visual understanding of a patient’s anatomy. This imaging is used to create a customized bone tailor made to meet the patient’s specific needs. For this procedure, Dr. Iannuzzi removed the patient’s bone at the top of the foot and replaced it with a new 3D printed titanium alloy bone and new ankle joint.
Greater Accuracy and Improved Patient Experience
One key advantage of the 3D procedure includes enhanced preoperative planning. Dr. Iannuzzi was able to examine the patient’s foot and ankle in three dimensions prior to surgery, allowing for more accurate surgical plans and an overall improved patient experience. Through this unprecedented level of visualization, Dr. Iannuzzi was able to work with the medical team to craft a new bone and navigate delicate areas with increased precision, minimizing the risk of complications and ensuring optimal outcomes for his patient.
“The ability to replicate a bone through this 3D procedure marks a significant milestone in patient care. We are now equipped with an unparalleled tool to advance surgical interventions, ultimately providing our patients with better outcomes and improved quality of life.” said Dr. Iannuzzi.
Dr. Iannuzzi is a member of the Pfisterer Orthopaedics practice and sees patients in their North Bergen office located at 7817 Bergenline Ave.
For more information, visit holyname.org/orthopedics.
The Valley Hospital Receives SCOPY Award: Recognizing Community Engagement for Colorectal Cancer Prevention
December 2023-The Valley Hospital in Bergen County, New Jersey received the SCOPY ‘Staying Strong & Scoping On’ Award by the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) in December 2023.
ACG’s SCOPY Award: Celebrating Community Efforts
The SCOPY Award is a testament to the achievements of ACG members in the realm of community engagement, education, and awareness concerning colorectal cancer prevention. ACG members are invited to submit their projects and programs for consideration.
Spreading Awareness Across Bergen County
Throughout February and March of 2023, The Valley Hospital organized a series of events aimed at raising awareness about colorectal cancer. These initiatives spanned various venues, including public libraries and the Paramus Park Mall. The hospital also took the extra step of distributing free Fecal Immunochemical Test kits to local churches, in an effort to reach and educate underserved communities. Lectures, videos, and more were part of this comprehensive awareness campaign. Notably, The Valley Hospital placed a strong emphasis on educating the African American community, recognizing their higher risk for colorectal cancer compared to other racial groups. These dedicated awareness efforts were submitted to ACG for consideration.
A Commitment to Colorectal Health
Haleh Pazwash, MD, Subspecialty Department Director of Gastroenterology at The Valley Hospital, expressed the hospital’s honor at receiving this award, stating, “We are honored to have received this award for all we do to communicate the importance of colorectal cancer screening and prevention, including messaging for our Fast-Track Screening Colonoscopy program.”
The Fast-Track Screening Colonoscopy Program
The Valley Hospital introduced the Fast-Track Screening Colonoscopy program to address barriers preventing some patients from scheduling this vital procedure. Traditionally, patients were required to book an additional appointment with a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon before undergoing a colonoscopy. The innovative Fast-Track program eliminates this step. Eligible patients undergo screening through a phone consultation with an advanced practice provider (APP). If deemed eligible, the APP matches patients with a physician based on insurance compatibility, availability, and the patient’s preferences. Since its inception in 2018, The Valley Hospital’s Fast-Track Screening Colonoscopy program has successfully screened over 1,100 patients.
A Commitment to Community Health
Sita Chokhavatia, MD, a dedicated gastroenterologist at The Valley Hospital, emphasized the hospital’s ongoing commitment to community education about colorectal cancer screening and prevention.
For more details about Valley’s innovative Fast-Track Screening Colonoscopy program, visit ValleyHealth.com/FastTrack.
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Cuts Ribbon on Center for Comprehensive Addiction Treatment
November 2023-Bergen New Bridge Medical Center cut the ribbon on its Center for Comprehensive Addiction Treatment (CCAT) which provides patients with individualized, evidence-based, and stigma free care. CCAT offers programs and services for all the stages and phases of a patient’s journey to address their substance use disorder and establish a supportive recovery plan.
Comprehensive Screening in Caring, Stigma-Free Environment
“We have been a leader in addiction treatment for years and CCAT is the future of compassionate and total person care. The CCAT philosophy is simple yet game changing— offering full service comprehensive treatments, individualized for each person, assuring we treat the disease, and care for the patient,” said Deborah Visconi, President & CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “Our goal is to assure all those who seek care from our Medical Center are offered a comprehensive screening, in a caring and stigma-free environment which links them to the most appropriate level of patient-centered care. That there is no wrong door for those that need care. Most importantly, we need everyone to understand that opioid use disorder is a treatable medical condition, we focus on recovery, not abstinence.”
“Substance use disorders affect all communities and people from all walks of life and all age groups,” said James Tedesco, Bergen County Executive. “We are here because in Bergen County we encourage individuals in need of treatment and recovery to seek services and that help starts at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, already a state leader in providing compassionate addiction and recovery services.”
“New Chapter” in Substance Use Disorders Comprehensive Treatment
“Today as we cut this ribbon for CCAT we are launching forward into a whole new chapter of what comprehensive treatment looks like, figuring out how we can do more and do it in a more holistic manner to change the lives of those who are struggling in our community,” said Tracy Zur, Bergen County Commissioner. “Every single day you are saving lives and making sure that people have the tools to fight for recovery.”
“We have developed many programs here for treating substance use disorders, but we always had a dream, and the dream is a reality today,” said Dr. Srikanth Reddy, Chief of Addiction Psychiatry and President, Medical & Dental Staff, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “Every eight minutes an American die of an opioid overdose which means we are at war against addiction. We need to win this war and save lives one life at a time, one day at a time.”
“CCAT offers a wide variety of therapeutic options to patients with addiction, in a caring, stigma-free environment and can take care of people with addictions who also have other medical or behavioral health conditions,” said Dr. Anthony Accurso, Medical Director of Addiction Medicine, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “This has allowed us to serve as a resource for other withdrawal management facilities in New Jersey who cannot always accommodate these patients.”
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