News from the University Hospital at Downstate
November 2024

A Message from David H. Berger, MD, MHCM, FACS, CEO of University Hospital at Downstate

Downstate Named Top Hospital by American College of Surgeons 

We are proud to announce that University Hospital at Downstate (UHD) has been named an American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) Meritorious Hospital for the 2023 calendar year. UHD is one of 77 top hospitals to achieve national recognition for its surgical patient care in a number of categories as measured by data collected in 2023.

UHD’s recognition was determined by scoring eight patient management outcomes, including mortality, unplanned intubation, ventilator > 48 hours, renal failure, cardiac incidents (cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction); respiratory (pneumonia); SSI (surgical site infections-superficial and deep incisional and organ-space SSIs); and urinary tract infections. UHD has been recognized on the “All Cases” Meritorious list, which is a select group that has achieved a meritorious composite score across all categories.

ACS NSQIP is the preeminent nationally validated quality improvement program that measures and enhances the care of surgical patients. This program measures the actual surgical results 30 days postoperatively as well as risk adjusts patient characteristics to compensate for differences among patient populations and acuity levels. The goal of ACS NSQIP is to reduce surgical morbidity (infection or illness related to a surgical procedure) and surgical mortality (death related to a surgical procedure) and to provide a firm foundation for surgeons to apply what is known as the “best scientific evidence” to the practice of surgery. Furthermore, when adverse effects from surgical procedures are reduced and/or eliminated, a reduction in healthcare costs follows. ACS NSQIP is a major program of the ACS and is currently used in over 850 adult or pediatric hospitals. Hospitals participating in ACS NSQIP are designated as ACS Surgical Quality Partners.

Spotlight on Our Doula-Friendliness Program

In collaboration with The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH), University Hospital at Downstate partners with community-based doula programs, including By My Side Birth Support Program, Brooklyn Perinatal Network, and Ancient Song, to enhance hospital policies and practices that support doula services. Together, we work to improve hospital doula-friendliness, ultimately fostering better outcomes for maternity patients. 

The team meets regularly to develop strategies that promote seamless collaboration between hospital staff and doulas, integrating doula care into the maternity team. This collaboration provides staff training on the importance of doula support and establishes a streamlined referral process from UHD to community-based doula programs. The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Downstate Health is in full support of this program under the leadership of our Chair, Camille A. Clare, M.D., MPH, CPE, FACOG.

Below are a few pictures from one of the NYCDOHMH Maternal Health Quality Improvement Network Doula-Friendliness Program meetings on doula support services for our patients:

Employee of the Month for October 2024

Gary Coke, EKG Technician in the Emergency Department, has been a dedicated member of our team for over 20 years. Known for his reliability and positivity, Gary is not only a skilled EKG technician but also a supportive colleague who mentors new EKG Technicians as a preceptor. 

Recently, Gary was recognized by a co-worker for his “exemplary performance” and for a “Great Catch/Near Miss.” Sensing something “feeling off” with a patient, Gary alerted the nurse—an action that may have saved the patient’s life. His attention to detail, calmness under pressure, and willingness to speak up make him an invaluable asset to the team.

Gary is also recognized for being friendly and welcoming to all. He is a pleasure to work with and it is a privilege to have him as a colleague.   

We are proud to congratulate Gary Coke for his outstanding service and positive impact on our patients and staff.