The welcome lobby at the Medical Oncology & Infusion Center at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township was recently dedicated in memory of the late Ronald “Ronnie” Dandrea of Vineland, NJ. Dandrea passed away in April 2020 from pancreatic cancer at age 58. Lifelong friends Daniel and Lisa Falasca of Haddonfield, NJ, wanted to honor his life and legacy, and carry on his charitable spirit with a generous gift to Jefferson Health – New Jersey. “We chose to honor Ronnie’s legacy as a reminder to those who are battling cancer. Each time a patient walks through the front... Continue reading

A Wisconsin Wonderland By Nicole Pensiero For East Coast residents, the state of Wisconsin often brings up two thoughts: the Green Bay Packers and cheese – lots of cheese. But in terms of what Wisconsin looks like, people often draw a blank. Many of my friends marveled at the verdant beauty shown in photos I posted on social media of a wonderful region known as Door County. Charming School House Beach on Washington Island. Photo by Nicole Pensiero Often referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door County is a unique vacation destination - a nearly 70-mile long... Continue reading

Autum Shingler-Nace, DNP, RN, NE-BC, has been promoted to Vice President of Operations at the Jefferson Health Washington Township campus. In this position, Dr. Shingler-Nace will oversee daily operations at the 230-bed acute care hospital during a time of immense growth, as the hospital opens its new Silvestri Tower. In addition, she will have oversight of other key services on the campus, including the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township and the Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience. Dr. Shingler-Nace will replace retiring hospital Chief Administrative Officer John Graham. Graham has held senior leadership roles since 1991 at... Continue reading

A special Flag Day celebration was held outside Jefferson Washington Township Hospital’s Silvestri Tower on Monday — marking the first time the U.S. flag is raised outside of the newly constructed patient pavilion, slated to open this summer. The June 14th event featured the Color Guard from the local Police Department and a performance of the National Anthem by Washington Township High School senior Sabrina Sims, followed by members of Boy Scout Troop #123 leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Local officials in attendance included Washington Township Mayor Joann Gattinelli; Jefferson Health - New Jersey President Brian Sweeney; and the hospital’s... Continue reading

(Photo credit: Jefferson Health – New Jersey) Cherry Hill, NJ, June 9, 2021 - A graduation ceremony for nine South Jersey young adults completing a year-long Project SEARCH work-transition program was held at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital on June 7. Each student from Cherry Hill’s Y.A.L.E. School interned in several hospital departments, including Food Service, Patient Accounts, Storeroom and Environmental Services. Shown, from left, are the students who received their Project SEARCH graduation certificates: Jordan Wright (Easthampton); Marcus Timar (Haddonfield); Eddie Perez (Camden); Naitri Patel (Hainesport); Owen Muller (Pennsauken); Amelia McKitrick (Cherry Hill); William McAnurn (Haddonfield); Jessica Kelokates (Cherry Hill);... Continue reading

Emergency Department (ED) staff at Jefferson Stratford Hospital were recently honored with the 2020 DAISY Team Award for providing extraordinary, compassionate and skillful care amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Patient Care Services Coordinators Tracy Coleman, MSN, RN, and Steven Grille, RN, BS, CEN, nominated their colleagues for going “above and beyond” to collaborate and determine an immediate care plan during a recent high-acuity, high-census evening around change-of-shift. At the same time, a patient underwent cardiac arrest, another was unresponsive and required intubation, and a third needed respiratory support and Narcan, among other ED patients who required care. “This situation does not... Continue reading

Shown here, left to right, with the new Sleepea swaddles, are: Jefferson Washington Township Hospital NICU nurses Julie Viggiano, Maria Cosico, Rachael Cortes and Denise Lamplugh. Just in time for Mother’s Day, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital has received a donated supply of Sleepea® swaddles from California-based Happiest Baby, Inc., which, in 2020 and 2019, donated several SNOO bassinets to the hospital. The SNOO bassinet – a combination rocker-white noise machine – is programmed to respond when a baby cries, also swaddles babies so they can’t roll on their sides, preventing factors associated with... Continue reading

Jefferson Health’s Outpatient Medical Imaging Center, located on the Jefferson Washington Township campus, has been awarded a three-year term of re-accreditation in breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), after a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). MRI of the breast offers valuable information about many conditions that might not be obtained by other imaging modalities, such as mammography or ultrasound. The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists on an array of quality measures. To schedule an... Continue reading

Jefferson Health’s three New Jersey hospitals – located in Cherry Hill, Stratford and Washington Township – were each awarded an ‘A’ in the Spring 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing achievements in protecting patients from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to health care quality and safety. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade assigns an ‘A,’ ‘B,’ ‘C,’ ‘D,’ or ‘F’ grade to all general hospitals across the country and is updated every six months. It is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospitals’ prevention of medical... Continue reading

The Bill Bottino Cancer Foundation (BBCF) — one of Jefferson Health - New Jersey’s key donors — recently donated $50,000 to the Patient Assistance Fund of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township. The Patient Assistance Fund provides patients financial support for household living expenses during their treatment. Since 2013, the Bridgeton, NJ-based nonprofit BBCF has donated more than $400,000 to Jefferson Health - New Jersey through funds raised at its annual golf tournament and other philanthropic events. “Last year’s BBCF donation helped more than 30 patients with cancer focus on their well-being and care,” said Ana María López,... Continue reading

Major League Baseball’s Opening Day is always a special day, especially this year on April 1st for avid Philadelphia Phillies fan David J. Kovalsky, DO, a hospitalist at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital. Following a long, dark and cold baseball offseason, Opening Day marks the first of a 162-game season filled with excitement and warm weather. This year, the season opener is extra meaningful, as it will be the first time in 550 days that fans are allowed to watch “America's pastime” inside Citizens Bank Park. Due to the pandemic, last season was shortened to 60 games and seats were only... Continue reading

The Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) Department at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital has been awarded ultrasound practice reaccreditation, through 2024, from the Ultrasound Practice Accreditation Council of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). AIUM Ultrasound Practice Accreditation is a voluntary peer-review process that allows practices to demonstrate they meet or exceed nationally recognized standards in the performance and interpretation of diagnostic ultrasound examinations. Jefferson’s MFM department achieved this recognition by meeting rigorous voluntary guidelines set by the diagnostic ultrasound profession. “We are honored to be recognized by AIUM for our efforts to provide quality obstetrical ultrasounds,” said Tammy Harold,... Continue reading

Jefferson Health - New Jersey has announced the appointment of its new Medical Staff officers, each elected for a two-year term: Dr. Daniel Tarditi, Medical Staff President, is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology. A graduate of RowanSOM, he is also fellowship trained in Cardiology. Dr. Tarditi is a member of the American College of Cardiology, American Osteopathic Association, American Society of Echocardiography, and American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. A cardiologist with The Heart House, Dr. Tarditi resides in Haddonfield, NJ. Dr. Alan Lucerna, Medical Staff Vice President, is an attending physician at the Jefferson Stratford Hospital Emergency Department.... Continue reading

Two Jefferson Health – New Jersey nurses, from the Jefferson Washington Township Hospital campus, were recently honored with DAISY Awards for their compassionate and skillful care: Medical/Surgical 2 nurse Iwona Soloff, RN, of Sicklerville, NJ, was nominated by a recently diagnosed cancer patient for making them feel better with her “delightful personality” and “warm, caring nature.” Surgical Center nurse Michelle Hudak, BSN, RN, of Williamstown, NJ, was nominated by a surgery patient for her positive attitude and ability to make them feel comfortable before their procedure. This is Michelle’s second DAISY Award at Jefferson. Iwona and Michelle were presented the... Continue reading

Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital Surgical Services nurse Siobhan King, MA, BSN, RN, CPAN, CAPA, was recently honored with a DAISY Award for compassionate and skillful care. She was presented the award by Jefferson Health – New Jersey Chief Nursing Officer Helene Burns, DPN, RN, NE-BC, shown right. A grateful patient nominated the Mount Laurel, NJ, resident for her empathy, dedication, and use of humor to help him through a difficult recovery after a colonoscopy. Part of an international program, DAISY honorees are nominated by patients, family members, and colleagues for demonstrating excellence through clinical expertise, extraordinary compassionate care, and a... Continue reading

Jefferson Health – New Jersey’s Washington Township-based Maternity Center, a participating facility in Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey’s network, has been recognized with a Blue Distinction® Centers (BDC) for Maternity Care designation, as part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Racial and ethnic disparities are persistent and widespread across maternal healthcare, primarily driven by socioeconomic status, geographic location, and implicit provider bias. Compared to similarly developed countries, such as Canada, Germany, and Australia, the United State has the highest maternal mortality rate (MMR), at approximately 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births,... Continue reading

Pictured, from left: the Silvestri Tower at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital under construction (scheduled for completion in July 2021) and the recently completed Patient Pavilion at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital Monumental changes at Jefferson Cherry Hill and Washington Township Hospitals will enhance the patient and family experience, enable new clinical programs in the community and keep specialized care close to home. Both hospitals have undergone multi-million dollar renovations over the past few years and now bring the latest technology and patient-focused care to South Jersey. In December 2020, Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital wrapped up a five-year, $250-million renovation project with... Continue reading

Jefferson President & COO Brian Sweeney addressed the onlookers at the launch of the new Camden County vaccination site at Camden County College in Blackwood. On Wednesday, January 13, The Camden County Board of Commissioners opened its new COVID-19 vaccination site at Camden County College in Blackwood with Jefferson Health – New Jersey playing an important supporting role. Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli, Jr., was joined by area healthcare professionals and institutional leaders to talk about the new COVID-19 vaccination site. Jefferson Health – New Jersey President Brian Sweeney was one of several officials to address a crowd of supporters and... Continue reading

The Comprehensive Breast Center, located at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township, recently welcome two new breast surgeons to its team of physicians: Kristin Brill, MD, FACS, and Susanna M. Nazarian, MD, PhD, FACS. We spoke with Dr. Brill and Dr. Nazarian about their experiences in the medical field, and what they look forward to bringing to Jefferson Health - New Jersey. One Passion, Two Stories Dr. Brill and Dr. Nazarian are both passionate surgeons who have a deep desire to help their patients by providing the best care possible. However, their individual stories as healthcare professionals are... Continue reading

as Blue Distinction® Center for Bariatric Surgery Jefferson Health – New Jersey has been recognized with a Blue Distinction® Centers for Bariatric Surgery designation as part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated healthcare facilities that show a commitment to delivering high-quality patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation/quality organizations. Jefferson Health – New Jersey - a participating facility in Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey’s network - earned this designation by meeting the... Continue reading

A new Patient Pavilion with all-private rooms has opened at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, the last phase of a five-year, $250 million-plus campus revitalization project. “This marks a new era for our health system and our Cherry Hill Hospital,” said Jefferson Health - New Jersey President Brian Sweeney. “It elevates the level of service and care we can provide our community members.” In addition to new patient care units with private rooms, the new Patient Pavilion also has new Medical Imaging facilities and a modern, full-service café. Designed with patients and their family members’ comfort and convenience in mind, some... Continue reading

A new medical practice – Jefferson Health Haddonfield Primary & Specialty Care (A LGBTQ+ Affirming Practice) – will begin seeing patients on Monday, January 4. Easily accessible by both car and public transportation, this practice will provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ patients to seek inclusive, multidisciplinary care. While focused on caring for LGBTQ patients, this new medical practice is open to all adult members of the community needing medical care. Jefferson Health Haddonfield Primary & Specialty Care, located at 80 Tanner Street, will offer services in infectious diseases care, HIV, behavioral health and primary care. “We will also provide... Continue reading

New Jefferson Health LGBTQ+ Affirming Practice Opens in Haddonfield on January 4 Haddonfield, NJ, December 28, 2020 – A new medical practice – Jefferson Health Haddonfield Primary & Specialty Care (A LGBTQ+ Affirming Practice) – will begin seeing patients on Monday, January 4. Easily accessible by both car and public transportation, this practice will provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ patients to seek inclusive, multidisciplinary care. While focused on caring for LGBTQ patients, this new medical practice is open to all adult members of the community needing medical care. Jefferson Health Haddonfield Primary & Specialty Care, located at 80 Tanner... Continue reading

for ICU Staff at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital on Dec. 17 Ashley Kulikowski of Glassboro, NJ, knows first-hand the impact of COVID. Not only did the 23-year-old battle the disease herself, she also lost her beloved grandfather to the pandemic in October. “I know how awful it feels to have COVID, and I know how much worse it is to lose someone to it,” the young nonprofit leader said. “I can only imagine how hard it is for the healthcare workers dealing with COVID-19 patients and seeing the pain they face every day. If my grandpa was here, he would... Continue reading

in Fall 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade Jefferson Health’s three New Jersey hospitals – located in Cherry Hill, Stratford and Washington Township – were each awarded an ‘A’ in the Fall 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing achievements in protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to health care quality and safety. The Safety Grade assigns an ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’ or ‘F’ grade to all general hospitals across the country and is updated every six months. It is based on a hospital’s performance in... Continue reading