The Cancer Committee guides the cancer related activities of Mercy Medical Center;a multidisciplinary group of physicians and health care professionals.

Cancer Committee Members 2013

Physician Members

Kenneth Ng, MD ChairmanMohammed F. Ali,MD Medical Oncology/Cancer

Conference CoordinatorArlyn Apollo, MD Medical Oncology/Cancer

Liaison PhysicianPamela Drullinsky,MD MedicalOncology/

Coordinator Quality of Cancer Registry Data

Richard Gewanter, MD Radiation Oncology/Cancer Conference Coordinator

Gary Herzog, MD RadiologyRosemary Purrazzella, MD PathologyMuhammad Ramzan, MD Internal Medicine/Palliative

CarePerry Stein, MD Physical Medicine and

RehabilitationLee Tessler, MD NeurosurgeryEric Thall, MD Urology

Non-Physician Members

Sr. M.A Aschenbach Director of Pastoral CarePat Amoroso, RN Nursing EducationGabrielle Andrea, RN, BSN American Cancer SocietyJeannie Colamussi,RN Patient Navigator/Clinical

Research CoordinatorKaren Cunningham, MA, RD, CDN Director of Food & Nutrition

ServicesKathleen Fee Director of Volunteer

ServicesMaggie Glier, RN, BSN,MHA Oncology NursingSheri Goodman, LCSW Care ManagementBeth Hammerman Community Outreach

CoordinatorDympna Idone, RHIA, CCS-P, CTR Assistant Director-Health

Information ManagementKathleen Kennedy,MS,RT®,(CQ) Senior Director of Imaging

& Physician SupportServices

Gail Mazza, RN Quality ImprovementCoordinator

Mark Macchia R. PH. PharmacyTherese McCormack, RHIT, CCS Director of Health

Information ManagementCancer Program Coordinator

Margaret O’Rourke, RHIA, CTR Cancer RegistrarDolores Piscitelli, RN Oncology Nurse ManagerPam Stengel, NPP, MS Behavioral HealthBeth Vlahavas, RN, MSN Vice President of Patient Care

Services/Chief Nursing Officer

Christine Wilson, RN Oncology Nursing

Cancer Committee

WWW.MERCYMEDICALCENTER.INFO11

MERCY MEDICAL CENTERCANCER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT

2013

I am pleased to present toyou this Annual Report. Wecontinue to provideexceptional care at ourInpatient Cancer Care Unitlocated in 4 North. Wecontinue to educate our staffthrough our weekly Cancer

Conference. We continue to provide manymeaningful outreach activities in ourcommunity throughout the year. Recently, wehave started a patient navigator program thathelps patients make better sense of acomplicated array of multi-disciplinarytreatment options. I am proud of all the health care providersand administrators in the Cancer Programwho provide time and effort everyday torealize its high potential. We adhere and meetthe standards of the Commission on Cancer ofthe American College of Surgeons withcommendation. We even look forward toundergo the upcoming survey scheduled forNovember of 2013 to validate our work.However, we must understand why we dowhat we do. It is to improve the outcomes ofpatients in the different facets of their journeywith cancer. After all, our primary goalremains the service of our cancer patientswith humility and compassion.

Kenneth K Ng, MDChairman of the Cancer Program

1

* SITE COMPARISON OF MMC WITH NATIONAL INCIDENCE RATES-2013 (analytical).These statistics are for all analytical cases with exclusion of other ill-defined sites.PRIMARY SITE MMC% * NATIONAL %

Breast (99) 28% 14% Lung (46) 13% 14%Colon (34) 10% 6%Corpus uteri (21) 6% 3%Kidney (15) 4% 4%

MALES MMC *NATIONAL(125) (854,790)

Lung (23) 18% 14%Colon (14) 11% 6%Melanoma (10) 8% 5%Bladder (8) 6% 6%Kidney (7) 6% 5%

FEMALE MMC *NATIONAL(231) (805,500)

Breast (97) 42% 29%Lung (23) 10% 14%Corpus uteri (21) 9% 6%Colon (20) 9% 7%Kidney (98) 3% 3%

*National Figures as reported in “Cancer Facts & Figures 2012” American Cancer Society Publication.

10

MERCY MEDICAL CENTER – REPORT OF THECHAIRMAN OF THE CANCER PROGRAM

Catholic Health Services

Accession Report 20121050 patients accessioned 356 analytical cases

694 non-analytical cases

By Sex By RaceMale 463 Caucasian 765

9

Cancer Survivors Celebrate LifeAt Mercy Medical CenterMercy Medical Center marked National Cancer Survivors day withits third annual gathering of former cancer patients and their families,drawing more than 100 attendees to attest to the fact that life after acancer diagnosis can be meaningful and productive.The September 22nd luncheon at St. Agnes Parish Center included akeynote address by ten – year breast cancer survivor Mary Stolfa, whochronicled her cancer treatment in a book called From Cocktail toChemo.The event also spotlighted Mercy’s Community HospitalComprehensive Cancer Program which has received a covetedOutstanding Achievement Award from the Commission on Cancer ofthe American College of Surgeons. Observed each year, the National Cancer Survivors Day provides anopportunity for the nation’s estimated 12 million cancer survivors tojoin with family, friends and cancer-care medical professionals in acelebration of life and to educate the public on the issues of cancersurvivorship in order to better the quality of life for the cancersurvivors.

Care Management DepartmentBy Sheri Goodman, LCSW

The Care Management Department of Mercy Medical Centerprovides a myriad of services for cancer patients and theirfamilies. These services are to help patients and families copewith the day to day details of a cancer diagnosis. Servicesprovided by the Care Manager and Social Worker on the unitinclude:

- Counseling and Support Care Coordination in concert with the medical plan of care and third party payers Information and referrals regarding community services

- Legal and/or financial referrals- Housing/Environmental issues- Transportation arrangements

Aftercare arrangements including homecare services, hospice services including inpatient and home hospice; Calvary referrals,equipment ordering including IV Infusion Therapy; acute rehaband subacute and/or long term care placementThe clinical Social Worker provides a comprehensive list to thepatient and/or family to assist with finding the best services for thepatient’s needs. The social worker also provides supportivecounseling to patients and families to help cope with the stressorsin their lives and negotiate the system.Located on 4North is the Cancer Care Library. Pamphlets andbooks include information and web sites for outside collateral

2

2012 Annual ReportCommunity Outreach By Beth Hammerman

Mercy Medical Center continued to beinvolved in community outreachprograms which highlighted all aspectsof cancer, from prevention to treatmentand overall awareness. Particular focusfor 2012 was lung, breast, prostate andskin cancer, as well as smoking cessationin the youth population.Mercy participated in over twelvecommunity health fairs held at various

churches, senior citizen facilities, street fairs and recreationcenters. Information and literature was discussed anddistributed on cancer diseases, risk factors, prevention andtreatment. Mercy participated in ten Healthy Sundays, a Catholic HealthServices of Long Island (CHS) community outreach programheld in parishes, designed to promote education on manyimportant health subjects. Mercy distributed and discussedliterature on cancer awareness, healthy lifestyles and smokingcessation at these Healthy Sundays. In 2012 Mercy continued to provide free CT scans for thosepersons at risk for lung cancer. Mercy participated in aninternational research study to test whether CT screening willhelp people at high risk for lung cancer by finding the cancerearlier. If a person was aged 50 or older and has a history ofsmoking, as either a current or former smoker — or aged 40 orolder and never smoked, but have been exposed tosecond-hand smoke, they were eligible to receive a free CTscans as part of Mercy’s Early Lung Cancer Action Program(MMC-ELCAP). In 2012, 199 persons were screened for lungcancer with a CT scan. Lung cancer was detected in onepatient and 14 patients were recommended for some type offollow-up care such as a PET scan, treatment of antibiotics orjust a follow-up visit in three months. Mercy continually promoted breast cancer awareness duringthe year. Mercy encouraged the community to attend theAmerican Cancer Society’s “Look Good Feel Better” programwhich was offered on site every month. Mercy offered ThinkPink activities all month of October for our employees andparticipated in the ACS Making Strides against Breast CancerWalk at Jones Beach. Mercy continued its participation inRotacare, a community-based, free healthcare service foruninsured persons, located in Uniondale. Mammography andPAP smear testing were provided to those patients referredfrom Rotacare to Mercy for this service. In November 2012 Mercy joined with a neighboring hospitaland began offering a Breast Cancer and Breast Health SupportGroup on Mercy’s campus, open to residents of allcommunities. Facilitated by a registered nurse, the group offerssupport, guidance and education on the emotional, physicaland psychological aspects of coping with breast cancer andother breast health issues, its impact on the individual as wellas the family, and information on topics such as: understandingyour diagnosis, treatment options, chemotherapy, radiation,pain management, exercise, nutrition, stress management andmore.

Mercy sponsored a free prostate screening and three lectureson prostate or testicular cancer, one to the clinical staff at theHospital, the two others in the community, at a local libraryand at a local high school to target the youth. At the prostatescreening, eighteen men were examined and three had elevatedPSAs and were called and sent letters for follow-up. Once again a skin cancer screening was provided at the SwimAcross America event. One of Mercy’s Dermatologistsprovided the screening and literature on skin cancer preventionwas distributed at that time. Fourteen persons were screenedand no suspicious results or need for additional follow up werenoted. Mercy provided a skin cancer awareness program to itsemployees through the Molly Biggane Foundation and fiftypersons attended. The speaker discussed the dangers ofexposure to ultraviolent rays including direct sun light andtanning salons. Statistics on the incidence of skin cancer wasreviewed as well as protective strategies to avoid exposure tosun rays.Mercy took an active role in promoting smoking cessationsince becoming a smoke free campus in May 2011. Mercyworked with the Nassau County Department of Health, manyof the Nassau County community hospitals and several otherpartners (Center for Tobacco Control and Tobacco ActionCoalition of Long Island) on a county wide initiative toprevent smoking. Mercy focused its smoking cessation efforts this year onreaching out to the youth. Two Teddy Bear Clinics wereconducted with area elementary schools and part of the takehome message included the reasons why they should neversmoke and how they can encourage any family members tostop if they are smokers. This message was carried out also atthe RVC Kids Fest and at Mercy’s Birth, Baby and Beyond, anall day program for expectant parents, many of whom areteenagers. Mercy participated in two high school health fairshighlighting this message and at another high school for theGreat American Smoke Out Day. Mercy Medical Center marked National Cancer SurvivorsDay® with its second annual gathering of former cancerpatients and their families, drawing more than 125 attendees toattest to the fact that life after a cancer diagnosis can bemeaningful and productive. The keynote speaker at Mercy’sCancer Survivor Day was a seven-year breast cancer survivorwho chronicled her cancer treatment in a book calledDiamonds in the Snow: Rescuing the Senses in the Aftermathof Breast Cancer, and then founded Necessities, Inc., anon-profit organization that supports women battling breastcancer with the Necessities Bag, a tote filled with informationand supplies to help manage surgery and recovery from amastectomy. As a result of this event, Mercy now providesthese Necessities Bags to our breast cancer patients.

Cancer Survivor Day

Cancer Care Report, Fall 2012The Quality Department at Mercy Medical center’s CancerProgram along with the Commission on Cancer has focusedon Pain Management and Patient satisfactions scores.HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of HealthcareProviders) scores are separated on the 4 North Oncology floorand compared to the nation. In 2012, the Top Box score is81.8%, and the percentile ranking is 94%. This demonstratessignificant improvement. Mercy Medical Center hasdeveloped a Pain Committee, which is multidisciplinary. It isa unit-based collaborative spearheaded by Robin Cohen, PAon 4 North Oncology, along with Anthony Uberti, Director ofMid Level Providers and Delores Piscitelli , Assistant NurseManager. A Pain RRT is being developed as part of the PainCommittee. This will focus on the patient’s level of pain andaddressing through a rapid response team. We will continueto focus on the patient’s pain and maintain our improvedpatient satisfaction scores

2012 Oncology NursingEducation OverviewPrepared by Patricia Amoroso RN, BSN

The Cancer Care Unit is located on 4North at Mercy Medical Center. It is a10 bed Acute Care Oncology Unit.This specialized unit provides qualitycare for the oncology patient in allphases of the disease. Mercy MedicalCenter offers a multidisciplinaryapproach to patient care. This includesMemorial Sloan Kettering CancerCenter Physicians, OncologyPhysicians with privileges, as well asother consulting specialty physicians,a dedicated Oncology Physician

Assistant, Oncology Registered Nurses, An Oncology SocialWorker, Case Managers, A Registered Nutritionist, Pastoral CareTeam, Palliative Care Team, Pain Management, Patient CareAssociates, and a group of wonderful volunteers. The team meets daily to create an individualized plan of care.This multidisciplinary approach focuses on thePhysical/psycho/social/spiritual needs of both the oncologypatient and their families/significant others.Mercy Medical Center also admits and cares for the hospicepatient. The entire oncology staff is specially trained andsensitive to the needs of hospice patients, their families, andsignificant loved ones. Family and friends have 24/7 access tothe Unit. The Unit provides comfort lounges that expand into abed for overnight visits.The Oncology Unit has a Patient Library in which Patientshave easy access to their records at Memorial Sloan Kettering.Website access can also allow easy access to the AmericanCancer Society, National Cancer Institute, and other various sitesfor information and support. We offer Complimentary Therapiessuch as Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Soft Touch Therapy, PetTherapy, Relaxation Therapy, Guided Imagery, and Hand/Footmassage Therapy. Our patient linens and blankets are warmed to enhance aperson’s comfort level. As a patient on this Specialized Unit, a Volunteer Navigatorwill meet with the patient and refer that individual to theAmerican Cancer Society. This allows the Oncology Patient tohave direct access to relevant information, support services, andprograms offered by the American Cancer Society. TheAmerican Cancer Society will contact the patient post discharge,offering information, resources, and Guidance, Look Good…Feel Better Program, Man to Man, Reach to Recovery, I CanCope, Wig Program, Financial Assistance, and other supportservices.Mercy Medical Center has a Clinical Navigator who is aregistered nurse who meets and assists with biopsies; if thepatient has a positive diagnosis the navigator will follow up thepatient after discussing the patient with the doctor. The navigatorwill offer information on access to clinical trials, explain clinicalaspects of care, insurance, referrals for spiritual needs,

transportation issues and offer emotional support.. One hundred percent of the R.N.’s staff has completed theOncology Nursing Society’s Chemotherapy and Biotherapycourse. These Specialized Nurses are highly skilled andcompetent in the treatment for Oncology patients and in PainManagement. The goal for 2014 is to have the RN staff onehundred percent certified in oncology nursing, presently we havetwenty five percent certified. Mercy Medical Center provides a high standard of care.Performance Improvement Initiatives are ongoing on a monthlybasis. Continuous Nursing Education and evidence basedpractices are the standard at Mercy Medical Center.

8

Patient Navigator Program By Colleen Vandermark,Coordinator Patient Navigator Program

Our Nurse Navigator here at Mercy isJeannie Colamussi RN. She has beenworking at Mercy Medical Center as aregistered nurse for almost 28 years. Shehas been a dedicated and compassionate partof the Mercy Nursing team. She always hasthe patients and the patient’s family as hermain focus and priority. In 2012 MMC developed a PatientNavigation program supported by Mercyvolunteers in partnership with AmericanCancer Society. Our volunteers spend timewith patients of the Oncology unit 4N.

Due to the community needs, and Cancer on Commissionguidelines Mercy has expanded the navigation program to includea clinical Nurse Navigator in the Women’s Breast Imaging Center.This is a supportive role along with the clinical education of aregistered nurse to coordinate and provide an optimum patient care. The goal of the navigation program is to be an advocate forpatients and their families and to have a “go to person” here atMercy. This position is able to capture patients from the time ofdiagnosis of possible cancer to survivorship. The nurse navigatoralso recognizes and helps to overcome any barriers that wouldaffect or delay optimum patient care. As of 2013 the nurse navigator is actively following andsupporting over 20 patients. These patients and families haveexpressed their gratitude and appreciation of the added service. The Nurse Navigator as well as Mercy’s entire healthcare teamapproach is to ultimately provide our patients with the best possiblecare.For information, call 516-62MERCY.

3

Jeannie Colamussi, RNPatient NavigatorClinical Research

Coordinator

Cancer Liaison Physician’sReport

In accordance with Standard 4.6,Assessment of Evaluation and TreatmentPlanning, we reviewed all colon cancer casesfrom the Cancer Program Practice ProfileReports (CP3R) 2012 data. Sixteen caseswere identified and reviewed. This cohortwas comprised of patients with stages Ithrough IVB disease. Of patients with

node-positive, non-metastatic disease (stage III) who would beappropriate for adjuvant chemotherapy, four either did notreceive treatment and / or were lost to follow-up:• One patient was age 96 nursing-home resident at the time ofdiagnosis; she underwent subtotal colectomy and was felt not tobe a candidate for adjuvant chemotherapy.• An 82-year-old patient was lost to follow up, despite several attempts at making contact with the patient and treating physician. • A 55-year-old man underwent resection by one of our surgeonsat Mercy Medical Center. The case was discussed at Cancer Conference, where consensus recommendation was for adjuvant FOLFOX or XELOX. However, neither the patient nor treating physician responded via mail or phone. • A 46-year-old man with Inflammatory Bowel Disease was discussed at Cancer Conference. We made contact with two physicians to whom the patient was referred, who informed us that the patient did not present for evaluation.

7

Palliative Care Report 2012 Integrative erapiesBy Maggie Glier, RN, BSN, MHA

The Integrative Therapies offered at Mercy Medical Center arecomplimentary therapies to ease the way during Cancer Treatmentand Recovery. These therapies are available to patients at thepatient's request. These can help control many symptoms and sideeffects; they can help keep the patient strong through treatment andrecovery.

Complimentary Therapies offered are:

- Bedside Yoga - Music Therapy - Soft Touch Therapy

Relaxation Therapy-Relaxation therapy is available to patients bya registered nurse who has specialized training in relaxation therapyand will come to a patient's bedside if requested. This therapy allowsthe patient to take mini vacations in the mind. Starting at the tip ofthe toes, consciously relaxing each body part as you gradually moveup the body; the body and mind will relax accordingly.

Music Therapy-For many, music has important benefits. It can calm, distract, and soothe. The music therapy is located on thefourth floor visitor's lounge and is available according to thecalendar.

Art Therapy-Creative expression can often help people with cancercope with the treatment and recovery process; it can be emotionallyrestorative and can serve as an outlet for expressing your feelingsabut illness, treatment and life itself. Art therapy includes drawingand painting. The process of seeing and exploring through theimages created through art therapy can distract from health issues aswell as help the patient to:

- Become more self aware - Express fear and anxiety and other emotions that may be difficult to express - Lessen stress - Improve quality of life - Find comfort, freedom, and hope

Soft Touch Therapy-Mercy Medical Center has trainedpersonnel that are available to offer the patients a hand or footmassage, this can help you feel calm and relaxed. It may relievesome symptoms related to cancer. Upon request from the nurse,ambassador or PCA and the therapy will be provided. There aremany benefits of massage therapy:

- Promotes well nourished and healthy skin - Improves circulation - Relaxes muscles and improves joint mobility- Restores balance, and brings back the body to normal by triggering the relaxation response. Massage also reliefs many of the mental and physical problems caused by prolonged stress.

Bedside Yoga-Bedside yoga is offered through patient educationvideos on demand. Many believe that yoga brings the mind,body, and spirit together in a peaceful union. It can be donealong with deep breathing. The instructions are available foraccess at the bedside.

Guided Imagery-has been shown to provide significant stressreduction benefits, including physically relaxing the bodyquickly and efficiently and even helping participants to get intouch with deeper levels of wisdom (held on a subconsciouslevel) that can help them better manage their lives in ways thatwould reduce stress. Studies demonstrate that the health benefitsof imagery are so numerous that many hospitals areincorporating imagery as an option to help with treatment.Guided imagery is available through patient education videos on demand.

Pet Therapy-People who are sick, lonely, feeling down and evendepressed will often respond to an animal offering genuineaffection and unconditional love. Responses might includesmiles, eye-contact, physical touch (reaching out, petting andstroking), and communication. Pet therapy is available on theunit according to the available calendar.

The Palliative Care Committee is aformal committee which is asubcommittee of the Ethics Committee.The Palliative Care Committee iscomprised of pastoral care, doctors,social workers, physician’s assistants,staff nurses, dieticians, and riskmanagement. The committee membersmeet weekly to discuss the individualpatients and their needs. The teamcollaborates to see which team membermay need to intervene to meet the special

needs of the patient.Since January of 2012 there have been 179 formal

palliative care consults but larger numbers of patients weredirectly enrolled in hospice. The committee designed ascreening tool that simplifies the assessment criteria forphysicians to order a palliative care consult; this hasincreased the number of consults. The main focus for this patient population is aggressive

symptom management to improve the patient’s quality of lifein the face of a short life expectancy. A significant number of patients qualified for inpatient

hospice and were managed in the oncology unit where thestaff is specifically trained in end of life care. As thepatient’s transition to home, hospice or a facility withhospice, the nurses work with the discharge planning team tofacilitate a smooth transition to the next level of care. Palliative and hospice services improved patient and

family satisfaction. The HCAP score for the oncology unitdemonstrate the staff is meeting all the needs of the patients.The pain management scores for the oncology unit for the

third quarter 2012 are up to 99%. Responsiveness ofhospital staff is 99% for the fourth quarter of 2012 after theimplantation of the Ambassador Program. The HCAP scoresare a true indicator that the staff has focused on meeting theneeds of the patient and symptom management.

Spiritual Care/PastoralCare“Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. Itreminds us to cherish each moment, because it will nevercome again. What we leave behind is not as important ashow we have lived.” Jean Luc Picard

“By Sr. Mary Alice Aschenbach, VP Pastoral Care

One way to recognize the chaplainin a hospital is to take note of thosewho are not rushing somewhere.Chaplains have time – it is part of thegift of chaplaincy. They have time togreet people along their way tosomeplace else, as well as time totake notice of another’s slumpedshoulders or rejoicing facialexpression. They have time to talk

and to listen, time to walk with someone and time to sitbeside someone. A chaplain is a perfect companion to takeon one’s personal journey through illness, grief, joys andsorrows. They are wonderful companions in a hospitalsetting, because they have the time to value time andpresence. They know how to spend the present moment andhow to cherish it. We, the Pastoral Staff here at Mercy Medical Center, havecompanioned many on their journey through good times andbad times. We have encouraged our patients to cherish themoments of their lives, and we have shared in theremembered cherished moments with patients and families.Each retelling of a moment repeats the joy of it. Eachretelling of a sorrow assists in easing a painful memory.Each memory of an anger or fractured relationship beginsthe process of healing. To help one realize the gift they havebeen to others and their loved ones through the years is theprivilege of a chaplain, who companions the patients andfamilies on this part of their journey in life.

We thank all those who have allowed us to be with themthis past year.

4

New Programs at Mercyby Aaron Glatt, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

Mercy Medical Center is committed to providing the best cancer care in a compassionate andcomforting environment. In that regard, September marked the opening of several newprograms at Mercy that will benefit our cancer patients. Please be our ambassador and help usspread the word in your social circles and community about these great new Mercy services.Patients can now undergo PET/CT scanning, an important test in caring for patients withcancer and other illnesses, right here on our campus with convenient parking and easy accessfor debilitated patients. Our state-of-the-art PET/CT will be available for outpatients onThursdays (7:30AM-4:00PM). Patients can be scheduled by calling 1-866-235-7226. Aphysician order is required and our Director of Radiology, Dr. Gary Herzog and his excellentstaff (516-705-2271) are available for consultation. Likewise, we are taking referrals and making appointments for our brand new BalanceCenter. Some cancer patients have balance issues due to many possible causes. Ourstate-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic service can address all of the common causes offalls and injuries in cancer and other patients. More than 90 million Americans haveexperienced dizziness or a balance problem in their lifetime. Being dizzy and falling causesmany painful injuries and broken bones, brain trauma, and accidental deaths each year.Mercy’s new Balance Center offers painless rapid testing that can quickly pinpoint one of themany treatable causes of dizziness and loss of balance, and our specially trained vestibulartherapists offer therapeutic options for these serious illnesses. For more information aboutbalance testing, please call Rajesh Kakani, MD, (516-222-1105) the Medical Director of thisprogram, or Beth Hammerman (516-705- 2621), or simply call 516-62MERCY to schedulean appointment. We are also thrilled that our renowned inpatient rehabilitation program has expanded tooffer ambulatory rehabilitation right here on our campus. With a separate entrance and ampleimmediately adjacent free parking, this beautiful new facility comprehensively addresses allthe rehabilitation needs of the cancer patient. Our physiatrists, physical and occupationaltherapists, and speech language pathologists are highly trained and evaluate and treat a widevariety of physical disabilities. From simple deconditioning with difficulty walking, tocomplex disabilities resulting from severe neurologic impairment including dysphagia,

5 6

ataxia, post surgical / orthopedic disabilities, post-stroke rehabilitation and spasticity, as wellas electrodiagnostic examination and injection therapy, ambulatory Mercy rehab is a giantstep in the right direction. Please call Kerry Brown at 516-705-3772 or 2637 for moreinformation, or to schedule an appointment.Two brand new 64 slice CTs have just been installed, and a new MRI with breast imagingand biopsy capabilities is being put in as well. Faster and with less radiation, outpatients canbe seen anytime throughout the day or with convenient late evening appointments so they donot have to miss work. Mercy is also a leader in providing caring, convenient, comprehensivebreast health care – with screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, all at one location inour state-of-the-art Radiology and Imaging Center. Our highly-skilled radiologists and breastsurgeons offer a complete range of treatment options, including priority plastic surgeryconsultations and the latest techniques in full reconstructive procedures. And to assist thosenewly-diagnosed, living with, or survivors of cancer, Mercy has partnered with the AmericanCancer Society to offer a free Patient Navigation Program to provide patients and theirfamilies with information about accessing available support services and resources. All of theservices are just a phone call away at 516-62MERCY or by calling 516-705-1300. As part of our mission, Mercy wants to provide our excellent services to even more patients.Everyone has the ability to influence friends and family as to where they receive their healthcare.