Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset

This morning, RWJ Somerset's Interim Chief Administrative Officer, Deirdre Blaus, led our monthly Employee Communications Council (ECC) meeting. The ECC includes representatives from each of our hospital departments and meets on a monthly basis. ECC representatives listen to important hospital updates and share any feedback from their unit or department colleagues. Thank you to our ECC members for their leadership!

On sunny days there's no shortage of amazing summertime adventures to enjoy, but an increase in outdoor activities also raises the risks for injuries like severe sunburn, drowning and playground mishaps. Christopher Crean, MD, Chair of the Emergency Medicine Department at RWJ Somerset, unpacks 7 common reasons for emergency department visits during summer and offer ways to help you avoid them in our latest edition of Healthy Together: https://ow.ly/fnYF50SCJA7 #LetsBeHealthyTogether #SummerSafety #PoolSafety #BBQSafety

U.S. News & World Report named RWJUH Somerset to its 2024-2025 Best Hospitals as a High Performing hospital for total hip replacement surgery. This the highest distinction a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings, which were announced today. We also recently received the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for total hip and total knee replacement surgery. Our Joint Surgery Program provides a standardized approach to care by all of our joint surgeons, pre-operative education classes, a joint care coordinator and rehabilitation services, including group therapy. Our orthopedic surgical procedures include the anterior approach for total hip replacement, which is a tissue-sparing alternative to traditional hip replacement surgery that provides the potential for less pain, faster recovery and improved mobility. When completed later this year, our new vertical expansion project will include a 35-bed Center for Orthopedic Excellence with all-private patient rooms and a therapy gym. For more information about our Joint Surgery Program, visit www.rwjbh.org/somerset.

We're excited to share that RWJBarnabas Health has been named one of the 2024 Best Places to Work for People with Disabilities! We scored [100] on the Disability Equality Index®, showcasing our commitment to disability inclusivity and equity in the workplace. A huge thank you to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team for its incredible work! Learn more about this recognition: https://ow.ly/RTWH50SChmZ #DisabilityInclusion #BestPlacesToWork #Inclusion #Equity #LetsBeHealthyTogether

Yesterday, RWJ Somerset physicians, nurses and staff provided blood pressure and glucose screenings as well as information about our hospital services at a Health Screening and Disease Prevention Fair presented by Health Camp of New Jersey and Sri Venkateswara Temple in Bridgewater. Over 250 people attended the 24th annual event and spoke with several of our physicians, including cardiologists and primary care physicians at the “Meet the Doc” stations. This event is open to individuals age 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured.

Binge eating disorder, a behavioral condition identified by compulsive overeating, has historically been overshadowed, but it's important to not sweep eating disorders such as this under the rug and to encourage individuals experiencing this to seek help, says Dr. Frank Ghinassi, our Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health Services and CEO and President of Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care. “Now, so many exceptional resources are available to guide patients through the recovery process, further addressing underlying emotional issues and treating more than just the physical illness,” he adds. Dr. Ghinassi describes what the disorder is, its symptoms, how to talk to someone you suspect has an eating disorder, and available treatments here: https://ow.ly/BLv450Szaf2 Learn more about our Eating Disorders Program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset: https://ow.ly/Aoor50Szaf3 #LetsBeHealthyTogether #MentalHealth #BehavioralHealthCare

Let's improve the health of our community together. RWJBarnabas Health, its hospitals, affiliates, and community partners are conducting a Community Health Resident Survey; YOUR INPUT can help shape future programs and services. The survey is available in 8 languages and will only take about 15 minutes to complete: https://bit.ly/rwjb24

Congratulations to Kirk Chan, a mechanic in our Facilities Department, who was named Employee of the Month. Kirk, who has worked at RWJ Somerset for four years, was recognized for his dedication and teamwork and for his willingness to help others. In nominating Kirk for this award, a colleague wrote, “He is a dedicated worker that strives to complete his work professionally, while also maintaining a courteous and helpful demeanor when encountering patients throughout the hospital. Kirk is the type of employee that truly embraces the values of the hospital, and treats everyone like they are family. If you are a new employee trying to find your way, or a patient/visitor lost in our maze of a hospital, Kirk will always take the time to stop and assist you.” Thank you Kirk for representing the best of RWJ Somerset!

A big shout out to our Facilities team for all that they do to maintain our hospital buildings, grounds and infrastructure to ensure a safe environment for our patients, visitors and staff. Working 24/7, these “behind the scenes” heroes keep the hospital running smoothly through heat waves, severe storms and other unexpected challenges. Thank you for always going above and beyond!

We know how special the birth of each baby is and how unique each family is! At RWJ Somerset, we want every birth to reflect the very personal needs and preferences of each family. Shout out to our amazing Maternity Team! #OurPatientsSayItBest #Maternity #LetsBeHealthyTogether