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2008

St. Francis receives American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines Silver Performance Achievement Award

Trenton, NJSt. Francis Medical Center has received the American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines SM –Stroke(GWTG–Stroke) Silver Performance Achievement Award. The award recognizes St. Francis’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations.

“With a stroke, time lost is brain lost, and the GWTG–Stroke Silver Performance Achievement Award addresses the important element of time,” said Jerry Jablonowski, president and CEO. St. Francis has developed a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department. This includes always being equipped to provide brain imaging scans, having neurologists available to conduct patient evaluations and using clot-busting medications when appropriate.

To receive the GWTG-Stroke Silver Performance Achievement Award, St. Francis consistently complied for at least one year with the requirements in the GWTG–Strokeprogram. These include aggressive use of medications like tPA, antithrombotics, anticoagulation therapy, DVT prophylaxis, cholesterol reducing drugs, and smoking cessation. This twelve-month evaluation period is the second in an ongoing self-evaluation by the hospital to continually reach the 85 percent compliance level needed to sustain this award.

“The American Stroke Association commends St. Francis for its success in implementing standards of care and protocols,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., national Get With the Guidelines Steering Committee Member and director of acute stroke services at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “The full implementation of acute care and secondary prevention recommendations and guidelines is a critical step in saving the lives and improving outcomes of stroke patients.”

GWTG –Stroke uses the “teachable moment,” the time soon after a patient has had a stroke, when they are most likely to listen to and follow their healthcare professionals’ guidance. Studies demonstrate that patients who are taught how to manage their risk factors while still in the hospital reduce their risk of a second heart attack or stroke. ThroughGWTG–Stroke, customized patient education materials are made available at the point of discharge, based on patients’ individual risk profiles. The take-away materials are written in an easy-to-understand format and are available in English and Spanish. In addition, the GWTG Patient Management Tool provides access to up-to-date cardiovascular and stroke science at the point of care.

“The time is right for St. Francis to be focused on improving the quality of stroke care by implementing GWTG–Stroke. The number of acute ischemic stroke patients eligible for treatment is expected to grow over the next decade due to increasing stroke incidence and a large aging population,” said Barbara Simonds, RN, BSN, director of the Stroke Program.

According to the American Stroke Association, each year approximately 700,000 people suffer a stroke — 500,000 are first attacks and 200,000 are recurrent. Of stroke survivors, 21 percent of men and 24 percent of women die within a year, and for those aged 65 and older, the percentage is even higher.

 

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER NAMES 2008 VIP AWARD RECIPIENTS


St. Francis Medical Center named the 2008 recipients for the hospital’s Values In Practice (VIP) Employee Award. The Values In Practice Employee Recognition Program was established to honor those employees who best exemplify the mission and the values of the medical center. It also honors those who have made outstanding contributions to the medical center and the community. The St. Francis Medical Center 2008 Values In Practice (VIP) Employee Award recipients are: Valerie Arlen, Radiology Transcriptionist – Radiology, of Levittown, PA; Delores Colquitt, Dietetic Hostess – Dietary, of Trenton, NJ; Alana Darling, HRIS/Benefits Coordinator, Human Resources, of Barnegat, NJ; Angie Garcia, Program Therapist – Psychiatry, of Trenton; Kris Heckman, Sr. Biomedical Technician, Clinical Engineering, of Chalfont, PA; Andrew Katz, Technology Analyst – Information Technology, of Manalapan, NJ; Valerie McQuaide, RN, Team Coordinator – Outpatient Clinic, of Riverside, NJ; James McRae, Housekeeper – Environmental Services, of Hamilton, NJ; Carmen Tan, RN, Team Coordinator – Cardiopulmonary Lab, of Lawrenceville, NJ; and Marisol Weaver-Henderson, Center Program Assistant – Children’s Futures, of Morrisville, PA.

ST. FRANCIS HIRES DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

Jill Wargo, FACHE serves as Director of Clinical Program Planning & Development and reports directly to Jerry Jablonowski, President and CEO. In this role, Jill is responsible for leading strategic business initiatives and developing service lines in support of the hospital’s mission and community need. She brings over 14 years of clinical and administrative experience to St. Francis. Jill received her Mastersdegree in Speech-Language Pathology from The College of New Jersey and is a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives. Jill lives with her husband Jerry and daughter Lauren in East Windsor, NJ.

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER RECEIVES AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY ACCREDITATION

TRENTON, NJ – St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, NJ has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in Mammography as the result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR, headquartered in Reston, VA, awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of the practice. Board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field conduct evaluations. They assess the qualifications of the personnel and the adequacy of facility equipment. The surveyors report their findings to the ACR’s Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report. St. Francis Medical Center is equipped with the GE Healthcare Senographe Digital Mammography system complete with the Seno Advantage 2 Review Workstation®. This system, provides physicians with clear and precise all-digital images, rather than images on X-ray film. What’s more, the system provides the largest field of view currently available, which can be extremely helpful for precision imaging of patients with diverse shapes and sizes. This workstation allows physicians to simply, quickly, and easily review patient’s images, including information from multi-modality studies, at a single point of review. Physicians have the ability to pull up a patient’s previous mammography exams for historical comparison or for comparison against other types of images, such as those acquired by ultrasound or MR, resulting in a more comprehensive view of a specific patient’s medical history. The workstation also simplifies the sharing of information and images to referring physicians and surgeons. -more- Page 2 – ACR Accreditation The ACR is a national organization serving more than 32,000 diagnostic and interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.

THE ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER HOSTS ‘TOAST TO YOUR HEALTH’ EVENT

Trenton, NJ – On Sunday, November 9, 2008, the St. Francis Medical Center Foundation (SMFCF) Community Fund Raising Board (CFRB) hosted its third annual ‘Toast to Your Health’ at Trenton Country Club. “This year’s event continued to celebrate the greater Trenton community, the hospital’s commitment to the city for over 130 years, and the talents of some of the area’s finest restaurants, and wine merchants. With over 300 people in attendance, we were able to raise over $20,000 to benefit St. Francis Medical Center,” says Nicole Romano, President of the SFMCF Community Fund Raising Board. ‘Toast to Your Health’ featured a wine and food tasting provided by some of the area’s finest restaurants including: Amici Milano Restaurant; Barone’s Restaurant Group; Blue Danube Restaurant; Cold Stone Creamery; Erini Restaurant; Hyatt Regency Princeton; Jester’s Café; Monkey Joe’s Big Nut Co.; Revere Ristorante; Sal de Forte’s Ristorante; Toscano Ristorante; Villagio Iccara; Vitella & Sons. In addition, 19 vendors offered wine samples, sponsored by West Trenton Fine Wines & Liquors. “St. Francis Medical Center is proud to be a vital part of our community. I am very appreciative of the SFMCF Community Fund Raising Board and their collaborative efforts with the area restaurateurs and wine merchants in helping us raise funds to continue our mission,” says Jerry Jablonowski, president and CEO of St. Francis. The SFMC Foundation formed the CFRB in 2003 to enhance fund raising efforts. So far, the CFRB has raised over $80,000 to benefit SFMC. The CFRB is comprised of 20 young professionals ages 25-40 and would like to increase the number of members. Anyone interested in joining the SFMCF Community Fund Raising Board may contact Norma Monaghan, CFRE, Executive Director of the SFMC Foundation at 609-599-5659.

St. Francis Medical Center Named
2008 Best in Patient-Centered Care Award Winner


Wednesday, September 24, 2008 Palm Springs, Calif. - - St. Francis Medical Center was recognized by the Patient-Centered Care Institute as a performance leader and one of the best in the nation at providing patient-centered care. St. Francis Medical Center Outpatient Radiology Oncology Department was recognized as a performance leader in ‘Continuity & Transition’ as evidenced in their outpatient experience scores over the past 12 months. Elements of this category include how physicians and staff members responded to questions regarding medication and side effects, explained what to do if any problems arose, and making arrangements with other providers. “Cancer is such a tough diagnosis. Our radiation team really make a difference in their patients’ lives by easing them their the process and keeping their spirits up,” says Gerard J. Jablonowski, President and CEO of St. Francis Medical Center. “Healthcare today must constantly change and adapt to the dynamic needs and world around them. Maintaining a ‘high-touch’ and patient-centered care environment in addition to keeping abreast of the clinical and technology advancements is challenging. It is even more difficult to sustain those efforts over time. For St. Francis Medical Center to do so truly reflects a service and organizational philosophy that values and integrates the patient-centered care principles into its everyday practices,” said Julie Samuelson, Sr. Vice President of the Patient-Centered Care Institute. Award winners were recognized at a luncheon at the 2008 Patient-Centered Care Institute Symposium on September 19, 2008 at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Palm Springs, California. -more- Page 2 – Radiation Oncology Department Honored Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) survey of “Hospital Patient’s Experiences” was utilized to identify top performing hospitals in the U.S. in four out of eight patient-centered dimensions, as well as the overall quality and “would recommend” categories. The additional four dimensions of patient-centered care were analyzed based on the NRC Picker database. The database holds over 850 hospitals and health systems patient experience data. Data includes: patient feedback on inpatient (medical, surgical and obstetrical care), outpatient, outpatient surgery and emergency department services. Each hospital organization or healthcare service was analyzed on sustaining an overall or dimension-specific quality score among the top 10 facilities/services for a minimum of a 12 month period beginning July 1, 2007 through June 31, 2008. The Patient-Centered Care Institute, a division of NRC Picker and National Research Corporation (NRC), is dedicated to the advancing the knowledge and practice of patient-centered care. PHOTO CAPTION: The Radiation Oncology Department (l. to r.) Joe Chiavarone, A.S., RT(T) Radiation Therapist, Irmy Hughes, Unit Secretary, Diane Krause, R.T. (R)(T), Radiation Therapist, Sangeeta Tyerech, MD, Director of Cancer Program, Jo Ann Chalal, MD, Director of Radiation Therapy, Kellyann Flach, R.T. (R)(T), Radiation Therapist, Barbara Wolcott, RN-BC, OCN, Radiation Oncology Nurse, Beverly Rauenzahn, R.T., BS, Director of Radiology, Radiation Oncology, and Cardiovascular Services. Not shown, Tracy McLaughlin, R.T. (R)(T), Radiation Therapist.

St. Francis Physician Name Healthcare Hero

Glenn W. Laub, MD was recently named the finalist in the second annual Healthcare Heroes award program. The award program, created in 2007 is produced by NJBIZ and sponsored by AmeriHealth, WolfBlock, NJ Pure and Comcast Business Class.
The Healthcare Heroes award program was designed to recognize excellence, promote innovation and honor the efforts of individuals and organizations making a significant impact on the quality of healthcare in New Jersey.
An independent panel of healthcare industry professionals judged the nominations and selected Dr. Laub as a finalist in this award program. The finalist's accomplishments were recognized and the winners of this award program announced during a breakfast awards ceremony on June 23, 2008 at the Woodbridge Hotel and Conference Center.

Eight Students Graduate From St. Francis
School of Radiologic Technology

The 2008 Graduates of St. Francis Medical Center's School of Radiologic Technology: Kristina Sperling of Levittiwn, PA; Frantz Saintilma of Hamilton, NJ; Walter M. Skonieczki of Willingboro, NJ; Danielle DiStefano, of Trenton, NJ; Jessica Rohn, of Levittown, PA; Alex Walker of Morrisville, PA; Beth Polyak, of Ewing, NJ; and David Kalinowski of Hamilton, NJ.
The School of Radiologic Technology is an accredited, full-time hospital based radiography program, which only accepts eight students per year. Upon successful completion of the 24- month program, the student is eligible to take the ARRT Examination, which certifies him/her as a Registered Technologist, RT(R) and is eligible for the State of New Jersey license.
Graduates can be found in many specialized areas of the profession including Cat Scan (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Nuclear Medicine, Sonography, Radiation Therapy, Cardiovascular Interventional Technology, Education, Management, Radiation Physics and Sales.

Annual Cancer Survivor's Day

St. Francis Medical Center celebrated the 21st annual Cancer Survivor's Day on Sunday, June 1, 2008. The event began with the celebration of Mass followed with a luncheon served in the cafeteria to over 300 guests.
Guest speaker, Doretha Burrell, addressed the crowd and spoke about the wonderful treatment she received at St. Francis.
St. Francis employees performed a Lone Ranger skit, a Minnie Pearl skit, and told Laugh In inspired jokes, all orchestrated by our own Betty Jovovich. Additional musical entertainment was provided by Aisha and Darnell Myers (daughter and grandson of Jerry Myers) and Michael Jovovich ( son of Betty Jovovich). All had a great time! Thanks to everyone who made this day a huge success!

2008 Nursing Excellence Award

Nurses Day is held to recognize the Strength, Commitment, and Compassion of our nurses. These are a few of the many traits that make nurses an invaluable member of the healthcare team. During National Nurses Week in May, St. Francis recognized all of our nurses including those individuals nominated by their peers for our annual Nurse Excellence Award with a luncheon in the cafeteria.
A nurse must have completed a minimum of two years of practice at the medical center to be eligible for the award. Any St. Francis employee can nominate an individual who has met the eligibility requirements. The Nurse Excellence Award is presented to a nurse recognized and honored for his or her contribution to the care of patients and thier families and for consistently demonstrating excellence in professional practice.
A subcommittee of the Retention and Recruitment Committee chooses the award recipient. The six categories that contribute to the final calculation in deciding the winners of the awards are: professionalism, educational development, demonstration of leadership, teamwork, and individual contributions to patient care within our Values in Practice Program.
In addition to a monetary award our winners received an exclusive parking space and a chance for the luxury car raffle to be drawn at the Spring Gala.
Our 2008 Award Winners were: Fran Kenney, RN and Nadine Mileski, LPN.

St. Francis Medical Center Names
New Chief Nursing Officer

Mary Anne Suttles, RN, MSN

                   St. Francis Medical Center recently named Mary Anne Suttles, RN, MSN
                   Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. In this
                   role, Mary Anne is responsible for all inpatient nursing services, and
                   will report directly to the President/CEO. Mary Anne is a graduate of the
                   Christ Hospital School of Nursing in Jersey City, received her baccalaureate
                   degree in Nursing from Rutgers University and a Master of Science in
                   Nursing from Hunter College of the City University of New York. Mary Anne
                   brings over 20 years of nursing leadership experience to St. Francis
                   and resides in Jackson, New Jersey.

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER HOLDS ANNUAL
SPRING GALA

(L-R) Gerard J. Jablonowski, St. Francis Medical Center President
and CEO; Congressman Chris Smith; Paul R. Langevin, Chairman
St. Francis Board of Trustees; James F. Bishop, Chariman St. Francis
Foundation Board of Trustees

                With 350 guests in attendance, the St. Francis Medical Center Foundation
                held its 45th annual spring gala at the Hyatt Regency-Princeton on
                Saturday, May 10, 2008.
                The prestigious "Spirit of St. Francis: award was presented to Congressman
                Chris Smith from New Jersey's fourth congressional district. This honor
                is given to an individual who reflects the philosophy of caring as embodied
                by St. Francis of Assisi. According to Jerry Jablonowski, President and
                CEO of St. Francis Medical Center "The consistent moral integrity shown
                by Congressman Chris Smith, both in his private life and as a public servant,
                is representative of the attributes of the philosphy of St. Francis of Assisi,
                and it is our honor to present him with this award." Smith - a nationally
                internationally renowned leader in Congress
particularly in the areas of
                human rights, religious freedom, veterans' affairs and healthcare - is an
                equally passionate local advocate who tirelessly applies his energy
                toward meeting local and state challenges.
                The theme of the gala was "Black and White Ball" and guests danced
                to the music of The Cutting Edge. A musical video recapped the events
                of the past year of St. Francis Medical Center, and another video captured
                the spirit that connected Congressman Smith with his life's work that
                embodies the motto of St. Francis of Assisi, "It is in giving that we receive."
                Co-chairs of the dinner dance were Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Moonan,
                Monsignor Walter E. Nolan, Dr. Luz Ramos-Bonner and Mr. Donald
                Bonner, and Dr. and Mrs. C. James Romano. The event raised a record net
                of $140,000 to benefit St. Francis Medical Center.
   

Winner of the 2008 Lexus IS 250

                  Elizabeth Arsenault of Ewing was the lucky winner of 2008 Lexus IS 250
                  through a raffle sponsored by the St. Francis Medical Center Auxiliary.
                  Over 650 tickets were sold at a cost of $100.00 per ticket. "My mother
                  Theresa Naples had been a long-time volunteer at St. Francis, this is a
                  wonderful surprise. I am sure she is smiling down from heaven. I never
                  thought it would happen to me. I hope people will continue to support
                  this very worthy cause" Said Ms. Arsenault, Brian Bennett Vice President
                  of Lawrence Lexus; Norma Monaghan, CFRE Executive Director of
                  St. Francis Medical Center Foundation; and Melisa DeStefano, President
                  of St. Francis Medical Center Auxiliary. The proceeds from the raffle
                  helped raise $140,000 for St. Francis Medical Center.
                  If you would like to be on the mailing list for a chance to win a brand
                  new Lexus next year, please contact the Foundation Office at 609-599-5659.

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER DEDICATE
NEW INTERFAITH PRAYER ROOM

                    St. Francis Medical Center recently renovated and dedicated space
                    in the facility as an Interfaith Prayer Room. On Thursday, Marth13th,
                    physicians, staff, administration, and religous leaders gathered to bless
                    and dedicate the new space.

                    "The Interfaith Prayer Room is yet another way that we, as a Catholic
                     hospital. support and encourage the entire community of St. Francis.
                     We consider this an extension of our St. Francis and St. Clare Chapel,
                     located at the Chambers Street entrance, where many gather daily
                     for Mass and quiet prayer, " says Jerry Jablonowski, president and
                     CEO of St. Francis.

                     The creation of the Interfaith Prayer Room was made possible through
                     of several St. Francis physicians and Foundation Board Members.
                     St. Francis would like to recognize and thank the following: Dr. Khalid
                     Durrani, Dr. Salman Muazzam Muddassir, Dr. Helmi Saud, Hamilton
                     Gastroenterology Group, Dr. Abdul-Hady M. Kheder, Dr. Zak Maniya,
                     Dr. Abdul Mughal.
                   
                     "It is our hope to support and encourage the celebrations of different
                     faith traditions while we continue to promote discovery and learning
                     about the common ground we share. We also strive to provide a
                     dynamic model of diversity, respect and dialogue here at St. Francis,"
                     says Carol Jaworski, vice president of Missiona nd Ministry at
                     St. Francis.

St. Francis Medical Center Bestows
Spirit of St. Francis Physician Award

Shown in the photo: Paul Langevin, left, Chairman of the Board,
and Jerry Jablonowski, president and CEO of St. Francis, right,
present C. James Romano, MD, center, with the Spirit of St. Francis Award
at the recent Medical Staff dinner.

                   The Board of Trustees of St. Francis Medical Center recently bestowed
                   its 2007 Spirit of St. Francis Physician Award to C. James Romano, MD,
                   President of the Medical Staff.
                   The Spirit of St. Francis Physician Award is presented to the Physician who
                   exemplifies the philosphy of compassion for all people embraced by
                   St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the medical center.
                   According to Gerard J. Jablonowski, president and CEO of St. Francis,
                   "This award is given to the physician who demonstrates a positive
                   influence to others, to the hospital and to the community. Dr. Romano
                   has shown his dedication to his patients, the community and St. Francis
                   Medical Center through his continued commitment to providing patients
                   the highest quality healthcare with dignity, respect and compassion.
                   Dr. Romano received his MD degree from the New Jersey College of
                   Medicine/Dentistry in 1975. He completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology
                   residency at St. Michael's Medical Center. He is Board certified by the
                   American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a Fellow of the
                   of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists.
                   Dr. Romano is the President of the Medical Staff at St. Francis, Chairman
                   of the Department of Gynecology, and also the Director of Medical
                   Education. He resides with his wife and family in Titusville, New Jersey.            

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER ANNOUNCES
COMMUNITY FUND RAISING BOARD MEMBERS



                The St. Francis Medical Center Foundation established the Community
                Fund Rasing Board (CFRB) dedicated to raising funds to benefit the hospital.
                The Community Fund Rasing is presently comprised of 20 young professionals
                committed to volunteerism, the mission of St. Francis Medical Center and
                community spirit.
                On December 12, 2007 the CFRB elected officers to their board they are:
                President Nicole Romano, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals; Executive Vice President
                Meghan Watson, KPMGLLP; Vice President of Corporate Funding Al Dillione;
                Secretary Rebecca Mullowney, Pharmacopeia Drug Discovery; Treasurer
                Scott Lingrell, MetLife Financial Services; Vice President of Membership
                Lysa Bergenfeld, Esq., Stark & Stark; Vice President of Procurement Megan
                Christensen, Esq., Stark & Stark.
                According to Norma Monaghan, executive director of the St. Francis Medical
                Center Foundation, "The CFRB was established to provide a community action
                venue for the area's many young professionals who connect with the
                mission of St. Francis Medical Center and wish to make a difference within
                their community." Members of the St. Francis Medical Center Foundation
                Board of Directors who mentor the CFRB are: James F. Bishop, Thomas J.
                Moonan, and Wendell Pribila.
                Members at large of the CFRB are: Richard Devlin, Wachovia Securities LLC;
                Michael Gummel, Paradigm Technology Consulting LLC; Jonathan Katz, Esq.
                Stark & Stark; Len Kudgis, Horizon NJ Health; Piper Huggins, McCarter
                Theatre Center; John MacDonald Esq., Stark & Stark; Monica Mardikian, Esq.
                Pepper Hamilton LLP; Michael Osborne, Esq., Lynch, Osborne & Thievakumar,
                LLC; Matthew Pribila, Withum SMith & Brown; David Ritz, Affordable Boxes
                Company; Nirav K. Shah, M.D., Princeton Brain & Spine Care.
                "I am very appreciative of the SFMC Community Fund Raising Board and
                efforts in helping us raise funds to continue our mission" says Jerry
                Jablonowski, president and CEO of St. Francis. To date the CFRB has
                contributed over $60,000 to benefit the hospital. The CFRB's next fundraiser
                "Toast to your Health", an event that features the finest restaurants and
                wine merchants, will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2008. For information
                on the CFRB or their fundraiser contact the SFMC Foundation office at
                609-599-5659.
       

 

Nicole Romano

                  In addition, president of the board, Nicole Romano, received an award of
                  high recognition from her employer Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
                  Ms. Romano, Associate Director Commercial Solutions Support, was
                  presented with the "The Golden Circle Award" on December 19, 2007.
                  "The Golden Circle" award is reserved for those who have achieved the
                  highest level of success in their respective fields within the company. As
                  President of the St. Francis Medical Center Community Fund Raising Board
                  Ms. Romano brings qualifications such as serving as a model for others
                  in performance and manner that helped her achieve this professional
                  distinction.

ST. FRANCIS CELEBRATES WORLD DAY OF THE SICK
WITH BISHOP SMITH

                On Monday February 11th, St. Francis Medical Center celebrated the
                World Day of the Sick, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Bishop
                Smith and the Diocese of Trenton chose St. Francis Medical Center
                as the host site for this year's celebration.
                The Bishop spent time with the medical and surgical residents, and students
                Nursing and Radiologic Technology Schools. He then visited and
                blessed patients in the Compassionate Care hospice unit, as well
                as the other units in the facility.
                Bishop Smith celebrated the Liturgy of Anointing and Laying on the
                Hands for those present during mass held in the Chapel of St. Francis
                and St. Clare. St. Francis was very much honored to have Bishop Smith
                spend this very special day at their facility.

2007

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER HOSTS
ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT

                     With over 500 people in attendance, St. Francis Medical Center held
                     its annual holiday concert on Monday, December 3, 2007 at Sacred
                     Heart Church in Trenton. The concert featured the Orchestra of
                     St. Peter by the Sea conducted by Reverend Alphonse Stephenson,
                     benefited St. Francis Medical Center and raised over $13,000.
                     "The holiday concert is an excellent way to usher in the holiday
                     season," says Jerry Jablonowski, President and CEO, St. Francis
                     Medical Center. "Reverend Stephenson is incredibly entertaining and
                     the concert is just beautiful."
                     The Orchestra of St. Peter by the Sea is comprised of 45 professional
                     musicians from 177 colleges and universities around the world. Also
                     performing with the orchestra are Three Tenors.
                     Reverend Stephenson formed his first orchestra in New York's theater
                     district while he served at St. Malachy's, the actor's chapel, and later
                     went on to conduct A Chorus Line. Reverend Stephenson has conducted
                     with many revered orchestras such as the Fresno Philharmonic,
                     Delaware Valley Philharmonic, and the Metro Lyric Opera.
                     If you interested in attending the concert next year, please contact
                     the Foundation Office at 609-599-5659.

 

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER AND THE
TRENTON DEVILS HOST THE
ANNUAL TEDDY BEAR TOSS

    

              St. Francis Medical Center and The Trenton Devils hosted the annual
              Teddy Bear Toss to benefit the children of Children's Futures, and C.A.R.E.S.
              on Wednesday, December 19, 2007.
              Each year, the Devils didicate one game for fans to "toss" new teddy bears
              on the ice. The team collects the bears and distributes them to the children
              at St. Francis Medical Center.
              "The teddy bear toss is an excellent way to celebrate the holiday season,"
              says Jerry Jablonowski, President and CEO, St. Francis Medical Center. "The
              Devils help make the holiday season special for the children of St. Francis,
              and we really appreciate everything they do."
              The Children's Futures East Ward Parent/Child Center provides a safe and
              nuturing environment where mothers and fathers can utilize a full range of
              free services. Children's Futures is a program ensuring that mothers, fathers
              and infants get excellent healthcare and support. Through the various services
              offered, Children's Futures reaches over 100 children and their families in the
              Trenton community.
              The C.A.R.E.S. (Children Are Really Extra Special) Program is an acute partial
              hospitalization program for children between the ages of 4 and 18 years who
              suffer from emotional and behavioral difficulties. The program provides high
              quality mental health diagnosis and intensive psychiatric treatment for over
              40 children who do not require inpatient care, but who cannot be managed
              by outpatient care alone.

 

St. Francis Medical Center Names
2007 VIP Award Recipients

Shown in the photo are the St. Francis Medical Center 2007
Values In Practice (VIP) Employee Award Recipients.
Back row (l. to r.) Fran Kenny, RN; Patricia DiPietro, RT,
Michael Gaskins, Lenore Scott, Pat Babcock.
Front row (l. to r.) Veronica Bittner, RN, Terry Simmons,
Cecelia Black, Irmy Hughes, Dale Festa, RN.

                     St. Francis Medical Center named the 2007 recipients for the hospital's
                     Values In Practice (VIP) Employee Award. The Values In Practice
                     Employee Recognition Program was established to honor those
                     employees who best exemplify the mission and the values of the
                     medical center. It also honors those who have made outstanding
                     contributions to the medical center and the community.

November 26, 2007

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER PROMOTES
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

                           Shown in the photo: Laura Farley, center, lung cancer patient at
                           St. Francis, with Dr. Joseph Costic, DO, left, who performed her
                           life saving lobectomy, and Laura's brother and SFMC physician,
                           Louis G. Fares, MD.

                          Nearly 200 individuals from the community and surrounding
                          businesses attended a complimentary Health/Business Connection
                         (HBC) luncheon seminar at the Trenton Country Club on October 18th
                          to learn more about the St. Francis Regional Cancer Center.
                          A panel of experts from the St. Francis Regional Cancer Center,
                         a Fox Chase Cancer Center Partner, presented "Clearing the Air
                         about Lung Cancer: Prevention, Detection and Treatment". They
                         discussed the importance of early detection, treatment options,
                         and answered questions from the audience.
                         The panel included Jo Ann Chalal, MD., Medical Director, Robert
                         J. Moonan Department of Radiation Oncology: Joseph T. Costic, DO,
                         FACOS, Chief Section of Thoracic Surgery: Elizabeth Rosvold, MD.,
                         Medical Oncologist; Joseph R. Steeger, MD, Chief, Section of
                         Pulmonary Medicine.
                         One very special guest in attendance wa Laura Farley, a lung
                         cancer survivor who had a partial lobectomy by Dr. Costic. Laura
                         has been cancer free ever since.
                         The Health/Business Connection was started in 2002 to inform and
                         educate the business community on health issues that affect the
                         community. It allows an opportunity for the hospital to connect
                         with the business community while giving the business community
                         a networking opportunity. This seminar was co-sponsored by
                         NJ Pure Medical Malpractice Insurance.
                         According to Jerry Jablonowski, CEO of St. Francis Medical Center,
                         "The St. Francis Regional Cancer Center offers many great services
                         to our patients". By reaching out to the business community through
                         the Health Business Connection, we welcome the opportunity to
                         to share information on this regional center of excellence and to
                         heighten lung cancer awareness throughout our community."
                         For more information about The St. Francis Regional Cancer Center
                         please call 609-599-5221.

September 25, 2007
    

St. Francis Medical Center Raffles a Children's
Brand New Bicycle at the Septemberfest

 

                      St. Francis Medical Center held a raffle for a brand new children's
                      bicycle at Hamilton Township's annual Septemberfest on Sept. 9th.
                      James Egan, pictured above, and his 12 year old son Connor, of
                      Hamilton, were the lucky winners. "This is great," said James.
                      Right in time for Connor's birthday!"

                      St. Francis has provided blood pressure screenings and health
                      information to September patrons for the past four years.

August 7, 2007

Winners of the 2007 Lexus IS 250

                     Shown in the photo are (l. to r.): The Okulicz Family, Christina, Wallace
                     and their children Calvin and Brielle; Norma Monaghan, Executive
                     Director of St. Francis Medical Center Foundation; Brian Bennett,
                     Vice President of Lawrence Lexus; and Melisa DeStefano, President
                     of St. Francis Medical Center Auxiliary.

                     Wallace and Christina Okulicz of Bordentown were the lucky
                     winners of a 2007 Lexus IS 250 through a raffle sponsored by the
                     St. Francis Medical Center Auxiliary. Over 650 tickets were sold at a
                     of $100.00 per ticket, raising over $34,500 to benefit St. Francis
                     Medical Center. The drawing was held at the hospital's Spring Gala
                     on June 9th at the Hyatt Regency Princeton.

             
   

July 30, 2007

St. Francis Medical Center School of Nursing Graduates

                     The St. Francis Medical Center School of Nursing held its 101st
                     Commencement on Thursday, June 14th at Our Lady of Sorrows
                     Church. Bonny Ross, R.N., M.A., Ph.D., Director of the School of
                     Nursing, presented the following graduates with diplomas:
                     Maria Bandin, Crystal Bing, Kimberly Brown, Nancy Chimera,
                     Jennifer Cordero, Agnieszka Drzymala, Abegail Duay, Crystal Jackson,
                     Jessica Kamal, Margaret Kingsley, Fawcett Lee, Jeffery Leporati,
                     Colleen Lumio, Elizabeth Manness, Molly Mastrangelo, Gwen McNulty,
                     Beverly Opielski, Sean Perez, Hema Riznyk, Janell Rosania, Janet
                     Sager, Gary Samson, Donelle Smith, Lisa Teppert, Angela Tuccillo,
                     Delores Vandergrift, Brian Verdi, Rosemond VonHerbert, Olena
                     Wagner, Michele Walker, Falecia Wasicko, Kelly Watters and
                     Heather Williams.

                     An Awards Ceremony was held Monday, June 11th.
                     This year awards went to the following recipients:
                    
Jennifer Cordero - Judith Mella Persichilli Scholarship
                     Olena Wagner - Marilyn Dillione Nursing Excellence Award
                   
  Angela Tuccillo - Dr. Albert J Sekerak Award
                  
   Falecia Wasicko - Jennifer Fletcher Scholarship Award
                   
  Kimberely Brown - St. Francis School of Nursing Alumni Award
                    
Abegail Duay - New Jersey League for Nursing Award and
                                          The Spirit  of Nursing Award and the Nurse with Heart Award

  

July 13, 2007

St. Francis offers FREE Valet Parking Service

                      For over 134 years, St. Francis Medical Center (SFMC) has provided
                      quality healthcare to the residents of Trenton and its surrounding
                      communitities. SFMC has made many technological advances and
                      "firsts" in the county.
                      The newest addition to SFMC is the recently opened lobby and
                      entrance on Chambers Street. This new space links the existing
                      parking garage to the hospital, allowing for a covered entrance.
                      Patients will also find friendly faces to greet them and help them get
                      to where they are going, and a newly renovated registration area
                      conveniently located to the new entrance. In addition, the new
                      "horseshoe" driveway is complete with curbside service and valet
                      parking.
                      "Since we're located in an urban setting, parking has always been an
                      issue," says Jerry Jablonowski, president and CEO. "We hope that
                      by adding valet parking, our patients will find it easier and more
                      convenient to visit our facility." The complimentary service is available
                      Monday through Friday from 7:30am - 4:00pm.
                      For those patient who find it difficult to get to the facility, SFMC
                      also offers the Senior Choice Van service to pick them up for
                      appointments and procedures at the medical center. For more
                      information on these services and other information, please call
                      609-599-5000. St. Francis wants you to BE WELL.

July 12, 2007

Six Students Graduate From St. Francis
School of Radiologic Technology

                     The 2007 Graduates of St. Francis Medical Center's School of
                     Radiologic Technology: Stacie Vancho, Colleen Heagan, Devin
                     Tsougas, Rosemarie DiGuiseppi, John Osvai, and Christopher
                     Falconio.
                     The School of Radiologic Technology is an accredited, full-time
                     hospital based radiography program, which only accepts eight
                     students per year. Upon successful completion of the 24 month
                     program, the student is eligible to take the ARRT Registry
                     Examination, which certifies him/her as a Registered Technologist,
                     RT (R) and is eligible for the State of New Jersey License.
                     Graduates can be found in many specialized areas of the profession
                     including Cat Scan (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Nuclear
                     Medicine, Sonography, Radiation Therapy, Cardiovascular
                     Interventional Technology, Education, Management, Radiation Physics,
                     and Sales.

July 2, 2007

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER HOLDS
ANNUAL SPRING GALA

                         With over 300 guests in attendance, the St. Francis Medical Center
                         Foundation held its 44th annual spring gala at the Hyatt Regency-
                         Princeton on Saturday. June 9, 2007.

                         The prestigious "Spirit of St. Francis" award was presented to Barbara
                         Draper of Hamilton, in honor of her true compassion for the healthcare
                         needs of the poor and underserved as reflected in her history with
                         the medical center. Barbara began her career at St. Francis in 1959
                         as a candy striper and retired last December as Vice President of
                         Mission and Ministry.

                         The award was presented to Barbara Draper, center, (l. to r.) Gerard
                         J. Jablonowski, president and CEO of the hospital; Jim Bishop, Chairman
                         St. Francis Foundation Board of Trustees; Paul R. Langevin, Chairman
                         of the Hospital Board of Trustees; and Judith M. Persichilli, Executive
                         Vice President, Catholic Health East Northeast Division.

                         According to Jablonoski, "We are very proud to present Barbara
                         Draper with this honor. Throughout her tenure here at St. Francis,
                         Barbara has made many contributions to our facility and the
                         communitites we serve."

                         Barbara has had many varied job descritions including ER staff nurse,
                         student clinical instructor, and Vice President of Mission and Ministry.
                         As Director of Women's Health Services from 1986 to 1995, Barbara
                         led the crusade to offer affordable mammography to all women in
                         all walks of life. Barbara has spear-headed educational classes for
                         self-breast exams, osteoporosis and menopause. Barbara was also
                         a pivotal force in the establishment of the Heart Hospital in 1998.

                         The theme of the gala was "Cruise Around the World" and guests
                         danced to the music of the The Cutting Edge. A musical video recapped
                         the events of the past year of St. Francis Medical Center, and
                         another video captured the spirit that connected Barbara Draper
                         with her life's work that embodies the motto of St. Francis of Assisi,
                         "That is in giving that we receive."

                               
June 29, 2007

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER
CELEBRATES NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVOR DAY

                        St. Francis Medical Center celebrated National Cancer Survivor Day
                        on Sunday June 3rd, 2007. The day began with a celebration mass in
                        the Medical Center's Chapel, followed by lunch and entertainment in
                        the cafeteria.

                        Two representatives from the Mercer County Chapter of the American
                        Cancer Society, Marjorie Carnevale, Chair of the Mercer Board of
                        Managers, and Jo Ann Gavin, Director of Patient and Family Services,
                        were also present. In addition, Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer proclaimed
                        June 3rd as National Cancer Survivor Day in Trenton.

                        Over 200 survivors from the St. Francis Regional Cancer Center, Fox
                        Chase Cancer Center Partner, were invited to "board" the SS
                        Survivorship and celebrate their victory over cancer. St. Francis
                        employees performed a skit in costume, bringing the crowd back
                        to the days of Lucille Ball and the Chordettes. The Inspiration of
                        Praise Dance Ministry of Friendship Baptist Church also entertained
                        the crowd.


June 29, 2007

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER NAMES RECIPIENT OF
NURSING EXCELLENCE AWARD

                       Mai-Ly Pulley, RN, of Edhewater Park, NJ was awarded the 2007
                       St. Francis Medical Center Nurse Excellence Award. The peer-nominated
                       award is bestowed each year on the nurse who best exemplifies
                     &