Progress in Meeting Special Needs

Robert Beitman, M.D.

ROBERT BEITMAN M O ho* been with BTMH for three ond a half years. He was the first'specialist in gastroenterology to join the staff Also on internist. Dr. Beitman has a special interest in preventive medicine, ^fe serves os chairman of the Cape May County Unit of the American Cancer Society and- writes a regular medical column for the Herald A Lantern newspaper. A popular lectured, he has spoken-f6 various local groups, appeared on coble television and provided in-service training at the hospital and other county health core facilities, last summer he served as coordinator-counsellor for a volunteer orientation program for pre-med students. He received his M.O. from New York University School of Medicine. He served his fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Pennsylvanio-Presbyterion Medical Center. Or. Beitman is certified by the American Board of Tnternal Medicine.

DIETARY Over 95 percent of patient visitation reports now rate BTMH’food as good or excellent. The dietary department has been dramatically improved during the past three years Included in the progress was construction of a new and more efficient kitchen, introduction of a restaurant-style menu for patients and a greater emphasis on attractive presentation-of food. % A registered dietitian now provides dietary counseling for in-patients and advice fpr follow-up at home. Classes for individuals coping with diabetes are offered once a week. PHARMACY New and more advanced drugs such as those used for anticancer therapy are now available in the hospital. Hyperalimentation is currently offered, enabling patients to be fed” through their veins when the normal digestive system is not functioning. The pharmacy has assumed complete responsibility for the hospital’s intravenous admixture program BIO MEDICAL ENGINEERING Complex modern technological equipment is in use in most even.' department of the hospital. A specialist is now regularly available to maintain and repair it. as well as being on call to respond to breakdowns on an immediate basis. DATA PROCESSING Computerization of hospital records has improved the efficiency of the billing, contributions, and medical records departments. It has also made it possible to produce detailed reports that are a valuable aid to financial and management planning. BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT A program aimed at improving the outside environntent of the hospital has been undertaken. Last summer's plantings lifted the spirits of employees and visitors alike. Landscaping for the new building is currently in progress. SPEECH THERAPY •rapy has recently beep added to the

Robert Nunn, M.D.

ROBERT NUNN M.O joined 4he sloff in 1965 and currently serves os chief of ophthalmology In recent years, there have been many positve developments in the methods for treatment of eye disease.' he says. t keep pace, the hospital has acquired moden microsurgical equipment. ■* As a result, cataract extractions, lense implantations, ond glaucoma surgery are now routinely performed here.' This year a new SITE (Suction Infusion Tissue Extractor) machine was purchased, enabling ophthamologists to utilize a new technique for cataract surgery that is safer and less likely to involve complications than traditional methods/ he

reports/

Dr. Nunn received his medical education at Seton Hall College of Medicine. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology ond is a fellow of the American College of

Surgeons.

rehabilitation services available here. A speech pathologist attends patients on a consultant basis, usually at their hospital bedside .She also assists nurses and families by suggesting ways to improve communication with patients who suffer aphasia as a result of a stroke or other disease or injury This is a disorder affecting an individual’s ability to understand and use language. CHAPLAINCY COUNCIL A 35 member volunteer chaplaincy program was established last year to provide daily hospital visitation by a member oLthe protestant clergy A Chaplaincy Council was formed to coordinate the efforts of clergy of all faiths serving the hospital S<$CI AL SERVICES Programs that have been expanded include clinics, now available for medical and surgical problems as well as for obstetrical care. Alcoholism services, crisis intervention, and more comprehensive discharge planning service are also offered. COMMUNITY OUTREACH - % Free screenings for various detectable health problems are offered periodically with plans for regular blood pressure tests to be announced soon. Recently, free flu shots were offered in various locations throughout the county. Facilities are provided for various self-help groups to meet regularly at the hospital. Just call the social services office for more information on Alcoholic^ Anonymous i AA >: A1 Anon for families of aicholics. Overeaters Anonymous: and Families Anonymous for those experiencing problems with teenagers with drug, alcohol and-or behavior problems. N COMMUNITY RELATIONS A- new community relations department has been established to improve communication between the hospital and the community it serves. This report of progress, is offered as one means of updating information regarding facilities and services. :

Robert M. Goldberg, M.D.

ROBERT M. GOLDBERG. M.D is a medical oncologist who

joined the staff in 1980.

BTMH now has most all the facilities needed to trOat can-

cer patients, he reports.

A wide range of anti-cancer drugs are dvailoble at the hospital. Surgical treatment for most malignancies is offered

by highly qualified surgeons.

The social services department is able to help with local referrals in response to needs of both the patient and family. People with cancer now hove the option of treatment close to

home.

Dr Goldberg received his medical training’al the State University oj New York Upstate Medical Center. Syracuse He served a fellowship in medical oncology al the American Oncologic Hospital • Fo* Chose Cancer Center. Philadelphia. Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, he is board eligible in the sdbspecialty of medical oncology