NEW PROGRAM AT TRINITAS HOSPITAL ESCORTS OLDER PATIENTS

Trinitas Hospital has added a new service which escorts older patients throughout the hospital as part of its 'Seniors First program. Volunteer hospital escorts accompany patients wherever they need to go, whether it's radiology, endoscopy, the hospital pharmacy or a host of other departments. The escorting of older patients helps ease their fears and frustrations by creating a supportive and comforting hospital experience.

(PRWEB) November 28, 2003 --Trinitas Hospital has added a new service which escorts older patients throughout the hospital as part of its 'Seniors First program. Volunteer hospital escorts accompany patients wherever they need to go, whether it's radiology, endoscopy, the hospital pharmacy or a host of other departments. The escorting of older patients helps ease their fears and frustrations by creating a supportive and comforting hospital experience.

Trinitas' 'Seniors First program is a comprehensive health care program for senior citizens and their families, and completes the hospital's program of integrated medical care that addresses the physical, psychological, emotional and lifestyle needs of the older adult. The program is designed to include every aspect of a senior's medical care, and ensures that older adults and their families receive the first class care, attention and service they deserve.
"We instituted this escort program to help make the hospital experience more relaxing and calming for the patient," says Lisa Liss, Director of Volunteer Services. "By escorting patients throughout the hospital, we find that they are more at ease and able to concentrate on their own health. Our program is offered on a daily basis and is staffed by both English and Spanish-speaking volunteers."

I work as a hospital escort for the 'Seniors First program, and I find that many of the patients are naturally anxious," says Lumina Pacheco. "The older patients are very relieved to have someone take them to and from the various medical departments." Another hospital escort, George Lloyd, adds, the large size of Trinitas can make it a confusing place for newcomers. By accompanying our patients to their procedures and returning them afterwards, we are providing them with guidance and support. Afterwards, the patients are very appreciative of our service."
Through this new patient focused service, Trinitas is helping make the visit to the hospital a friendlier and easier experience.
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About The 'Seniors First Program
The 'Seniors First program is designed to include every aspect of a seniors medical care, and all seniors receive comprehensive assessment and planning services to determine their full medical needs. Other components of the program include physician referral, physician home visits, day care services, long term care and caregiver support services (including respite care, support groups and a telephone support line). The program also encompasses the hospitals acclaimed medical services, including the Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine, the Diabetes Management Center, Oncology Services, Geriatric Psychiatry Services, Renal Services and Cardiac Care.

About Trinitas Hospital
Trinitas Hospital is a full service healthcare facility and a Catholic teaching hospital sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, serving those who live and work in Eastern and Central Union County. On two major campuses, Trinitas Hospital offers comprehensive medical/surgical services, senior services, adult and child/adolescent psychiatric care, cardiac care, cancer services, an infectious disease program, and maternal/child health services including a high-risk newborn nursery and inpatient pediatric care.
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Contact: Fred Yaeger
Phone: 914/423-7972
Pager: 914/445-0262
         Doug Harris
Phone: 908/994-5138