The Center for Sleep Medicine at New Island Hospital Earns Accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
(Bethpage, N.Y.) The Center for Sleep Medicine at New Island Hospital (www.newislandhospital.org) in Bethpage, NY, announced today that it received program accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). To receive a five-year accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by the AASM. The accreditation process involves detailed inspection of a center’s facility and staff, including an evaluation of testing procedures, patient contacts, and physician training. Additionally, the facility’s goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves.
Sleep disorders are related to many serious health conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and cardiac related death. More than 38,000 cardiac deaths each year can be attributed to sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder that contributes to high blood pressure in 400,000 women and two million men. Drowsy driving is another dangerous consequence of living with an untreated sleep disorder, leading to 56,000 automobile crashes resulting in 40,000 injuries and 1,550 fatalities each year. Obesity and depression are also closely associated with sleep disorders. Finally, insufficient sleep in children has been shown to negatively affect both mental and physical development.
“Sleep is something that most of us take for granted, but sleep disorders are more common and more hazardous than many people realize,” said Dr. Iwona Rawinis, Medical Director of The Center for Sleep Medicine at New Island Hospital. “Our staff is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality care in the most comfortable environment possible. Accreditation from the AASM confirms that we are living up to that goal. Our community members can feel confident that they will receive the very best care without having to travel far from home. ”
Common symptoms of sleep disorders include snoring, trouble falling or staying asleep, irregular breathing during sleep, and feeling unrefreshed or lethargic. Some lesser known symptoms include feelings of weakness when experiencing strong emotions, uncomfortable sensations or jerking of the limbs, and vivid or violent dreams. Common treatments for a sleep disorder include basic behavioral changes such as weight loss and sleep hygiene, positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, dental appliances and surgical procedures.
“The accreditation from AASM is one more example of how far New Island Hospital has come in its transformation into the health care provider of choice for outpatient services,” said Dr. Aaron Glatt, President and CEO. “Our radiology department just unveiled a state-of-the-art MRI that complements a new CT Scanner, high quality Nuclear Medicine (SPECT Camera), and a specialized Emergency Department Digital Radiology room. We also offer the community the best possible care for specialized needs such as wound healing, balance, speech and swallowing.”
“The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates the Center for Sleep Medicine at New Island Hospital on fulfilling the high standards required for receiving accreditation as a sleep disorders center,” said Dr. Clete Kushida, AASM president. “The center is a significant resource to the local medical community and will provide academic and scientific value in addition to the highest quality care for patients suffering from sleep disorders.”
If you think you may have a sleep disorder, speak to a specialist. The Center for Sleep Medicine at New Island Hospital is overseen by two physicians who are Board Certified in Sleep Medicine. The center accommodates patients in a comfortable setting reminiscent of a hotel. Each private testing bedroom includes cable TV, a DVD player, bathroom and shower, pre-bedtime snacks and a continental breakfast. The wait time for an appointment is short. On the day of the appointment, patients generally arrive between 7 and 9 p.m. to begin testing. This includes sensors placed on the body to monitor heart waves and muscle movements during sleep. The tests are non-invasive, and most patients are able to go about their normal routine the next morning. Once the study is completed, the data is reviewed, a report is generated, and the patient is given a recommendation for proper treatment. More information is available by calling the Center for Sleep Medicine at (516) 520-2521.
About New Island Hospital
New Island Hospital (www.newislandhospital.org), in Bethpage, New York, is a neighborhood hospital that plays a paramount role in its communities. The Emergency Department cares for over 37,000 patients a year. Other vital services include an Ambulatory Surgery Unit, The Center for Sleep Medicine, Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Healing, Balance Center, an Endoscopy Unit, a full scope of outpatient radiology services including new CT scanner, MRI, nuclear camera and a full state-of-the-art PACS system, and of course, comprehensive in-patient medical, critical care and surgical services. New Island Hospital is a member of the Nassau/Suffolk Hospital Council and the Long Island Health Network, a network of 10 hospitals that work together to lower health care costs and maintain local access to quality care to the communities they serve. The hospital is fully accredited by JCAHO, the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, is licensed by the New York State Department of Health and is a NYS Designated Stroke Center, and an accredited Sleep Center.
About the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is a professional medical society for clinicians, researchers, and other health care providers in the field of sleep medicine. As the national accrediting body for sleep disorders centers and labs, the AASM is dedicated to setting standards and promoting excellence in sleep medicine heath care, education and research.
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