Hoboken hospital: ‘wrong lung’ doctor to be supervised for year
Dr. Santusht Perera surgically removed the wrong lung from a patient at Meadowlands Hospital almost a decade ago, according to newspaper reports, and now he’s back in the operating room – this time at the financially troubled Hoboken University Medical Center. Perera is also accused of trying to cover up the surgical missteps.
Hoboken University Medical Center (HUMC) hired Perera back as a surgeon on Jan. 22 after he reportedly finished a six-month suspension and paid an $80,000 fine levied by the state Board of Medical Examiners.
Joan Quigley, vice president of external affairs for HUMC, said Tuesday that Perera will be subject to one year of supervision while working at the hospital.
HUMC CEO Spiros Hatiras told a local daily newspaper that the hospital could have risked a possible lawsuit if they did not reinstate Perera.
LibertyHealth, owners of Jersey City Medical Center and owners of Meadowlands Hospital, reportedly turned down reinstatement for Perera.
They said in a general press release yesterday, “Patient safety is our first concern and we are not about to
compromise it. The credentialing process is an important step to insure which doctors and surgeons are able to practice medicine at our facilities. The Jersey City Medical Center – Medical Staff and Meadowlands Hospital – Medical Staff have in place a very thorough and comprehensive multi-step process including in-depth interviews, along with background investigations that determines which doctors are recommended by the Medical Staff to the hospital President and then the Hospital Board of Trustees for final approval. This in depth process helps us insure the highest standards of patient safety, clinical quality, and satisfaction. All physicians at our facilities also have to be re-credentialed and reviewed every two years.”
Dwek says bagman got $40G intended for Doria
I n a shock that rocked the Newark Court House, Solomon Dwek testified in federal court Monday, during the corruption trial of suspended Jersey City Deputy Mayor Leona Beldini, that he had given $40,000 to a third party intended for former Bayonne Mayor Joseph Doria, who was then serving as commissioner of the state Department of Community Affairs.
Dwek, a developer who was then acting as an operative for the federal authorities, said the bribe was an attempt to get Doria to clear environmental obstacles so that a totally fabricated project on Garfield Avenue in Jersey City could move ahead.
Dwek said he gave the money to political consultant Jack Shaw, but was unaware if the money ever reached Doria.
Sources in Bayonne City Hall who were close to Doria said that Shaw – prior to his death last summer – allegedly took, but did not pass on, a $20,000 bribe.
“That’s probably the reason federal authorities raided Joe’s [Doria’s] house,” one source said. “They were probably looking for the marked bills. But they didn’t find any.”
Although asked to resign last year as state DCA commissioner, Doria has not been charged with any crime, and those close to him dispute claims that Shaw acted as a go-between.
“Joe is a lot of things, but he’s not dishonest,” one Bayonne official said.
Several sources, however, said Dwek met with Bayonne political people several times prior to the arrests of 44 people last July.
“Dwek even attended a local political fundraiser at the Bayonne Golf Club last year,” one source said. “No one knew he was working with the FBI at the time.”
PSE&G urges customers to apply for assistance
H eating assistance is available to help those being squeezed by the economy. PSE&G is urging its customers to see if they are eligible for help to pay their winter heating bills. Customers who have recently lost their job or have had their hours cut might qualify for assistance even if they never did before.
Individuals and families may apply, and applications will be accepted until April 30, 2010. Those who received LIHEAP benefits last year are reminded to complete the recertification application to ensure they receive benefits this year as well. PSE&G customers can pick up an application at one of PSE&G’s 16 customer service centers or at the P.A.C.O. PSE&G Jersey City Customer Service Center, 3 PATH Plaza, Jersey City from Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Applications and information about these programs are available on at www.pseg.com/help. Information can also be found by calling the LIHEAP Hot Line at (800) 510-3102, Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free dental care for kids on Friday
Jersey City Medical Center, in cooperation with various dental associations and schools throughout the state, will host the eight annual Give Kids a Smile at its Columbus Health Center, 115 Christopher Columbus Drive (across from the Grove Street Path Station) on Friday, Feb. 5 (from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
On this day, dentists will provide children ages 12 and under with free dental care. The program targets children who do not have regular access to such care.
Parents can just show up and bring their children that day. No pre-registration is required.
Volunteers needed for blood drives
N J Blood Services, which supplies blood to 60 hospitals throughout the state, is in need of volunteers to work blood drives. The blood mobile volunteer is an integral member of the blood collection team whose task it is assist donors with registration, perform canteen duties and make appointments for their next donation. Volunteers should have the ability to relate to the public, be able to perform different jobs as needed and have the willingness to follow the rules. For additional information contact Manager of Community Relations Jan Zepka at (732) 616-8741 or rzepka@nybloodcenter.org.