State approves Meadowlands Hospital correction plan
The Department of Health and Senior Services approved the Meadowlands Hospital and Medical Center correction plan to address deficiencies found during a state investigation conducted on July 7. The state requires the hospital to continue compliance with state licensure regulations and may visit the hospital again in the future to ensure the plan has been implemented.
The hospital plan of correction includes executing a contract with Riverside Pediatrics to address the failure to have a written agreement for pediatric services; three containment devices in a sub-sterile area found in poor repair with rust were removed and replaced; and the OR manager will conduct random hand hygiene audits on a monthly basis after staff were observed allegedly failing to implement its policies for hand washing, among other corrective measures.
The state released a 25-page state report in August outlining alleged deficiencies in the facility, which was sold to a private for-profit company last year. The state investigated the hospital after ongoing union complaints.
Goya gets tax credit; may move jobs to Jersey City
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority unanimously approved on Tuesday an $81.9 million urban hub tax credit for Secaucus-based Goya Foods, Inc., according to news reports.
Goya is considering building a 600,000 square foot facility on 350 County Road in Jersey City that would serve as its headquarters and distribution center. Some jobs would be moved from Secaucus, while others would remain. Some jobs would be moved from New York. The current Secaucus location would be converted into a manufacturing facility.
The new facility would house 491 employees after moving 316 jobs from Secaucus, converting 100 contract employees in Secaucus to payroll, and transferring 66 jobs from a facility in Bethpage, N.Y. as well as adding nine jobs.
According to the Record, authority officials said Goya has yet to make a decision. The company is also considering another site in New York.
Crafty Tween Events
Tweens between the ages of 8-12 are invited to create their own do it yourself (DIY) crafts at the Secaucus Public Library and Business Resource Center during the third Monday of each month.
For the next three months, any time between 3:30 and 5 p.m., tweens can stop in at the library and create. Tweens will make rubber band bracelets on Oct. 17, t-shirt scarves Nov. 21, and modern art using plastic bottle caps on Dec. 19. The library asks tweens to bring at least one oversized t-shirt that can be cut up and at least 12 plastic bottle caps in November and December meetings.
For information, visit http://secaucus.bccls.org/ or call (201) 330-2083.
Meadowlands Hospital first annual 5K run/walk
MHMC hosts its first annual 5k run/walk to benefit the MHMC Foundation, which provides medical assistance for uninsured patients. The event takes place Oct. 23 at 55 Meadowlands Parkway. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Race begins at 9 a.m. All age groups are welcome.
Awards and refreshments will be served. Registration is $20 before event, $25 registration day of. Participants get a free t-shirt. To register, visit: www.active.com Keyword: Meadowlands Hospital. Free parking. For information, contact MHMC Community Services: (201) 392-3397.
NAMI Hudson County will hold educational courses
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Hudson County is conducting an educational course for parents, caregivers, and adolescents living with mental illness. The topics will include ADHD, bipolar disorder, conduct disorder, major depression, and more. It will also focus on communication skills, problem solving, crisis preparation, and the biology of mental illness.
The free six-week course will commence Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Family Support Office in Jersey City. Classes will run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and babysitting will be provided.
To register, contact Martha Silva at (201) 861-0614, or Carol Williamson at the FSO office at (201) 915-5140 ext. 22. Interested parties can also register by sending an e-mail to namihudson@msn.com.
NAMI also holds separate monthly support meetings in Spanish and English. Contact Martha Silva (above) for more information.