PLAINVIEW, NY – Plainview Hospital today announced the opening of the Susan and Dr. Frank Miller Interactive Simulated Learning Laboratory, featuring a laparoscopic teaching center, computerized teaching mannequins and other specialized equipment that allows nurses and doctors of Plainview and Syosset hospitals to practice their clinical skills in a medical emergency without risk to real patients.

As part of a commitment to strengthen patient safety at its 14 hospitals throughout Long Island, Queens and Staten Island, including Plainview and Syosset, the North Shore-LIJ Health System has created a goal of zero tolerance for medical errors and infections.

“At Plainview and Syosset, we’re doing our part to avoid medical errors by equipping our staff with the best clinical training available,” said Michael Fener, executive director of Plainview and Syosset hospitals. “The Susan and Dr. Frank Miller Interactive Simulated Learning Laboratory provides clinicians with the opportunity to practice life-saving clinical skills and critique their own performances in training sessions so they can identify areas for improvement.”

Located adjacent to Plainview Hospital on the second floor at 25 Central Park Road, the lab features two patient simulators—a man and a woman—used for interdisciplinary training curriculums developed by Graduate Medical Education and the nursing departments at Plainview and Syosset hospitals. The patient simulators are anatomically correct, look and feel real, and can even cough, breathe and speak, allowing doctors, nurses, emergency medical workers and other clinicians to sharpen their clinical skills so they are better prepared for real medical emergencies. The training sessions will also be incorporated into the curriculum of Plainview’s Family Practice Residency Program. “The use of the lab by our residents will be instrumental in the continued success of our residency program,” said Mr. Fener.

Using a computer, trained instructors in a control room with one-way mirrors can manipulate the patient simulators to mimic virtually any medical scenario: a stroke, heart attack, small pox, amputation or other trauma. Clinicians can take vital signs, insert intravenous lines and practice inserting breathing tubes, as well as other procedures. All simulations are video recorded and reviewed during post-scenario debriefings.

“This facility is a unique and exceptional resource for Plainview and Syosset hospitals,” said Mr. Fener. “By improving our healthcare team’s clinical performance and decision-making skills, we can dramatically reduce the risk of mistakes during actual encounters with patients.”

 The lab was made possible by funds raised in the name of Ms. Miller and her late husband, Dr. Miller. Dr. Miller worked at Plainview and Syosset hospitals for more than 40 years, serving as a surgeon, chairman of the hospital’s medical board and an integral member of clinical and operational leadership, among other positions. He was a member of the US Naval Air Reserve, a board member and president of the American Cancer Society’s Long Island Division, and received numerous awards and fellowships in his accomplished career.

For more information about the Interactive Simulated Learning Laboratory, call Nursing Education at (516) 719-2414.

Media Contact: Kristen Longo
516-465-2607/2600
klongo@nshs.edu