Hospital Chiefs of Staff Appointed
April 29 2020 – The North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners yesterday convened its April board meeting to continue business operations, such as medical credentialing, finances and other board business.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced Broward Health and all healthcare systems at every level, Broward Health leadership and board members were proud to also identify numerous successes achieved despite the many challenges facing the region and industry.
To date, Broward Health has two mobile testing sites that are adding lanes for greater capacity and will begin screening Broward Sheriff Office deputies and officials on Monday. Nurse Connect, has also fielded more than 8,000 calls that are COVID-19 related. The hospital is seeing a reduced number of positive COVID-19 results, and an increasing number of patients being discharged under “Code Happy,” the announcement made when a recovered patient is set to leave the hospital.
Rapid testing has been implemented across the system, allowing COVID-19 patients to more quickly receive necessary care while being cohorted for the protection of non-COVID related patients. Broward Health is also participating in nine clinical trials that are evaluating treatment protocols for COVID-19. Introducing these new therapies and cocktails has resulted in improved respiratory clinical parameters and possible prevention of some patients needing ICU care and ventilation. Broward Health is also now involved in the Mayo Clinic study that is researching the use of convalescent plasma, which uses recovered patients’ antibodies to fight the virus.
Broward Health anticipates resuming priority procedures on May 11, based on the state’s guidance. The system has added enhanced sanitation measures, including electrostatic spraying of Bioesque botanical disinfectant that kills COVID-19 in just four minutes, and is reviewing other measures to help ensure the safety of all those entering its hospitals and outpatient centers.
“Working in the healthcare industry, I’m witnessing the significant impact this virus has had on other systems,” said Ray Berry, chairman, North Broward Hospital District, “but Broward Health leadership has done a fantastic job at mitigating losses and finding opportunities through the CARES Act, grants and other revenue streams, all while helping ensure the financial and physical well-being of our caregivers and employees.”
Christopher Ure, board member, added, “The ongoing efforts of this leadership and all those who work at Broward Health have helped enable our ability to weather this storm.”
None of this would be possible without the caregivers. To help the plight of employees, Broward Health leadership donated up to 20% of their salaries to the COVID-19 Employee Relief Fund. To date, more than $180,000 has been collected for employees needing financial assistance. Broward Health has also instituted emergency shift bonuses, pop up stores for essentials and child care options for caregivers.
“As we approach Nurses Week, I can’t help but give overwhelming thanks to the entire Broward Health team, but especially our nurses,” said Nancy Gregoire, vice chair, North Broward Hospital District. “What they’ve accomplished in the past weeks has been nothing short of amazing, and we are proud to support them during this challenging time.”
At the board meeting, leadership also announced the 2020-2021 appointments of hospital chiefs of staff. In this role, these leaders will provide guidance to each hospital’s medical staff and help ensure communication between medical staff, administration and the North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners.
Sunil Kumar, M.D., was appointed chief of staff at Broward Health Medical Center. Kumar is the medical director of the hospital’s intensivist program and specializes in pulmonary and critical care medicine. He served as the chief medical information officer from 2013-2017.
Broward Health North has re-appointed Gary Lehr, M.D., its chief of staff. He was first appointed to this role in May 2019 and also served as chief of staff from 2005-2007. Lehr is board certified in general surgery.
Israel Penate, M.D., is a board certified internist and will continue as Broward Health Coral Springs’ chief of staff. Penate has been instrumental in the launch of the hospital’s new catheterization lab. He is also a past chair of medicine for the hospital.
William Jensen, D.O., will continue in his role as chief of staff at Broward Health Imperial Point. He has been in the position since 2018. He previously was chief of staff from 2006 to 2010. Jensen is a board certified osteopathic family medicine physician.
Broward Health, providing service for more than 80 years, is a nationally recognized system in South Florida that offers world-class healthcare to all. The Broward Health system includes the statutory teaching hospital Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Imperial Point, Broward Health Coral Springs, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, Broward Health Weston, Broward Health Community Health Services, Broward Health Physician Group, Broward Health Urgent Care, Broward Health International, and Broward Health Foundation. For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org.
