Griffin Health in Derby recognized for total hip, knee replacement certification

DERBY - The  Center for Joint Health at Griffin Health has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards.

The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. 

Offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the certification focuses on the pre-surgical orthopedic consultation to the intraoperative, hospitalization or ambulatory surgical center admission, rehabilitation activities, and follow-up visit with the orthopedic surgeon. 

“Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification recognizes health care organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. 

“We commend Griffin Health for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”

The Center for Joint Health at Griffin Hospital underwent a rigorous, onsite review on Oct. 31. During the visit, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management, supporting self-management, and delivering and facilitating clinical care. 

Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewer also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“We are proud to achieve this prestigious recognition that is the result of Griffin's commitment to exceptional patient care," said Griffin Health Surgical Services Administrator Kim Viadero, RN, BSN, CNOR. "We believe that the best surgical outcomes occur when patients and their care partners are informed, engaged, and prepared for their procedures. The expertly trained physicians and caregivers at The Center for Joint Health at Griffin Hospital combine advanced technology and our renowned patient-centered care to create a personalized treatment plan and perform joint replacement procedures with unmatched precision so individuals can thrive after surgery.”

For more information, visit The Joint Commission website, www.jointcommission.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin Hospital welcomes primary care physician to staff

Dr. Swati Srivastava

DERBY - Griffin Faculty Physicians is pleased to welcome Dr. Swati Srivastava to its team of primary care physicians.

Dr. Srivastava comes to Griffin after serving as physician specializing in adult and geriatric medicine at Allegheny Health Network and Allegheny Valley Hospital in Pennsylvania. 

She joins Dr. John Farens at Griffin Faculty Physicians at White Hills, 224 Leavenworth Road, Shelton, which provides highly skilled and person-centered care for patients throughout Naugatuck Valley and surrounding areas.

Dr. Srivastava completed her undergraduate medical education at Yerevan State Medical University in Armenia and her graduate medical education and residency at The WPHAGH

Forbes Regional Hospital in Pennsylvania with a specialization in family medicine.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Srivastava, call 203-926-1206.

Griffin Faculty Practice provides patient-centered, personalized care with primary care locations in Ansonia, Naugatuck, Seymour, Shelton, Southbury and Oxford. 

In addition, the practice provides specialized care in urology, cardiology, gastroenterology, cardiothoracic surgery, breast surgery, general surgery, endocrinology, and geriatric medicine. 

For more information, visit www.griffinfacultyphysicians.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to offer Mini-Med School course

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is accepting registrations for its free, 10-week “Mini-Med School” course that begins Sept. 14.

Specifically designed for the layperson with little or no medical background, Mini-Med School provides a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of how the human body works, insight into common disorders of the various organ systems, as well as information about disease prevention.

This free course will be conducted over 10 consecutive weekly sessions. 

Griffin Hospital physicians serve as faculty, covering a wide range of topics, including: Anatomy and Physiology; Primary Care; Cardiology; Endocrinology; Orthopedics; Pulmonology; Gastroenterology; Nephrology; Neurology; Oncology and Hematology; Otolaryngology; Ophthalmology; Gynecology; Urology; Rheumatology; Dermatology; and General Surgery. 

Each weekly session will be divided into two hour-long presentations on different medical topics, with a refreshment break between presentations and ample time for questions and answers.

The program meets Thursdays from 6:30–9 p.m. in the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division St. The Mini-Med School will culminate with a “graduation” ceremony for participants Nov. 16. 

The course is comprehensive and the knowledge base is cumulative, so those participants who attend all sessions will gain the most benefit.

There is no fee to enroll in the Mini-Med School, but space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. 

To register, visit the events calendar at griffinhealth.org or call 203-732-1511.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby names medical director, chief of surgery

Frederick Browne, M.D.

Richard Salzano, M.D.

DERBY - Griffin Hospital today announced the appointment of new medical staff leaders.

Dr. Frederick Browne of Oxford, was named Medical Director and Vice President of Medical Affairs, and Dr. Richard Salzano, of Guilford, was named chairman of the Department of Surgery.

Browne is a board certified internist and infectious disease specialist.

He is an experienced physician executive having served as Vice President of Medical Affairs at New Milford and South County hospitals.

Browne will also serve as President of the Griffin Faculty Practice Plan.
He replaces Dr. Kenneth V. Schwartz, who retired as the hospital medical director after 25 years of service, but continues to serve as chief of Cardiology and practices with Griffin Faculty Physicians.

In his role, Browne will manage and oversee credentialing of Griffin Hospital medical staff, lead the hospital's Medical Executive Committee and the Medical Performance Improvement Committee.

He will also staff and assist medical staff involved in programs and services offered by Griffin Hospital Health Services.

Dr. Salzano, a board-certified general and thoracic surgeon and member of Griffin Faculty Physicians with offices in Derby and New Haven, will oversee the hospital’s expanding Surgical Services Department.

Griffin Hospital offers a wide range of general and specialized surgeries, including thoracic and vascular, bariatric, breast, orthopedic, plastic, podiatric, neurosurgery and colon and rectal.



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.