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 Services & Specialty CentersCultural Initiatives DepartmentSouth Nassau Communities Hospital recognizes and respects each patient in the provision of care in accord with fundamental human, civil, constitutional and statutory rights to improve patient outcomes and patient family satisfaction. The Department of Cultural Initiatives operates Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Conferences, seminars, support groups, special programs and health fairs are available in the evenings and on weekends. For more information about the Cultural Initiatives Department, please contact Julian Herrero at (516) 632-3484, by fax at (516) 632-3485, or via email at jherrero@snch.org
MissionThe mission of the Cultural Initiatives Department is to establish and promote an environment at South Nassau Communities Hospital that is responsive and respectful of the differences on those we serve. To ensure that the provision of health services will not vary in quality because of race, ethnic background, linguistic competence, gender, sexual orientation, disability, geographic location or socioeconomic status. South Nassau Communities Hospital's Cultural Initiatives Committee oversees the fulfillment of the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care as determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health. South Nassau's Diversity Chief, Dr. Sheila D'Nodal, and the staff of the Cultural Initiatives Department are committed ensuring that the best care is provided to all patients and their families regardless their race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender and economical status.
Bill of Patient RightsEnglish version Spanish versionOur devotion to high ethical standards and to continuous improvement in the quality of the care we provide is unflagging. We regularly review and re-evaluate our systems to see that they keep pace with patient needs.
Interpretation and Translation ServicesAll limited-English-speaking patients who request this service are provided with an interpreter at no cost to them. South Nassau Communities Hospital offers interpreter services in more than 100 languages, including American Sign Language for the hard of hearing or deaf patients. Interpreters are available either on-site or through the telephone. Respect for cultural practices and beliefs and adherence to a strict code of ethics, which includes the patient's right to privacy and confidentiality, is upheld at all times. Interpretation Services are available to the patient and their families free of charge. If an interpreter is necessary, please inform a member of your unit's health care team, or contact the Language Coordinator directly at extension 3484.
Hearing-Impaired InformationAll hospital phones have adjustable volume control. Telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDD) are available upon request at no cost for the patient or patient's family. Sign interpretation services are available at no cost to the patient. The Language Coordinator or any staff member of the hospital will assist you should you need any of these services. Closed-caption television is available in all patient rooms.
Cultural CompetencyPeriodically the hospital offers training, seminars or conferences on cultural competency for the staff members. Instruction in cultural competency is also addressed in each new employee orientation training session.
Working in cooperation with the Nassau County Minority Health Task Force and the Nassau Partnership, South Nassau is committed to providing increased access to health care services for all members of our diverse communities. Our initiatives include:
Pastoral ServicesSouth Nassau Communities Hospital is committed to meeting the spiritual needs of our patients, families and staff. We recognize that pastoral counseling and other spiritual guidance is an integral part of the patient’s healing process. We provide multi-faith spiritual care and pastoral services to you and your loved ones. We respect the diversity of patient beliefs and stand by your right to religious freedom and privacy. At your request, we will notify your pastor, priest, rabbi or spiritual leader upon your admission. Our Hospital Pastoral Care Liaisons, Chaplain Allen Siegel, SFO (Catholic/Inter-faith) and Rabbi Jay Yaacov Schwartz, LCSW (Jewish), are available to see patients/families. Chaplain Siegel, pager #962, is available 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Rabbi Schwartz is available Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons and for emergencies. The rabbi can be reached at 516-225-0086. Our multi-faith Meditation Room is available on the ground floor in the “C” wing as a place of quiet and prayer. A kosher pantry/respite room has been established for the religious needs of our visitors and staff including kosher fresh and heatable food, books, religious items and recliners. A reading and dining space is available.
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