Overlook Medical Center is located in Summit, New Jersey, and I am proud to say it is one of the very few facilities in New Jersey that now has its own designated OSTOMY CENTER. Almost two years ago, as president of the Ostomy Support Group that meets at Overlook, I was approached to assist the Wound, Ostomy and Continence nurses in their determination to create this unique center. Our grassroots movement included letters to Mr. Alan Lieber, President, John Audett, MD, Medical Director and Ms. Mary Pat Sullivan, Chief Nursing Officer, all at Overlook. The letter was positive, encouraging and spoke of the need to service the many ostomates attending our meetings. I had the pleasure of personally speaking with all of the recipients of the letters, and told them of my experiences as a visitor, as well as the opportunity the center would provide to educate the public before and after surgery.
The opening and small reception took place on Wednesday, June 13th in the new space. In attendance were the four WOCN whose services Overlook is so fortunate to offer patients. They are Angela Natale-Ryan, Stephanie D’Andrea, Ronnie Funke and Pamela Hughes. When I do outreach to other medical facilities or speak with new ostomates, they ask me how I was able to adjust to my new body. I clearly explain it is due to the support I received from these women.
Representatives of Mr. Lieber, Dr. Audett and Ms. Sullivan joined us for discussion of the goals for the center, as well as Robert Roland, DO, FACOI, Medical Director of the Wound Healing Program and Infectious Disease Center. The reception culminated with the arrival of the first patient to be seen at the new facility, and then it was business as usual!
The Ostomy Center operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Medical Arts Building I at 33 Overlook Road, Summit, New Jersey, and the phone number is 908) 522-5900.