Marina Burke, SeniorBridge Director of Client and Clinical Services, Addressed Need for Better Communication During Patient Transitions at NICHE Conference

(NEW YORK, NY) February 23, 2007 - Addressing the 10th annual conference of NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Health Systems Elders), Marina Burke, RN, MSW, emphasized the importance of good communication between nurses and physicians when patients are in transition between care settings such as the home and hospital. Ms. Burke, Director of Client and Clinical Services for SeniorBridge, a provider of transitional care and professional services for individuals with long-term care needs, also underscored the need for understanding and developing successful Transitional Care models at the conference held on February 7. NICHE is sponsored by The John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing in conjunction with the New York University College of Nursing.

“NICHE supports improved communication between nurses and all team members working in different arenas of our specialty, which is in total accord with the philosophy of SeniorBridge to provide seamless coordination of patient care. Effective exchange of information about the patient is critical to achieving this,” said Ms. Burke. “What chance do older patients have to receive optimal care wherever they need it without consultation and dialogue between their nursing and physician providers—the ones who often come to know them best?”

Ms. Burke’s professional experience has included more than 8 years of healthcare management and advanced practice nursing with extensive qualifications in home care administration, and more than 5 years in direct patient care as a clinical nurse and nurse practitioner. She obtained her master of science in nursing degree from Columbia University.

SeniorBridge offers a unique, integrated system of care that encompasses the full range of services needed by persons with complex chronic health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Led by a care manager who assesses each client’s individual needs, a SeniorBridge multidisciplinary care team provides coordinated in-home care, nursing, psychosocial assistance, and wellness services to maximize client health. Clinical research has shown that this approach can lead to reduced emergency room visits, a greater likelihood of remaining at home, improvements in self-care and mobility, and peace of mind for family members.

About SeniorBridge

Founded in 2000, SeniorBridge is a national provider of customized professional services for clients with complex chronic health conditions. Its singular system of personalized care addresses the total well-being of clients and their families through a comprehensive program of care advice, coordination of a multidisciplinary team, and advocacy. SeniorBridge services are especially beneficial to those with Alzheimer’s disease and chronic or multiple illnesses. SeniorBridge has offices throughout the country. For more information please visit the web site at www.SeniorBridge.net.