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Hospital completes renovation of Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit

10/29/2015

Just four months after Uniontown Hospital opened the newly renovated Family Beginnings Birthing Center, the facility announced this week that renovations to the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit (IRU) have also been completed.

Now, located on the first floor of the hospital, the IRU has increased in size from about 5,600 square feet to more than 8,500 square feet.

Additionally, the overhaul included the privatization of all patient rooms and the implementation of such specialty care amenities like non-skid flooring and motion-sensor lighting.

“The renovations to the unit are exciting and really allow us to offer an even stronger local presence for acute intense rehabilitation,” IRU Clinical Director Cheryl Kramer said.

Kramer, who also oversees the hospital’s Wound Treatment Center and Physical Rehabilitation Department, said the location change alone will also grant easier access for IRU patients to other rehab services also located on the first floor.

“They will have more convenient access to treadmills, our simulated car and other services that often are a part of their rehabilitation plan,” she said.  

The IRU is utilized by patients who have experienced serious illnesses or injuries and require intense acute inpatient rehabilitation that is best delivered, fulltime, at a hospital.

“If you choose such care at an advanced facility that's close to home makes it easier on everyone,” Chief Nursing Officer and Executive Director Betty Ann Rock said. “This upgrade will help us continue to provide the best coordinated care for our patients: care that is comprehensive while remaining compassionate to individual patient needs.”

The IRU provides three hours of therapy per day, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, as well as specialized nursing care that focuses on helping patients prepare for their return to their homes.

Part of the IRU experience includes the simulated home environment where patients have access to laundry facilities, a kitchen, living room, dining room, pet care area and a small grocery store for simulated shopping.

“These upgrades will allow our patients to develop and strengthen their skills in a safe setting and will allow us to utilize a highly collaborative approach that will ensure the best possible outcomes,” Kramer said. “We want our patients to feel strong, encouraged and independent and the renovation can only help to enhance these goals.”

The newly renovated IRU will be open to the public for tours on Thursday Nov.5 from 6:30 to 9 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 3 to 6 p.m.

Light refreshments will be available and staff will be on hand to discuss rehab services. 

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