NEWS RELEASE
STEVENSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
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Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH), Riverwood Senior Living retirement residence and Home and Community Care Support Services have partnered to create a transitional care program.
The program is being funded by Ontario Health Central.
The program provides patients no longer in need of acute health-care services an opportunity to transition out of hospital and into a local retirement residence, where they can receive additional rehabilitative services as they await their permanent bed, either at home or in a long-term care facility.
Patients eligible for the program will be identified by the care co-ordinator/discharge planner at SMH in consultation with the inpatient unit physician and team. Upon consent received, patients will transition to Riverwood Senior Living from SMH, where a four-bed transitional care unit (TCU) is available. The program allows patients to stay at Riverwood Senior Living in the TCU for up to 90 days free of charge. Services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and PSW support will be determined and provided for patients in the program as needed. A nurse practitioner from SMH will also provide follow-up visits with the patient.
“This is an excellent opportunity for our patients to continue to receive support and additional health-care services close to home, while alleviating bed capacity pressures in our inpatient units,” says Julia Mullen, chief nursing executive and vice-president, clinical services, SMH. “At times, up to 20 per cent of inpatient beds at SMH are occupied by ALC (alternate level of care) patients. We are proud to be a part of this program that supports our patients, community and local partners.”
“We are pleased to host the transitional care unit at Riverwood Senior Living and provide a comfortable environment for those in need of additional rehabilitation services while waiting to transfer home or find a permanent location,” says Ruth Green, general manager, Riverwood Senior Living. “Our residence offers the space, amenities and additional support that these patients will benefit from as they continue their care journey.”
Additional information about the transitional care program will be provided to eligible patients and families at SMH.
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