Emerson Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Transitional Care Unit (TCU) received the highest marks on the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) deficiency-free survey, following an unannounced comprehensive inspection that covered 600 standards. Emerson’s TCU is one of just two transitional care units in the state that are located within an acute care hospital.
“We are very pleased to have the TCU receive the highest marks from the Department of Public Health,” said Christine Schuster, Emerson Hospital’s President and CEO. “This is testament to our unwavering focus on providing the highest-quality care with a personal touch for each of our patients, which is why people come from all over Massachusetts to recover from surgeries and illnesses at Emerson.”
The TCU provides 24-hour skilled nursing care and a full range of the latest in rehabilitative services – physical, occupational, speech, intravenous, and respiratory therapies – all located on the unit. After discharge, Emerson’s outpatient Center for Rehabilitative and Sports Therapies and Emerson Home Care are available for patients who require additional care. Emerson’s continuity of care from acute hospital, rehabilitation, and home care provides a seamless transition for patients, improving their recovery.
Emerson’s TCU consistently receives 98% patient satisfaction scores on average. The unit is known for providing excellent orthopedic, pulmonary, cardiac, and neurology rehabilitation that enables patients to recover faster from surgeries or illnesses and regain their independence. Patients are admitted to the TCU from all hospitals, including those in the greater-Boston area.
“The DPH surveyors were impressed with the quality of care and high commitment of the staff to improving the lives of our patients,” said Karen L. Bougas, MD, Medical Director of the TCU. “Our interdisciplinary team works very well together, resulting in a compassionate, dedicated, and successful program for our patients.”
In addition to a strong focus on rehabilitation to improve patients’ physical abilities, the TCU encourages patients to be active socially to improve their minds and spirits. The unit has several volunteers, many of whom are former patients of the TCU. Volunteers do group crafts such as painting and jewelry making, play games, and even bake with the patients. In addition, patients are offered pet therapy with visits from certified service animals, and Reiki treatments. Many patients keep in touch with each other after they’ve been discharged.
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Emerson Hospital is a multi-site health system headquartered in Concord, Mass., with additional facilities in Sudbury, Groton and Westford. The 179-bed hospital provides advanced medical services to more than 300,000 individuals in 25 towns. To learn more, visit www.emersonhospital.org.
