Northwest Community opens inpatient rehab unit

Northwest Community Healthcare has opened a 17-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit at the Arlington Heights hospital, for patients recovering from neurological and cardiac disorders, brain and spinal cord injuries and amputation and orthopedic treatments, among other conditions that might require inpatient occupational, physical or speech therapy.

"The new rehabilitation unit provides more seamless care for NCH patients who will have access to rehabilitation specialists and services without leaving the hospital campus," NCH CEO Steve Scogna said in a news release issued Monday. "Our staff is helping people overcome physical limitations and become more independent again."

The rehabilitation unit has a gym for physical and occupational therapy and an activity room and dining area. Patients stay in private rooms and receive around-the-clock care from NCH physiatrists, rehabilitation doctors, physical, occupational and speech therapists, social workers and nutritionists.

Patients will stay, on average, between 10 and 14 days, getting therapy to improve strength, endurance, motor control and stability. Physical therapists work with patients to improve their ability to stand, walk, climb steps or push themselves in a wheelchair.

"Studies show that patients' chances of being admitted, or readmitted, to the hospital due to complications are lower after receiving such attentive care," said Dr. Vijay Rajaram, medical director of the inpatient rehabilitation unit.

NCH received approval in late 2014 to build the new unit from the Illinois Health Facilities and Services. Construction began in early 2015. The Illinois Department of Public Health recently granted NCH a license to open and operate the unit. For more information, visit www.nch.org/rehabcareunit.