SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center has opened their new Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit on the fifth floor of the Prarie Center, at the main hospital campus in Sioux Falls.
The project is part of $174 million in projects announced in April 2017.
The unit has greatly increased space to accommodate best practices and the latest technology in rehab care.
This unit cares for patients ranging in age from adolescents to seniors with a range of conditions and diagnoses including stroke, head and spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, amputation, Guillain-Barre syndrome and more.
“Patients in rehab often have to relearn everything from getting dressed, to getting in and out of a car. They have had their whole lives turned around. This will be a healing, caring environment where this relearning can take place with the help of experienced rehabilitation physicians, and speech, occupational and physical therapists,” said Dave Flicek, President and CEO of Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center.
The average length of stay is 12 to 14 days, longer than anywhere else in the organization.
Special features include:
* 24 private patient rooms with their own private bathroom, heated floors and a large tiled roll-in shower.
* A 5,200-square-foot therapy gym, and four nursing stations located at each corner of the unit for close proximity to patients.
* Elements to help patients relearn life activities like a restaurant booth, curb ramp, and tub rooms where patients can practice getting in and out of a tub.
* Amenities for patients and families including a bufet style cafe' with height-adjustable tables, a public space wired for computers and other electronic decices and a roof-top outdoor garden.
* A conference room, family siting area, offices for staff and satellite offices for physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians.
Avera McKennan’s rehab program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), with an additional stroke subspecialty accreditation.
“Our patients need an environment that helps them recover well, and where they can also feel at home. The Prairie Center is known for its patient-centered environment for world-class cancer care and outpatient surgery. Now, rehab is extremely proud to be here as well,” said Thomas Ripperda, MD, Avera Medical Group physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. “Avera now has rehab facilities that are on a par with nationally known centers.”