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Patient stories

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet® recognition

The WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital (WSRH) received its first Magnet® recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in March 2020. The Magnet Recognition Program®, the largest and most prominent nurses credentialing organization in the world, is the highest honor for nursing excellence and provides consumers with the ultimate benchmark for high-quality care. Approximately, only 475 of over 6,300 United States hospitals have achieved Magnet® status. The honor of Magnet® status reinforces the WSRH dedicated mission in providing exceptional orthopedic, spine and acute rehabilitative care in a healing environment. More information on Magnet® status.

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Our services

The WellSpan Surgery & Rehabilitation Hospital features four state-of-the-art operating rooms and private post-surgical rooms for orthopedic and neurosurgical patients. Here, the fellowship-trained surgeons of WellSpan Orthopedics and WellSpan Neurosurgery provide advanced surgical procedures including:

  • Joint replacement surgery
  • Spine surgery
  • Hand, foot and ankle surgery
  • Treatment of sports related injuries

Pre-op and post-op

The hospital features a peri-operative area designed for patient privacy and equipped with state-of-the art patient monitoring technology. Each pre-op room allows ample space for a member of the patient’s family to stay with the patient prior to surgery. Advanced pain management options are available before, during and after surgery for enhanced comfort and pain control and a quicker recovery.

Losing the ability to perform day-today functions may be one of the most challenging and emotional times for patients and those who love them. When deciding on a rehabilitation facility, you want peace of mind. You want an easy choice. You want the best care possible to guide you on the journey to healing and recovery. And while that journey may include modern equipment, highly trained staff and proven methods, those are only part of your rehabilitation story.

The best rehabilitation hospitals incorporate a team approach to therapy that pulls from a depth of resources. They provide an environment that promotes health and healing. And most of all—because no two patients are the same—they provide an embracing, comfortable atmosphere where the patient’s individual needs are at center. WellSpan Surgery & Rehabilitation Hospital is that kind of facility.

We understand that each of our patients has different rehabilitation goals. So, under the guidance of our highly skilled interdisciplinary team, our patients who love to cook may spend some of their rehabilitation sessions in our kitchen area. Gardeners will enjoy practicing therapy skills in our Pathway Garden. Sports enthusiasts might incorporate our putting green or basketball court into their individualized care plan.

In addition to its state-of-the-art facilities, sophisticated technology and highly skilled staff, the WellSpan Surgery & Rehabilitation Hospital is part of the region’s largest, most comprehensive health system. That affords patients access to all the services they may require on their healing journey.

Leading Edge Technology

The WellSpan Surgery & Rehabilitation Hospital features a wide variety of exercise machines including bikes, recumbent bikes, treadmills and upper extremity ergometers. Our state-of-the art rehabilitation equipment also includes:

  • Robotic-driven gait training system improves mobility in individuals recovering from a stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis or other neurological condition by assisting with walking movements.
  • Vision therapy program evaluates and develops accurate and rapid eye-hand coordination, spatial integration and reaction times.
  • Driving simulator allows patients to retrain cognitive, perceptual and physical driving skills through safe and realistic exercises.
  • Interactive metronome combines principles of the music metronome with the power of a computer to precisely measure and improve human performance. The interactive metronome trains the brain to plan, sequence, and process information more effectively through repetition of precise activities.

Pathway Garden

A natural outdoor area designed to offer patients and families a calm and nurturing environment for various rehabilitation activities.

  • Multi-surface walking paths provide patients a place to practice walking and maneuvering on different types of surfaces they many encounter when returning to the community
  • Gardens allow patients to plant and perform other activities to help improve fine motor skills.
  • Seating areas around the garden provide multiple places for patients and families to relax during a visit.
  • A water fountain serves as a calming, relaxing element for patient and family enjoyment.
  • A car offers patients to the opportunity to practice transferring in and out of a vehicle.
  • A putting green and a basketball net allow patients to reengage in recreational activities.

Stepping Stones Suite/ADL Apartment

A private apartment that provides patients and their families the opportunity to practice independent living prior to returning home. During a stay, patients can cook meals and perform personal care while under the supervision of their care team.

Work Bench

An area that helps patients practice fine and gross motor skills while doing activities they may have done previously, such as woodworking and car repairs.

Kitchen

A fully equipped kitchen with adaptive cooking utensils that allows patients to practice homemaking skills, such as the preparation of meals, prior to returning home.

Activity Room

A relaxing space designed for a multitude of activities to stimulate cognitive processing, physical coordination, endurance and social interaction. The dedicated activity space provides for:

  • Classes, such as t’ai chi and yoga
  • Video games, including Wii and Xbox Kinect
  • Board games
  • Structured leisure time activities
  • Recreational therapy
  • Family celebrations
  • Interfaith worship services

Providers

Choosing WellSpan ensures you have the full scope of resources necessary to facilitate your journey to recovery.

  • Physiatrists (specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation) lead our team in developing a care plan individualized to your specific needs and interests.
  • WellSpan hospitalists provide around the clock medical care.
  • Specialty physicians, as needed, may be consulted by your team.
  • Rehabilitation nurses help you practice what you learn in therapy, assist with pain control and help prepare you for your return home.
  • Physical, occupational, recreational and speech therapists use their specialized training to provide a hands-on approach to your care.
  • Respiratory therapists provide 24-hour coverage daily.
  • Dieticians provide recommendations and nutritional guidance.
  • Psychologists, social workers and case managers support patients and families with planning, organizing and adjusting to transition to the next level of care.
  • Orthotist/prosthetist services are available as needed, as well.
  • Other onsite services include laboratory, imaging and pharmacy.

Services and advanced technology available at this location

We provide specialized outpatient rehabilitation to support patients who have returned home but require ongoing therapy following an amputation, brain injury, concussion, spinal cord injury or stroke, as well as patients living with various neurological conditions or movement disorders. Our services include:

Walking and balance training

  • Balance Manager & Force Plate
  • Body Weight Support Systems & Treadmill
  • Video Frenzel Goggles
  • Functional Electrical Stimulation Bike
  • Lokomat (robotic assisted training)
  • Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Life skills assessments for vision and driving training

  • Bioness Integrated Therapy System
  • Wayne Saccadic Fixator

Restoring arm motion and function

  • Armeo Spring
  • Armeo Power (robotic assisted training)
  • Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Swallowing and voice training

  • Fiber Optic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing
  • IOPI (tongue strengthening device)
  • Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Cognitive training

  • Interactive Metronome
  • Augmentative Communication Training

We recognize the unique needs of our patients and offer many specialized programs to meet them. Our programs are for adults ages 18 and over.

Brain Injury Program

When a person has had a brain injury, the uncertainty of the recovery process may feel overwhelming. The brain affects everything a person does. And because no two brain injuries are alike, it's difficult to know what lasting effects the injury may have. With so much at stake, you want to know you or your loved one will receive the best care.

The Brain Injury Unit at the WellSpan Surgery & Rehabilitation Hospital features a secure eight-bed unit for individuals who have sustained a brain injury. The dedicated treatment team recognizes that each person we serve is unique, with distinct symptoms and challenges. The multidisciplinary team focuses on functional assessment, therapeutic intervention and community reintegration to help each patient reach their goals and realize their full potential. The team utilizes the following interventions in the treatment of brain injury patients:

  • Specialized vision testing and consultation with a behavioral optometrist to address any visual problems as a result of brain injury
  • Specialized speech language services
  • Balance and mobility training with specialized equipment
  • Specialized equipment to address arm and hand use, coordination and integration of cognitive and motor function

Amputee Program

People can lose all or part of an arm or leg for a number of reasons. An amputation may be the result of a traumatic injury, it may be a planned operation to prevent the spread of disease or it may be the result of a birth defect. Whatever the case, an amputation can cause a sense of uncertainty and confusion in patients and their families.

Getting you, or your loved one, back to daily life following limb amputation is the goal of the WellSpan Surgery & Rehabilitation Hospital’s Amputee Program. Our multidisciplinary team is trained in the specific needs of upper and lower extremity amputees and will help you recognize and attain your full potential after limb loss.

Our therapy team focuses on helping you gain independence after limb loss through:

  • Proper wound healing
  • Development of the best treatment plan to reduce your pain.
  • Social/emotional management
  • Education for you and your family to optimally prepare for and/or use a prosthesis

We provide each patient with an individualized treatment plan based on a comprehensive evaluation by expert professionals and through a network of clinical and technical resources. Your treatment plan will be developed based on your stage of adapting to limb loss. A prosthetist will be available to assist during any phase of rehabilitation.

  • Post-operative phase – initial phase of healing and rehabilitation after amputation
  • Pre-prosthetic training phase – the phase to prepare residual limb and entire body for prosthetic use
  • Prosthetic training – phase to return to independence in life with use of a prosthesis

Stroke Program

The multidisciplinary team at the WellSpan Surgery & Rehabilitation Hospital understands that after having a stroke, you are going through more than just recovery, you are learning a new way of life. Our team combines the knowledge of many medical professionals to develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient. We will work together with you and your family to address the physical, functional and emotional challenges you may face.

We offer the following specialized treatment and equipment:

  • Neurologically based therapy techniques
  • Specialized vision testing and consultation with a behavioral optometrist
  • Specialized speech language services
  • Balance and mobility training with specialized equipment
  • Specialized equipment to address arm and hand use, coordination and integration of cognitive and motor function

Rehabilitation doesn't reverse the effects of a stroke. Its goals are to build your strength, capability and confidence so you can continue your daily activities despite the effects of your stroke.

Spinal Cord Injury Program

Our team of specialists understands the physical, emotional and practical challenges that you may face if you've had a spinal cord injury. Our multi-disciplinary team takes the time to learn your challenges and goals, and then tailors a comprehensive treatment program to your unique circumstances.

We'll help you become as independent as possible and return to activities that are important to you. In 2017, our inpatient spinal cord programs helped 66 people return to a home or home-like setting following spinal cord injury. Our patient outcomes exceed regional and national averages. 81.8 percent of our patients with spinal cord injuries go home, compared to a national average of 73.1 percent.

As part of your inpatient rehabilitation, you can practice daily living skills in a specialized treatment space, as well as practice standing and walking with the aid of our extensive ceiling mounted technology.

When your inpatient stay is over, if needed you can continue to receive outpatient therapy through our continuum of care. We offer comprehensive outpatient services at WSRH.

Case Management

Every patient admitted to the WellSpan Surgery & Rehabilitation Hospital benefits from the support of a care coordinator registered nurse and access to a social worker, as needed. The care coordinator will:

  • Serve as the team and patient/family advocate
  • Coordinate patient care needs for discharge
  • Provide patient education about the recovery process, rehabilitation stay and beyond
  • Act as a resource for the patient and family
  • Facilitate weekly team conferences
  • Establish goals in conjunction with the care team and the patient/family for discharge
  • Assist with the patient's re-integration into the community

Psychology

Psychological services are available, including:

  • Consultations and evaluations
  • Psychotherapy for patients who are on psychotropic medications or have other physical medical illnesses that affect their mental health
  • Assistance with adjusting to an altered lifestyle or the need for behavior modification

Psychologists provide individual, family and group psychotherapy. The psychologist is a member of the interdisciplinary team that will support patients and their families in preparation for discharge.

Respiratory

A respiratory therapist is available onsite 24-hours-a-day to participate in the assessment, treatment and evaluation of the patients' respiratory/pulmonary status. The therapist is part of the interdisciplinary team that will help to prepare patients and their families for the transition home.

Outcomes Data

All Patients

WSRH National Average
Percent of Patients Discharged to Home 76.5% 74.5%
Average Length of Stay 15.1 days 13.7 days
Percent of Patients Readmitted to Acute Care Hospital 10.0% 10.3%
Functional Measures Change 23.5 25.8

*July 2017 to June 2018

Stroke Program

WSRH National Average
Percent of Patients Discharged to Home 72.4% 69.6%
Average Length of Stay 16.8 days 15.9 days
Percent of Patients Readmitted to Acute Care Hospital 10.4% 10.2%
Functional Measures Change 21.4 25.1

*July 2017 to June 2018

Brain Injury Program

WSRH National Average
Percent of Patients Discharged to Home 71.7% 73.0%
Average Length of Stay 15.7 days 14.6 days
Percent of Patients Readmitted to Acute Care Hospital 13.2% 12.5%
Functional Measures Change 25.1 26.2

*July 2017 to June 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Program

WSRH National Average
Percent of Patients Discharged to Home 81.8% 73.1%
Average Length of Stay 18.2 days 17.8 days
Percent of Patients Readmitted to Acute Care Hospital 4.6% 12.2%
Functional Measures Change 25.1 25.5

*July 2017 to June 2018

Amputee Program

WSRH National Average
Percent of Patients Discharged to Home 77.8% 74.5%
Average Length of Stay 18.1 days 13.2 days
Percent of Patients Readmitted to Acute Care Hospital 5.6% 11.3%
Functional Measures Change 20.9 22.3

*July 2017 to June 2018

Amenities and guest services

  • private rooms with European-style private bathroom and shower
  • patient lift system
  • 52-inch television with MyStation software that includes internet access, movies, games and access to patient medical information
  • telephone for local calls
  • sleeping accommodations for overnight visitors
  • rooms cleaned daily with fragrance-free, environmentally-friendly products
  • nature-themed design throughout the hospital, which limits noise and includes natural light

Waterfall Cafe

Located on the first floor near the main entrance, the Waterfall Cafe offers hot and cold items for breakfast and lunch. We gladly accept credit cards.

Hours:
Monday through Sunday: 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. (Breakfast)
Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Lunch)
Saturday and Sunday: Noon to 2 p.m. (Lunch)

Cascade Coffee Bar & Gift Shop

Also located on the first floor, the coffee bar serves specialty coffees, teas, cold sandwiches, snacks and a delectable selection of pastries and homemade baked goods. We also offer fresh flowers, newspapers, magazines and wide selection of gifts. We gladly accept credit cards.

Hours:
Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wireless Internet service is available in many areas throughout the hospital. However, laptop computers should not be used within two feet of electronic patient care equipment.

Television

Each room is equipped with a large flatscreen television with MyStation software that includes internet access, movies, games and access to patient medical information.

Telephone service

Telephones are provided in each room for your convenience. Patients may receive calls in their room. Local and toll-free calls may be made at any time from the room by dialing "9" and the number. Long distance calls cannot be charged to your room, but can be made collect or charged to your telephone credit card by dialing "8-9-0-0." For operator assistance, please dial "8-9-0-0."

The family meditation room is located on the first floor at the main entrance and available 24 hours a day.

A family meditation room and non-denominational chaplaincy services are available 24-hours-a-day. For chaplaincy services call (717) 851-2305.

Patient resources

Awards and recognitions

NURSING

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet® recognition

The WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital (WSRH) received its first Magnet® recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in March 2020. The Magnet Recognition Program®, the largest and most prominent nurses credentialing organization in the world, is the highest honor for nursing excellence and provides consumers with the ultimate benchmark for high-quality care. Approximately, only 475 of over 6,300 United States hospitals have achieved Magnet® status. The honor of Magnet® status reinforces the WSRH dedicated mission in providing exceptional orthopedic, spine and acute rehabilitative care in a healing environment. More information on Magnet® status.

QUALITY & SAFETY

CARF International Accreditation

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF International) establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services. CARF accreditation is considered the gold standard for rehabilitation hospitals and demonstrates that a facility meets rigorous national and international standards for quality patient care outcomes. WellSpan Surgery & Rehabilitation Hospital was first accredited in the fall of 2012, the year the hospital opened.

Since 2012 the hospital has been awarded specialty accreditation for the following adult rehabilitation programs: Amputation Specialty, Brain Injury Specialty, Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Rehabilitation, Spinal Cord Specialty and Stroke Specialty. These achievements make WellSpan Surgery & Rehabilitation Hospital one of only eight in the mid-Atlantic region to earn all five accreditations, and the only hospital in south-central Pennsylvania with that distinction. These accreditations represent the highest level that can be awarded by CARF to an organization and are marks of excellence for programs’ quality of care.

QUALITY & SAFETY

Det Norske Veritas – Germanischer Lloyd (DNV) Accreditation

WellSpan Surgery & Rehabilitation Hospital is accredited by DNV-GL. DNV-GL is the only accreditor of United States hospitals integrating the ISO 9001 Quality Management System with the Medicare Conditions of Participation. As part of accreditation, DNV-GL requires compliance with all ISO 9001 standards. WSRH received ISO 9001 certification in 2018.

HOSPITALS

Press Ganey Patient Experience Recognition

WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital has been recognized by Press Ganey, a leading health analytics firm, for outstanding performance in patient experience. WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital has been named a 2022 Human Experience (HX) Guardian of Excellence Award® winner, recognizing them as being in the top 5 percent of healthcare providers in delivering patient experience in the last year. In addition, for the sixth consecutive year, the hospital achieved the 2022 Human Experience (HX) Pinnacle of Excellence Award®, which highlights consistently high marks in patient experience over several years.

HOSPITALS

Health Grades Patient Experience Recognition

WellSpan Surgery & Rehabilitation Hospital has been recognized as a 2023 Outstanding Patient Experience Award recipient in a recent Healthgrades ranking. This distinction places WellSpan Surgery & Rehabilitation Hospital among the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for patient experience.

NURSING

Certification Achievement Award

The pre-op department of WellSpan Surgery and Rehabilitation Hospital was recognized in 2019 by the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification (ABPANC) with the Certification Achievement Award. This award was earned for having 100% of eligible perianesthesia nurses earn the CPAN and/or CAPA certification.