New in-patient rehab unit opens at Wayne Memorial Hospital

HONESDALE - When it opened last week, the Good Shepherd-Wayne Memorial Inpatient Rehabilitation Center became the only acute-care rehabilitation unit in the immediate area, and it’s already drawing rave reviews. “This place is gorgeous!” says Heather Larkin, an occupational therapist who has just been hired to oversee all the therapists on the new unit. “I think patients are going to be really happy here with both the excellent services and the surroundings.” The new 14-bed unit offers both private and semi-private rooms, a fully functional kitchen and state-of-the-art assistive technology. It represents a five-year partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, based in Allentown, and Wayne Memorial Hospital. Larkin is one of more than 18 nurses, rehabilitation therapists and other medical personnel who will staff the unit. Wayne Memorial is largely responsible for the support staff, while Good Shepherd is providing the program manager/nurse manager, therapy manager and medical director. Doctor Scott Epstein of Northeast Rehabilitation Associates in Honesdale has accepted the position of medical director. Doctor Epstein specializes in rehabilitative medicine, also known as physiatry. Program Nurse/Nurse Manager Lynn Freer, RN, admits she’s “thrilled” to be working in the new unit. “This is a big venture, it’s a beautiful environment, and I’m excited about the integration of medical expertise and professionalism offered by Wayne Memorial and Good Shepherd.” Wayne Memorial Chief Executive Officer David Hoff says he’s also excited about the new unit. “It’s a win-win for patients and for us,” he explains. “Both Good Shepherd and Wayne Memorial have the same goal in their rehabilitation services: to help patients return to a maximum level of independence. We sincerely believe that our collaboration with Good Shepherd, a nationally recognized specialist in rehabilitation programs, can only spell success.” The Good Shepherd-Wayne Memorial Inpatient Rehabilitation Center offers specialized programs for adult patients who require physical, occupational, speech and other rehabilitation therapies for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, stroke, certain hip and knee replacements, brain injury, spinal cord injury and amputations. According to Good Shepherd, more than 36,000 people come to its other 26 locations each year for such programs. “This agreement will provide residents of Wayne and Pike counties with better access to high-quality inpatient rehabilitation services,” says Harry Ting, Ph.D., Good Shepherd’s senior vice president for Strategic Planning. Patients in need of rehab services may be referred to Wayne Memorial by a physician, insurance company, discharge planner/social worker, home health agency, family member, or self-referral. Wayne Memorial also offers outpatient rehabilitation services in Honesdale and Milford. For more information about rehabilitation programs at Wayne Memorial Hospital, contact Virginia Fries, RN, WMH director of patient care services, at 570 253-8100 or James Hockenbury, director of ancillary services.