Watertown,
New York ----- Since opening in December 1998, the Physical
Rehabilitation Unit at Samaritan Medical Center has helped hundreds of
patients who have suffered from a variety of injuries and illnesses.
These patients required intensive inpatient rehabilitation for a
variety of conditions, such as hip replacement, knee arthroplasty,
brain injury, spinal cord injury and stroke. In an effort to recognize
patient accomplishments, Samaritan Medical Center will be holding a
reunion for all present and former patients and their families.
“This reunion is a great way for former patients to see how this
service has grown and to reunite with staff, physicians, and fellow
patients,” states David W. Towle, DO, Medical Director of the
Physical Rehabilitation Unit. “In addition, staff members are
able to see their patients’ progress since the completion of
their rehabilitation. Part of the rehabilitation process is that other
patients experiencing similar problems support and encourage each other
through that experience. This reunion allows fellow patients an
opportunity to validate their accomplishments well after our program
ends.”
The rehabilitation program offers many types of therapy, including
speech, occupational, physical and recreational. The goal of the unit
is to maintain and improve the patient’s health, improve
psychological adjustment, prevent further complications, and return the
patient to the community and home.
“We look at our patients as part of the Samaritan family,”
adds Susan Naso, PT, MS, Director of Rehabilitation Services at SMC.
“We feel their pain when they hurt and experience their joys when
they accomplish a feat, such as dressing themselves or walking after
suffering a stroke or paralyzing injury. This reunion is such an
awesome way to see first hand more of those accomplishments.”
This year’s reunion is being held on Wednesday, September 20th
from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Turner Room at Samaritan Keep Home, 133
Pratt Street, Watertown. Hundreds of former patients and their family
members have been invited to attend. Some of the highlights will
include vendors from local businesses and organizations, program tours,
refreshments, door prizes, and mementos.
For more information about the Physical Rehabilitation Unit at
Samaritan Medical Center or about the Patient Reunion, please call
786-4800.
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