Advanced Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center Debuts at Strong Memorial Hospital

Advanced Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center Debuts at Strong Memorial Hospital

Strong Memorial Hospital, the largest Level 1 trauma facility in western New York and the only one in the Rochester region, has expanded its comprehensive system of acute care and recovery for patients with brain injuries. The hospital has recently opened the Acute Brain Injury NeuroRehabilitation Unit, designed specifically to cater to both adult and pediatric patients recovering from traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, stroke, or other acquired brain injuries.

The unit, located in 6-1200 at Strong Memorial Hospital, boasts 11 beds and is integrated with the hospital's leading trauma, surgical, and intensive care programs. Rajeev Patel, MD, chairs the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, which oversees the unit's operations. Heather Ma, MD, serves as the division chief of UR Medicine's Brain Injury Rehabilitation Medicine service line and interim medical director of the Acute Brain Injury NeuroRehabilitation Unit.

The focus of the care team is on restoring independence by improving problems with cognition, balance, strength, motor control, vision, swallowing, and other deficits that adversely affect patients' daily lives. The unit's multidisciplinary care team includes rehabilitation nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, recreational therapists, care managers, dietitians, and psychologists.

The Acute Brain Injury NeuroRehabilitation Unit is equipped with private rooms and safety features specific to patients experiencing cognitive and behavioral problems due to brain injuries. It supplements the existing 20-bed Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital, increasing total acute inpatient rehabilitation beds at the hospital to 31.

The new unit is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation (CARF), a designation that reflects higher patient satisfaction and better outcomes. Desiree, a former patient and current employee at Strong Memorial Hospital, received care for an acute brain injury at the unit.

The comprehensive system includes the UR Medicine Comprehensive Stroke Center, the Mobile Stroke Unit, and Neuromedicine ICU, as well as the Kessler Burn and Trauma Center. Many patients require long-term support and rehabilitation, and the team helps patients reintegrate into the community by referring them to local resources once discharged from the hospital, including UR Medicine's outpatient therapy programs.

For more detailed information on the specific features of the Acute Brain Injury NeuroRehabilitation Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital, please contact them directly or visit their official website for a comprehensive overview of their services and offerings.

1. Science and medicine go hand in hand as Strong Memorial Hospital, the largest Level 1 trauma facility in western New York, continues to innovate in the field of health and wellness.
2. The hospital's latest expansion includes the Acute Brain Injury NeuroRehabilitation Unit, catering to patients with various medical conditions, such as chronic diseases and autoimmune disorders.
3. Cancer and respiratory conditions are among the multitude of health issues that patients in this unit face.
4. Digestive health, eye health, and hearing are also significant concerns for these patients, requiring therapies and treatments tailored to their specific needs.
5. Fitness and exercise are crucial components of the care plan, aimed at helping patients regain strength and balance.
6. The unit's expansion is not just for adults; pediatric patients are also treated, demonstrating the hospital's commitment to comprehensive care.
7. Climate change and environmental science play a role in the hospital's operations, as efforts are made to minimize environmental impact.
8. Manufacturing and finance are indirectly affected, as the hospital is a significant industry player in the region.
9. Mental health is another area of focus, with psychologists and care managers working closely to address any emotional or psychological challenges.
10. Neurological disorders, such as brain injuries, tumors, and strokes, are the primary conditions treated in the Acute Brain Injury NeuroRehabilitation Unit.
11. The unit's location in 6-1120 at Strong Memorial Hospital ensures close collaboration with the hospital's leading trauma, surgical, and intensive care programs.
12. The unit boasts 11 beds and is equipped with private rooms and safety features specific to patients experiencing cognitive and behavioral problems due to brain injuries.
13. Nutrition plays a vital role in the recovery process, with dietitians offering guidance on proper diets to support cardiovascular health, digestive health, and overall wellness.
14. The hospital's mission extends beyond the walls of its facility, with the team helping patients reintegrate into the community and providing resources such as outpatient therapy programs.
15. Skin conditions may develop as a result of extended hospital stays or treatments, requiring close attention from health care providers.
16. Space and astronomy may seem unrelated, but the hospital's focus on innovation and technology mirrors advancements in these fields.
17. Retail, transportation, and cybersecurity are part of the larger context in which the hospital operates, impacting logistics, communication, and data security.
18. Lifestyle choices also play a role, with the hospital providing resources and education on fitness, nutrition, and mental health to promote overall well-being.
19. Fashion and beauty, food and drink, and personal finance are all aspects of lifestyle that can influence health outcomes.
20. The hospital's wealth management division offers resources for patients to manage their financial well-being, ensuring they can focus on recovery without undue financial stress.
21. Banking and insurance are crucial components of the financial picture, and the hospital's banking and insurance services are designed to help patients navigate these complex systems.
22. Fintech, venture capital, and real-estate investments are part of the hospital's venture into financial services, providing additional resources for patients and the community.
23. The stock market, private equity, and gadgets may seem unrelated, but they are all part of the larger economic landscape that affects the hospital and its patients.
24. Data and cloud computing are essential tools for the hospital's operations, with technology playing a key role in managing patient records, communication, and even diagnostics.
25. Artificial intelligence is being integrated into various aspects of healthcare, from diagnostics to rehabilitation, improving efficiency and outcomes.
26. Relationships are essential for recovery, and the hospital provides resources and support for patients and their families.
27. Pets, travel, cars, and social media are all part of everyday life, and the hospital provides resources and information on these topics to help patients maintain a sense of normalcy during their recovery.
28. Entertainment, music, and movies provide a much-needed distraction and source of joy for patients during their recovery, and the hospital offers resources to help patients access these forms of enjoyment.

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