Newport Hospital recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Center inpatient unit, known throughout the region for its excellence and held up nationally as a model program.
When launched in 1979, Vanderbilt was the first inpatient program of its kind in Rhode Island and the first to be certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Since those early years, it has been cited by Press Ganey as a national model for other rehab programs and received four Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Awards for outstanding patient experience.
“The secret to such longevity and consistently excellent care is the skilled and dedicated staff,” says Newport Hospital President Crista Durand. “Throughout Newport Hospital, it’s our people who are the secret sauce, who make the difference between good care and an exceptional experience. The team at Vanderbilt is a great example—many have been with the unit for decades, and bring a wealth of experience and a deep respect and compassion for their patients.”
Staff marked the anniversary this month with remarks by former and current physicians and staff, along with hospital leadership. A cookout was held for employees to celebrate the special occasion.
Vanderbilt’s inpatient rehabilitation is designed for patients who require intensive, interdisciplinary rehabilitation services in a hospital setting. The unit has 12 beds in a beautiful facility with views of Newport from each room. The center’s highly qualified and dedicated staff employs an interdisciplinary team approach to care. Skilled services are provided in a 24-hour therapeutic environment with direct nursing care and intensive physician-directed therapy program which include therapies, education and training. The services are individually designed to address the special care needs, maximize the abilities and minimize the disabilities of each patient. Both the Inpatient Rehabilitation Program and the Stroke Specialty Program for Adults maintain accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.