
Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab: A Witherell Specialty
The Witherell’s Short-Term Rehabilitation Unit has garnered serious accolades—like a coveted 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and “Top Performing” status from U.S. News & World Report. It also draws consistently positive praise from Witherell alumni, local hospitals, and top physicians.
Usually, people tend to think of short-term rehab in terms of orthopedics – recovering from knee or hip surgery, for example. But the Witherell’s short-term rehab is so much more.
According to John Mastronardi, Executive Director, the Witherell will be spreading the news about its widely recognized Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab services, which deliver superior care that supports positive patient outcomes.
“Every patient admitted to the Witherell’s Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab Program receives a personal treatment plan formulated with and centered by his or her goals,” he explains “We employ the best treatment modalities in rehab, which include a structured and carefully-monitored exercise program with state-of-the-art techniques and equipment. Our goal is to get you back to a safe, functional level, and home with your family within 20 days.”
This is welcome news for residents of Connecticut, Westchester and beyond who are recovering from heart disease or cardiac surgery, or who suffer from lung disease. Knowing that top notch care is available here in the community is especially reassuring.
A hallmark of the Witherell’s program is a collaborative approach where the full range of specialty services are provided under the same roof at the same time.
“Our team of physical therapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists and Registered Nurses works collaboratively with your surgeon or physician to define your goals and create a rehabilitation plan that meets your individual needs,” explains Elizabeth Mungai, BSN, RN, Director of Utilization Clinical, Outcomes & Rehab Services. “We can treat the patient from all perspectives, as our team includes a full-time respiratory therapist. We regularly consult with pulmonologists and cardiologists at Greenwich Hospital to provide high quality, patient-centered care.”
The Witherell treats patients recovering from congestive heart failure, heart attack, coronary artery graft bypass, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or related pulmonary issues like asthma and emphysema, among other conditions. Care is delivered in a modern, 4,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility that’s separate and distinct from the Witherell’s skilled nursing unit. The short-term rehab unit features 46 tastefully appointed private rooms with defined suites for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language pathology services.
“Choosing the right short-term rehabilitation program is critical,” notes John Mastronardi. “Everyone on our team is focused on reducing hospital readmissions and putting our patients on the right path to recovery. Our goal is to maximize quality of life and to help our short-term residents get back to the activities and lives they enjoy.”
To find out more about the Witherell’s Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, call (203) 618-4200 or click here.