Stuart Gordon, M.D., co-chief of the Section of Orthopedics at Taylor, flanked by staff, physicians and hospital administrators, prepares to cut the ribbon at The Orthopedic Center at Taylor Hospital’s open house celebration.
Ridley Park— On June 14, Taylor Hospital held a dedication ceremony and open house for The Orthopedic Center at Taylor Hospital.
The revamping of the unit into The Orthopedic Center was led by Amy Haigh, nurse manager of the unit; Nancy Politarhos, director of Nursing for Taylor Hospital; Kris Creighton, assistant vice president of Operations and Business Development director for Crozer Keystone’s Human Motion Institute; and a team consisting of physicians, nurses, case managers and physical and occupational therapists. Administrative leadership was provided by Steve DiMambro, vice president of Support Services for Crozer-Keystone Health System.
The team’s primary goal was to implement ways to enhance each joint replacement patient’s surgical recovery experience. Their efforts resulted in several new offerings as well as streamlined processes. For example, comfort issues were addressed by making available high-quality ice packs, patient bathrobes and warm blankets. In addition, staff received supplemental training and education for the care of orthopedic patients. Training will be ongoing.
Orthopedic patients are clustered on one unit for peer support to aid in their recovery.
Operationally, the Human Motion Institute Joint Replacement team looked at ways to streamline the inpatient experience as well as implemented preadmission discharge planning. And, because Taylor is always looking for ways to make their program even better, the team recently began tracking patient outcomes and spot checking patient satisfaction during their stay.
“We feel that the changes that Taylor’s team has implemented have brought our highly regarded program to the next level,” says Diane Miller, chief operating officer of Taylor Hospital and CKHS vice president. “The number-one goal of our orthopedic physicians, nurses and other health care professionals has always been to get our patients back to their normal lives as quickly and safely as possible. Having these additional resources and outcome information make The Orthopedic Center at Taylor Hospital a well-rounded program.”
“It gives me great pride to be part of such an innovative, progressive team,” says Stuart Gordon, M.D., co-chief of the Section of Orthopedics at Taylor Hospital. “I am impressed by how much they have accomplished. These folks are not only our orthopedic patients’ caregivers, they’re also the ‘thinkers’ whose ideas ensure that The Orthopedic Center at Taylor Hospital remains a center of excellence in orthopedic care.”
The Orthopedic Center at Taylor Hospital is a 15-bed unit designed and equipped to meet the special needs of patients who have undergone surgeries for joint replacement, sports injuries, fractures and hand procedures. It is a part of the Crozer-Keystone Human Motion Institute. The Human Motion Institute is a comprehensive program of musculoskeletal services provided across the health system including orthopedic/joint care, sports medicine, hand care, outpatient rehabilitation, foot/ankle care, and spine care. Services include surgery, therapy, education, medical management and more.
Taylor Hospital is a member of the Crozer-Keystone Health System. We’re 5 hospitals, 2,600 doctors and nurses, and 7,100 caring people with 1 vision. Crozer-Keystone. Something to feel good about.