Palomar Health opens newly expanded Rehabilitation Institute

ESCONDIDO – Staff, caregivers and patients at the Rehabilitation Institute at Palomar Health Downtown Campus in Escondido were on hand recently for the opening of a newly expanded and renovated rehabilitation facility that will accommodate up to 36 patients – each in his or her own private room. This expansion creates the first all-private inpatient room rehabilitation facility in North San Diego County.

The $500,000 project allowed for the remodeling of 25 additional patient rooms on the fifth floor and the conversion of shared patient rooms on the building’s ninth floor to private ones. Updates also include the addition of new therapy gyms. Funds for the expansion came primarily from a generous donation to the Palomar Health Foundation.

“These changes provide our patients and their families with a more peaceful healing environment to help aid in their optimal recovery,” said Virginia Barragan, Palomar Health’s director of rehabilitation services.

The Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute already boasts patient satisfaction scores in the top national rankings and more than 85 percent of their patients are discharged home after care. The team of medical professionals utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to restore the patient to his or her fullest potential. Family members are also an integral part of the team, and are encouraged to participate from the initial assessment through the daily treatment regimen, discharge planning, and post- inpatient phases.

Elaine Kerr was one of the first patients moved to a new private room at the Rehabilitation Institute. “I’m just so happy to be able to do this,” she said. “It’s great to be walking again, and my new room is so beautiful.”

The Rehabilitation Institute at Palomar Health Downtown Campus is an inpatient comprehensive physical and cognitive program dedicated exclusively to treating patients who have experienced a recent disabling injury or illness. Assessments for admission to its Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredited programs are available seven days a week.

For more information, visit http://www.PalomarHealth.org/Rehab or call toll-free (800) 628-2880.