Winter Haven Hospital Rehabilitation Services Division continues to serve a wide variety of patients in our CARF (Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) certified Outpatient Programs located at the Gill Jones Campus 3245 Lake Alfred Road, Winter Haven and at the Joy-Fuller In Patient Rehab Center, Winter Haven Hospital. Call Winter Haven Hospital Outpatient Rehab Services at 863-292-4060 for more information.

The ESTEEM Neurological and Community Re-entry Program has provided service to 31 persons with traumatic brain injuries in 2002 and 276 patients with neurological impairments. Our Brain Injury/Stroke program, which is the only comprehensive outpatient program in Polk County, includes a neuropsychologist, social worker and nurse case coordinator to assist these patients with ongoing needs. The clinical Rehab therapists assist them to return to a higher level of participation in their lives to include their family, home environment, community.

98 per cent of our neurologically impaired patients reported satisfaction with our services and their life quality following discharge. The national average reported was 95%. Nine people with traumatic brain injuries have been returned to work through job coaching services and many others have been assisted in developing vocational plans. Vocational Rehabilitation Services, on contract with the State Vocational Rehab Department, has served 102 persons with identified vocational needs.

The Musculoskeletal Program has served people with physical impairments including a wide range of injuries or disorders. Occupational therapists are skilled in assisting people with simple to complex injuries to their hands, wrists or shoulders. This service may include teaching how to prevent further joint damage by changing the way we do things, splinting and instruction in aquatic exercise. Physical Therapists work with a diverse group of diagnoses from muscular strains and sprains to post surgical conditions. This year we have assisted 595 people by decreasing their pain, increasing their activities and helping them to continue participation in their current lifestyle whether this involves school, home or work. Our Hydrotrack equipment, which allows a person to do aquatic exercise on a treadmill in chest deep water, is particularly beneficial to both our shoulder injured patients and our post operative back or leg disorders. By reducing impact on the joints during standing/walking activities, people can increase their strength and endurance in a less painful manner.

The Incontinence Management Program initiated this year includes an assessment of needs by an Occupational Therapist, education on dietary influences and an individualized exercise program to strengthen muscles deep in the pelvis and then putting this strength to use during daily activities. We have assisted men and women with incontinence problems that may have occurred post pregnancy, injury or with de-conditioning of aging. Our success rate has been 80% within 5 treatment sessions.

A More Comprehensive Wound Care Program has been developed during 2002 with guidance from Winter Haven vascular surgeons, podiatrists and other physicians. Therapists skilled in assessing and managing wounds work closely with the prescribing physicians to modify treatment as complex wound conditions change. In this manner treatment keeps pace with healing to progress the patient toward full healing. Other influences on wounds are also addressed such as diabetes, poor circulation, infection and activity level of the person. This outpatient service is provided within the Winter Haven Hospital facility on the 1st floor . For more information about the Wound Care Program, call (863) 293-1121 ext 1172.