Mercy Health unveils updated outpatient rehab center

LIMA — Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center showcased its newly renovated outpatient rehabilitation center Wednesday, during which administrators and patient care staff toured the center’s indoor pool, gym, kitchen and driving simulation room where patients can re-learn how to brake or steer a vehicle.

There are now private therapy rooms in the outpatient rehabilitation center where patients can access speciality services like lymphedema therapy, which was previously located in another medical office building.

The renovation started last year and was finished in February.

Wednesday’s open house comes weeks after the health system earned a comprehensive stroke center certification in recognition of its efforts to align its neuroscience and rehabilitation programs, including acute care, rehabilitation, home health and outpatient care for patients recovering from a stroke.

The realignment is part of a $33 million project the health system started last year which will see upgrades to its inpatient neuro rehabiltation, inpatient behavioral health and physical therapy areas.

“Neurological services and rehab services go hand in hand,” said Christina Bender, an outpatient therapy manager for Mercy Health, “so as we prepare to keep the more medically complex neurological patients in our area, part of that (is) making sure that our space, our services, our equipment—everything is ready to see those patients through the whole continuum of their journey.”