Genesis Healthcare Laconia Center to promote new facility at LRCC Business After Hours Thursday, March 24

LACONIA — Genesis Healthcare Laconia Center will host the Lakes Region Chamber Business After Hours event from 5 — 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 24.

Laconia Center, a 108-bed Genesis HealthCareSM Skilled Nursing Facility, recently announced plans to begin construction on a new Progression Transitional Care Unit (TCU) for patients requiring post-acute rehabilitation and medical services related to an acute illness, injury, or post-surgery. Construction for this project began in early June 2010 and the TCU will be the first facility of its kind in Laconia.

Laconia Center’s 11,000-square foot stand alone TCU will provide rehabilitation therapy and treatment after leaving the hospital but before returning home. It will follow a patient-centered, outcome focused approach to treatment with the goal of helping patients recover and return to their prior living situation as quickly as possible. The TCU will offer enhanced clinical capabilities and amenities including 14 large private rooms with private baths and showers; rehab services tailored to individual needs; a highly-skilled interdisciplinary care team which works with the patient and family to develop an individualized care plan; a new state-of-the art therapy gym with medical equipment; hotel-like amenities such as flat screen televisions, in-room telephones, computer stations with Internet access, café and an enclosed courtyard; and 24-hour coverage by RNs who have specialized training, education, and experience with the care of post-acute patients.

The nursing staff is CPR and AED certified and can manage medical emergencies and provide care such as complex infusion therapy and wound management.

The new TCU is designed with the short-term patient in mind and will focus on patients who have orthopedic issues such a fractures and joint replacements; post surgical, post stroke or neurological issues; or a variety of medical concerns that result in a need to regain abilities. The average length of stay is typically three to four weeks.

“We are excited to offer an inpatient Transitional Care Unit that will cater to patients of all ages needing rapid recovery from post-surgery, illness or injury,” said John Allard, administrator at Laconia Center.

All are welcome to attend the LRCC Business After Hours event, which will include door prizes and refreshments. For more information about Laconia Center, call Allard at 524-3340. For information about the Chamber, call 524-5531.

CAPTION: Transitional Care Unit program director Melissa Nutter (second from left); event coordinator Stephanie Rittgers from Genesis (third from left); Chamber executive director Karmen Gifford (fourth from left); director of nurses Charlene Santoro (fifth from left); administrator of Genesis Healthcare Laconia Center John Allard (third from right), Chamber ambassador Derek St. Cyr from Central NH Employment Services, Inc. (back row, left); and the rest of the Administrative Team recently met to discuss the LRCC Business After Hours event set for Thursday, March 24. (Courtesy photo)