The inpatient rehabilitation facility at the Scott & White
Center for Rehabilitative Medicine at Hillcrest surpasses the
national average when it comes to expertise.
spouses or other family members for
overnight stays), a gym, a community
room, and a dining area to encourage
patients to move and engage in social
interaction with one another, which
can be important aspects in the healing
process. Pet therapy is on-site, too, and
chaplains are available.
Pulling for each patient
The director of Rehabilitative
Services at the Scott & White Center
for Rehabilitative Medicine, Kristi
Trammell tells the story of a 19-yearold patient who had recently come to
the Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest
Medical Center emergency room after
a car accident. He sustained a spinal
cord injury and is now a quadriplegic.
After the initial traumatic event, he had
surgery and was moved to the IRF after
the PMR team discussed the options
for the best outcome with the young
man’s family. The initial care plan
included early mobilization, adjustment
therapy, medication, and patient and
family education to focus on getting
better. “I develop a rapport with all my
patients and families, since I spend so
In 2013, almost 500 patients were treated, and when the
inpatient rehabilitation facility was compared to more than
800 facilities nationwide, the data revealed that this facility
cares for more complex patients, who were discharged back
to their communities faster.
much time with them. They’ll open up
about their struggles, which are physical
and emotional,” Ms. Trammell says.
The teenager was beginning intense
daily therapy—up to three hours a
day including physical, occupational,
and speech therapy. For patients,
recreational therapy is important too, to
assist them with regaining skills needed
for hobbies they enjoy.
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