CHARLOTTE, N.C. – On Feb. 14, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center reopened a skilled nursing unit to care for patients in need of additional recovery time. The skilled nursing unit is designed to provide around-the-clock individualized care and rehabilitative services for patients in and around Charlotte. This includes patients with chronic or acute diagnoses, or those recovering after surgery. The short-stay unit was temporarily repurposed three years ago to help care for the influx of patients with COVID-19.
“We’re very excited to reopen our skilled nursing unit in this community,” said Michelle Cookhorne, Novant Health skilled nursing home administrator. “Like other health care systems across the country, we had to make certain adjustments to our inpatient care model during the height of the pandemic. Unfortunately, this caused some of our short-term rehab patients to have to transfer to outside skilled nursing facilities. Not only was this inconvenient for patients, but it also disrupted their care. The goal for reopening this unit is simple: Provide comprehensive and multidisciplinary care to help patients rehabilitate at the hospital before going home.”
Located on the fourth floor of the hospital, the 12-bed skilled nursing unit offers private rooms and is specifically designed to assist patients in need of restorative care for up to 21 days. Qualifying patients may need wound care support, intravenous (IV) therapy, injections, medication adjustments, surgical recovery and pain management. Patients may also benefit from onsite physical, occupational and speech therapy services.
“In health care, we talk a lot about the importance of providing a continuum of care throughout the entire patient journey,” said Dr. Bikki Gautam, medical director of skilled nursing at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. “Essentially, that means meeting the patient where they are and with the services they need, from admissions to treatment and recovery. Our dedicated skilled nursing unit is laser focused on not only helping our patients recover and return home, but also providing them with the education and tools they need to reduce the likelihood of re-hospitalization.”
The skilled nursing unit is staffed by a team of registered nurses; physicians; physical, occupational and speech therapists; social workers; licensed practical nurses; certified nursing assistants and discharge planners.
Presbyterian Medical Center originally opened as Presbyterian Hospital in 1903. Over the years, the hospital has grown into a 576-bed medical center that consistently ranks among the best in the nation for quality. Located in the heart of Charlotte, the hospital offers the latest in comprehensive tertiary care services, including cancer, orthopedics and neurosciences. It’s also home to Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, which offers everything from neonatal care to comprehensive pediatric care and treatment.
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