Intensive and individualized programs for people living in Southeastern Ontario

Providence Care's St. Mary's of the Lake Hospital site in Kingston has 46 beds for adults, ages 16 and older, who need round-the-clock nursing care and an interdisciplinary, holistic program of rehabilitation. The goal is to enable individuals to become as independent as possible. Services are provided by an inpatient rehabilitation team in collaboration with the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Queen's University.

Each patient has an individualized program supervised by a physiatrist - a medical doctor who specializes in rehabilitation medicine - and carried out by the inpatient rehabilitation team. A full range of specialists make up the team: nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, dietitians, social workers, spiritual caregivers, pharmacists, recreation therapists, volunteers, discharge planners as well as care managers from the Community Care Access Centre.
                                                                                                    
Patients and families are essential members of the team. The efforts of patients to participate in therapy - 2 to 4 hours of structured time per day - are vital in optimal recovery.

The inpatient rehabilitation team at St. Mary's provides the following impairment-specific programs:

• Acquired Brain Injury Program
  Helps patients and their families understand brain injuries and how to deal with the changes they bring. When they leave the hospital, patients may access Providence Care's Regional Community Brain Injury Services.
  Physiatrist: Dr. Karen Smith
• Amputee Program
  Fits prostheses and provides retraining and education for those recovering from the loss of limbs.
  Physiatrist: Dr. Matt Faris
• Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Program
  For people recovering from hip fractures, orthopaedic surgery such as joint replacements, multiple fractures following an accident, respiratory problems, or lengthy hospital stays. The program also helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic pain conditions.
  Physiatrist: Dr. Gavin Shanks
• Spinal Cord Injury Program
  Helps people disabled as a result of spinal cord injuries or other neurological conditions.
  Physiatrist: Dr. Karen Smith
• Stroke Rehabilitation Program
  Teaches patients recovering from stroke, and their families, the skills necessary to become as independent as possible.
  Physiatrist: Dr. Steve Bagg

Preparing for discharge
Discharge planning begins soon after admission. Weekend and day passes are introduced, at the discretion of the rehabilitation team, as early as possible. Community services are arranged before discharge for patients who are eligible and need assistance in returning home. These services may be offered by Providence Care or other providers. If a return home is not possible, alternative living and care arrangements are discussed with the patient and family.

*Photos courtesy of Gateway Worlds

Referrals and information
Referrals are accepted from acute care hospitals, clinics, and physicians. Please contact the appropriate physiatrist at (613) 544-5220.