Hospital Opens Updated Pediatric Rehabilitation Suite

October 11, 2024

 

STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCES OPENING OF UPDATED HELEN HAYES HOSPITAL PEDIATRIC REHABILITATION SUITE

The Specialized Rehabilitation Space Designed to Offer Comprehensive, Child-Centered Care

The New York State Department of Health today announced the opening of Helen Hayes Hospital’s newly updated Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation Suite, a specialized therapy space designed to provide comprehensive care for children with a variety of physical and developmental needs. The suite is tailored to support young patients as they rehabilitate from injury, illness, surgery, or developmental conditions.

“This is a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of children,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “This updated pediatric suite will offer sick or injured children a safe, welcoming environment that fosters healing and growth and provide them and their loved one’s support, quality care and compassion.”

“Our goal with the new Pediatric Rehabilitation Suite is to create a space where children feel comfortable, supported, and encouraged to make progress in their recovery,” Acting CEO of Helen Hayes Hospital Yvonne Evans said. “We’ve integrated the latest therapeutic advancements and designed the environment to be as kid friendly as possible, helping to reduce the anxiety that can sometimes accompany therapy sessions.”

The renovation includes the latest in rehabilitation technology, an engaging sensory-friendly design, and child-friendly therapy equipment aimed at enhancing therapeutic outcomes. With a multidisciplinary team of experts—including pediatric physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists, Helen Hayes Hospital is committed to delivering personalized care that empowers children to reach their full potential.

Highlights of the updated Pediatric Rehabilitation Suite include:

  • Advanced Pediatric Therapy Equipment: Specialized tools and machines designed for younger patients to improve mobility, coordination, and strength.
  • Sensory-Friendly Spaces & Comprehensive Sensory Gym: Areas tailored to children with sensory processing difficulties, providing a calming and interactive atmosphere. The sensory gym includes a rock-climbing wall, monkey bars, and other equipment aimed at improving a child’s sensory experiences and independence.
  • Multidisciplinary Care: A collaborative team of pediatric specialists who offer a wide range of therapies and individualized treatment plans.
  • Specialty Services: Pediatric patients have access to the hospital’s prosthetic & orthotic center, seating and wheeled mobility services and assistive technology services.

This expansion underscores Helen Hayes Hospital’s ongoing commitment to serving children and families across the region with compassionate, expert care. The Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation Program caters to a wide variety of conditions, including cerebral palsy, stroke, amputation, spinal cord injury, brain injury, muscular dystrophy, torticollis, developmental delays, and more.

More information about Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation at Helen Hayes Hospital can be found HERE.

Female therapist with a male pediatric patient engaging in therapy at an air hockey table.

Photo of Helen Hayes Hospital pediatric rehabilitation suite. The room has red and blue matting on floor and there are a variety of colorful pieces of therapy equipment, including blue and green balls, ablue balance beam, red, purple, yellow, orange, green, and blue foam triangles, a basketball hoop, and more.

Photo of Helen Hayes Hospital pediatric rehabilitation suite, showcasing the suite's wooden sensory gym, with climbing elements and a slide, and a therapy swing hung from the ceiling. There are a variety of colorful pieces of therapy equipment in the room, including blue, red, and green balls and colorful wall hangings.

Female therapist with a female toddler pediatric patient rolling a ball up an incline