Inpatient rehabilitation opens additional beds at Good Samaritan

By MultiCare Health System

Patients needing advanced rehabilitation care following traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, stroke and progressive neurogenic disorders such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s will have more access to inpatient services with the opening of 23 new beds at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital last Tuesday, Sept. 3.

The inpatient unit currently serves approximately 650 patients a year, and this expanded capacity will allow the unit to serve another 200 a year. Demand for this highly specialized care is high, with the unit receiving approximately 2,000-2,500 referrals each year.

“We want everyone who needs the level of care we provide to have access to our services, and we are thrilled that these additional beds mean we can say ‘yes’ to more patients in need,” says Brian Cain, director of rehabilitation services at Good Samaritan.

Good Samaritan is the largest provider of Level I inpatient rehab in the state of Washington and takes care of patients from around the Pacific Northwest, including Alaska, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. The rehabilitation unit was founded in 1954.

This newest addition brings the number of private rooms to 48 and includes a new gymnasium to help with rehab therapy. The expansion also brings new jobs for nurses and physical and occupational therapists.

“We’re increasing staff 30-40 percent,” Cain says.

Good Samaritan applied for a Certificate of Need from the state in 2016 for an additional 23 rehab beds.

One major benefit for patients is moving from semi-private to private rooms. This means a great deal to patients and family members in creating a healing environment.

Good Samaritan has a well-known and well-respected program throughout the region. The program is certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for medical rehabilitation, including the Stroke Specialty Program for Adults.