With a tropical theme, buffet, live music, decorations, games and top-your-own ice cream sundaes, Sylvan Grove Hospital held its first annual Swing Bed Reunion on the hospital grounds on Friday, June 8. In attendance were almost 100 former and current patients, their families, Sylvan Grove staff and administrators.

"The purpose of the reunion is fellowship and camaraderie and a reunion with the staff," said Chief Operating Officer of Sylvan Grove Hospital Edward Whitehouse in his welcoming remarks to the group.

The swing bed unit at Sylvan Grove Hospital opened on March 27, 2000 and served 35 patients that first year. The patient load has increased steadily; there were 299 patients in 2006. Altogether from March 2000 through 2006, the Swing Bed unit served 1,169 patients. Most stayed from 10 days to three weeks. There are now 20 beds on the unit.

The Swing Bed unit provides extended care or rehabilitation for individuals as they move from illness or injury to recovery and is available for a maximum of 100 days. For example, the Swing Bed unit provides care for patients recovering from hip or knee replacement, stroke, infections requiring long-term antibiotic therapy, head injury, back surgery, cancer treatment or intractable pain.

The Swing Bed unit provides intensive rehabilitation, including physical, occupational and speech therapy with three full-time physical therapists and three full-time assistants on staff. The staff works closely with families both during rehabilitation and in planning for discharge.

Dr. Marie Richardson, who has been the physician on staff responsible for the medical needs of the Swing Bed patients for the last year and a half, expressed her pleasure at seeing former patients at the reunion and at seeing how well they are doing now. She thanked them for entrusting Sylvan Grove Hospital with their care.

"Thank you for allowing us to share your successes," added Jean Dodson, president of the Sylvan Grove Hospital Auxiliary.

Pattie Joyner, Coordinator of the Swing Bed unit, who had been responsible for understanding paperwork and regulations in initially organizing the unit and Savannah Reeves, who has directed physical therapy in the unit throughout its existence, were recognized for their contributions.