News

    Clinical Instructor of the Year
    Thursday, June 3, 2010
    Siskin Hospital Therapist is Chattanooga State Physical Therapy Assistant Program Clinical Instructor of the Year

     

    Chattanooga, TN-- Carlos Thompson, a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant at Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation, was recently voted the Clinical Instructor of the Year by the Chattanooga State Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Program.

     

    On May 6, a Clinical Instructor Luncheon was held at the new Health Science Center on the Chattanooga State campus. Cindy Birchell, Academic Coordinator of Clinical Instruction, presented the Clinical Instructor of the Year award to Thompson, who is a graduate of the PTA program at Chattanooga State Community College.

     

    Determination of this award is by nomination from students, academic clinical faculty, and the Association of Community and Continuing Education. Recognition is given to a Clinical Instructor who had demonstrated exceptional efforts on behalf of clinical education with Chattanooga State students during the previous year. The award recipient must have consistent positive comments by students over the past year, faculty recommendation, clinical observations by academic faculty when visiting students in a clinical setting, Clinical Instructor participation in thorough completion of student assessments, and Clinical Instructor frequency of providing student supervision. 

     

    "Carlos has been a faithful Clinical Instructor for many years. Having been an excellent student and graduate from our PTA program, he is very aware of the need for quality Clinical Instructors to help students apply skills they have learned in the classroom/laboratory and to learn new innovative techniques," Laura Warren, PT, MS, Associate Professor and PTA Program Director at Chattanooga State, said.

     

    Thompson has worked at Siskin Hospital since 1990, and was able to complete his degree from Chattanooga State while working full time and raising a family. Thompson's passion for excellence in physical therapy and instruction provides students with the opportunity to excel in their education and establish necessary skills for quality patient care. Students commented at the Clinical Instructor Luncheon that Thompson is a great teacher who has a gentle way of correcting mistakes while learning.

     

    "While being a Clinical Instructor does provide contact hours for continuing competency, which is a state requirement for re-licensure, Carlos takes his professional responsibility very seriously. We appreciate Siskin Hospital's historically strong support of our students through clinical education," Warren stated.

     

    "Siskin Hospital has a good working partnership with Chattanooga State. Most of our PTAs are graduates of Chattanooga State. The success we jointly share with them is due to the professionalism of Carlos and the other PTAs who participate as Clinical Instructors, because they believe in what they do and do it well," Aileen San Luis, Siskin Hospital Inpatient Physical Therapy Supervisor, stated.

     

     

    Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation is dedicated exclusively to physical rehabilitation and offers specialized treatment programs in brain injury, amputation, stroke, spinal cord injury, orthopedics and major multiple trauma. The Hospital also provides treatment for neurological disorders and loss of muscle strength and control following illness or surgery. Siskin Hospital is the only freestanding, not-for-profit rehabilitation hospital in Tennessee. For more information, please call 423.634.1200 or visit www.SiskinRehab.org.

     

    -END-

    Board Member Reception
    Friday, May 21, 2010

    Siskin Hospital Celebrates 20 Years:

    Board of Directors Reception Held

     

     

    Chattanooga, TN—Siskin Hospital recently held a 20th Anniversary Reception at the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club honoring those who have served on the Board of Directors over the past 20 years. The evening was filled with pleasant memories and reflection of the accomplishments achieved thanks to so many who have contributed their time and heartfelt efforts on behalf of Siskin Hospital.

     

    “As Siskin Hospital proudly celebrates our 20th Anniversary this year, we are reminded of all those who have contributed to the Hospital’s outstanding growth and reputation. Because of the Board of Directors’ hard work and dedication, Siskin Hospital has been able to provide the Chattanooga community with superior rehabilitation services for the past 20 years. Not only has their contribution led Siskin Hospital to where we are today, but it has also built the standard for years to come,” Robert Main, President and CEO, stated.

     

    The continued success of Siskin Hospital relies heavily on the leadership of the Board of Directors. The Board’s input and guidance has proven to be invaluable, and Siskin Hospital is honored to have had such an incredible group of individuals guide the Hospital through the last 20 years.

     

    “As we continue to be Chattanooga’s first choice for rehabilitation care, the staff will aim to uphold the reputation and work ethic that has led us to where we are today. Siskin Hospital truly appreciates all that the Board of Directors have done for our hospital, staff, patients, and community,” Main said.

     

    For more information on Siskin Hospital's 20th Anniversary, please click here.

    Celebrating 20 Years
    Tuesday, May 4, 2010

    Siskin Hospital Celebrates 20 Years of Caring People. Changing Lives.

     

     

    In 1990, Siskin Hospital opened its doors in Chattanooga as a 50-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital, and today there are 109 inpatient beds. Siskin Hospital provides a wide spectrum of services and is grateful for the opportunity to have served the greater Chattanooga community for the past 20 years.

     

    The staff looks forward to making a difference in the lives of families, neighbors, and friends for many years to come.

     

     

    For more information on Siskin Hospital's 20th Anniversary, please click here.

    Support Group Updates
    Monday, May 3, 2010

     

     

    Click Here to view the updated list of Support Groups for May!

     

    For more information on how you or a family member can become involved in any of Siskin Hospital's Support Groups, please call Lisa Morgan at 634-1674.

    Fitness Center Rate Special
    Thursday, December 10, 2009

    New Year Special

    Start the New Year off right with a special membership deal at the Fitness Center!

     

    Break through your fitness barriers by joining with a friend or family member... You can now get a yearlong membership for two people for the low price of one!

     

    Two people can join for $50 a month ($25 per person/ per month)-- a great rate that is perfect for you and a co-worker or family member looking to get in shape and start the new year off right!

     

    Call 634-1234 or stop by to sign up today!

     

     

    At Siskin Hospital, we know that physical fitness is for Every Body. That's why the Fitness Center welcomes and accommodates people of every fitness and ability level.

     

    The Fitness Center is conveniently located on Siskin Hospital's main campus in downtown Chattanooga. The focus of the Fitness Center is to provide a place where disabled and able-bodied people, whether former patients or not, can exercise side-by-side.

     

    The Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital opens a world of fitness possibilities for those who have a disability or may need a little more attention when they exercise. The Fitness Center provides a safe, friendly atmosphere that minimizes feelings of self-consciousness.  

     

    CLICK HERE to visit the Fitness Center page, where you can view virtual tours of the Fitness Center!

    Free Balance Screening
    Tuesday, November 17, 2009

    Join us at the Signal Mountain Offsite Therapy Services location on Monday, November 30, 2009 for a FREE BALANCE SCREENING!!!

     

    The screenings will be available from 12:30 - 5:00 p.m. at 813 Ridgeway Avenue, Signal Mountain, Tennessee. The Balance Screenings will determine and address any balance-related problems or concerns.

     

    Therapists will be conducting the Balance Screenings in order to evaluate and focus on ways that can help decrease the anxiety of falling and becoming injured.

     

    For more information on Siskin Hospital's Balance and Dizziness Clinic, please click here.

     

    Siskin Hospital Therapy Services

    Signal Mountain Location

    813 Ridgeway Avenue

    Signal Mountain, TN 37377

    423-634-1400

    Lind Wins THA Meritorious Award
    Thursday, November 5, 2009

    Siskin Hospital's Linda Lind, Senior VP & COO, Wins

    Meritorious Service Award from Tennessee Hospital Association

     

    Chattanooga, TN-Linda Lind, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Siskin Hospital, was presented with the Tennessee Hospital Association's (THA) 2009 Meritorious Service Award for Executive Staff.

     

    Lind was honored at the 2009 THA Awards of Excellence, held during the THA's 71st annual meeting at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on October 30, 2009.

     

    Lind, who started work prior to the construction of Siskin Hospital, was honored for her 20 years of dynamic leadership and commitment to the mission of the hospital and the patients it serves.

     

    Initially the Vice President of Clinical Services when she started working at Siskin Hospital in 1988, Lind was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 1993. As the second employee of Siskin Hospital, she was instrumental in the construction and oversight of the initial development of the hospital from the ground up, consistently providing a vision of excellence.

     

    Lind's direction has been paramount in establishing Siskin Hospital as one of the most successful regional rehabilitation hospitals in the country. She keeps patient success goals in mind, while excelling as the daily liaison between the admitting medical staff, therapists and nursing staff.

     

    She established Siskin Hospital's Community Re-Entry Program, which focuses directly on job training opportunities for patients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. She also was the driving force that developed the Hosanna Community, which sustains a home where adults with disabilities live together and work to reach their greatest potential. She also helped create many other services, such as the Brain Injury Unit and Driving Evaluation Program, which provide localized specialty care that otherwise would be unavailable in the area.

     

    In addition, Lind was involved in a three-way partnership with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, University of Tennessee Chattanooga (UTC) and Siskin Hospital to offer a Master's Degree Program in Occupational Therapy on the UTC campus.

     

    Lind is an adjunct professor for the Physical Therapy Doctorate Program at UTC, a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and active in the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association. She also is a former Board Member, Executive Committee Member and State Treasurer of the Tennessee Head Injury Association.

     

    She received a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master's Degree in Business Administration at the University of Illinois, Chicago.

     

    Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation is dedicated exclusively to physical rehabilitation and offers specialized treatment programs in brain injury, amputation, stroke, spinal cord injury, orthopedics and major multiple trauma. The hospital also provides treatment for neurological disorders and loss of muscle strength and control following illness or surgery. Siskin Hospital is the only freestanding, not-for-profit rehabilitation hospital in Tennessee. For more information, please call 423.634.1200 or visit www.SiskinRehab.org.

     

    -END-

    Support Group Updates
    Tuesday, November 3, 2009

    Please CLICK HERE for an updated list of Siskin Hospital Support Group meeting times, locations, speakers and topics!

     

    Siskin Hospital understands the importance of camaraderie and encouragement outside the hospital setting. The hospital hosts or sponsors support groups designed to address the social, emotional, medical, and legal issues facing community members and their families experiencing many different conditions.

     

    To learn how you and your family can be involved in a support group at Siskin Hospital, call 423.634.1674.

     

    Current Support Groups:

    - Amputee Support Group

    - Chattanooga Brain Injury Association Support Group

    - Epilepsy Foundation Support Group

    - Lymphedema Support Group

    - Parkinson's Disease Support Group

    - Spinal Cord Injury Support Group

    - Stroke Support Group

     

    We hope to see you at one of our next meetings!

    Vote for Jordan Thomas!
    Monday, October 12, 2009

    Vote for Jordan Thomas

    2009 CNN HERO

     

    As you may know, Jordan Thomas, a former patient at Siskin Hospital, formed the Jordan Thomas Foundation. The mission of his foundation is to assist children of traumatic injury in obtaining prosthetics until they reach the age of 18. Jordan Thomas has received many awards in the area of philanthropy for the work of his foundation.

     

    Recently, Jordan was chosen as a CNN Top 10 Hero for his work in raising funds to provide prosthetics for children in need. This is a great honor for Jordan and speaks volumes of his desire to help the disabled. On November 26th (Thanksgiving night) at 9:00pm, the Heroes will be honored at "CNN Heroes:  An All-Star Tribute." The gala will be hosted by Anderson Cooper in Hollywood.

     

    By being selected as one of CNN's Top 10 Heroes, Jordan received $25,000 for his foundation. If he wins the CNN Hero of the Year, he will receive an additional $100,000 for his foundation. I would ask you to consider voting online for Jordan Thomas as a CNN Hero finalist. You can place your vote for Jordan by going online to www.cnn.com/Hero and can vote as many times as you want.

     

    Jordan has touched the lives of many of us in his work in establishing his foundation. Let's support him to further the work of his foundation.

     

    Bob

     

    Robert P. Main, FACHE

    President and CEO, Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation

    McKesson Nat. Conference
    Thursday, September 10, 2009

    Siskin Hospital Improves Electronic Medical Records & Patient Service with McKesson Provider Technologies

     

    Chattanooga, TN-- Thousands of McKesson Provider Technologies customers gather annually at the National McKesson User Conference to collaborate and share ideas to help maximize healthcare technology solutions. Siskin Hospital sent employees to not only take place in the various workshops and seminars, but also to present abstracts to those attending the conference in Orlando, Florida.

     

    McKesson Provider Technologies is the oldest and largest healthcare service IT company, dedicated to delivering comprehensive solutions with the power to make a difference in how healthcare is provided.

     

    Siskin Hospital has been a McKesson Provider Technologies customer since December 2005. As a developing partner for the Paragon product, Siskin Hospital has helped add two new applications and enhance four existing applications, enabling the product to function well for patient care, as well as for other similar freestanding medical facilities.

     

    "Our goal for deploying an electronic medical record could be summarized into one word: communication," Scarlet Farr, Director of Information Systems at Siskin Hospital explained.

     

    Farr elaborated to say, "We needed better ways to communicate our patients' progress and the results of patient interventions more efficiently to a variety of clinical and financial providers. We have worked diligently with McKesson to improve our clinical communication at Siskin Hospital."

     

    The McKesson Insight Board, composed of active end-user advocacy group members, accepted three of Siskin Hospital's abstracts for presentation at the September 2009 National McKesson User Conference. Kara Spearman Burton, SLP CCC, and Amy Burba, OTR, presented a forum called, "Rehabilitating the Care Plan," which explained how technology services can provide a means to share experiences of creating a multidisciplinary care plan in a physical rehabilitation facility.

     

    Farr, along with Lori Beeby of McCook Regional Hospital, presented a session titled, "Solving Business Needs with Forms Web Stations." Farr also presented "CareStation: A Tool for Rehab," which discussed the McKesson Paragon CareStation's development process at Siskin Hospital. The Paragon CareStation now enables better service solutions for the unique needs of rehabilitation facilities. 

     

    Siskin Hospital believes that quality rehabilitation is centered around a skilled team of providers committed to working with the patient's family and their caregivers. "Having paper charts in the possession of one clinician can make it difficult for others involved in care to have access to important medical information. With electronic tools, several individuals can view the information at the same time. We have added real-time update features and online analysis reports to our portable web stations located throughout the hospital to further increase the value of electronic medical records," Farr explained.

     

    Because a patient's functional improvement does not stop with his or her care at Siskin Hospital, the ability to provide quality documentation to third parties is vital. Having an electronic solution enables staff to provide quick and legible documentation, keeping medical costs down and ensuring the continuum of care is fluid for the patient. The final medical record is a product of both direct data entry and image storage.

     

    "McKesson's solution enables us to establish workflow processing on images being stored. Instead of waiting for a document to be routed, a scanned or cold-fed image can produce triggers to multiple people, enabling healthcare providers to work more efficiently," Farr stated.

     

    Siskin Hospital has also been able to drastically improve patient satisfaction with food service by creating electronic menu printing solutions with McKesson's Forms Web Station. Using this feature has reduced the time it takes to submit appropriate menu options for a patient's therapeutic dining program menu, as well as communicate their preference into a quality food tray.

     

    Farr explained that, "Siskin Hospital has more than 200 menus in our Forms Web Station, which represents nine primary diets that are rotated over a 21-day menu cycle. We have cut costs by not purchasing pre-printed menus that previously prevented us from making flexible menu modifications. We have reduced the number of labels being used in the patient food tray process by printing patient data directly to the menu, requiring only snack labels to be printed."

     

    "Being able to improve our communication with technology not only benefits the patients and clinicians at Siskin Hospital, but also benefits the medical community as a whole. We look forward to actively working with McKesson to further develop healthcare IT solutions," Farr explained.

     

    Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation is dedicated exclusively to physical rehabilitation and offers specialized treatment programs in brain injury, amputation, stroke, spinal cord injury, orthopedics and major multiple trauma. The Hospital also provides treatment for neurological disorders and loss of muscle strength and control following illness or surgery. Siskin Hospital is the only freestanding, not-for-profit rehabilitation hospital in Tennessee. For more information, please call 423.634.1200 or visit www.SiskinRehab.org.

     

     

    -END-

    Patient Gets AL Football Tickets
    Wednesday, September 9, 2009

    Alabama Alumni Association Provides

    Siskin Hospital Patient with Football Tickets

     

    Chattanooga, TN-The Chattanooga Chapter of the University of Alabama National Alumni Association recently presented Siskin Hospital patient Joel Fraker with a complimentary pair of Alabama football tickets.

     

    Butch Cox, President of the Alabama Alumni Association's Chattanooga Chapter, along with Past-President, Ron McKelvy, and President-Elect, Christina Cox, presented Joel with the tickets on his 39th Birthday at Siskin Hospital's Outpatient Pavilion.

     

    Joel and his son, Jake, will be attending the September 19th game in Tuscaloosa when the Crimson Tide play against North Texas. Each year, the President of the Alabama Alumni Association's Chattanooga Chapter has the opportunity to present tickets to a special individual. After hearing his story, Butch chose Joel as the 2009 recipient.

     

    Joel suffered a spinal cord injury on September 2, 2007 after a fall from his dirt bike, paralyzing him from the waist down. After multiple surgeries, Joel has worked tirelessly in his rehabilitation efforts to regain the ability to walk. Joel's primary Physical Therapist, Noi Mavredes, works with Joel weekly at Siskin Hospital's Outpatient Pavilion to help increase his strength, balance, movement and endurance.

     

    "Since Joel was 6 months out from his spinal cord injury when he came to Siskin Hospital, he has really had to work extra hard to regain movement," said John Jordi, Physical Therapy Assistant. "In the year that we have worked with Joel, he has made huge strides in his ability to regain movement. While he is still in a wheelchair, he has already been able to walk 350 feet with assistance in therapy.  He serves as an inspiration to the other spinal cord patients," John said. 

     

    Joel is part of the Project Walk Program, where therapists, such as Noi, have completed extensive training and certification on spinal cord injury treatment to ensure a patient's recovery is maximized. Joel and Noi even traveled to the Project Walk Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center in Carlsbad, California to ensure the therapy he receives will give him the best opportunity to make a recovery. "He has come so far in his ability to walk. We are going to keep working and do everything possible to help him regain movement. I am very proud of him and all that he has accomplished," Noi explained. 

     

    As a lifelong Crimson Tide fan, Joel is looking forward to sharing this special day with his 14-year-old son. Jake is a freshman at Franklin County High School and is enjoying his first year as a member of the high school football team. "This will no doubt be a great experience for them! They are so excited and thankful for the opportunity the Alabama Alumni Association has provided... Roll Tide," Noi exclaimed!

      

    For more information on Siskin Hospital's Outpatient Therapy Services, please call 423.634.1400 or visit www.SiskinRehab.org. To learn more about Project Walk, please visit www.ProjectWalk.org.

     

    Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation is dedicated exclusively to physical rehabilitation and offers specialized treatment programs in brain injury, amputation, stroke, spinal cord injury, orthopedics and major multiple trauma. The Hospital also provides treatment for neurological disorders and loss of muscle strength and control following illness or surgery. Siskin Hospital is the only freestanding, not-for-profit rehabilitation hospital in Tennessee.

     

     

    -END-

    Spirit Newsletter Fall 09
    Tuesday, September 8, 2009

    To view a PDF copy of the Summer/Fall 2009 Edition of the Siskin Hospital Spirit newsletter, please click the link below:

     

    Spirit Newsletter

     

     

     

    Cover of the Spirit Newsletter

     

     

    Rehab Week 2009
    Monday, August 24, 2009

    Siskin Hospital Celebrates National Rehabilitation Week

    September 20- 26, 2009

     

    This year, Siskin Hospital is commemorating the special week with a SAILebrate theme, and will focus on Siskin Hospital staff, patients, volunteers, the Chattanooga community and the field of rehabilitation.

     

    The Caring People Cruise Line Ship will set sail to a number of fun destinations throughout the week by incorporating many employee, patient and community events that SAILebrate the field of physical rehabilitation, educate others about the field and recognize those whose lives have been touched by disability.

     

    All Rehab Week activities are staffed and sponsored by Siskin Hospital employees. The Hospital's guest relations committee, "POSitively Caring!," acts as the steering committee for the week long event.

     

    Please Click the Links for a PDF of the Rehab Week Schedule!

     Monday- Wednesday

     Thursday- Friday

     

    Community Outreach Activity

    Siskin Hospital's 2009 Rehab Week Community Outreach Activity will spread far beyond the Chattanooga area to touch the lives of those in Ecuador. Siskin Hospital will be joining Dr. Robert Crook and his mission of working with DOCare, an International Medical Outreach Organization. DOCare is a non-profit group of all-volunteer professionals whose main desire is to help underserved populations by providing a wide range of medical services.

     

    Siskin Hospital will be helping Dr. Crook's mission by taking in medical equipment and vision assistance donations for his upcoming trip to Ecuador, and will be kicking off the campaign during Rehab Week. Items may be dropped off at the Main Lobby or at the Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital during business hours Monday- Friday. Donations will be accepted from Spetmeber 20 through the end of October.

     

    Dr. Crook, along with DOCare, provides much needed medical care to indigent and isolated people in remote areas of the world. His last trup to Bolivia inspired him to being taking in donations of used wheelchairs, prosthetics, canes, walkers and wheelchair parts to meet his patients' needs. Dr. Crook also asks for donations of reading glasses to distribute ot those who do not have access to vision care. All donations are tax exempt and will be used for the mission of DOCare.

     

    Please join Siskin Hospital's mission of being Caring People. Changing Lives. by bringing in any new or used wheelchair or assistive device, as well as reading glasses, from September 20 through the end of October. For more information, please contact Lisa Morgan at 423-634-1674.

     

    DOCare International

     

    Double Amputee Gets Big Honor
    Tuesday, August 18, 2009

    Jordan Thomas Wins 2009 National Courage Award

     

    Chattanooga, TN-- Jordan Thomas, a former Siskin Hospital patient, was recently chosen as the recipient of the 2009 National Courage Award.

     

    Jordan, a double amputee, started the Jordan Thomas Foundation to help buy prosthetic devices for children in need. In four years, the Jordan Thomas Foundation has raised more than $350,000.

     

    The Minnesota-based Courage Center's annual award recognizes an individual's contributions to the health, welfare and rehabilitation of people with disabilities.

     

    Click Here to view CNN's Coverage of Jordan's incredible honor.

     

    Click Here to view WRCB TV Channel 3's news coverage, including footage of Jordan while in therapy at Siskin Hospital.

    Alexian Village Partnership
    Wednesday, August 5, 2009

     

    Siskin Hospital Now Provides Therapy Services for Alexian Village of Tennessee

     

    Chattanooga, TN-Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation is excited to announce the beginning of a new partnership with Alexian Village of Tennessee.  

     

    Siskin Hospital is providing Inpatient and Outpatient therapy services to Alexian Village of Tennessee in the Chattanooga area. Physical, occupational and speech therapies will be offered at the Siskin Hospital Outpatient Clinic on Signal Mountain, as well as at the Alexian Village of Tennessee campus.

               

    "Siskin Hospital and Alexian Village of Tennessee both aim to provide innovative rehabilitation services, while optimizing the holistic approach of treating the mind, body and spirit with care and compassion. For nearly 20 years, both non-profit organizations have provided the highest levels of care to the community while promoting and maintaining independence through physical rehabilitation. We are thrilled about our new partnership with Alexian Village of Tennessee," Tod Cain, Director of Therapy Services at Siskin Hospital, stated.

     

    "We are excited about our new relationship with Siskin Hospital, as it will further enhance our full continuum of care. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to provide exceptional therapy services to our residents and the community," Jeff Ott, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alexian Village of Tennessee, stated.

     

    ABOUT SISKIN HOSPITAL FOR PHYSICAL REHABILITATION

    Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation is dedicated exclusively to physical rehabilitation and offers specialized treatment programs in brain injury, amputation, stroke, spinal cord injury, orthopedics and major multiple trauma. The Hospital also provides treatment for neurological disorders and loss of muscle strength and control following illness or surgery. Siskin Hospital is the only freestanding, not-for-profit rehabilitation hospital in Tennessee. For more information on Siskin Hospital, please call 423.634.1200 or visit www.SiskinRehab.org.

      

    ABOUT ALEXIAN BROTHERS

    The Alexian Brothers operate the most comprehensive network of residential, retirement and community resources for seniors and older adults of Chattanooga and Hamilton County. The Alexian Brothers of the Southeast endeavor to provide the healthcare services, innovative social programs and residential retirement choices needed for the physical, mental and spiritual fulfillment and healing of any older adult in need regardless of health condition, cultural beliefs or ability to pay. For more information about Alexian Village of Tennessee, please call 423.886.0100 or visit www.AlexianVillage.com.

     

    -END-

    New Cleveland Outpatient Clinic
    Thursday, June 11, 2009

    Siskin Hospital's Outpatient Therapy Services Location in Cleveland Moves to New Facility & Offers Free Health Screenings in July


     

     

    Chattanooga, TN-Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation is excited to announce the offsite Therapy Services location in Cleveland, TN will be moving to a new, updated facility with over 3,000 sq.ft. of rehabilitative therapy space.

     

    The new Outpatient Therapy Services Clinic opens on July 1, 2009 at 3830 Keith Street (the old SlumberJack's location) in downtown Cleveland.

     

    A Grand Opening Celebration with free health screenings will be held on Tuesday, July 14 from 9:00 a.m. - noon and on Thursday, July 16 from noon - 3:00 p.m. at the new location. On July 14, there will be screenings for Balance, Arm & Hand and Vision problems. The screenings that will be available on July 16 will focus on Back and Fitness issues. Speech Consultation and Hearing screenings will also be available on July 16. Members from all of Siskin Hospital's Therapy Services departments will be available for consultation, including Physical, Occupational and Speech-Language Pathology Therapies, Psychology Services, Vocational Rehabilitation and Industrial Rehabilitation. 

     

    The new clinic on Keith Street will be offering a full range of outpatient rehabilitation services, varying from Physical Therapy services for basic orthopedic injuries, such as shoulder and knee pain, to Occupational and Speech Therapy services. The Speech Therapy services will offer help to those who may have memory issues, difficulty swallowing or those who may experience neuro-communication changes or deficits due to injury or illness. A full range of Psychology Services, Massage Therapy and maintenance programs will also be available at the new Keith Street location. Vocationally-related services, such as post offer lift tests and ergonomic assessments, will also be available. 

     

    Siskin Hospital's Community Re-Entry program for individuals with a brain injury will now be offered at the new location. This program was previously only offered at the main campus in downtown Chattanooga, but will now be a valued niche service available to residents in Bradley County.

     

    "Siskin Hospital has been serving the Bradley County area for the past three years. The growth of our practice in Cleveland led us to look for a larger facility. When the new space became available, we immediately recognized how convenient and accessible it would be for the people living in Cleveland and the surrounding areas. We worked carefully to ensure that the site represents the standard of quality care that Siskin Hospital is known for providing, and are pleased to be moving to our new location," Tod Cain, Director of Therapy Services, stated.

     

     

    In addition to the Cleveland Outpatient Clinic, Siskin Hospital also has Outpatient Therapy Clinics in East Brainerd, Red Bank/Hixson, Lookout Valley, Signal Mountain, as well as the main campus located in downtown Chattanooga.

     

    "We are very proud of this new Cleveland location, and are looking forward to building our relationship with Bradley County residents by providing the best therapy care available. With over 3,000 sq.ft. to work with, this easily accessible facility allows us to branch out our therapy services and truly meet the needs of our patients in Bradley County," Cain said.

     

    For more information on Siskin Hospital's Outpatient Therapy Services, please call 423.634.1447 or visit www.SiskinRehab.org. To schedule an appointment at any of the Outpatient Therapy Services locations, please call 423.634.1400.

     

    Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation is dedicated exclusively to physical rehabilitation and offers specialized treatment programs in brain injury, amputation, stroke, spinal cord injury, orthopedics and major multiple trauma. The Hospital also provides treatment for neurological disorders and loss of muscle strength and control following illness or surgery. Siskin Hospital is the only freestanding, not-for-profit rehabilitation hospital in Tennessee.

     

     

    -END-

     

    In-Room Massages Now Available
    Wednesday, May 13, 2009

    In-Room Massage Services Now

    Available For Siskin Hospital Patients

     

     

    Chattanooga, TN-Give the gift of massage! Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation and Siskin Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists are now offering in-room massage services to patients at Siskin Hospital.

     

    The In-Room Massage Services are a wonderful way to pamper patients and family members while at Siskin Hospital. Massages may be given to patients at the bedside, or to family members in a massage chair. The massage treatment will follow the patient's physical therapy session for the day and will be given by a Licensed Massage Therapist.

     

    Massage Therapists will obtain the Siskin Physician's approval prior to performing the massages. 15-minute massage sessions are available for $25 and 30-minute sessions can be purchased for $45. Packages are also available and include three 15-minute sessions in one week for $60 and three 30-minute sessions in one week for $125. The patient or family member must use all massage sessions before the date of discharge from Siskin Hospital.

     

    Massage therapy services are available Monday thru Friday, and requests for massage appointments should be made one day in advance. Please call the Siskin Spine & Rehab Specialists at 423-634-1375 to make all massage appointments.

     

    Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation is dedicated exclusively to physical rehabilitation and offers specialized treatment programs in brain injury, amputation, stroke, spinal cord injury, orthopedics, and major multiple trauma. The Hospital also provides treatment for neurological disorders and loss of muscle strength and control following illness or surgery. Siskin Hospital is the only freestanding, not-for-profit rehabilitation hospital in Tennessee. For more information, please visit www.SiskinRehab.org.

     

    Siskin Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists focus on optimizing overall function rather than care of a specific symptom, addressing all body systems. The staff's medical training integrates elements of several disciplines, including orthopedics and musculoskeletal care, neurology, and rheumatology. All treatment options are explored through an interdisciplinary team approach. Siskin Spine & Rehab Specialists are located on the main campus of Siskin Hospital. For more information, please visit www.SiskinSpine.com.

     

    -END-

    Advanced Learning Course May 2
    Monday, April 6, 2009

    Siskin Hospital Presents Advanced Learning Course for Therapeutic Professionals on May 2, 2009

     

    Chattanooga, TN-Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation will be hosting an Advanced Learning Course for Therapeutic Professionals on May 2, 2009.

     

    The course is for Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Assistants and Students. This course is designed for individuals interested in treatment for adults with Acquired Neurological Impairments. It will explore various disorders of thinking and executive function, as well as provide information for creating an effective treatment program.

     

    The topic will be "Disorders of Thinking & Executive Function: Assessment & Treatment of Adults with Acquired Neurological Impairments," with Colleen Karow, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Audiology & Speech Pathology at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, presenting as the Course Instructor.

     

    The course is sponsored by Siskin Hospital's Speech and Language Pathology Department. The registration fee is $110 for Professionals and $55 for Students. Through the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, participants will earn .7 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for 7 Contact Hours, in the Intermediate Level and Professional Area. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is approved by the Continuing Education Board of ASHA to provide continuing education activities in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

     

    Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to define thinking skills, describe a clinically useful model of executive function, explain why executive functions are hard to test, describe components of a good treatment program for executive function disorders, contrast the difference between mental inflexibility and concrete thinking, and identify two tests that can be used to evaluate executive function and problem solving skills.

     

    Dr. Colleen Karow received her Ph.D. in 1997 from the University of Texas-Austin, and was an Associate Professor at the University of Rhode Island from 1998-2005. Dr. Karow has published papers in a variety of professional journals, including Brain Injury, Aphasiology, Schizophrenia Research, and the American Journal of Speech and Language Pathology. She has presented numerous minicourses at ASHA conventions, state and regional meetings. She guest edited the issue of Seminars in Speech and Language entitled "Affective Communication: Characteristics, Disorders and Clinical Implications."

     

    Dr. Karow is co-author of the Rapid Assessment of Problem Solving (RAPS) and is co-author of the soon to be published Problem Solving Treatment Program. She conducts research in cognitive wellness programs for healthy aging and clinical treatments for patients with acquired neurologic cognitive and communication disorders. She is an expert clinician who continues to practice speech pathology. She is also an experienced teacher who has taught a wide variety of courses including cognitive rehabilitation, aphasia, motor speech disorders and dysphagia.

     

    For more information on the Advanced Learning Course at Siskin Hospital, please contact Betty Penley at 423.634.1579. Participants may also CLICK HERE  to register and pay online.

     

    Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation is dedicated exclusively to physical rehabilitation and offers specialized treatment programs in brain injury, amputation, stroke, spinal cord injury, orthopedics, and major multiple trauma. The Hospital also provides treatment for neurological disorders and loss of muscle strength and control following illness or surgery. Siskin Hospital is the only freestanding, not-for-profit rehabilitation hospital in Tennessee.

     

    -END-

    Signal Mtn. Outpatient Clinic
    Wednesday, April 1, 2009

    Siskin Hospital Opens New Outpatient Clinic on Signal Mountain

     

    Chattanooga, TN-Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation is excited to announce the opening of a new Outpatient Clinic on Signal Mountain. 

     

    The new Outpatient Therapy Services Clinic opens on April 1, 2009 at 813 Ridgeway Avenue on Signal Mountain, and will serve patients Monday through Friday, by appointment.

     

    Physical, occupational, and speech therapies will be offered. The clinic will specialize in serving most orthopedic and neurological diagnosis, as well as provide therapists with specialty training in balance and dizziness treatments.

     

    "Siskin Hospital has identified Signal Mountain as an ideal location for a therapy site for quite some time. When this space became available, we immediately recognized how convenient and accessible it will be for the people living on Signal Mountain. We worked closely with the building's landlord, who is also a former Siskin Hospital patient, to ensure that the site represents the standard of quality care that Siskin Hospital is known for providing," Tod Cain, Director of Therapy Services, stated.

     

    Local Signal Mountain resident, Alexandria Deimling, will be one of the primary therapists stationed at the new clinic. Deimling is excited to be a part of the new services offered to residents, and will be a huge asset in the care provided. "I have grown up on Signal Mountain and currently live in Summertown. I have my Doctorate of Physical Therapy and will be getting my official certification in vestibular rehab in the coming year. Having the opportunity to serve my community is truly wonderful, and I know residents will enjoy having access to Siskin Hospital's quality of care without ever having to leave the mountain," Deimling explained.

     

    "We are very proud of how well this clinic turned out and will use this clinic as a model for future clinics we plan to open," Cain said. In addition to the Signal Mountain Outpatient Clinic, Siskin Hospital also has Outpatient Therapy Services Clinics at Erlanger East, as well as in Lookout Valley and Cleveland.

     

    Fore more information on Siskin Hospital's Outpatient Therapy Services, please call 423.634.1400 or click here to visit the Outpatient Therapy Services page.

     

    Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation is dedicated exclusively to physical rehabilitation and offers specialized treatment programs in brain injury, amputation, stroke, spinal cord injury, orthopedics, and major multiple trauma. The Hospital also provides treatment for neurological disorders and loss of muscle strength and control following illness or surgery. Siskin Hospital is the only freestanding, not-for-profit rehabilitation hospital in Tennessee.

     

     

    -END-

    Free Adaptive Golf Clinic
    Wednesday, March 25, 2009

    Two Free First Swing Adaptive Golf Clinics Presented by Siskin Hospital & The First Tee of Nashville


    Chattanooga, TN-Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation and The First Tee of Nashville are presenting two free First Swing Adaptive Golf Clinics this May. The clinics will be held at Vinny Links Golf Course in Nashville on May 5th and 6th and Moccasin Bend Golf Club in Chattanooga on May 8th.

     

    The First Swing Adaptive Golf Clinics are for individuals with a disability, as well as Golf Professionals and Recreational, Physical, and Occupational Therapists. The First Swing Program is designed to instruct therapists and other rehabilitation team professionals to teach and encourage people with disabilities to learn or re-learn the game of golf.

     

    Siskin Hospital and The First Tee of Nashville are pleased to have Bob Wilson, a double below the knee amputee, instruct the Adaptive Golf Clinics. Wilson is the National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA) Executive Director and founder of the First Swing program.

     

    At the first clinic in Nashville on May 5th, teaching professionals, including therapists and golf pro's, are invited to attend the clinic in order to learn the basics of training individuals with disabilities.  The professionals will learn hands-on instruction on how to teach the correct grip, stance/balance, swing, and how to work with the adaptive equipment.

     

    Day two of the Nashville clinic will be held on May 6th. Professionals, as well as individuals with a disability, are invited to attend. Hands-on instruction will be provided to help teach participants how to play the game of golf, regardless of a disability.

     

    The second clinic in Chattanooga will be held on May 8th, and will have a morning and afternoon session. The morning session will be held at Siskin Hospital, and will be for teaching professionals to learn the basics of training individuals with disabilities to play golf. The afternoon session will be held at Moccasin Bend Golf Club. Wilson and the teaching professionals will provide hands-on instruction to help participants learn or re-learn how to play the game of golf.

     

    On all three days, healthcare professionals can earn Continuing Educational Unit (CEU) credits for $30. Golf Professionals can also earn one point per hour of participation for free, as part of the First Swing program.

     

    The clinics will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with designated morning and afternoon sessions. Participants should bring comfortable clothes and golf clubs. For those who do not have their own clubs, they will be provided for the day, along with drinks and snacks. A SoloRider accessible golf cart will be available to those at both the Nashville and Chattanooga clinics. Professionals will be providing instruction and assistance for those using the accessible cart and other adaptable golf equipment.

     

    The First Swing Adaptive Golf Clinics are designed to help participants learn how to overcome challenges with general golfing. The clinics will teach the appropriate golf club grip, how to assume the proper stance and address ball set-up and balance. Elements of the seated and standing swing will be taught, along with demonstrations of adaptive equipment, including the SoloRider accessible golf cart.  Discussions on safety, the Americans with Disabilities Act Implications, and the general rules of golf etiquette, as well as the differences presented by various types of disabilities will also be covered at the clinics.

     

    The Adaptive Golf Clinics work in conjunction with Siskin Hospital's Adaptive Sports Program. The Adaptive Sports Program is designed for individuals with disabilities to be trained by professionals to learn or re-learn a sport, such as golf, tennis, or basketball.

     

    Siskin Hospital and The First Tee of Nashville are excited to present this free clinic to those in the Chattanooga and Nashville area communities. The NAGA, the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust, the PGA, and the United States Golf Association are sponsoring the nationwide First Swing clinics. Vinny Links Golf Course and Moccasin Bend Golf Club are gracious hosts in providing the driving range and golf balls for the clinics.

     

    Pre-registration is required by May 1st for the Nashville and Chattanooga clinics. To register or find out more information, please contact Lisa Morgan, First Swing Clinic Coordinator, Recreational Therapy at Siskin Hospital, by phone at 423-634-1674 or by email at Lmorgan@SiskinRehab.org. Participants may also CLICK HERE to register online.

    Volunteer Opportunities
    Thursday, March 12, 2009

     

    Siskin Hospital Has New Volunteer Opportunities

     

     

    Chattanooga, TN-Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation has some new opportunities for Volunteers to work at the Front Desk in the main reception area. 

     

    The current needs for Volunteer candidates include those who enjoy helping and interacting with people, and can volunteer 2-3 days per week between the hours of 9:00am and 1:00pm or 1:00pm and 5:00pm.   

     

    The Volunteer must be able to effectively communicate in person and over the telephone, direct vendors, guests and family members throughout the Hospital Campus, and perform light clerical duties as needed.  Some medical, clinical or rehabilitation background is preferred. 

     

    By Volunteering for a minimum of eight hours per week, you will have free access to the use of our Fitness Center located on the Siskin Hospital campus. 

     

    If you are responsible, enjoy being a volunteer and experiencing the rewards of involvement in a hospital setting, we would be happy to speak with you.  Volunteer candidates are required to provide two written letters of recommendation to be considered. 

     

    Volunteer candidates may apply in person or apply on-line now at www.SiskinRehab.org! For more information, please contact Tammy Bates at 423-634-1268.

     

    Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation is dedicated exclusively to physical rehabilitation and offers specialized treatment programs in brain injury, amputation, stroke, spinal cord injury, orthopedics, and major multiple trauma. The Hospital also provides treatment for neurological disorders and loss of muscle strength and control following illness or surgery. Siskin Hospital is the only freestanding, not-for-profit rehabilitation hospital in Tennessee.

     

     

    -END-

    Spirit Newsletter
    Wednesday, January 28, 2009

     

     

    To view a copy of the Winter 2008 edition of the Siskin Hospital Spirit, please click the link below.

     

    Spirit_Winter_2008

     

    Spirit Cover

    Rebounders Honor 2 Players
    Friday, January 23, 2009

    Rebounders

    Siskin Hospital Rebounders Wheelchair Basketball Team

    Honors Two Players at Boyd-Buchanan High School Basketball Game

     

     

    Chattanooga, TN—Join us on Tuesday, January 27th at 8:00 p.m. at Boyd-Buchanan High School’s home basketball game to honor two Siskin Hospital Rebounders Wheelchair Basketball players. 

     

    The Rebounders will be performing a half-time exhibition during the Boys Varsity basketball game versus Tyner High School. In addition to the exhibition, two of the Rebounders players will be honored for all they have achieved as disabled individuals.

     

    Derrick Holder (#22) was the first student using a wheelchair to graduate from Boyd-Buchanan in 1991, and has been a member of the Rebounders since the team was formed. Brian Penny (#45) will also be honored. Penny is a senior at Boyd-Buchanan and will graduate this spring. He has recently joined the Rebounders team and has been a tremendous example of pursuing life to it’s fullest by educating others about the different opportunities that are available for disabled athletes.

     Rebounders Players Honored

    Since 1999, Siskin Hospital has sponsored the Rebounders, a team in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) that has been burning wheels and setting records for almost ten years. The Rebounders won the Division III National Championship in 2005.

     

    Siskin Hospital and Boyd-Buchanan School are both hoping to increase student awareness of some of the challenges and accomplishments people with disabilities experience. The Rebounders instill confidence and a sense of camaraderie in its players and continue to expand ideas of what it means to be a disabled athlete. This fast paced, competitive game, compiled with talented athletes, is an example that there is a fun way to get exercise regardless of a disability. This competitive spirit and willingness to make the best of any situation exemplifies the players’ character.

      

    Ranging in age from teenagers to adults in their 60’s, the Rebounders team practices weekly and travels from October to March competing in tournaments nationwide. The Rebounders are a team open to players with all degrees of physical disability. The rules and levels of physical contact are just like able-bodied college basketball. The only exception is that the chair is part of the players’ body, performing quick moves, sprints, pivots, and body-bumping picks required by the sport.

     

    The Rebounders uniforms, travel expenses, transportation, and equipment are sponsored by Siskin Hospital. Each year Siskin Hospital employees volunteer at the Rebounders home tournament to assist in a successful event for teams visiting from other states.

     

    The Rebounders recently competed in a National Wheelchair Basketball Association tournament in Newport News, VA, where they placed 3rd out of 8 teams. The team will be traveling to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta on January 31 and to the Bluegrass Invitational in Lexington, KY from February 6-8. The Rebounders will also be hosting a home tournament in Chattanooga from February 28- March 1.

     

    “If you’ve never watched a wheelchair basketball game, you don’t know what you’ve been missing! There is unbelievable talent on the floor and the Wheelchair Basketball games are a fun experience for everyone. Wheelchair Basketball is a wonderful way for individuals with a disability to have fun competing in an athletic event and build camaraderie with others. We are very appreciative of the opportunity Boyd-Buchanan has provided for us to honor Derrick and Brian for their achievements,” said Lisa Morgan, Department Coordinator for Recreational Therapy at Siskin Hospital.

     

    For more information on the Rebounders team or on the Exhibition Game at Boyd Buchanan School on January 27, please call Lisa Morgan, Department Coordinator for Recreational Therapy at Siskin Hospital at 634-1674 or visit www.SiskinRehab.org.

     

    -END-

    2 New Support Groups
    Wednesday, January 21, 2009

    Siskin Hospital Announces New Support 

    Groups & Schedule for January 2009



    Chattanooga, TN-- Siskin Hospital announces the addition of 2 new Support Groups- the Amputee Support Group and the Arthritis Support Group.

     

    “We are excited to provide the new groups and give an opportunity for people with similar experiences to share and get together. We have listened to our patients’ need for these services and hope we will be able to further provide the appropriate resources that will help our patients and their family members continue to emotionally and physically heal,” Vickie Blalock, Physical Therapist and Amputee Support Group Leader at Siskin Hospital, said.

     

    Siskin Hospital understands the importance of camaraderie and encouragement outside the hospital setting. The Hospital hosts or sponsors Support Groups designed to address the social, emotional, medical, and legal issues facing community members and their families who are experiencing many different conditions. To learn how you and your family can be involved in a Support Group at Siskin Hospital, please call Keith Munford, Siskin Hospital Chaplain, at 423.634.1654.

     

    Amputee Support Group

    When: 4th Thursday, 6:00 p.m.
    Where:
    Siskin Hospital, Outpatient Main Conference Room
    Contact: Vickie Blalock (423) 634-1389

     

    Arthritis Support Group

    When: 2nd Tuesday, 6:00 p.m.
    Where:
    Siskin Hospital, Outpatient Main Conference Room
    Contact: Jeff Miller (423) 285-3694

    Please click here for the complete Support Group schedule.

    Outstanding Professional Award
    Thursday, December 11, 2008

    Siskin Hospital Therapist is Recipient of Outstanding

     Professional Award at the National American

    Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference

    _________________________________________________________

     

    Chattanooga, TN-- Lisa Morgan, Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor at Siskin Hospital, was recently presented with the Outstanding Professional Award at the National American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) Conference.

     

    Morgan received the award in honor of her exceptional achievements that have directly benefited the Recreational Therapy profession. She is the Co-Chair of the Federal Public Policy Team and has continuously worked with Recreational Therapy professionals, as well as with the U.S. Senators and House of Representatives regarding the Recreational Therapy field.

     

    According to the ATRA, Recreational Therapists utilize a wide range of activity and community-based interventions and techniques to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and leisure needs of their clients. Recreational Therapists assist clients to develop skills, knowledge and behaviors for daily living and community involvement. The therapist works with the client and their family to incorporate specific interests and community resources into therapy, in order to achieve optimal outcomes that transfer to their real life situation.

     

    "As the Recreation Therapy Supervisor at Siskin Hospital, I feel as though I have been given an opportunity to reach our patients in a positive way. I am always looking for a new, fun way to provide therapeutic activities to the patients, which can be very beneficial when used along with traditional therapy methods. I love having the opportunity to educate our patients and their families, along with the community about opportunities that are available to individuals with a disability," Morgan stated.

     

    Morgan's dedication to excellence has consistently benefited the patients at Siskin Hospital. Morgan finds creative ways for patients to enjoy their therapy with a variety of recreational activities. She helps coordinate the Pet Therapy program, as well as the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera performances at the hospital. She started a Garden Club for former and current patients to give them additional opportunities to be outside and enjoy the beautiful scenery at the hospital's Leisure Park. Morgan also arranged for election officials to bring voting ballots to patients that were in the hospital on Election Day, ensuring they were given the opportunity to vote. 

     

    Morgan also manages the Siskin Hospital "Rebounders," a national wheelchair basketball team sponsored by the hospital. She helped develop and organize the Siskin Hospital Adaptive Sports program, which is designed to give individuals with a disability an opportunity to learn or re-learn how to play golf and other sports by using high tech equipment in the hospital's Adaptive Sports Center room. Morgan also volunteers with other Siskin Hospital employees at the Hosanna Community, where she helps residents prepare meals and learn valuable life skills.

     

    "It is very important to me that individuals with a disability have the opportunity to be as active and independent as possible. These individuals deserve to have opportunities that will allow them to enjoy life as much as possible by doing things they want to do," Morgan said.

     

    Siskin Hospital is proud to offer the Recreational Therapy program. This program is not covered by insurance and the hospital is not reimbursed for this service. Knowing the positive impact the program has on Siskin Hospital patients, it has become a vital part of providing encouragement and additional opportunities to individuals with a disability. Siskin Hospital's mission is to provide a high quality physical rehabilitation services continuum, where positive outcomes are achieved in a manner that ensures ongoing benefits to the individual served, as well as the community at large.

     

    For more information on Siskin Hospital's Recreational Therapy program, please call 634-1674.

    Holiday Activities
    Wednesday, December 10, 2008

     

     

    Siskin Hospital Spreads Holiday Cheer to Patients

     

    Chattanooga, TN—Like many caring people in the Chattanooga community, Siskin Hospital joins in the sharing and giving of holiday cheer this season by providing numerous holiday activities for patients and employees.

     

    Employees have volunteered to purchase Christmas gifts as part of the Santa for All Seasons program, which supplies Christmas gifts to foster children in Chattanooga. Even though economic times are tough, several Siskin Hospital employees agreed it was necessary to adopt the children’s Christmas Wish Lists and provide them with a variety of clothing, shoes, toys, and other holiday items to help ensure they enjoy the holiday season. 

     

    On Friday, December 12, the Brainerd High School Choir will be singing holiday carols for the patients from 11:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Inpatient Therapy Gym.

     

    “We are so thankful to have Charles Collins, Choral Instructor, bring his students to the hospital. The patients love having the choir here and they are so talented! We are very thankful to the Brainerd High School Choir for donating their time and talent to help brighten a patient’s day with beautiful holiday music,” Lisa Morgan, Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor at Siskin Hospital, said.

     

    A talented group of Station House singers will also be at Siskin Hospital on Tuesday, December 16th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the employee Holiday Party. The Holiday Party is a time for all employees in the hospital to gather for some holiday fun. The hospital’s Leadership Team will be serving the employees their holiday meal.  Later that evening, a local Girl Scout group will also be at the hospital caroling for the patients.

     

    On Thursday, December 18, the Siskin Hospital Stroke Support Group will be traveling around the hospital singing carols and passing out holiday cards to brighten the patients’ day. Tonya Ware, Siskin Hospital CNA, will be joining her church choir on Sunday, December 21 to sing holiday carols to patients in the SubAcute Unit at Siskin Hospital.

     

    The Pet Therapy volunteers will also be making their rounds, wagging their tails throughout the hospital on their scheduled visits. Pet Therapy animals are able to provide patients with unconditional love and acceptance. Siskin Hospital is so grateful to the volunteers who consistently devote time and attention to patients in need. The Christmas tree at the Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital proudly displays hand-made ornaments with pictures of the Pet Therapy pets and their owners. This is just one more way these adorable animals spread cheer at Siskin Hospital.

      

    “It’s important for us to try to make the holiday season as special as it can be for our patients. It can be very hard to be in the hospital, away from your family, church and holiday activities. So, we feel very blessed to have the community’s support in providing our patients with several holiday activities that will hopefully lift their spirits and provide holiday cheer,” Morgan stated.

     

    Siskin Hospital is a non-profit organization, with a mission to provide a high quality physical rehabilitation continuum, where positive outcomes are achieved in a manner that ensures ongoing benefits to the individual served, as well as the community at large. For more information on Siskin Hospital, please call 423-634-1200 or visit www.siskinrehab.org.

     

    -END-

    Possibilities Luncheon Feb. 25th
    Thursday, October 30, 2008

    Scott Burrows to Speak at 6th Annual Possibilities Luncheon
    Benefiting Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation

     

    Chattanooga, TN- Siskin Hospital is proud to announce that Scott Burrows will be the guest speaker for the 6th Annual "Possibilities: Siskin Hospital Celebrates Life Beyond Disability" Luncheon on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. The Luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

     

    At the age of 19, Scott Burrows was living his dream of playing football for Bobby Bowden at Florida State University. He was also ranked number one in the state of Florida's Light-Heavy Weight Kick Boxing Division, when tragedy struck...

     

    A single car accident left Scott paralyzed from the chest down, classifying him as a quadriplegic and instantly changing his life. Scott's life had taken an unforeseen turn and his dreams were shattered, as this multi-talented athlete was now confined to a wheelchair.

     

    While in recovery, Scott realized he had two choices in life: he could take control of his life or let life take control of him. From that moment forward, he determined that his disability would not define him. Rather than being sidelined in the game of life, he worked hard to accomplish his goals.

     

    Scott now uses his own success formula of Vision, Mindset and Grit to maximize untapped potential and excel in any challenge he faces. He is an international business owner, wheelchair athlete, author, and renowned professional and motivational speaker. He challenges himself with golf, full-contact wheelchair rugby, wheelchair marathons, skiing, scuba diving, and parasailing. The fear of being a quadriplegic could have ended his dreams, but Scott refused to be sidelined and decided instead to Play Up the Possibilities!

     

    The Possibilities Luncheon will feature personal accounts of how individuals have overcome their disabilities to accomplish amazing things. There will be a very special patient video with heartwarming footage of Siskin Hospital patients who have a miraculous recovery story to share. Love, courage, and perseverance helped each person turn tragedy into triumph, as they discovered that life is full of possibilities.

     

    A dedicated Steering Committee is working with Siskin Hospital employees to help coordinate the luncheon. Siskin Hospital is very excited to have Michael and Paige Mathis as the 2009 Steering Committee Co-Chairs. The Possibilities Luncheon is Siskin Hospital's largest community-wide fundraising event, with proceeds helping to provide needed services for patients without adequate insurance to cover the cost of their care. Siskin Hospital would like to thank Unum for their continued support as the Primary Sponsor of the Possibilities Luncheon for six years.

     

    Individual tickets to the event are $65. Patron and Crystal Sponsorship Tables of 8 are available for $1,000 and $1,500. This year, Siskin Hospital is happy to provide new sponsorship levels, which include a Feature Patient Honoree Table of 8 for $5,000, as well as a Former Patient Honorary or Memorial Table of 8 for $2,500.

     

    For more information or to reserve your place at the Possibilities Luncheon, please contact Sandy Howell by phone at (423) 634.1208 or by email at showell@siskinrehab.org. Online registration and donation opportunities are also available by visiting www.siskinrehab.org.

     

    CLICK HERE to visit the Possibilities Luncheon page, where you can register online for tickets and sponsorship opportunities.

    Rebounders Benefit Game
    Friday, October 3, 2008

     

     

    Wheelchair Basketball Benefit Game

    Siskin Hospital Rebounders Logo

    October 28th at Red Bank High School

     

    Chattanooga - Get ready for some excitement as Siskin Hospital's National Wheelchair Basketball team, the Rebounders, takes on Red Bank High School's Boys Varsity Basketball team in a Wheelchair Basketball Benefit Game. 

     

    The Wheelchair Basketball Benefit Game will start at 7:00 p.m. on October 28 at Red Bank High School's Gym. Tickets to the Benefit Game are $10.

     

    Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation and Red Bank High School have teamed up to help raise money for the Rebounders, Red Bank High School's Boys Varsity Basketball Team, and Red Bank High School's Health Occupations Students of America.

     

    Since 1999, Siskin Hospital has sponsored the Rebounders, a team in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) that has been burning wheels and setting records for almost ten years. The Rebounders won the Division III National Championship in 2005.

     

    Ranging in age from teenagers to adults in their 60's, the Rebounders team practices weekly and travels from October to February competing in tournaments nationwide. The Rebounders are a co-ed team open to players with all degrees of physical disability. The rules and levels of physical contact are just like able-bodied college basketball. The only exception is that the chair is part of the players' body, performing quick moves, sprints, pivots, and body-bumping picks required by the sport.

     

    The Rebounders uniforms, travel expenses, transportation, and equipment are sponsored by Siskin Hospital. Each year Siskin Hospital employees volunteer to sell tickets, t-shirts, and concessions at the Siskin Hospital home tournaments. The Benefit Game will be the team's largest fundraising event of the year, and will provide community awareness and education of Wheelchair Sports. The team hopes to show the competitiveness and skill level of playing Wheelchair Basketball.

     

    Red Bank High School's Boys Varsity Basketball team will also rely on this Benefit Game to raise money for equipment and uniforms. The team will be borrowing sport wheelchairs to use for the game and will have several practices with the Rebounders team leading up to the big game night.

     

    The Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) at Red Bank High School will also benefit from the game. HOSA is a national student organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education Division of the Association for Career and Technical Education. The mission of HOSA is to enhance the delivery of compassionate, quality health care by providing opportunities for knowledge, skill and leadership development of all health science technology education students, therefore, helping students to meet the needs of the health care community. The money raised will help cover costs for students to travel to National HOSA Conferences.

     

    Red Bank High School is hoping to increase student awareness of some of the challenges and accomplishments people with disabilities experience. The Rebounders instill confidence and a sense of camaraderie in its players and continue to expand ideas of what it means to be a disabled athlete. This fast paced, competitive game, compiled with talented athletes, is an example that there is a fun way to get exercise regardless of a disability. This competitive spirit and willingness to make the best of any situation exemplifies the players' character and Siskin Hospital is honored to be the Rebounders sponsor.

     

    "If you've never been to a wheelchair basketball game, you don't know what you've missed! There is unbelievable talent on the floor and the Wheelchair Basketball games are a fun experience for everyone. We hope you will join us in supporting the Rebounders team, Red Bank High School's Boys Varsity Basketball team, and the Health Occupations Students of America at Red Bank High School," said Lisa Morgan, Department Coordinator for Recreational Therapy at Siskin Hospital.

     

    To purchase tickets or for more information on the Wheelchair Basketball Benefit Game, please call Lisa Morgan at 423.634.1674 or call Red Bank High School's Boys Varsity Basketball Coach, John Cherne, at 423.874.1900, ext. 2140. You may also visit www.siskinrehab.org for more information.

     

    -END-


    Siskin Hospital Golf Classic
    Monday, September 29, 2008

    Golf Classic Logo

    Siskin Hospital Hosts 18th Annual

    Siskin Hospital Golf Classic 

       

     

    Chattanooga-- The 18th Annual Siskin Hospital Golf Classic will be held on October 7th at Council Fire Golf Course in Chattanooga.  A 1:00 p.m. shotgun start will begin the round of golf at Council Fire's beautiful and challenging course.

     

    Dedication to excellence is the reason that, year after year, the Siskin Hospital Golf Classic is Chattanooga's premier golfing event. Loyalty from the community has helped to keep this tradition alive each year.

     

    This is the sixth year of the Chairman's Club, a special opportunity for participants to give back to Siskin Hospital. The hospital has received an overwhelming response this year and would like to thank the golfers and sponsors who stepped up to the plate to join this elite group- the 2008 Chairman's Club, an impressive 92% of our roster.

     

    Siskin Hospital salutes this year's Platinum Sponsors, including Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company, COS Business Products & Interiors, Erlanger Health System, Russ Blakely and Associates, Unum, and BlueCross BlueShield. The hospital is proud to note that both Coca-Cola and COS Business Products & Interiors have been major underwriters for all eighteen tournaments.

     

    Thanks to Russ Blakely and Associates, and back by popular demand, all golfers once again have the chance to walk away with $20,000 in cash for the "Hole In One" prize on the twelfth hole. The cash prize will be on display courtesy of SunTrust Bank at the tournament entrance. Kelly Cadillac has, for the 18th consecutive year, sponsored the "Hole In One" prize for the fourth hole, a 2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid two-year lease. Siskin Hospital greatly appreciates the support of these sponsors. Their commitment and generosity make the Golf Classic tournament a success year after year.

     

    Every dollar raised at the Siskin Hospital Golf Classic goes to the hospital's Charity Care Fund, which helps improve the lives of disabled individuals and their families. This year, proceeds from the tournament will support programs that are unique to Siskin Hospital and are not covered by insurance or Medicare. Such examples include the Adaptive Golf Clinic and the Wheelchair Basketball program.

     

    Siskin Hospital employees would like to thank all of those who support the hospital's mission to enrich the lives of the patients served each day. Together, with the community's involvement, Siskin Hospital is able to provide new opportunities and hope to thousands of patients and their families.

     

    The Siskin Hospital Golf Classic is an annual event held each year at Council Fire Golf Course. It is hosted by Siskin Hospital and staffed by employee volunteers. For more information on the Siskin Hospital Golf Classic or to find out how you can help make a difference in the lives of Siskin Hospital patients and their families, please call 423.634.1208.

     

    ###


    National Rehab Week 2008
    Monday, September 15, 2008

    "I JUST CAN'T HELP BELIEVING" Rehab Week is going to be "SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL," so "FEEL THE 70'S LOVE" and GROOOOVE on over to Siskin Hospital for some FUNKY health news happenin's!!!

     

     SWEEEET! 

     


     

     

    Chattanooga - Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation is celebrating National Rehabilitation Week from September 14-20.

     

    This year, Siskin Hospital is celebrating this special week with a groovy 70's theme and will host employee, patient, and community events to celebrate the field of physical rehabilitation, educate others about the field, and recognize those whose lives have been touched by disability.

     

    Employees and patients will participate in some way cool and far out activities to raise money for Siskin Hospital's Patient Care Fund, which provides financial assistance to current patients in need. Additional fundraisers will also benefit the Patient Clothes Closet, which provides patients with appropriate clothing for therapy and their return home.

     

    All activities are staffed and created by Siskin Hospital employees. The Hospital's guest relations committee, "POSitively Caring!," acts as the steering committee for the week-long event. Siskin Hospital supports the event so that all funds raised can go directly to the Patient Care Fund.

     

     

    MONDAY, SEPT. 15th

    Jeepers Creepers! How'd your ride get so dirty? Don't have a cow man- Siskin Hospital's Leadership Team will be WORKIN' at the CAR WASH from 11a.m. to 1:30p.m. Employees will donate $5 or bring in clothes for the Patient Clothes Closet to get their car washed- benefiting the Patient Care Fund! Spiffy Clean Dude!!!

     

    TUESDAY, SEPT. 16th

    We'll enjoy some TASTY competition, if you catch my drift, with the Betty Crocker Cook Off, from 11a.m. to 1:30p.m. in the Patient Dining Room. Everybody'll donate $2 to the Patient Care Fund to sample the entries and judge the most awesome food & presentation. SWEEEET!!!

     

    WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 17th

    Boogie on out to the Leisure Park for a radical good time at the Mystery Luncheon/ Fashion Show from 11a.m. to 1:30p.m. Employees will get a Dyno-Mite meal from Sticky Fingers and will be entertained with the Hubba Bubba Seventies Fashion Show at 12:15p.m. Famous 70's personalities will strut their stuff- Jinkies, is that Scooby Doo and the Mystery Machine, Wonder Woman, & Three's Company??? RAD!!!

     

    THURSDAY, SEPT. 18th

    Get down at the Rockin' with the Seventies Patient Party from 2p.m. to 4p.m. in the Patient Dining Room! Patients will be stoked about this gig cause we'll be takin' care of business with awesome 70's games- Jaws Water Shoot, Bill Dance Fishing Expedition, Styx Croquet, Smiley Face Bean Bag Toss & more! Live funkadelic tunes, snacks, and prizes are sure to make this patient party rockin'!!!

     

    FRIDAY, SEPT. 19th

    Employees will donate $ to the Patient Care Fund to vote for their favorite Jive Turkeys to be dunked at the Dunk Tank Trivia Challenge from 11a.m. to 1:30p.m. outside. 12 of the 24 contestants who raise the most $ by answering 1970's trivia, will have the chance to stump the trivia panel and be spared a dunk. If they answer incorrectly, they will be dunked!!!

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- September 14-20, 2008

    Contact: Lindsay Wyatt, Media Coordinator

    Office: 423.634.1214   

    Email: lwyatt@siskinrehab.org

     


    Geriatric Specialist
    Wednesday, September 3, 2008

    Siskin Hospital Physical Therapist, Cristy Clark, is

    Chattanooga's Only Board Certified Specialist in Geriatrics

     

    Chattanooga, TN- Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation is proud to announce that Cristy Clark, Senior Physical Therapist, has been certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as the first and only Geriatric Clinical Specialist in Chattanooga.

     

    Cristy has recently completed all of the requirements necessary to become a "Board Certified Specialist in Geriatrics."

     

    "This is a great accomplishment, as it requires knowledge in a wide variety of areas," said Tod Cain, Directory of Therapy Services at Siskin Hospital. The certification process requires at least two years experience treating geriatric patients, as well as passing a difficult clinical specialist exam. Geriatrics focuses on treating patients over the age of 65 years old.

     

    Cristy has worked at Siskin Hospital for 10 years, where she has been the Senior Physical Therapist in the SubAcute Unit for the past 3½ years. She has a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from UTC, and will graduate from UTC in December 2008 with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

     

    Siskin Hospital is very proud of Cristy's hard work to attain the Geriatric Specialist Certification, something that no other health professional in the Chattanooga community has accomplished. Cain further stated, "Cristy's dedication to clinical excellence is why Siskin Hospital has such exceptional clinical outcomes with our patients."

     

    For more information on Siskin Hospital's SubAcute Rehabilitation Program, please visit the website at www.siskinrehab.org or call 423.634.1277. To learn more about the Clinical Specialization Program, please visit the American Physical Therapy Association website at www.apta.org.

     

    -END-

     


    Unum Contributes $500,000
    Monday, August 11, 2008

    Unum Contributes $500,000

    to the Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital

     

    Open House scheduled to unveil the new Unum Fitness Zone

     

    Chattanooga, Tenn.  -  The Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital announces the opening of the Unum Fitness Zone. Funded with a $500,000 donation by Unum, the Unum Fitness Zone is a dedicated area in the Fitness Center that specializes in cardiovascular exercise.

     

    An Open House at the Fitness Center will take place from noon to 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18. Special remarks from Robert Main, Siskin Hospital president/CEO and Bob Best, Unum's chief operating officer, will take place at 4 p.m. Tours of the facility, demonstrations of tai chi, yoga, kickboxing and water aerobic classes, as well as free chair massages will be available to those attending.

     

    Fitness Center staff members will conduct free health screenings, including blood pressure and body mass index screenings. Those who sign up for membership at the Fitness Center will be entered to win a free heart rate monitor, a free one-hour massage, or five free hours of personal training.

     

    "The partnership with Siskin Hospital is a natural fit," said Bob Best. "We are both committed to helping those in the disabled community."

     

    Unum helps to protect more than 25 million working people and their families every day in the event of a disabling injury or illness. Siskin Hospital's mission is to help individuals return to productive living after suffering a traumatic injury or illness.

     

    The Fitness Center is conveniently located on Siskin Hospital's main campus in downtown Chattanooga. The focus of the Fitness Center is to provide a place where disabled and able-bodied people, whether former patients or not, can exercise side-by-side. 

     

    The Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital opens a world of fitness possibilities for those who have a disability or may need a little more attention when they exercise. The Fitness Center provides a safe, friendly atmosphere that helps to minimize feelings of self-consciousness.  

     

    Join us to celebrate Unum's contribution of helping disabled individuals find their comfort zone at the Fitness Center. For more information, please contact the Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital at 423.634.1234.

     

    -END-


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