Dominican Hospital Earns Three-Year Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) Accreditation

The achievement is the highest level of accreditation given to acute rehabilitation centers

SANTA CRUZ, CA. (December 7, 2020) – Dignity Health Dominican Hospital announced today that the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International has awarded accreditation for a period of three years to its Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU). The Dominican Hospital ARU is the only CARF-accredited rehabilitation center in Santa Cruz County.

This achievement represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization for its acute rehabilitation services. It demonstrates the Dominican Hospital’s adherence to national standards and practices that are based on the continuous pursuit of quality improvement and accountability. In order to receive a three-year accreditation, an organization must undergo a rigorous peer review process and demonstrate to a team of surveyors its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality.

“The singular focus of our Acute Rehabilitation Unit team is to help our patients return to daily life as soon as possible,” said Dominican Hospital President and CEO Nanette Mickiewicz, MD. “This accreditation speaks to their exceptional clinical excellence, but also their deep compassion. They truly feel honored to help those devastated by stroke or other disabling injury to put their lives back together and return to independence.”

Dominican Hospital’s Inpatient ARU provides care for patients with complex medical rehabilitation needs, including those who have experienced stroke, and those with brain and spinal cord injuries, neuromuscular diseases, and complex orthopedic injuries. Featuring 20 private and spacious rooms, the ARU also provides:

• Dedicated gym equipped with special technologies to help patients regain mobility.
• State-of-the-art robotic exoskeleton that supports patients in re-learning how to walk correctly.
• Mock apartment allowing patients and their caregivers to practice activities of daily life.
• Patient and family recreation room, dining room, and outdoor patio where patients and loved ones can enjoy music, movies, and other activities, or simply get some fresh air.

The multidisciplinary acute rehabilitation team consists of physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, Certified Rehabilitation Nurses (CRRN), physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and case management, as well as an administrative team who facilitate patients’ transition from rehabilitation to home. Together, they employ a family-centric approach that involves loved ones in the plan of care and embraces the specific needs of each patient.

After patients leave the rehabilitation program, Dominican offers community-based classes through their PEP Community Health and Wellness Program to help them stay strong and healthy, and prevent future problems.

Learn more about the Dominican Hospital Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Unit at dignityhealth.org/dominicanARU.

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About Dominican Hospital
Dignity Health Dominican Hospital has been caring for the Santa Cruz County community for generations. Dominican offers emergency services and is a Certified Stroke Center. Dominican’s services include the only comprehensive Cancer Center in Santa Cruz County, a Total Joint Replacement program, advanced neurological and endoscopic services, and an expert heart and vascular team treating some of the most complex cardiac cases in the Monterey Bay area. Dominican Hospital offers a comprehensive, Baby Friendly-designated Birth Center, and provides an on-site Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) through a partnership with Stanford Children’s Health. Dominican has received national recognition for superior patient safety, cardiac care, and stroke treatment from Healthgrades, a leading provider of comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. Dominican also has received several awards for environmental excellence. Dominican Hospital is planning a $360 million renovation and expansion to ensure that the growing Santa Cruz County community can access world class health care well into the future. The project will allow for advanced technology, new state-of-theart facilities, and even more innovative healing spaces. To learn more about Dominican Hospital, please visit dignityhealth.org/dominican.

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