Sub Acute Unit Offers 24/7 Long-Term Care for Special-Needs Patients

South Coast Medical Center offers long-term Sub Acute care for persons who are ventilator-dependent or have tracheotomy and tube feeding requirements. Currently, the following beds are available to patients needing this type of care: one MRSA male bed; two non-isolation female beds; and two open beds for any type of patient meeting the criteria. Patients must also be medically stable and not require acute care medical services or be on chemotherapy or dialysis.

“We are unique in this area of sub-acute services, “ said Joe Filipi, RN, and Director of SCMC’s Sub Acute Unit. “Many hospitals do not offer this unique program. In fact, other hospitals send these special-needs patients to us for unique care. What makes our service especially unique is that our highly skilled nurses give not only of their time, but of their hearts, and the families truly appreciate them.”

This nursing facility was started in 1998 to fulfill a need in South Orange County for continuity of care for individuals who suffered neurological or traumatic brain injuries. The staff is comprised of licensed health care professionals offering rehabilitation and restorative programs. Physicians, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses and certified nursing assistants care for the patients’ medical needs. An Activity Director plans daily social-therapeutic programs for each patient, including pet therapy. Social workers, physical, speech, respiratory and occupational therapists, as well as pharmacists and registered dietitians, also play vital roles in each patient’s recovery. Chaplain services are also offered for patients and their families. Under the direction and supervision of each patient's personal physician, a treatment plan is developed.

In addition, each patient has a private or semi -private room, most offering a view of the Pacific Ocean. Each room is equipped with a color television and bedside telephones. The dining/activities room is the gathering point where patients socialize, exercise and participate in daily recreational programs.

Another aspect of the care is pet therapy. The doctors and nurses have found that patients will respond to seeing a pet when they will not respond to anything else.

The hospital has served patients in this unit anywhere from a couple of days to 13 years. Currently, there are five beds available. Most major health plans cover the cost of treatment. A sub acute staff member will verify the extent of individual health plan coverage prior to admission. For more information, call Joe Filipi, Sub Acute Director, at (949) 499-7519 or Deborah Duke, Social Worker, at (949) 499-7113 ext. 3516.

Contact: Joe Filipi, Sub Acute Director, SCMC – 949/499-7519

Posted 1/7/08