Designing the Future: TIRR Memorial Hermann-The Woodlands Opens a High-tech Inpatient Unit

State-of-the-art therapy equipment, private rooms, a visually stunning environment and a “neighborhood” design characterize TIRR Memorial Hermann-The Woodland’s new 18-bed inpatient unit.

“The rooms are designed with an overhead power lift system that allows patients to ambulate from the bed or wheelchair to the bathroom, rather than having to be transferred, adding another element of safety for patients and staff,” says Monica Crump, MD, medical director of rehabilitation and an assistant professor in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. “Our nursing and therapy staff were trained at TIRR Memorial Hermann in the Texas Medical Center, which ensures that we provide the same quality of care we’ve always been known for. The therapy gym is very well equipped with the same technology available in the medical center. We opened with 18 beds and expect to expand to 30 beds in the near future.”

The new unit was designed with self-contained “neighborhoods,” each with community dining and gym space, to reflect the character of The Woodlands community. Artwork includes photos of community activities, local restaurants, outdoor cafes and neighborhood parks. The light-filled unit offers big-picture views of the area, and interior materials were chosen to create a home-like environment.

“People in need of rehabilitation services no longer have to drive to the Texas Medical Center for excellent care,” says Mikael Simpson, OTR, director of inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services at The Woodlands. “They can now get the same comprehensive, quality care close to home. Patients have therapy seven days a week, with designated staff for Saturday and Sunday, and we also offer a therapeutic recreation program to further enhance the quality of care we provide. Patients are coming to The Woodlands from as far away as Austin and New Orleans to be a part of our program, and whether they drive five minutes or five hours, they all leave the same way – as family.”

The unit is staffed and equipped to care for patients with stroke, neurological disorders, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, non-traumatic brain injury, non-traumatic spinal cord injury, cancer, orthopedic conditions, amputation, spinal surgery with neurological impairment and general debilitation.

“As rehabilitation professionals we’re passionate about what we do,” says Kaki Young, RN, CRRN, clinical manager, TIRR Memorial Hermann-The Woodlands, who has been with TIRR Memorial Hermann since 2008 and transferred to The Woodlands in late 2013. “Having the opportunity to bring that enthusiasm to The Woodlands has been very rewarding.”

In addition to inpatient care, TIRR Memorial Hermann Outpatient Rehabilitation at The Woodlands offers individualized multidisciplinary therapy for adults and children age 2 weeks and older for strokes, birth defects, congenital abnormalities, generalized weakness, debility, neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders, balance and vestibular disorders, cancer and lymphedema, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and amputations. Therapists help outpatients develop community reentry skills critical to the transition to independent living, school or work.