Life and Health

Grande Ronde Hospital's swing bed program is gaining renewed attention as more patients and families discover how it supports recovery with personalized, skilled care—without leaving the hospital.

Designed for patients who no longer need acute care but aren't quite ready to return home, the program allows individuals to continue healing in a familiar setting, with access to nursing care, therapy and recovery support.

"It can be tough for patients to build trust with our team and then be transferred elsewhere to finish their recovery," says Wade Twilegar, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer. "If we can continue that care here, we'd rather do so."

Better for patients and families

The program benefits patients recovering from surgery, illness or injury—like someone facing stairs at home after hip surgery—who need a bit more time to regain strength and confidence. Instead of being transferred to a distant facility, GRH patients stay with the same care team and receive one-on-one therapy in an environment where they feel known and supported.

Each swing bed patient is cared for by a multidisciplinary team that meets weekly to tailor care plans and track progress. Families gain time to prepare the home and organize care—so patients can return home safely and confidently.

"It's about choice," Twilegar says. "We want patients to recover in the way that works best for them."

Categories: GRH news