The road to recovery takes time.  Whether that be from a major surgery, prolonged illness or injury, the healing process simply takes time.

As a rural hospital, Union Hospital Clinton can use its beds as swing beds; allowing physicians to "swing" patients from one level of care to another while staying in the same facility.

The Swing Bed Program is designed to provide additional inpatient care to those needing extra time to heal or strengthen before returning home.

"The swing bed unit allows patients to move from acute care to skilled rehabilitation," explained Andrea Spendal, RN, Union Hospital Clinton's Case Manager and Swing Bed Coordinator. "A treatment plan is individualized and tailored to our patients' needs. Our top priority is to help patients recover their independence in a safe and highly-skilled healthcare setting." 

Acute care patients who have stayed at least three days in Union Hospital Clinton, or other surrounding facilities, but still require further treatment, could be eligible for the Swing Bed Program. A stay in the Swing Bed Program will vary from seven to 20 days, depending on the intensity of care needed and a patient's progress.

Each patient will work with the rehabilitation team five days a week. Nursing services are provided 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The customized treatment plans from highly trained acute care staff are designed to bridge the gap between hospital and home. 

The swing bed is located inside the hospital giving the patient easy access to medical, nursing, rehabilitation and other specialized services. 

Your care team members include: 

Medicare and most insurance companies cover swing bed programs; however, patients must receive a physician referral first.

To learn more about Union Hospital Clinton's Swing Bed Program, call (765) 832-1300.