New Brain Injury Unit to Serve Mid-Atlantic Region 07.22.2020 Sheltering Arms Institute, a collaboration with VCU Health, is pleased to announce the grand opening of its secure brain injury unit on Monday, July 27. Features include a dedicated gym on unit with equipment and technology for all disciplines, vector track on unit for gait training outside of gym, and patient education and therapy rooms. Previously, many patients with spinal cord or brain injuries have been referred out of state for treatment. Now, central Virginia’s best experts in complex, specialty physical rehabilitation are all under one roof. The brain injury unit is one of four specialty units within the hospital that provides state-of-the-science, individualized care for various injuries and illnesses. On June 13, Sheltering Arms Institute began a phased opening as Sheltering Arms and VCU Health relocated existing beds from both organizations’ hospitals. The unit’s opening marks a major milestone in serving the needs of people throughout the state of Virginia. “Our multidisciplinary care team including brain injury specialty physicians and therapists, medical psychologists, therapeutic recreation specialists, and more provides comprehensive services to treat complex brain injuries as well as secondary complications as a result of the injury,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Kunz. “We are one of only a few secure brain injury units in the entire commonwealth.” The 212,063 square foot facility is constructed specifically for physical rehabilitation with features including all private patient rooms, a 9,251 square foot main therapy gym and three satellite gyms, state-of-the-art patient care technology and rehabilitation equipment, research space and more. The $95 million project was funded with $45 million in tax-exempt financing through Goochland Economic Development Authority and purchased by SunTrust (now Truist) and a $50 million capital campaign including a lead gift by the Sheltering Arms Foundation of $25 million. “Our vision is to reinvent rehabilitation for life beyond limits. This is an opportunity for all of us to serve the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond,” said Alan Lombardo, CEO of Sheltering Arms Institute. “We’re now offering clinical care, supported by research, to ensure patients benefit for the rest of their lives and are able to get back to living in their community.” Sheltering Arms Institute is located on 46 acres in the West Creek Medical Park near Short Pump, easily accessible from major highways including 288, 64 and 95. About Sheltering Arms Institute Sheltering Arms and VCU Health System have formed a joint venture, Sheltering Arms Institute, a state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation hospital, that brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs of VCU Health. The Institute blends advanced technology, research and evidence-based clinical treatment to create an innovative, transdisciplinary model of rehabilitative care that will facilitate superior outcomes for patients. All outpatient services for both parent organizations will operate separately for now and into the foreseeable future. Attachments: Images of Sheltering Arms Institute and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony (.jpg) B-roll of Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Virtual Tour of Sheltering Arms Institute (.mp4) Media Kit
Sheltering Arms Institute Nears Grand Opening 06.10.2020 Sheltering Arms Hospital and VCU Health are pleased to announce the grand opening of their collaboration on a destination rehab facility, Sheltering Arms Institute. The 114-bed, state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation facility is situated on 46 acres in the West Creek Medical Park, just west of Short Pump near the Broad Street Road and Route 288 interchange. The new hospital combines the strengths of both organizations to provide exceptional care for individuals who have survived strokes, spinal cord injuries and brain injuries, as well as those in need of general rehabilitation for various illnesses and injuries. “This grand opening brings our goals of combining advanced technology, research, and evidenced-based clinical care together under one roof to fruition in order to offer our patients the best possible outcomes for success,” said Mary Zweifel, president and CEO of Sheltering Arms. “The opening of this new facility has been years in the making and we’re thrilled to now open the doors and provide a new avenue of access to leading-edge thinking, research, teaching, and clinical practice,” added Paul Wesolowski, Chief Operating Officer of VCU Health System. From June 13-28, Sheltering Arms and VCU Health are relocating existing beds from both organizations’ three current hospitals – Sheltering Arms Hanover (40 beds), Sheltering Arms South (28 beds), and VCU Health (46 beds). Moving patients in phases allows for the most effective accreditation and regulatory reviews, which are standard requirements at a new hospital. The 212,063 square foot facility was constructed specifically for physical rehabilitation with features including all private patient rooms, multiple specialty units, a 9,251 square foot main therapy gym and three satellite gyms, research space, state-of-the-art patient care technology and rehabilitation equipment, and more. “Our vision is to reinvent rehabilitation for life beyond limits. This is an opportunity for all of us to serve the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond,” said Alan Lombardo, CEO of Sheltering Arms Institute. “We’re now offering clinical care, supported by research, to ensure patients benefit for the rest of their lives and are able to get back to living in their community.” About Sheltering Arms InstituteSheltering Arms and VCU Health System have formed a joint venture, Sheltering Arms Institute, a state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation hospital, that brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs of VCU Health. The Institute blends advanced technology, research, and evidence-based clinical treatment to create an innovative, transdisciplinary model of rehabilitative care that will facilitate superior outcomes for patients. All outpatient services for both parent organizations will operate separately for now and into the foreseeable future. For more information, please explore ShelteringArmsInstitute.com.
Sheltering Arms Institute to Hold Virtual Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony 05.12.2020 Sheltering Arms Hospital and VCU Health will hold a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony for their brand-new, 114-bed, destination rehab facility Sheltering Arms Institute. Thursday, June 4, 2020 12-12:30 p.m. – Virtual Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony www.ShelteringArmsInstitute.com or facebook.com/ShelteringArmsInstitute Sheltering Arms Institute is situated on 46 acres in the West Creek Medical Park off Broad Street Road, just east of the state Route 288 interchange in Goochland County. The state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation facility is the only hospital in central Virginia constructed specifically for physical rehabilitation with 212,063 total square feet, all private patient rooms, five specialty units, a 9,251 square foot main therapy gym and three satellite gyms, research space, state-of-the-art patient care technology and rehabilitation equipment, and more. The new hospital combines the strengths of both organizations to provide exceptional care for individuals who have survived strokes, spinal cord injuries or brain injuries, as well as those in need of general rehabilitation for various illnesses and injuries. From June 13-28, Sheltering Arms and VCU Health are relocating existing beds from both organizations’ three current hospitals – Sheltering Arms Hanover (40 beds), Sheltering Arms South (28 beds), and VCU Health (46 beds). Moving patients in phases allows for the most effective accreditation and regulatory reviews, which are standard requirements at a new hospital. Sheltering Arms Institute is on schedule to open its doors on Friday, June 12, 2020. About Sheltering Arms Institute Sheltering Arms and VCU Health System have formed a joint venture, Sheltering Arms Institute, a state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation hospital, that brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs of VCU Health. The Institute blends advanced technology, research, and evidence-based clinical treatment to create an innovative, transdisciplinary model of rehabilitative care that will facilitate superior outcomes for patients. All outpatient services for both parent organizations will operate separately for now and into the foreseeable future. For more information, please explore www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com.
Sheltering Arms Institute Hires CRO and CNO 07.24.2019 After completing an extensive search, two key senior leadership roles have been filled for Sheltering Arms Institute. “I’m very excited about the future for SAI with these leaders on board,” said Alan Lombardo, CEO of Sheltering Arms Institute. “In addition to their professional and clinical experience, their commitment to servant leadership will be tremendous assets as we pursue our vision of reinventing rehabilitation for life beyond limits.” Matt Wilks, PT, MSPT, NCS, has been hired as VP, Chief Rehabilitation Officer of Sheltering Arms Institute. Currently, he is the Associate Vice President of Rehabilitation and Wellness Services at Sheltering Arms and, over the past 22 months, has served as a Transitional Team Leader on the SAI project. Matt has a successful track record of leading cross-functional teams, developing leaders, delivering on complex administrative goals, implementing programs that improve patient and clinician satisfaction, as well as partnering with teams that develop industry-leading clinical and administrative programs. He is engaged with and is frequently asked to speak to national organizations and professional associations affiliated with rehabilitation medicine. Misty Woodward, RN, BSN, MSM, has been hired as VP, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of Sheltering Arms Institute. Currently, Misty is the CNO for facilities at Maria Parham Health, a Duke LifePoint Hospital, in Henderson, NC. Those facilities include a 102-bed acute care hospital with an inpatient rehabilitation unit, an 11-bed freestanding emergency department, as well as a 13-bed geriatric behavioral health unit. Her outstanding background in nursing and management demonstrates a track record of leading operational improvements, implementing innovative programs and increasing staff engagement.
Sheltering Arms Institute Names Chief Medical Officer 06.04.2019 RICHMOND, Va. (June 4, 2019) — Sheltering Arms Institute, a collaboration with VCU Health, announced today the appointment of Richard Kunz, MD as chief medical officer. Kunz currently serves as an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the VCU School of Medicine. He is also the medical transitional team leader on the Sheltering Arms Institute project. Kunz earned his bachelor of science in psychobiology and a master’s degree in behavioral neuroscience from the University of Southern California. Additionally, he holds his doctorate of medicine from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he completed a clinical fellowship in brain injury rehabilitation. “We are confident that Dr. Kunz will successfully lead the continued development of a transdisciplinary rehabilitation team that delivers on our vision to reinvent rehabilitation for a life beyond limits,” said Alan Lombardo, CEO of Sheltering Arms Institute. “His leadership experience in medicine, hospital operations, and administration will be valuable assets. Additionally, his enthusiasm for advancing person-centered care and elevating the quality of rehabilitation care will play a leading role for the organization.” Scheduled to open summer 2020, the new rehabilitation facility situated on 46 acres in the West Creek Medical Park off Broad Street Road, just east of the state Route 288 interchange in Goochland County. The joint venture combines the strengths of both organizations to provide exceptional care for individuals who have survived strokes, spinal cord injuries or brain injuries, as well as those in need of general rehabilitation for various neurological diseases and disorders. Sheltering Arms and VCU Health will consolidate several of their locations to create one 114-bed hospital. Sheltering Arms Institute will combine 68 beds from Sheltering Arms’ two inpatient hospitals, located in Midlothian and Mechanicsville, with 46 beds from VCU Medical Center located in downtown Richmond. All outpatient services for both organizations will operate separately for now and into the foreseeable future. About Sheltering Arms Institute Sheltering Arms and VCU Health System have formed a joint venture, Sheltering Arms Institute, a state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation hospital, to bring together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs of VCU Health. The institute, opening summer 2020, will blend advanced technology, research, and evidence-based clinical treatment to create an innovative, transdisciplinary model of rehabilitative care that will facilitate superior outcomes for patients. For more information, please visit www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com. CONTACT:Stephanie SulmerAssociate VP, Marketing and Business DevelopmentSheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation Centers804-342-4329 (o) or 804-201-5808 (c)ssulmer@shelteringarms.comMichael R. PorterAssociate VP, Public AffairsVirginia Commonwealth University804-828-7037mrporter@vcu.edu
Sheltering Arms Partners with Feedtrail to Enhance Patient Experience 04.16.2019 As the premier physical rehabilitation provider in the state of Virginia, Sheltering Arms, has proven its commitment to prioritizing a personalized patient experience to accompany rapid expansion. In a departure from traditional post-experience pen and paper surveys, Feedtrail enables Sheltering Arms to engage with patients in real time via smart phone or tablet to learn specific details about their interactions with individual physicians, therapists, nurses, and patient-facing personnel. Sheltering Arms can now distill the most crucial and time-sensitive insights related to every patient-provider interaction, which is paramount in providing a satisfying patient experience. “Regardless of how rapidly we expand and grow as an organization, our priority will always be to keep our patients first,” said Sheltering Arms’ President and CEO, Mary Zweifel. “Our partnership with Feedtrail is a direct example of our investment in ensuring a world-class patient experience every time.” Sheltering Arms deployed Feedtrail’s real-time patient engagement platform at its Reynold Center location in March 2018 as a three-month pilot, with the goal of increasing their understanding of specific patient sentiment surrounding their care experience. Upon roll-out, Feedtrail’s platform enabled staff to detect emotional comment-based patient feedback and respond to patients in real time. The platform also enables managers to share all compliments with location leaders and patient-facing staff to ensure that care providers also feel valued. Based on the success of the pilot, Sheltering Arms has expanded the Feedtrail platform to their outpatient services system-wide, which enables them to monitor patient sentiment and ensure quality experiences across all locations. “Since day one, Sheltering Arms has been the epitome of an innovative healthcare organization truly committed to prioritizing their patient experience. This innovative service is more than just enhancing results at Sheltering Arms, it’s about showing how one organization can pave the way to putting patients at the center of care across the state of Virginia,” explains Feedtrail’s CEO, Paul Jaglowski. About Sheltering ArmsSheltering Arms has two rehabilitation hospitals and 10 outpatient centers, as well as a full continuum of outpatient medical/therapy services and community-based programs that include recreational therapy and fitness. CONTACT: Stephanie Sulmer AVP, Marketing & Business Development 804-342-4329 (o) or 804-201-5808 (c) ssulmer@shelteringarms.com www.shelteringarms.com
