NORTHWEST INDIANA | Powers Health recently hosted a ribbon cutting for its growing Therapy and Occupational Health Services at St. Mary Medical Center. The expanded facility – located at 320 W. 61st Ave. in Hobart – combines convenience and efficiency to make patient recovery easier than ever.
“We continue to see an increased demand not only for adult services, but for pediatric therapy as well,” St. Mary Medical Center CEO Janice Ryba said. “With our expert therapists, Powers Health and St. Mary Medical Center are committed to meet the demands and needs of our community.”
St. Mary Medical Center has nearly tripled the size of its therapy services building, incorporating new gyms dedicated to pediatric therapy services and physical therapy. Following the ribbon cutting and blessing by Diocese of Gary Bishop Robert J. McClory, attendees of the ceremony were able to tour the facility and interact with several physical therapy advancements, such as the ZeroG Gait and Balance System and the Bertec Balance Advantage Computerized Dynamic Posturography System.
“Our clinical staff are experts, and they really spend the time to review what will produce the best outcomes for our patients. That's one of the main drivers for our selection of technological services,” Ryba said.
At the new facility, patients are able to receive services designed to improve their quality of life and mobility. This includes balance improvements, speech therapy and pediatric therapy services.
The facility also provides a new home for Powers Health’s Occupational Health Services. These include drug screenings, hearing assessments, work-related injury care and more. As a leading provider of these services in Northwest Indiana, Powers Health is committed to making its services easier and more accessible to patients and employers.
“We've been able to consolidate our Occupational Health Services for employers in the area, and we're able to share therapy services,” Ryba said. “An employee can come here for therapy as they prepare to go back into the workforce; we're also building that efficiency into the system.”
The facility’s accessible location, ample parking and mix of services help provide a patient experience that’s quick and smooth.
“It makes things more convenient for our patients, and it also helps our providers collaborate better. It’s a win-win,” said John Doherty, Powers Health vice president of Therapy Services, Sports Medicine & Occupational Health. “If a patient has a work injury that requires physical therapy, now they're in a location where, literally, the occupational health provider can collaborate with a therapist. They don’t have to pick up the phone; they can step next door and talk immediately.”
The facility expansion comes as part of a continued effort by Powers Health and its expert providers to meet the community’s needs.
“It's an honor to be part of Powers Health, to be here at St. Mary Medical Center with administrators who share my vision for improving both occupational health care and rehabilitation for patients who need it,” Doherty said. “What our providers do on a day-to-day basis for our patients and the difference that they make in patients' lives and the lives of their families is so important. You don't have to go to Chicago to get state-of-the-art technology and expertise.”
“We're so proud to be able to expand and continue to focus on our mission to serve the community, bringing high-quality care and advanced technology where it’s needed,” Ryba added.
St. Mary Medical Center’s Therapy Services are available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. Occupational Health services are available from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. To learn more about St. Mary Medical Center Outpatient Services, call 219-947-6580 or visit powershealth.org.
