New rehabilitation unit opens in Baldwinville
Kerry O'BrienNews Staff Writer
TEMPLETON— Following the closing of the rehabilitation unit at Heywood Hospital, former administrators will now be overseeing a rehabilitation unit at what is now known as Baldwinville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation.
“It’s a privilege to be working with them,” said Executive Director Lee Carroll, a former administrator at Heywood Hospital.
As of July 15, the former Baldwinville Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center has become part of Alliance Health and Human Services. The name change is part of that shift.
The new rehabilitation unit — which opened last month — features nine beds. The Alliance Board of Directors is planning an expansion as soon as this winter.
During short-term stays, patients will rehabilitate from injuries or operations in the facility’s new gym, activity room and kitchen. The number of staff of healthcare professionals involved is adjusted based on patients’ needs.
The Baldwinville facility has been in operation for roughly 50 years, and previously served as a children’s hospital.
There are currently 94 permanent residents at the facility, including Don Shea, who received treatment at the new rehabilitation unit before recently becoming a permanent resident at the facility.
During a recent open house hosted by the residents, family members and representatives from various health care organizations took part in a celebration of the new rehabilitation unit.
“The improvement is very good,” said Henry Robichaud, president of the resident council. “It’s for the benefit of everyone here to have an update.”
This year, Balwinville also began a co-op program with Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School. A partnership with Mount Wachusett Community College has long served both the facility and students, according to Director of Nurses Rhonda Gallant.
This is really good news for the people who live in town and in the area. The unit at Heywood closed because the payments they received were not high enough for them to cover the costs. This unit was the best and never had openings but still it was not enough. Lets hope this unit will work out because having a place near by is good for everyone.
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