Center for Healthcare Integration to focus on inpatient needs
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The Backus Center for Healthcare Integration (CHI) is refocusing its programs to better serve hospitalized patients and those with special needs, such as radiation therapy.
By concentrating on providing CHI programs within the hospital, patient experience and outcomes can be improved, said Amy Dunion, RN, Coordinator of CHI. Ms. Dunion is researching best practices and which patient populations can benefit most from popular CHI services, such as massage therapy, Healing Touch, reiki, reflexology and pet therapy. The Prepare for Surgery - Heal Faster program will continue to be offered to patients preparing for surgery.
People who utilize the CHI Center's therapeutic modalities such as acupuncture, massage, healing touch, reiki and reflexology can continue to receive sessions with therapists. A contact list of CHI therapists and their new locations will be available by request. Therapists will continue to see regularly scheduled clients at CHI through February to afford time to establish new locations so that clients can continue their care locally.
Outstanding CHI gift certificates will be honored in three ways. They may be:
- Redeemed for sessions at the CHI Center until March 1.
- Redeemed at locations where current CHI therapists will be practicing.
- Reimbursed for the dollar amount of the gift certificate.
As part of the change, CHI will phase out offering community programs and classes.
Yoga, tai chi, meditation, reiki training, smoking cessation and Thin's In classes will continue for the first series of 2010 to accommodate those who have pre-registered. Instructors will then let participants know where they will be teaching if they would like to continue . Beginning in February, smoking cessation classes will be offered for Backus staff only, to support the hospital's smoke free initiative, which takes effect March 1.
"Eight years ago, when Backus created CHI as a pilot program, it was our mission and vision to plant the seeds of preventive care to our staff and community as well as to promote healing and recovery for our patients," Ms. Dunion said. "Thanks to the support of Backus staff and the community, I believe we have accomplished this and hope our employees and the public, who we have been privileged to serve, will continue their self care with the excellent therapists in our area. A special thanks to the CHI therapists and instructors who have been such professional representatives of compassionate and expert integrative care."
Call CHI at 860-425-3877 or 860-889-8331 ext. 2483 with any questions, to make an appointment with your gift certificate or for reimbursement.