Expansion to benefit Powers Health patients seeking therapy, occupational health services

NORTHWEST INDIANA | Healthcare and community leaders on Thursday celebrated the expansion and remodeling of  St. Mary Medical Center Outpatient Center, which houses Therapy Services and Powers Health Occupational Health. 

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hospital officials announced the project added nearly 14,000 square feet to an existing  facility adjacent to St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, bringing the total size of the space to 21,000 square feet. 

The building, at 320 W. 61st Ave., consolidates therapy services and also houses occupational health services for work related care. 

“Consolidating Therapy Services under one roof in a central location maximizes efficiency and supports patient  convenience for outpatient pediatric and adult therapy services and occupational health,” said Janice Ryba, CEO of St. Mary Medical Center. “This center provides an opportunity for patients to receive therapies, tests and treatments in one  location.” 

The bigger, brighter space features occupational, speech and pediatric therapy, as well as advanced rehabilitation  equipment. The Bertec Balance Advantage Computerized Dynamic Posturography system leads to improved outcomes  in patient balance, using an immersive virtual reality experience. The ZeroG Gait and Balance System uses a harness  tethered to an overhead track to help patients improve their ability to walk and balance. 

Powers Health has experienced a tremendous increase in demand for pediatric therapy. Through this project, the  healthcare system is better poised to meet that demand. 

Specialized pediatric therapy treatment techniques offered on-site include sensory integration; life skills training; fine  and gross motor development; feeding disorders; and infant positioning/massage.  

The Occupational Health side of the building features services that specialize in preventing, treating and managing work related injuries and illnesses. Services include fit-for-duty evaluations; drug and alcohol screenings; respirator clearance  exams; Department of Transportation examinations; police and firefighter PERF/annual exams; work-related injury care  and much more. 

“This new Occupational Health site is one of five locations throughout Northwest Indiana,” said John Doherty, vice president of Therapy Services and Occupational Health. “Powers Health is committed to addressing the healthcare  needs of the people who live and work in our community.”