TriVent Healthcare News
Tampa General Hospital renews ventilator rehabilitation services agreement with Special Care Providers
The partnership provides intensive rehab on-site for ventilator-dependent patients.
July 8, 2022 – Special Care Providers (DBA Special Care Unit) recently signed a new five-year agreement to continue operating its Progressive Care Unit at Tampa General Hospital. The unit is dedicated to methodically weaning patients from ventilators using high-touch, high-frequency therapy. Ventilators are machines that move air in and out of the lungs of patients suffering from respiratory failure.
The Progressive Care Unit offers ventilator-dependent patients a unique model of daily intensive rehabilitation, improving their likelihood of liberating from the ventilator to greater than 80%. Treatment includes therapy provided by Special Care Unit’s multidisciplinary staff six days a week. The team is comprised of a dedicated unit manager, case manager, and acute care professionals, such as registered nurses, respiratory therapists, speech therapists, and physical and occupational therapists. The unique partnership between Special Care Unit and Tampa General Hospital is one of only two in the United States.
Special Care Unit CEO Sam Nimah says while many hospitals provide ventilator-weaning services in-house, the Progressive Care Unit at Tampa General Hospital optimizes the care of this complex patient population, providing the highest quality of care, resulting in successful outcomes. At Tampa General Hospital, many ventilator-dependent patients are centralized in the Progressive Care Unit.
“Weaning from a ventilator is a crucial part of the recovery process. Leveraging best practices from a specially trained team whose purpose is laser-focused benefits the patient and the hospital. Through intensive, in-house ventilation rehabilitation, we reduce weaning time, length of stay and have proven to lower readmissions,” Nimah explained.
John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital, credits the partnership for its role in successful management during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
“During the height of the pandemic, resources were stretched. We were able to transition medically complex, ventilator-dependent patients to breathing independently smoothly and safely with the support of Special Care Unit,” said Couris. “Overall, our partnership has resulted in industry-leading outcomes while providing patients the best opportunity for recovery.”