FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Carthage Area Hospital Achieves National Certification for Swing Bed Program, Elevating Care and Recovery Options for the Community
Carthage, NY — [Nov 8th, 2024] — Carthage Area Hospital (CAH), a proud member of the North Star Health Alliance, is pleased to announce that its Swing Bed Program has earned national certification from The Compliance Team, a well-respected accrediting organization. This significant achievement reinforces Carthage Area Hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that meets stringent national standards.
The certification underscores CAHs dedication to excellence and highlights its Swing Bed Program as a critical resource for patients in need of continued care after hospitalization. Designed to support recovery from surgery, illness, or injury, the program offers patients in Carthage and surrounding communities a robust, personalized care option closer to home.
“Our team is committed to providing the best possible care for our community, and this certification from The Compliance Team confirms our efforts to meet the highest standards,” said Jerian O’Dell, COO CAH. “With this accreditation, we are proud to offer an option that helps patients transition from acute care to full recovery, all in a familiar, comfortable environment.”
Why the Swing Bed Program Matters
The Swing Bed Program at Carthage Area Hospital allows patients to seamlessly transition from acute hospital care to skilled nursing care without needing to transfer to another facility. It’s especially beneficial for rural patients, reducing the need to travel long distances for ongoing care. This program supports patients needing short-term rehabilitation, complex wound care, short-term pain management, long-term IV antibiotic management, extended recovery before returning home or learning to manage newly diagnosed conditions.
Key features of the Swing Bed Program include:
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Personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s recovery needs
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A multidisciplinary team of Registered Nurses(staffed 24 hours), Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Respiratory Therapists, Registered Dieticians, Clinical Pharmacists, Medical Hospitalists (staffed 24 hours) and a case management team.
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Advanced therapy and recovery programs dedicated to restoring function and helping you regain independence as close as possible to your previous level.
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A comfortable, home-like setting designed to support healing and recovery, with the privacy of single-occupancy rooms—no shared spaces, just an environment focused on your well-being.
This program not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances Carthage Area Hospital’s ability to efficiently serve the local population’s unique healthcare needs.
A Certification That Guarantees Quality
The Compliance Team’s rigorous certification process evaluated Carthage Area Hospital’s operational procedures, patient care protocols, and outcomes. Certification signifies that Carthage Area Hospital meets or exceeds national quality standards, ensuring every swing bed patient receives exceptional care throughout their recovery. This recognition highlights the hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered services and reflects its dedication to continuous improvement in patient care. Expanding this program is expected to benefit both patients and their families, offering enhanced recovery options that are close to home and supported by skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals.
About Carthage Area Hospital
Carthage Area Hospital (CAH) was established as a not-for-profit rural community hospital in 1965. It operates today as a fully accredited 25-bed Critical Access Hospital, serving approximately 83,000 residents in Jefferson, northern Lewis and southern St. Lawrence counties. With additional rural healthcare centers located in Ogdensburg, Heuvelton, Waddington, Hammond, Canton, and Madrid, as well as the Walk-in Clinic and School-Based Clinics, CAH ensures all residents have convenient access to necessary services, alleviating the need for costly travel.
About North Star Health Alliance
The North Star Health Alliance (NSHA) is a collaborative system of healthcare organizations in Northern New York, committed to elevating community health and well-being. Members of the NSHA include Carthage Area Hospital (CAH), Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center (CHMC), ClaxtonHepburn Medical Campus (Claxton Campus). North Country Orthopaedic Group (NCOG), and Meadowbrook Terrace Assisted Living Facility (MBT). By working together, we aim to enhance accessibility and affordability of care, deliver exceptional medical services, and strengthen our local health infrastructure. United in our efforts, we are committed to keeping healthcare local, ensuring sustainable, patient centered healthcare solutions for our communities.