At The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus, our swing bed program offers care for patients who have recovered from the acute phase of their illness, accident or surgery, but are not yet ready to return home. This allows patients to receive skilled nursing or acute hospital-level care as needed, providing a comfortable and supportive environment for continued recovery.

 

What is a swing bed? A swing bed is a service provided in rural hospitals with a Medicare service agreement, which allows a patient to shift from acute care to skilled nursing care without leaving the hospital. This means the patient has the unique opportunity to continue their recovery in a familiar hospital setting, and they don’t have to be moved between hospitals or nursing facilities and they remain close to home.

 

Our care team is committed to providing personalized care to help you regain your independence and achieve your highest level of function.

 

Who can benefit from swing bed care?

 

Those who may benefit from skilled nursing care and rehabilitative services in a swing bed include those who are recovering from surgical procedures or receiving IV therapy, physical or occupational therapy to improve daily living activities and function, wound or skin conditions or other medical conditions that may require additional follow-up care. In addition, people who require assistance in learning how to manage their medications can benefit from the swing bed program.

 

Swing bed services

During your stay in our swing bed program, you will have access to services that will support your recovery, including:

 

• IV therapy

• Medication management

• Nutrition counseling

• Occupational therapy

• Patient and family education

• Physical therapy

• Respiratory therapy

• Skilled nursing care

• Speech therapy

• Wound care

 

You will receive a personalized discharge plan that outlines specific steps for your continued success, well-being and care after you leave the program. This plan will be tailored to your specific need and will ensure a smooth transition to the next phase of your recovery.

 

How to access swing bed care

 

If your physician determines that swing bed care will benefit you, they will work with our care team to arrange your transfer to our facility. If you meet the criteria for admission for skilled care and your physician recommends this care, a referral can be sent for review. We will coordinate with your healthcare team to ensure a smooth transition and provide the care you need during your stay.

 

For more information about the swing bed program, please contact our social workers at 620-791-6845 or 620-791-6275. For other services, please call 620-792-8833.

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