ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – A new feature at OSF Healthcare is helping patients recover through play.
OSF’s Physical Rehabilitation Center has unveiled a new patient walkway outside the facility. The playground design creates a comfortable atmosphere for pediatric patients while challenging them physically and mentally through various activities and obstacles, like a climbing rock and an animal track search.
“Oftentimes, it’s not super exciting to come indoors when you’re pediatrics, especially in the summer when it’s really nice,” said OSF Rehab Services Manager Heather Sheski. “We know that it’s challenging different aspects of what we need them to do to help them function more outside of our facility. They just want to come back more and are excited to get going and work with their therapist and actually do a lot better.”
The walkway also serves as an environment where those with balance difficulties can build their confidence. Sheski says Rehabilitation Center staff work diligently with each patient to provide the best services possible.
“They do such a great job of keeping their goals in mind and working with them to see what’s most important to them and how they want to improve overall,” she said. “Our front desk knows patients’ names, so even before they check in, they say ‘hello’ to them. Throughout their entire care, I hope they just feel that the mission partners love them and care for them. That’s our mission.”
The walkway was made possible through donations by the Superior Health Foundation, the Edward J. Sackerson Foundation, and the OSF Auxiliary. It is open exclusively to patients.
The John and Melissa Besse Physical Rehabilitation and Wellness Center provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy, with traditional land-based and aquatic options. To inquire about services, call (906) 233-4141.
