Celebrating a Decade of Dedication: Wayne HealthCare's Cardiac Rehab Program Marks 10 Years

Celebrating a Decade of Dedication: Wayne HealthCare's Cardiac Rehab Program Marks 10 Years

This month, Wayne HealthCare proudly celebrates the 10-year anniversary of our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, a milestone that highlights our unwavering commitment to heart health and patient wellness. Since its inception in 2014, the program has grown from humble beginnings to become an integral part of the health and recovery journey for hundreds of patients in our community.

The Beginnings: Overcoming Initial Challenges

The story of our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is one of perseverance, teamwork, and dedication. Although the seeds for the program were planted in 2013, the initiative faced a significant hurdle right from the start—lack of essential equipment. Specifically, the absence of a Scottcare patient monitoring system delayed the program’s launch until the following year. However, this challenge only strengthened the resolve of our team.

Shelly Acker, our Wellness Director, and Linda Fridley, a seasoned Respiratory Therapist at the time laid the groundwork for the program. Both women were instrumental in the early stages, attending numerous meetings, planning meticulously, and ultimately securing the purchase of the Scottscare system. Their tireless efforts ensured that our facility was equipped to offer the best possible care to cardiac patients.

The Push for Cardiac Rehab: A Natural Progression

Once the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program was up and running it was clear that Cardiac Rehabilitation should be the next step. Linda Fridley played a crucial role in advocating for the establishment of this program. She recognized the need for a dedicated cardiac rehab service to help patients recover and manage their heart conditions in a structured, supportive environment.

In 2014, the first cardiac rehab classes were launched. The initial response was modest, with around five patients in both the morning and afternoon sessions. However, these early participants set the stage for the program’s future success, demonstrating the community's need for specialized cardiac care.

Building a Strong Foundation: Following the AACVPR Guidelines

From the outset, the program was built on a foundation of excellence and adherence to best practices. Cheryl Gehret and Karla Watercutter, two dedicated nurses working full-time in the former Lifestyle Enhancement Center (LEC), were pivotal in shaping the program. They meticulously followed the guidelines established by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), conducting thorough research and drafting the necessary policies to ensure that our program met the highest standards.

Their efforts paid off. Just one year after its inception, our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program was able to submit for certification through the AACVPR, a testament to the quality and rigor of the services we provide.

Growth and Expansion: Serving Our Community

Over the past decade, our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program has expanded significantly, serving over 650 patients since 2014. This growth reflects not only the increasing prevalence of heart disease but also the trust that our community places in Wayne HealthCare’s ability to provide top-notch care.

The program’s early years were spent in a space now occupied by Health Information Management (HIM). As we have grown, so too has our capacity to serve more patients and offer a wider range of services.

Leadership and Expertise: The Role of Dr. Chong

Throughout the past decade, Dr. Chong has served as the medical director for our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, providing invaluable guidance and expertise. His leadership has been a cornerstone of the program’s success, ensuring that our patients receive the highest standard of care.

Under Dr. Chong’s direction, our multidisciplinary team has been able to create a comprehensive rehabilitation program that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of recovery. This holistic approach is key to helping patients not only recover from heart-related events, but also to adopt healthier lifestyles that can prevent future issues.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Continued Excellence

As we celebrate this 10-year milestone, we also look to the future with optimism and determination. The past decade has taught us that the journey to heart health is ongoing, requiring constant innovation, education, and dedication. We are committed to continuing our work, expanding our services, and finding new ways to support our patients on their path to recovery.

Our success over the past 10 years would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our staff, the trust of our patients, and the support of the Wayne HealthCare community. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide the best possible care to those in need.

Celebrating Our Success

We invite you to join us in celebrating this significant milestone. Whether you have been a patient, a family member, or a supporter of our program, your involvement has played a crucial role in our success. We are proud of what we have accomplished together and excited about what the future holds.