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REPOSTED from Citizens’ Voice
Two-year-old Gene Oscielowski, who has autism and hip dysplasia, gets a hug from his mother Rachel Strouse before undergoing physical therapy at Allied Services John Heinz Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine.
Two-year-old Gene Oscielowski, who has autism and hip dysplasia, plays with games before undergoing physical therapy at Allied Services John Heinz Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine as his mom Rachel Strouse watches.
WILKES-BARRE TWP. — Two-year-old Gene Oscielowski, who has autism and hip dysplasia, undergoes physical therapy in one area of Allied Services John Heinz Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine and speech therapy in another.
His mom, Rachel Strouse of Plains Twp., is happy that these therapies soon will be consolidated in one area thanks to a $500,000 renovation project that has begun at the hospital for pediatric services.
“I think it’s amazing,” Strouse said. “I think it will be a lot easier for him because he won’t have to go through the whole facility. I think it will be amazing for all children because some don’t have the ability to travel very far.”
Pediatric treatment areas, the therapy gym, fitness center and support areas are now scattered in different parts of the hospital, separated by safety doors and long maze-like hallways. The pediatric gym is near the ambulance entrance.
Jim Brogna, vice president of corporate advancement and communication, said this inconveniences visitors and often poses a challenge for kids who have limited mobility. It also interferes with care coordination and effective communication, he said.
Now that all pediatric services are being consolidated in one area and remodeling has begun, he said some goals of the project are to lessen kids’ anxiety, boredom and resistance to treatment.
“Remodeling is needed to create a welcoming, kid-friendly environment,” he said.
John Heinz Institute provides treatment for about 160 children a day, said Cathy Guzzi, vice president of outpatient operations.
In addition to autism, children who are treated have a variety of other conditions including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, juvenile arthritis, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome and birth injuries.
About 85 percent of children served live in Luzerne County and 55 percent are from low-income families.
John Heinz Institute was designed about 35 years ago as an inpatient facility for adults.
It needs extensive remodeling to accommodate the growing number of young people served from a wide age range and a variety of disabilities and diagnoses now seen, Brogna said.
“The frequency of visits and the growth in diagnoses over the last 25 years have been extraordinary,” he said. “There are all these developmental challenges and all these physical disabilities that need to be treated.”
Because of the efficiencies created through the renovation project, he said more children will be able to be treated at John Heinz Institute.
As part of the remodeling project, there will be more space for therapy and tools as well as special fitness programs and social programs.
Speech therapists will treat children across the hall from occupational and physical therapists, which will allow better communication among the staff.
Pediatric restrooms will be renovated for improved access for motorized wheelchair users and to offer greater privacy for older children and teenagers.
Early renovations include a new vision room and feeding room, which Brogna said are helpful for the growing number of children with autism being treated at John Heinz Institute.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in 68 children was diagnosed with autism and the growth is generating more demand for speech therapies as well as social and life skills programs.
The project is expected to be completed in the summer.
Most of the cost for the renovations at John Heinz Institute is being paid for through community support and the hospital also has applied for state funding.
WNEP-TV Ryan’s Run campaign helped fund technology for new pediatric space and the annual Lexus Autism Golf Classic, led by a committee of volunteers, has provided a significant amount of funding for the renovation and expansion. The 25th annual golf classic will be held Friday, Sept. 7, at Huntsville Golf Club in Lehman Twp.
John Heinz officials are seeking contributors for the pediatrics renovation project. Contributions may be made online at www.allied-services.org/individual-support/ or by sending a donation to Heinz Rehab Pediatric Program, 150 Mundy St., Wilkes-Barre Twp., PA 18702.
