Oxford County Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Centre Now Open At The Alexandra Hospital

Wednesday, 23 September 2020 06:09

Photo credit: Alexandra Hospital Ingersoll

The new rehab centre is fully customized to support patients safely during the pandemic. The centre has 3 "pods" separated by plexiglass allowing patients to exercise while maintaining physical distance and a barrier provided for added protection.

INGERSOLL - The new renovated Oxford County Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Centre is now open at the Alexandra Hospital in Ingersoll.

The rehab centre officially welcomed in patients for the first time on September 14th. It is fully customized to support patients safely during the pandemic. The centre has 3 "pods" separated by plexiglass allowing patients to exercise while maintaining physical distance and a barrier provided for added protection.

Program Lead Wanda Cocchetto says they are thrilled to offer this centre to their patients.

"Patients are so happy to be back in the program, and love the new space. It is bright, open, and inviting, and makes people want to exercise. The three 'pods' mean that people are able to do so safely, while maintaining physical distance."

The Oxford County Cardiac Rehabilitation Program supports people recovering from a recent heart attack or other cardiac event. Physician referrals are required to access the program, which is comprised of exercise counselling and training as well as education for heart-healthy living.

Patients will experience a combination of in-house exercise and at home programs supported by the Cardiac Rehab nurse and a kinesiologist, in addition to education and support for other chronic conditions.

Patients will now have expanded access to support from Social Work, Registered Dietitians, and Diabetic Educators who work in the Diabetes Education Program, co-located on the second floor to promote interdisciplinary team based care.

This exciting renovation, and the co-location of the Diabetes Education Program is the first step in creating an integrated Chronic Disease Management Centre of Excellence for Oxford County, focusing on proactive health management and lifestyle medicine.