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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Speare Memorial Hospital
(603) 536-1120
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October 12 , 2007 |
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SMH Spotlights its Physical Therapy Team in
Celebration of
National Physical Therapy Month
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PLYMOUTH, N.H. --- "A world of experience" best describes the team of physical therapists working in Speare Memorial Hospital´s Rehabilitation Services. October is national Physical Therapy Month and Speare Memorial Hospital is highlighting the services provided by its physical therapy team, which boasts 74 years of combined experience.
"We are so fortunate to have such a great team with such vast and varied experience" says Gillian Cavezzali, SMH´s director of rehabilitation services. "Our patients often comment about the excellent results they achieve thanks to the therapists´ combined efforts, and the fun atmosphere in our gym."
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| "We are so fortunate to have such a great team with such vast and varied experience" says Gillian Cavezzali, SMH´s director of rehabilitation services. "Our patients often comment about the excellent results they achieve thanks to the therapists´ combined efforts, and the fun atmosphere in our gym."
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| Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborn to the elderly, with medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.
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| The Speare Memorial Hospital Physical Therapy Team
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| Judy Bolger, physical therapist, has experience working with patients in the acute care setting, nursing home rehabilitation and as outpatients. She is certified for Advanced Care Life Support as a part of her role in the SMH Cardiac Rehab program. A 1986 graduate of the University of Michigan, Bolger began her career in Michigan, and then worked in Florida for 11 years prior to coming to SMH.
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| Physical Therapy Assistant Nancy Scothorne prides herself on her hands-on skills and the therapeutic relief she can provide patients through her hands. Since graduating from the NH Community Technical College in 1997, she has spent more than half her career at SMH. Scothorne works with inpatients and outpatients, and has run the very popular Back to Golf program for the last five years, and also coordinating the upcoming Ski Conditioning Program.
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| Returning to Speare Memorial Hospital in the spring of 2006, Sue Morrison, also a physical therapy assistant, had been a member of the physical therapy team at Speare from 1989 to 1999. "We are so pleased to have her back," reports Cavezzali. "She is a wonderful communicator and has strong observation and technical skills to ensure patients complete their programs as designed." Along with seeing inpatient and outpatients, Morrison has a special interest in assisting the diabetic population and works with the SMH´s Diabetic Exercise program. She obtained her associates degree from NH Vocational Technical College in 1986.
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| The newest addition to Rehabilitation Services is Christine McLaughlin, physical therapist, who graduated in 2006 from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. McLaughlin is the physical therapist in charge of the SMH aquatic program, and is the in-house authority on treating patients with vertigo and other balance disorders.
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| Rounding out the team is Gillian Cavezzali. Cavezzali graduated as a physiotherapist in Melbourne, Australia in 1986. During her career she has worked in two states in Australia, two Canadian provinces and four U.S. states. Her experience ranges from acute care inpatients, inpatient rehabilitation, and home health care to outpatients— seeing patients from birth to geriatrics. Cavezzali´s primary role is as director of rehabilitation services at SMH, though she does still see patients. She is also the chair of the hospital´s Safety Committee and serves on other patient care related committees. |
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| Physical therapy is part of SMH´s Rehabilitation Services and located at 20 Highland Street, the Citizen´s Bank building, in Plymouth. Most insurance providers cover physical therapy, but a physician referral is required. For more information contact SMH Rehabilitation Services at 603-238-2225.
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| Speare Memorial Hospital is a 24-hour, acute care, non-profit community hospital and health care provider, and has been serving Plymouth and the communities of central New Hampshire for over a century.
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Michele Barney Hutchins
Director of Community Relations
Speare Memorial Hospital
(603) 238-6468
mhutchins@spearehospital.com
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