Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center


	The Special Care Center and its team are providing quality long term care to geriatric and disabled residents. As an integral part of the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center Health Care System, this 240 bed facility offers a full range of programs, including medical, dental, psychological, and hospice care (a new addition). It also features physical, speech, and occupational therapies; social service programs; on-site radiology; a pharmacy, and even a beauty salon. The Special Care Center was one of the first in the nation to have dedicated AIDS units within a traditional long-term care setting.
	As a result of a recently completed major modernization, nursing stations and resident floors were further upgraded and a state of- the-art computer system (linking the Special Care Center to the hospital) was put into place. Lobby and security desk areas were expanded and a new meditation chapel was also added.
	“The completion of our renovation is especially appealing and user friendly; part of our overall mission of always being a special and caring place.” ---Barbara Lowe, RN, MPH, Board Chairman, Special Care Center.

	Left: Octavio C. Marin, Vice President, Long Term/Support & Ambulatory Care Services, (center) meeting with his staff (LtoR): Maria Collura, Human Resources Manager; Dr. Robert D. Walsh, Medical Director; Marie Houanche, RN, Director, Nursing; Peter Kennedy, Deputy Director; and Sharon Nelson, Director, Resident Services. Right: David Pitan, Physical Therapy Assistant, helping resident, Miguel Mercado.
	A key to the success of the Special Care Center is its staff. “We consistently make every possible effort to cater to the needs of our residents and their families,” stated, Octavio C. Marin, Vice President, Long Term/Support & Ambulatory Care Services. “Each floor of the Special Care Center is assigned its own physician, thereby providing additional opportunities to fully understand a resident’s medical history,” added Dr. Robert D. Walsh, Medical Director, Special Care Center. The strong ties between the Special Care Center and the hospital create a continuum of care, with each resident’s personal physician able to supervise their care through various levels of illness. A staff of registered and licensed practical nurses, patient care technicians, and certified nursing assistants, under the direction of Marie Houanche, RN, also provide quality care to patients on a daily basis.
	“Our Special Care Center has truly become a home away from home for our residents, and that is the reason why we have been so successful.” --- Octavio C. Marin, Vice President, Long Term/Support & Ambulatory Care Services.