Orthopedics Center Providing Progressive Treatments, Comforting Amenities

NEW MILFORD — For patients with a physical injury or disease causing pain and limited mobility, New Milford Hospital is enhancing care with the opening of its newly dedicated Center for Orthopedics and Joint Replacement in May.

Located in renovated space on the 3-East patient care unit, the center offers a comforting environment with private rooms — equipped with daybeds and other amenities — to promote rest and recovery following orthopedic surgery. A new patient/visitor lounge also provides a convenient place for socializing, television viewing, and accessing a computer and snack vending machine.

A “Community Open House for Movers and Shakers” will be held Wednesday, May 19, from 4 to 6:30 pm on the third floor of the hospital. The event is open to anyone interested in seeing the newly renovated center.

Light refreshments will be served; no RSVP is required.

Richard J. Henley, interim hospital president and CEO, explained, “For many patients, orthopedics constitutes an elective procedure. We want to attract them to our high-quality surgical care, while offering them a comfortable environment that is welcoming to their families.”

Last year, surgeons, nurses, and other staff implemented several clinical improvements for patients undergoing hip and knee replacement. The resulting “clinical pathways” have been instrumental in improving care and communication regarding patient education, pain management, rehabilitation, and overall patient satisfaction before, during, and after surgery.

Most recently, the hospital has begun to offer integrative therapies such as guided imagery, hypnotherapy and “M-Technique” (therapeutic hand and foot massage) to help patients relax and prepare for surgery, and as part of their surgical stay.

Orthopedic Surgeon Anthony Viola, MD, said, “It takes a whole team to fully support the patient, and the results can be dramatic. We have a truly dedicated group of nurses, technologists, and other staff who work to accommodate the patient’s needs and requests. It’s important that each patient feels confident and supported in his or her experience to facilitate recovery.”

Specializing in joint replacement of the hip and knee, shoulder resurfacing and other shoulder surgery, and back and neck surgery, New Milford Hospital’s board-certified surgeons offer advanced techniques that minimize pain, scarring, and recovery time.

Together with hospital nurses, technologists, and other staff, they provide comprehensive education to prepare patients for surgery and after care to facilitate their successful return to more active lifestyles.