Valley Rehabilitation Center to Celebrate its Fifth Anniversary

Former Patients Praise the Care they received at Valley Presbyterian Hospital’s Special Unit

VAN NUYS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Valley Rehabilitation Center, a state-of-the-art facility at Valley Presbyterian Hospital (VPH) that helps patients with disabilities regain as much of their independence as possible, will celebrate its fifth anniversary Sept. 16-22, the same week the rest of the nation is marking National Rehabilitation Awareness Week.

“Every day, we are inspired by our patients, and we trust that shows in our care for them.”

Since it opened in 2007, Valley Rehabilitation Center’s multidisciplinary team of therapists and nurses, working closely with its medical director, have helped more than 1,500 patients overcome obstacles and regain the ability to perform daily tasks after accidents, strokes and other illnesses.

The center will be celebrating the success of its patients next week, including Chris Lazaros, an accountant who suffered a stroke in January. The 68-year-old father of three regained the use of his left arm and recovered his ability to walk while a patient at Valley Rehabilitation Center.

“I can’t say enough good things about the therapy at Valley Rehabilitation Center,” he said. “The people there are so dedicated. I don’t have enough words to express my gratitude for all they did for me. You should see me today. Just eight months after my stroke, I’ve recovered so much of my abilities that I just finished repainting the interior of my house.”

Recently modernized with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, the 15-bed Valley Rehabilitation Center offers a fully equipped therapy gym and a specially designed kitchen to help patients prepare for their return home and build their confidence in a safe and supervised environment. It provides a wide range of rehabilitative services—from speech therapy to daily living skills.

“We are so proud of the five-year record of accomplishments at the Valley Rehabilitation Center,” said Gustavo Valdespino, VPH president and CEO. “The dedication of the Valley Rehabilitation Center’s team of medical professionals and the compassionate care they provide has vastly improved the lives of their patients and the families of those patients.”

In follow-up surveys conducted by VPH, 100% of patients said they would recommend Valley Rehabilitation Center to their friends, and 100% of physicians said they would refer their patients to the center.

“Our goal is to help our patients regain as much of their independence as possible,” said Jennifer Khattar, Valley Rehabilitation Center program director. “Our extremely dedicated team of nurses and therapists works closely with the patients and their families to devise customized rehabilitation programs that ensure the best possible outcomes.”

Valley Rehabilitation Center is among more than 6,500 facilities nationwide observing National Rehabilitation Awareness Week. The week is sponsored by the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation and is designed to promote the value of rehabilitation, highlight the capabilities of people with disabilities and salute the professionals who provide service to people with disabilities.

The center will celebrate its anniversary and National Rehabilitation Awareness Week with an inspirational speaker, Kate Adamson, on Monday, Sept. 17, and with luncheons and an alumni dinner later in the week to recognize the accomplishments of its patients.

Mrs. Adamson is the author of the book, “Paralyzed but not Powerless,” which recounts her remarkable recovery from “Locked in Syndrome,” which is total paralysis from a brain injury caused by a brainstem stroke.

“Our fifth anniversary is a momentous occasion, and we look forward to sharing it with all the men and women we have been privileged to help recover their lives through rehabilitation,” said Mrs. Khattar. “Every day, we are inspired by our patients, and we trust that shows in our care for them.”

About Valley Presbyterian Hospital

Founded in 1958, Valley Presbyterian Hospital, a non-profit and nonsectarian hospital, has remained focused on meeting the medical needs of the community for over 50 years. While VPH has grown to become one of the largest acute care hospitals in the San Fernando Valley, it continues to provide patient-centered care for a healthier community. The 350-bed facility offers leading-edge technology and a full range of medical services. With 500 physicians representing virtually every specialty and most sub-specialties, VPH provides the latest state-of-the-art treatments to improve and save lives. For more information, visit www.valleypres.org.