On April 27, 2020, the CU Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in collaboration with the University of Colorado Denver UCHealth Hospital (UCH) converted part of our inpatient rehabilitation unit into a transitional medicine floor to help manage the influx of COVID-19 patients. 

With a growing population of patients who were COVID-19 positive following their critical care stay and requiring additional rehabilitative treatment to reach a functional level for safe community discharge, we wanted to ensure that these patients got the care that they needed. As such, we took a similar approach to New York University’s Langone Medical Center and re-opened our acute rehab unit to accept only COVID-19 patients. At UCH, this arrangement was made possible with the support of our medical colleagues who co-manage every patient admitted to our unit.

Since opening our doors, we have cared for over 18 patients and discharged 6 to the outpatient care setting. We are finding that these patients are thankful to be coming to rehab and relieved they do not need a negative test prior to acceptance. Also, participating in a structured therapy schedule helps them see the path forward; going home and returning them to their friends, families, and lives.

Dr. William Niehaus, who helped create this specialized rehab unit noted, “we recently put up a sign near our “discharge bell” that every rehab patient rings when they leave our unit. It states; “May the sound of this bell proclaim to all that today you are stronger than you were yesterday!”  

Not only is this a true statement for our patients, but for the rehab unit care team. These times have really tested our resilience and determination; however, we are proud to say that we rehab providers have risen to the occasion and demonstrated the value of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Services.