Forrest General creates big advantage for smallest rehab patients | Health

New Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation Service Offers Customized Care for Children

Forrest General Hospital has opened a new Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation Clinic designed just for children.

Located at the Hattiesburg YMCA in the Center for Healthy Living, Forrest General’s newly- renovated space offers physical and occupational therapy and speech pathology services in one location. Children with developmental delays, orthopedic injuries, neurologic conditions, autism, or any condition that hinders normal motor, cognitive or communication function can receive better care in this new environment, which is furnished with rehab equipment just their size. Groups such as the South Mississippi Neonatology group, University of Southern Mississippi’s Children’s Center, and other local pediatric service groups have acted as resources in developing this pediatric rehabilitation service that Forrest General is proud to offer.

“At the new Outpatient Pediatric Rehab, we offer a comprehensive team approach with experienced therapists to help children restore normal movement for functional daily skills, improve speech/language or swallowing/feeding abilities, and assist with mobility and functional play,” said Donna Wheeless RPT, director of  Outpatient Rehabilitation and Wellness services at Forrest General. “Children have needs that are very different from adults in many respects, and this new area allows them a kid-friendly space to receive the help they need. We’ve kept parents and families in mind as well so that they can be involved with the care of their child.” In addition to rehab equipment and technology made especially for kids, the space is decorated in kid-friendly colors. It also includes an outdoor area with room to grow. This helps therapists show their patients that rehabilitation can be a fun experience that is more like play than a visit to the doctor.

An Open House for the new Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation location will be held on November 8 from 1 – 2:30 p.m., with a ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Therapy services require physician referral and all insurance is accepted. For more information regarding Forrest General’s new Outpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation Services, please call 601-288-3845. For additional information on Forrest General services, call FGH OnCall at 1-800-844-4445 or visit ForrestGeneral.com.