Rehabilitation patients at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville can now exercise in a garden – complete with different surfaces to practice walking, benches, flower beds and outdoor games – instead of a parking lot. The ReGain Mobility Garden’s outdoor track was inspired and funded by Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) employees.
“The impact for our patients is huge,” said Jessica Smith, a physical therapist with the Rehabilitation Institute. “With the addition of the ReGain Mobility Garden, our patients can practice walking on sand before going on a beach trip or try walking on gravel before visiting their relative’s home. The real-world application is beneficial for a faster recovery and an all-around more enjoyable care experience.”
The garden was made possible through the Change Grants program, which is funded by donations to NGHS’ employee giving club, WATCH. Change Grants allow employees to request funding for improvement ideas that are focused on the NGHS patient, visitor or employee experience. To learn more about how NGHS employees are impacting the lives of others through their ideas and generous gifts, visit nghs.com/WATCH.
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ABOUT NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER
Since 1951, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has been on a mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. With hospitals located in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder and Dahlonega, the four NGMC campuses have a total of more than 750 beds and more than 1,200 medical staff members representing more than 60 specialties. NGMC is part of Northeast Georgia Health System, a non-profit that cares for more than one million people across more than 19 counties. Learn more at www.nghs.com.