The community is invited to join St. Luke’s Hospital for holiday refreshments and tours of the new rehabilitation center and patient care wing.

Making a special guest appearance is Santa Claus (Parents, bring your camera). Cookies and punch will be served. The free event is set for Sunday, Dec. 15, from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

“We are extremely proud to show off our new patient care areas! I feel certain that our community will be just as excited as we are for an updated hospital environment,” said Ken Shull, chief executive officer for St. Luke’s Hospital.

The new patient care area integrates the beauty of nature with the healing arts. Incorporating pristine views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the new wing features six large patient rooms with full baths, flat screen televisions, recliners and a daybed for family caregivers. The wing also features a comfortable family room with stone fireplace, a glass-enclosed hallway and a central nurses’ station, with Mission-style lighting and décor.

“We believe this new building better reflects the quality and attentive care our patients receive at St. Luke’s Hospital,” Shull said. “And it will better accommodate the needs of our patients who have chosen St. Luke’s Hospital and Dr. Brian Rosenberg for advanced orthopedic procedures.”

In addition, the 15,000 square-foot wing features a state-of the-art rehab center for one-on-one therapy by licensed professionals.

Inpatients and outpatients will benefit from the expansive therapeutic gym, an underwater treadmill for individualized aquatic therapy, private treatment rooms and an area dedicated to activities of daily living (ADLs) to help prepare patients for discharge.

The $5.6 million addition is possible thanks to the generosity and support of the community. Through the Building on Excellence capital campaign, St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation pledged to raise $2 million through charitable grants and private donations.

“The success of our Orthopedic and Rehab services, combined with an active Foundation and supportive community, have helped us to create an impressive environment for healing and recovery,” Shull said.

With the January 2014 opening of the new patient care wing, it promises to be an exciting New Year at St. Luke’s Hospital, and the public is cordially invited to share in the holiday excitement.

For more information or a tour of St. Luke’s Hospital, call the Marketing/Public Relations Department at 828-894-2408.

– article submitted by Kathy Woodham