Take a look inside the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County as they celebrate one year in Pelham

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Ms. Harriett Kuvinka works with Physical Therapist Christina Peoples build strength in her arms in the rehabilitation gym. (Photo by Christine Hull for Bham Now)

It’s been one year since Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County opened their doors in Pelham. In honor of the hospital’s one-year anniversary, Bham Now took a behind the scenes tour to get the inside scoop on what goes on day-to-day. Find out what makes the hospital stand out and and who’s behind the exceptional care. *Caution: extremely heartwarming photos ahead.

IMG 1865 1 Take a look inside the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County as they celebrate one year in Pelham
Each time a patient leaves, the staff holds an exiting ceremony. Set to the outgoing patient’s song of choice, all available staff line the entryway to cheer while the graduating patient exits the facility. (Photo by Christine Hull for Bham Now)

Celebrating One Year of Patient Care

Since opening in April 2018, this new hospital and its staff has aided in the recovery process of 618 patients from around the state, each needing treatment for various injuries, accidents or conditions that left them unable to function or perform day-to-day tasks.

IMG 1725 Take a look inside the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County as they celebrate one year in Pelham
Rehabilitated patients are either wheeled or walk on their own. This is the main goal at the hospital: to get patients functioning in day-to-day life on their own. (Photo by Christine Hull for Bham Now)

Through the 15 day (on average) physical rehabilitation program, many of these 618 patients seen over the past year were able to walk or wheel out of the facility and head back to their independent lifestyle—all thanks to the outstanding care the hospital offers through their various programs.

IMG 1637 Take a look inside the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County as they celebrate one year in Pelham
Patient Dr. Radha Krothapalli, a physician himself in Montgomery, works with Michael Cowan, a physical therapist On throwing a ball to improve coordination and fine motor skills. (Photo by Christine Hull for Bham Now)

Leadership at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County

One factor contributing to the greater success of the hospital is the collaborative work environment demonstrated by the leadership team.

We got the opportunity to follow along with CEO, Robert Russell, and Director of Therapy Operations, Shannon Wiggins while we were there.  From our time at the hospital, it was obvious that their hands on work style positively impacts the whole operation.

IMG 1882 Take a look inside the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County as they celebrate one year in Pelham
Each patient’s progress and quality of care is discussed at a daily all staff meeting. (Photo by Christine Hull for Bham Now)

What It Really Means To Be A Leader

At Encompass Health, being a hospital CEO means so much more than being the head decision maker. Russell frequently reminds himself that in order to be an effective leader, he must not only have a view from the top, but also a view from the bottom up.

A Respiratory Therapist by trade, Russell makes it a priority to round on patients and employees so that he always remains engaged with hospital staff and is familiar with the patients being treated within his walls. He also acknowledges the importance of not being afraid to get your hands dirty sometimes, and that a little gesture will go a long way.

IMG 1704 Take a look inside the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County as they celebrate one year in Pelham
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County CEO, Robert Russell makes the rounds daily to check on patients to make sure their needs are met during their stay. (Photo by Christine Hull for Bham Now)

At the end of the day, he knows that exceptional patient care is the number one priority. To do that, he must be a leader and role model to his hospital staff who work tirelessly to put patients first. Although he is very proud of the successes his hospital has had in its first year, like any good leader he acknowledges that there is always room for improvement.

IMG 1688 Take a look inside the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County as they celebrate one year in Pelham
A collaborative work environment is key for success. Many conversations concerning patient care are held each day between doctors and leadership. (Photo by Christine Hull for Bham Now)

“If you avoid getting in the trenches with your staff, it is easy to forget the hard work that is being done by people at all levels.”

Robert Russell, CEO

Making a Lasting Impact

When Shannon Wiggins first joined the Encompass Health team, she had no idea how much her job would positively impact her life. As a Director of Therapy Operations, she oversees the therapy team within the hospital, which is comprised of physical therapists, occupational therapists as well as speech therapists.

IMG 1814 Take a look inside the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County as they celebrate one year in Pelham
Wiggins speaking to a patient on her daily rounds in the therapy gym. (Photo by Christine Hull for Bham Now)

Shannon recalls one of her most successful days on the job when she was able to fill every position on her team with confidence that each person was the perfect person for the job. She notes that although positions can be easily filled, there is a great importance on finding the right person for each role. That’s what she’s been able to find in her staff at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County.

IMG 1695 Take a look inside the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County as they celebrate one year in Pelham
Russell and Wiggins on their daily rounds at the therapy gym. (Photo by Christine Hull for Bham Now)

She thoroughly enjoys being a hands-on leader to her staff, who look at her as a mentor and role model. By consistently remaining engaged with the daily activities that take place in the therapy gym, she can confidently leave at the end of the day knowing she may have made just the slightest impact on someone’s life—which is what is truly rewarding.

IMG 1791 Take a look inside the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County as they celebrate one year in Pelham
A leadership meeting at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County. (Photo by Christine Hull for Bham Now)

Wiggins on What Motivates Her:

“Sometimes we see tears of joy, both from the staff and the patient, but there are always smiles. Bonds are formed that sometimes will never be forgotten. That is what keeps the staff motivated to keep up the hard work for the next patient.”

Shannon Wiggins, DTO
IMG 1840 Take a look inside the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County as they celebrate one year in Pelham
The outdoor physical rehabilitation area is busy in the afternoon with patients like 90-year-old Ms. Harriet Kuvinka working with staff members to increase their mobility and motor function, while also spending a little time outdoors. (Photo by Christine Hull for Bham Now)

Who is Encompass Health?

Headquartered right here in Birmingham, Encompass Health, formerly known as HealthSouth, is the nation’s largest provider of post-acute rehabilitative care. They specialize in facility-based patient care through their network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, home health and hospice agencies. Encompass Health has 130 hospitals in 36 states including Puerto Rico and employs more than 40,000 employees nationwide.

IMG 1675 Take a look inside the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County as they celebrate one year in Pelham
Speech therapist Laura McGarr and a patient working to re-learn fine motor skills. (Photo by Christine Hull for Bham Now)

The Patients at Encompass Health

Encompass Health treats patients with a variety of conditions and illnesses, who are in need of round-the-clock nursing care, as well as physical, occupational and speech therapy services. Some of the conditions they treat include, traumatic brain injury, cardiac care, stroke, spinal cord injury and more. Patients may come to Encompass Health hospitals while they are recovering from a car accident, surgery or other traumatic events; and are not yet ready to return home.

IMG 1732 Take a look inside the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County as they celebrate one year in Pelham
Patients work with therapists in the activities of daily living suite to re-learn how to tackle everyday tasks. Here, Avis Johnson-Johnson is practicing her laundry skills with occupational therapist Chris Jones. (Photo by Christine Hull for Bham Now)

Interested in learning more about a career with Encompass Health Shelby County? Visit the job search page on the Encompass website. To read more about the hospital and their staff, visit the Shelby County facility website.

IMG 1915 Take a look inside the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County as they celebrate one year in Pelham
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County is located at 900 Oak Mountain Commons Lane in Pelham. (Photo by Christine Hull for Bham Now)

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