- November 2, 2024
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Sarasota Memorial Hospital launched its new Rehabilitation Pavilion on April 1.
The opening included tours, photo opportunities with an “astronaut” and a short program and ribbon cutting to highlight the “out of this world” pavilion.
Visitors and supporters were greeted by smiling hospital employees in NASA-themed shirts as they were led around the five-floor, 74,000 square foot building that caters to both inpatient and outpatient therapy. As they wandered the halls, visitors watched demonstrations of various high-tech equipment pieces, such as the Bioness Vector System, which is a harness that attaches to the ceiling so patients can test out walking during their rehabilitation care.
The pavilion, which replaces two inpatient floors in the hospital, was three years in the making. Complete with gyms, a mobile garden, grocery shelves and apartment, the pavilion has everything patients need to get back in their routine. From the floor plan to the technology and equipment to the support and safety of patients and staff, the pavilion features the latest technology and treatment.
“We took the best of the best of the industry and put it right here in Sarasota,” Chief Operating Officer Lorrie Liang said.
During the galactic-themed opening, Liang and other hospital leaders spoke, as well as Ana Gonzalez who went through rehabilitation at the hospital after being in a coma.
After she shared her story, Gonzalez cut the ribbon alongside Liang and other hospital officials.
"It’s truly just a dream come true,” Liang said.