Medical/Ancillary and Nursing Services
Medical/Ancillary and Nursing Services are responsible for planning and administering the facility health services, and for direct delivery of medical, psychiatric, infection control, psychology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, communication skills, visual impaired and nursing services. These services 1) coordinate medical services received from Hiram Davis Medical Center and other off-campus facilities; 2) develop and publish policies and procedures for health services, arrange for and may conduct appropriate training programs; and 3) ensure the availability of medical consultative services when appropriate to augment facility treatment and to enhance staff training programs.
Medical Services
The Medical Services Department is responsible for the overall health cares, which include the medical, psychiatric and preventive medicine cares of all clients. The department responsibility is to assure that the current standards of medical practices are followed, and that the overall quality of care maintained at the optimal level. These standards are established by State Statute, Medicare/Medicaid and nationally recognized authorities such as the Center for Disease Control, the American College of Physicians and the American Psychiatric Association. The department medical staff consists of general practitioners, board-certified internists and board-certified psychiatrists who have years of experiences in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) field.
Infection Control Program
The Center’s Infection Control program operates to prevent and control the transmission of infections and communicable disease among staff and clients. The program coordinator conducts investigative, data collecting, analysis, reporting, and control system(s) activities relative to the occurrence of infections and communicable diseases. Reports are submitted to local/state health agencies when required. The program coordinator also provides for the education and training of staff regarding infection control issues such as Blood borne Pathogen.
Physical Therapy
The goal of the Physical Therapy Department is to maintain and maximize independence of our individuals in order to enhance their quality of life through direct hands-on and monitored clinical services and assistive technology supports. The Physical Therapy Staff administers the physical rehabilitation programs of individuals with both acute and chronic conditions. These programs include but are not limited to positioning, physical reconditioning activities, therapeutic exercise, physical modalities to aid recovery, and the prevention of physical deterioration.
The department is also responsible for ordering and monitoring orthotic and prosthetic appliances, wheelchairs, assistive and adaptive devices to aid ambulation, mobility, and functional skills. Wheelchairs are adapted and maintained on site by a Rehabilitation Engineer and Mechanics to accommodate the various postural deformities of the individuals in order that optimal truck and pelvic support is maintained, and increased deformity due to poor positioning is minimized. Each wheelchair is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of that particular individual. The individuals take part in the process by selecting their favorite color for their wheelchairs.
Occupational Therapy
The Occupational Therapy department contributes to the SVTC mission of providing excellent services to individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities by providing therapeutic supports that facilitate development, maintenance and deceleration of regression of skills and abilities which promote and encourage individuals to function at the highest possible level. Supports include assessment, therapy and consultation in areas as related to Functional/Adaptive Skills and Nutritional Management. Department staff work collaboratively with internal and external departmental teams to develop an integrated package of supports (therapeutic programs, adaptive equipment, etc.) to address individual needs. We are committed to providing excellent services to the campus and community by conducting up to date and interactive training classes and by participating as members of various workgroups and committees.
Communication Skills Center
The Communication Skills Center’s primary job is to find technological and programmatic supports for clients with severe communication and/or hearing handicaps that will enable them to participate as fully as possible in their lives. These supports may take the form of an electronic communication device or sign language training from a Speech-Language Pathologist, or the fitting of a hearing aid by an Audiologist. Rehabilitation Engineers may adapt a computer for use by a physically disabled client, or fabricate equipment to provide increased client independence in daily activities. Our Visual Services Specialist provides annual screenings to all clients, and comprehensive evaluations and training that can maximize the independence of those with low vision. To round out our clinic, we have a Music Therapist who conducts group sessions with over 200 clients, and also individualized session with a select few.
Nursing
The Nursing Department is an integral member of the Inter-disciplinary team, providing individualized supports, with other team members, so that each individual will reach his/her maximum level of health and wellness. To achieve this goal, the department develops nursing policies and procedures to assure a high standard of nursing practice, provides for the education and training of personnel, and coordinates nursing activities with other services and activities at SVTC.
Psychological Services
The primary purpose of the Psychology Department is to assist individuals to live as independently as possible. In order to help individuals become independent, it is sometimes necessary to provide support through routine assessments and behavioral interventions. These interventions are based on functional assessments to determine the nature and causes of the behavior. The psychology staff then become active participants in the Interdisciplinary Team process and develop programs which are designed to enhance the live of our individuals.
Music Therapy
The Music Therapy program provides clients with positive, successful social experiences. Clients are able to participate in group or individual therapy sessions where music is provided to facilitate creative expression, encourage movement, create opportunities for learning and increase social skills, as well as to have fun. Some clients are also able to participate in musical ensembles such as the SVTC Tone Chime Choir. Music Therapy actively engages clients in their own growth, development and behavioral change. "Music Therapy makes a unique contribution to wellness because man's responsiveness to music is unique." (International Symposium of Music Therapists)
