Swingbed: The Heart and Soul of Healthcare
Swingbed Services are the core of any Critical Access Hospital. And while every part of our happy little hospital is vital to our community, North Sunflower Medical Center’s Swingbed unit is the Heart and Soul of healthcare throughout the Delta.
The term “swingbed” refers to the ability of the unit to “swing” between different levels of care depending on the patient’s needs. A patient who needs acute care in a hospital can be admitted to the Swingbed Unit for that level and then transition to a lower level of care as they improve. The ultimate goal of the Swingbed unit is to help patients regain their strength and independence. That way, they can return home as quickly as possible.
One person who has played a significant role in the success of the NSMC Swingbed unit is Mary Helen Wasson.
Mary Helen is a registered nurse and the Director of Nursing at NSMC. She has over 25 years of nursing experience and a deep understanding of the needs of patients and their families. Her passion for patient-centered care and commitment to improving health outcomes has made her a big asset to NSMC and its Swingbed unit.
Swingbed is a Vital Resource for Patients
Under Mary Helen’s leadership, NSMC’s Swingbed unit has become a vital resource for patients in the Mississippi Delta. The unit has a capacity of 25 beds. It offers a range of services, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Patients admitted to the unit receive personalized care and attention from a team of skilled healthcare professionals who work closely with them to develop an individualized care plan.
One of the benefits of the Swingbed unit is that it allows patients to receive care close to home. This is particularly important in rural areas like the Mississippi Delta, where access to healthcare can be limited. “We don’t have a lot of access to acute rehab here in this part of the Delta. This saves people from going to Jackson, Greenville, or Memphis,” Mary Helen said. “This way, they can have friends and family come visit every day. That helios keep their spirits up. If they have to go to Memphis or Jackson, they are not going to have that.”
NSMC can improve health outcomes for its community and surrounding areas by providing high-quality care in a local hospital.
One thing that sets the Swingbed unit at NSMC apart is its focus on patient-centered care. Mary Helen and her team believe that the best way to help patients recover and regain their independence is by listening to their needs and goals and working with them to achieve them. They take a holistic approach to patient care, addressing the patient’s medical needs and emotional and spiritual well-being.
Swingbed Provides a Sense of Comfort and Familiarity
The Swingbed unit at NSMC also provides patients with a sense of comfort and familiarity. Many patients admitted to the unit have been hospitalized at NSMC before. They are already familiar with the hospital and its staff. This can make transitioning to the Swingbed unit easier and less stressful for patients and their families.
My favorites are the patients that come and go,” Mary Helen told us. “They come in, get the care they need, and get back into the public. If they need to get strong again, they come back.”
A Dedicated Staff
Mary Helen is also involved in community outreach and education. She is a frequent speaker at local events and workshops. There, she shares her expertise in patient-centered care, nursing leadership, and health promotion. “It is a great outreach to the community. Swingbed care helps so many people at so many levels,” Mary Helen said. She is also actively involved in nursing education and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Mary Helen’s dedication to improving healthcare in the Mississippi Delta has not gone unnoticed. In 2007, the Mississippi Nurses Association named her Mississippi Nurse of the Year. This prestigious award recognized her leadership and commitment to excellence in nursing practice.
Mary Helen Wasson and the Swingbed unit at North Sunflower Medical Center are making a significant difference in the lives of patients in the Mississippi Delta. Through her leadership and dedication, Mary Helen has helped to create a unit that provides personalized, patient-centered care to those who need it most. Her work serves as an inspiration to healthcare professionals everywhere. Her commitment to improving health outcomes in her community is truly admirable.
For more information, to make a referral, or to arrange a tour, please call (662) 756-1647 or (662) 756-4000.