December 2002

Industry Update

BENCHMARK ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS

Benchmark Medical Inc, Malvern, Pa, has promoted clinical leaders Sandi Schwartz and Eric Foust to regional vice presidents for the company. Schwartz, who has previously worked as a speech language pathologist and clinical supervisor, will run region A, which comprises more than 100 facilities in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Foust, a former athletic trainer, will run region B, which consists of more than 100 facilities in Alabama, Colorado, Ohio, Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, and Virginia.

VITALSTIM ANNOUNCES SWALLOWING DISORDER TREATMENT

VitalStim Technologies, Cleveland, has received FDA approval for its new medical technology for people with swallowing disorders. The new electrical stimulation therapy and dilatation for dysphagia is now available at the Swallowing Disorders Center at University Hospitals of Cleveland. It provides patients with three to 10 relatively painless treatments over a 3-week period, and is a noninvasive procedure that produces the ability to swallow in as soon as 3 days. In more severe cases, a minor dilatation procedure is used in conjunction with the stimulation, with similar results.

HELEN HAYES HOSPITAL RECEIVES ACCREDITATION

Helen Hayes Hospital, West Haverstraw, NY, has received accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations as a result of its compliance with the commission’s national health care standards. The commission’s on-site survey of the hospital conducted this summer included inspection of the facility, a review of the quality of patient care and staffing, and interviews with patients and staff. The hospital was then awarded a score of 96 out of a possible 100 points.

GOOD SHEPHERD ASSOCIATES RECEIVES AWARDS

Good Shepherd Associates, Allentown, Pa, recently received awards from the Pennsylvania Association of Rehabilitation Facilities. Louise Wagner, a former sign language interpreter and job trainer at Good Shepherd Work Services, was awarded the Individual Distinguished Service Award for her contributions to the development of a rehabilitation facility. In addition, Good Shepherd received the Rehabilitation Agency Recognition Award for its RE PLACE program.

EASTER SEALS LAUNCHES NETWORK

Easter Seals, Chicago, has launched the Easter Seals Online Network program for clients, donors, referrers, and educators. The network features the organization’s national Web site, www.easter-seals.org, along with 10 other sites representing affiliates across the country.

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