Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, Bradford, Mass, recently celebrated the facility's successful move to an expansive, new facility. The hospital marked the event by hosting an invitation-only VIP reception and ribbon cutting ceremony (attended by several state and local political figures), followed by a community open house with free food, health education, screenings and facility tours.

According to Whittier Health Network's CEO and president Alfred L. Arcidi, MD, During a time when hospitals are closing their doors on a regular basis, Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital is one of the only new hospitals to open in Massachusetts. Moving Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital into a thriving business park brings more than 200 jobs and nearly $160,000 in annual tax revenue to the region.

City officials have praised the hospitals new location as a benefit for other area businesses, as it will draw people from all over New England to the city (as patients and their families will dine at downtown restaurants and stay overnight at local hotels).

The facility, located at 145 Ward Hill Avenue, is a 60-bed acute rehabilitation hospital that features 20 oversize semi-private rooms, each with its own full bath, as well as 20 upscale private suites. The new facility includes individualized and comprehensive aquatic-based treatment programs with a custom-designed, therapeutic pool, including water treadmills and flotation and resistive equipment. In addition, one of the key enhancements of the facility's expansion is the addition of Whittier Way, a community re-entry program outfitted like a city street, complete with an activities of daily living apartment, a cinema, ATM, supermarket, and an automobile.

Whittier Health Network is a family owned-organization that owns eight long-term care/skilled nursing facilities, two rehabilitation hospitals, an assisted living facility, a home healthcare agency, a pharmacy and manages numerous nursing homes throughout New England. The Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital project was financed by Sovereign Bank and was built by New York City-based Turner Construction Company.