Newswise — SYLVANIA, Ohio, Nov. 15, 2012 – ProMedica and HCR ManorCare Inc. (HCR) have signed a collaborative agreement to develop a multimillion dollar skilled nursing and rehabilitation center that in coming years will replace ProMedica Lake Park, the two Toledo healthcare providers announced today. The agreement is an example of how collaboration among providers benefits the community as the healthcare industry continues to evolve.

The new facility is expected to open in 2015, with Lake Park remaining open through that time period. The state-of-the-art facility, which is to have 120 beds, is expected to be built on ProMedica Flower Hospital’s campus. It will provide medically complex and intensive rehabilitation services for short-term patients transitioning from hospital to home, in addition to 24-hour skilled nursing care.

“HCR ManorCare is an ideal partner both because it has local connections and is a nationally recognized expert in achieving successful outcomes for patients transitioning home,” said Randy Oostra, ProMedica president and chief executive officer. “Lake Park’s staff has done an outstanding job of providing high quality care and service, and this joint venture will build on that solid foundation.”

A key provision of the collaboration is forming a quality committee with clinical staff from both ProMedica and HCR ManorCare to focus on reducing preventable and unnecessary rehospitalizations and improving both patient care and satisfaction. The committee also will serve as a liaison for patients and their families in ensuring an orderly transition between a hospital and skilled nursing setting.

Both ProMedica and HCR support the patient’s choice of healthcare providers and services. As a preferred provider for skilled nursing and rehabilitation services for ProMedica, HCR will ensure that for patients electing to receive these services there are dedicated beds at its nursing and rehabilitation centers to meet the demand of ProMedica patients.

“We are excited about combining the excellence of two of the premier healthcare providers in northwest Ohio to provide the community with enhanced post-hospital services,” said Paul Ormond, HCR ManorCare chairman, president and chief executive officer. “ProMedica and HCR ManorCare working together will offer a unique alternative to care in our community for those recovering from illness, injury or surgery.”

The center will feature an innovative gym, spacious private and semi-private rooms with flat screen televisions, WiFi service, attractive social areas and multipurpose rooms, and personal care services including a beauty and barber shop. It will be the first of its kind in the Toledo area. HCR ManorCare recently opened similar state-of-the-art facilities in the states of Washington, New Jersey and Michigan, and last month broke ground for a facility near Cleveland.

The next step in developing the new facility will be securing regulatory approvals from the Ohio Department of Health, a process that typically takes six - 12 months after filing. Construction would be expected to begin several months after gaining approval to allow HCR time to design the new building and prepare for construction.

Toledo, Ohio-based ProMedica is a mission-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization formed in 1986. ProMedica has more than 14,300 employees and nearly 1,700 physicians on staff with more than 400 healthcare providers employed by ProMedica Physicians. Its 11 hospitals and more than 306 facilities offer comprehensive diagnostic, medical and surgical specialties in heart and vascular, oncology, orthopaedics, neurology, and women and pediatric services. ProMedica’s mission is to improve health and well-being, with a strong focus on wellness and clinical excellence, as well as innovative, community advocacy programs that address health-related issues such as hunger and obesity.

HCR ManorCare, headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is a nationwide leader in providing post-hospital skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. HCR has 45 skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers in Ohio with six located in northwest Ohio. The northwest Ohio locations operate under the respected Heartland name. Quality care for patients and residents is provided through a national network of more than 500 skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and hospice and home health care agencies.

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