RHCI to Change Name to Spaulding - Cape Cod in October
April 12, 2010
Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands (RHCI) will change its name to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital - Cape Cod in October, announced RHCI officials today.
"This move reflects the long-standing relationship between two highly regarded rehabilitation hospitals and is in effect a return to RHCI’s roots," said RHCI President and Chief Executive Officer Carol Sim.
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital (SRH) developed RHCI and managed the Cape’s only rehabilitation hospital for its first six years. In 2001, RHCI became a sister institution to Spaulding. RHCI is a member of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, which includes two rehabilitation hospitals, two long-term care hospitals and 23 outpatient centers in Eastern Massachusetts, all of which will be assuming the Spaulding name.
"This decision will better position RHCI to respond to a national health care environment that is facing accelerating change," said Sim. "Specifically, by being closely aligned with Spaulding, we will have a stronger voice with which to represent rehabilitation in the health care reform movement."
Closer to home, adopting the Spaulding name will strengthen RHCI’s position in an increasingly competitive environment.
"RHCI occupies a unique place in the continuum of health care services on the Cape and in Plymouth County," said Sim. "But what defines RHCI’s level of care is sometimes difficult for the public to grasp, due to the complexity of Medicare regulations and the fact that many nursing homes also offer some rehabilitation services. Spaulding is universally equated with the highest level of rehabilitation care. Highlighting our ties with Spaulding will make it easier for the consumer to understand what RHCI has to offer patients."
Tony Shepley, chairman of RHCI’s Board of Trustees, agrees that the Spaulding name will help differentiate RHCI. "Although we Cape Codders are fiercely proud of our independence and local identity, we also realize the value of a name and brand that are recognizable and memorable," says Shepley. "To present RHCI’s level of care and professionalism under a name that our patients and the community can readily remember will only work to the hospital’s advantage."
Though RHCI is taking the Spaulding name for business reasons, Sim is quick to note what the name change does not mean.
"This is not a merger, sale or anything like that. We are formalizing a successful and collaborative relationship between two highly respected rehabilitation hospitals, but we are not making any changes to RHCI’s leadership, staff, physicians, board of trustees or services," she said. "Our mission, leadership and commitment to excellence are staying the same."
Sim also emphasized what patients could expect after the name change goes into effect. "It’s important that our patients and referring hospitals and physicians know they will receive the same personal attention and quality of care in October that they’re receiving now," she stated.
"Even as the name changes, the faces, the spirit, the expert care and the compassionate caring will all remain what the community has come to expect from this hospital that has touched so many lives," added Shepley.
Another thing that won’t change is how donations to RHCI will be used. "Every donation to RHCI, whether it’s made now or after October 1, will be used only to benefit patient care at this hospital and our outpatient centers," Sim said. "We are letting our donors know that their generosity and our commitment to this community will absolutely be honored."
Over the next few months, RHCI officials will develop a plan to implement the name change at RHCI’s hospital in Sandwich and its outpatient centers in Orleans, Yarmouth and Plymouth. Signage, name badges, brochures and other items will be updated to reflect the Spaulding – Cape Cod name.
###
RHCI is a 60-bed, not-for-profit acute rehabilitation hospital serving the Cape, Islands, South Shore and South Coast communities.
RHCI opened in 1995 and offers comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation at its main campus in Sandwich. RHCI also offers comprehensive outpatient therapy and rehabilitation physician services at outpatient centers in Sandwich, Yarmouth, Orleans and Plymouth. RHCI for Children in Sandwich is a regional resource for children needing outpatient rehabilitation care.
RHCI is part of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, which includes Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston; Shaughnessey-Kaplan Rehabilitation Hospital in Salem; Spaulding Hospital – Cambridge (formerly Youville Hospital); 23 outpatient centers from the North Shore to Orleans; and three Boston-area skilled nursing facilities.
