Special Care Unit

Adventist Health Delano's Special Care Unit provides specialized subacute care services to seriously ill but stable patients in a setting that encourages and supports the involvement of family in the care of the patient. Ours was the first subacute unit to be awarded a contract with the state of California and we are considered leaders in the delivery of subacute care.

Our 51-bed center has been designed to accommodate ventilator and non-ventilator dependent patients with degenerative diseases, tracheostomy and/or feeding tubes, major trauma (i.e., head and spinal cord injuries), and coma.

Our patients receive care from a multi-disciplinary team of health care professionals in a center equipped with the latest medical technology, including a well trained respiratory therapy staff experienced in the care of these patients. As part of an acute-care hospital, Adventist Health Delano provides a high level of immediate, emergency medical services.

Special features of our program include an excellent patient to staff ratio, a coma stimulation program designed to restore maximal functioning, therapy for patients on ventilators, wound care and aggressive techniques that promote safe and expedient ventilator weaning.

Families are offered extensive training in the care of their loved one to help in the transition from hospital to home, when appropriate. As part of the program, monthly family support group meetings are held where family members can share their concerns and build a network of support.