Inpatient Care
The compassionate care team at The University of Vermont Health Network - Elizabethtown Community Hospital (ECH) helps patients recuperate after surgery or an illness. The hospital and inpatient nursing unit enables patients to obtain high-quality care close to home. The recently renovated, patient-centered design of the inpatient care department offers an environment that is optimal for healing.
Inpatient Care at ECH: How We Compare
ECH is a designated a critical access hospital (CAH), meaning that we provide essential emergency and hospital services for residents of northern New York. We also provide high-quality rehabilitation services, with the goal of successful transfer of our patients back to their homes after a surgery or illness.
The inpatient unit at ECH is distinguished by the following:
- 25-bed inpatient unit
- State-of-the art equipment
- Clean, comfortable patient rooms
- Registered nurse oversight of patient care
- Superior staffing ratios
- 24-hour availability of a physician assistant
Conditions We Treat
ECH’s inpatient care department is able to provide care for acute and sub-acute conditions.
Patients who experience a relatively brief but severe episode of illness or injury receive acute care. This often takes place first in the emergency department and then is followed by a stay in the hospital's inpatient unit.
Sub-acute care is somewhat longer-term and aids in the overall recovery process. The sub-acute program at ECH gives patients the ability to recover from major illness or surgery closer to their home and family.
Following a hip-replacement, knee surgery, stroke or cardiac operation, patient recuperation and therapy can be completed at ECH, saving time and travel expenses. The program provides one-on-one therapeutic care provided by the hospital's physical therapy and rehab departments.
Rehabilitation, Diagnostic Tests & Other Services
ECH’s therapists provide physical, occupational, recreational and speech therapy for patients. Other specialty therapies are also available, based on patient requirements. Each patient receives a comprehensive care plan developed to meet his or her individual needs.
The primary goal of inpatient therapy is to provide treatment so patients can regain their independence by making a safe transition home. To accomplish this, a comprehensive evaluation is performed by a licensed physical or occupational therapist who will design a patient's individual treatment program.
Diagnostic tests and additional consultations are available in order to provide quality care, comfort, and a smooth transition to the home:
- 24-hour access to labs, radiology services, and the emergency department
- Additional consultations, including dietary consultation and emergency dental care, as required.
- Case management and discharge planning to arrange home care and other required services.
- Hospice and respite care.
Support & Resources
Information for Visitors
Visitation is permitted at this time from 12:30pm - 2:30pm / 4:30pm - 6:30pm and on a limited basis, following NY State Department of Health (DOH) guidelines. The hospital may adjust visitation policies at any time, based on COVID-19 transmission rates or for other related reasons.
Please visit our visiting hours page or contact our inpatient unit at (518) 873-6377 for the most up-to-date information on our visitor policy.
Transitions to the Home
At ECH, we engage with the patient and a designated "CARE partner" to ensure the delivery of high-quality care and a safe transition from the hospital back to the home. A CARE partner is someone who can assist the patient throughout the hospital stay and at home.
Hospital staff support CARE partners by keeping them informed of patient progress and coordinating with them to develop a discharge plan. Often, CARE partners help identify the patient and family goals for a safe discharge.
For more information on CARE partners at ECH, please contact our discharge manager at (518) 873-3004.