The Vernon Memorial Healthcare (VMH) Therapy Department is now seeing patients in a new, state-of-the-art space on the third floor of the Viroqua Area Medical Office Building.

VMH unveiled the new space Feb. 23 with a ribbon cutting and a walkthrough of the department.

The move unites the Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy departments, which are moving from separate areas in Vernon Memorial Hospital to an 11,000 square foot space in the Viroqua Area Medical Office Building.

Therapy patients will notice improved access to the Therapy Department, increased privacy during appointments and more efficient care because of increased collaboration among the therapy staff. The new space provides larger treatment rooms, shorter distances to travel to those rooms and more space for specialty therapy programs.

Therapists will no longer have to use public areas in the hospital, such as conference rooms, for things like the LSVT Big and Loud program for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

“The staff that have been involved with the design since day one have given such great suggestions. It has been really exciting to be a part of,” said Dan Nelson, Assistant Administrator of Clinic Operations. “I think this staff really provides top-notch therapy. I believe that this move is just another step toward excellence in this area.”

Check-in for therapy appointments will be handled at the Therapy Reception area on the third floor of the Viroqua Area Medical Office Building. However, those patients who will be using the therapy pool will report to the Wellness Center on the first floor of Vernon Memorial Hospital.

VMH volunteers will be available to patients who need help finding their way around during this time of change.

The public will be able to tour the new Therapy Department on Tuesday, April 7. VMH will be holding an open house from 4:30-7 p.m. All are welcome to stop in and see an exciting change for patients and staff.