SCH Growth Series: Part 2

One of the most unique things about SCH is our focus on wellness, prevention and integrative therapies, and our affiliation with the Galter LifeCenter underscores and supports our success in this area. In continuation of our series on the various areas of growth for the hospital, I would like to highlight how our partnership with GLC has brought forth growth for both entities.
 
Since 2000, the number of members at GLC has doubled from about 4,200 to about 8,400, and it has greatly expanded programming and services. Most recently, the GLC has seen the most growth in its aquatics, personal training, integrative therapy, Pilates and boot camp programs, thanks to offering more affordable options and more convenient hours as well as adding staff and using space more efficiently to accommodate increased demand.
 
The GLC’s growth is also in part due to increased partnerships with SCH services. For many years, services such as Cardiac Rehabilitation, Outpatient Rehabilitation and Pain Management have been housed in the GLC and use the GLC’s facilities as part of patient care. In 2008, our Weight Management and Diabetes Education programs relocated to the GLC and now incorporate GLC personal training and nutrition services into treatment plans.
 
Additionally, SCH physicians often refer patients to integrative services, such as acupuncture and massage, to complement their medical care, and our obstetric physicians and nurses refer patients to the GLC’s pre and postnatal fitness classes. SCH’s LifeWorks program also attracts many employees to use GLC services.
 
One of the newest ways the GLC and SCH are working together is through the Fundamental Fitness program. The program aims to teach the basics of fitness in a supportive environment to people who have never exercised and have chronic illness. Because SCH physicians often encourage their patients to exercise, Fundamental Fitness acts as the perfect referral outlet. Since the program’s launch earlier this year, the maximum available spots have remained full, and of those who finish the 9-week program, 75 percent have become members at the GLC. This has been a great way to not only help our patients improve their quality of life, but to grow the business of the GLC.
 
Fundamental Fitness was a result of a Physician Advisory Council that was created to improve referrals both ways between physicians and the GLC as well as for physicians to provide guidance to the GLC about becoming accredited by the Medical Fitness Association. GLC is close to achieving this accreditation and we’ll have more news on this in the coming months.
 
The continued strengthening of this relationship not only contributes to the growth of both SCH and GLC but also to SCH’s unique healing identity.
 
 Mark