Transitional Care Unit

After a hospital procedure, some patients need extended physical or occupational therapy or skilled nursing care. The Transitional Care Unit (TCU) at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center helps make their shift from hospital to home as easy as possible.

A short-term facility, the Transitional Care Unit is located on the 9th Floor of the hospital and has a registered nurse on duty around the clock. Skilled caregivers also include licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, case managers, therapists and activities coordinators.

Who qualifies for transitional care

Our clients are not hospital patients. However, they must have been in the hospital for at least three days before coming to the Transitional Care Unit. They also need a diagnosis requiring physical or occupational therapy or skilled nursing.

The majority of patients stay in the TCU 14 to 20 days at most. Usually they have had orthopedic procedures such as hip or knee replacements and can benefit from our Therapy Department and access to doctors at the hospital, if needed.

By staying in Transitional Care, they can save the time and expense of a longer inpatient hospital stay. They also may not need to go to a nursing home before returning to their residence.

NOTE: The Joint Commission accreditation excludes skilled nursing and nursing home services.