Benson Hospital’s swing bed program has officially been certified by The Compliance Team* – distinguishing it as one of only two certified programs in the state of Arizona, and a beacon of excellence in rural healthcare.

A swing bed is a service provided by rural hospitals and critical access hospitals that allows patients to transition from acute care to skilled nursing and rehabilitative care without leaving the hospital. Often, patients looking for transitional care would go to a long-term care or skilled nursing facility that is in a larger city – in this case, Tucson – away from family and friends. Hospitals with swing bed programs make sure patients receive the care they need in their community.

“Swing beds benefit patients who no longer require full hospital resources, but still need medical services or rehabilitation, such as physical therapy or wound care,” said Dr. Bob Clegg, Rural Executive Director of Operations and Quality for Benson Hospital.

The Compliance Team’s Swing Bed Certification Program ensures Benson Hospital has not only met but exceeded all required policies and procedures and implements best practices for transitional care.

“This certification as an exemplary provider validates what we already know – that we go above and beyond for our swing bed patients,” said Lori Fortner, case manager at Benson Hospital. “We provide excellent service for our patients and our community by being a rural hospital caring for the whole patient from illness to inpatient rehabilitation. I believe that anytime a facility is recognized as exceeding expectation or regulation speaks volumes for the leadership and the mission and vision of the facility. I am very proud of our swing bed program and of our hospital.”

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