More space and new equipment mean more patients can be treated
By Michael Turton
While the former Butterfield Hospital continues to stand empty and its future remains uncertain, its close neighbor has undergone some “reconstructive surgery” that will help increase one specialized form of health care in the Philipstown area. The physiotherapy clinic is part of Hudson Valley Hospital Center’s Cold Spring Medical Center, housed in the Carolyn L. Lahey Pavilion, immediately adjacent to the west wing of the old hospital.
When contractors recently renovated the clinic, including the removal of one wall, it more than doubled the area devoted to physiotherapy. That bodes well for local residents in need of treatment. Work was completed over the course of one weekend, with no disruption in service to patients.
For Lead Physiotherapist John Astrab, the larger facility means a more efficient work environment. For patients it may spell expanded local service. “Logistically, there’s a much better work flow,” Astrab said. “We have the ability to see more patients now … and we may be able to add a new staff member.”
Astrab holds a clinical doctoral degree in physiotherapy and currently shares the workload with two other therapists, Anthony Russo and Beaty Misztal-Wojcik. Each has more than 15 years experience in the field.
The increased space also means more equipment can be added. “We’ll have three new treatment tables,” Astrab said. Private space for patients has also been improved.
M. Turton photo
Fran Murphy, a local resident currently taking physiotherapy treatments there, likes the transformation. “It’s great. It’s airy and it’s more comfortable because there’s so much more room to move around. I can’t even remember what it used to look like!”
“We offer a wide range of physiotherapy services and treatments including rehabilitation, manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, muscular re-education and injury prevention” in Cold Spring,” said Betty Landis, director of Rehabilitation Services with HVHC. “We provide individual treatment for patients suffering from sports injuries, trauma or recovering from surgery.”
The Cold Spring Medical Center also includes an outpatient medical laboratory as well as X-ray and ultrasound facilities. All doctors with offices in the center are affiliated with HVHC.
Lymphedema therapy and hand therapy are offered at the HVHC main campus in Cortlandt Manor. Vestibular rehabilitation is offered at the main campus and at HVHC offices in Croton-on-Hudson and Hopewell Junction. Aquatic therapy takes place at its Springvale location.
The Lahey Pavilion is named after Carolyn Lahey, who worked at Butterfield Hospital for many years and who administered the nursing program there. She passed away in 1981.
