A new team has formed within Pipeline Health to provide critical rehabilitation services to patients at all four hospitals.

Pipeline CEO Robert Allen announced the news in an April 15 memo to all employees and physicians. He referred to the new in-house team as “the latest step in our ongoing restructuring work across Pipeline Health to provide more efficient, high-quality patient care.”

The new Rehabilitation Services team within the Pipeline family is a significant change from providing those services to patients through a contracted team of therapists. The new team provides the full range of rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech language pathology – each of which is important to the recovery of the patients we serve.

“The change allows us to employ talented professionals in this field who share our dedication to our communities,” Allen wrote. “The change also brings the opportunity for cost savings.”

As the new department took effect April 15, Pipeline welcomed 12 new hires,
including Tina Stringfield, who serves as director of rehabilitation services. Stringfield has been associated with Pipeline for two years as a contract worker.

The new hires will be augmented by several contract employees while recruitment efforts to fill all positions continue.

The change was planned to create a seamless transition for patients, staff and physicians. There are no operational changes in how rehabilitation services are ordered and provided.

4.15.2024