July 30, 2025 – Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fitchburg has achieved The Joint Commission (TJC) Disease-Specific Care Certification in Stroke and Amputee Rehabilitation. The accreditation reflects the hospital’s ongoing commitment to high-quality care and ensures the hospital meets rigorous health care standards, clinical practice guidelines and performance measures.
Encompass Health Fitchburg worked for months to develop and implement evidence-based programs. The programs are tailored to the unique needs of stroke survivors and those experiencing limb loss.
Encompass Health Fitchburg’s comprehensive approach to stroke rehabilitation, emphasizing therapy, medical oversight and community reintegration, is highlighted by the stroke certification.
“Our stroke program utilizes evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to meet and exceed the complex needs of stroke survivors,” said Dodi Purtell, chief executive officer of Encompass Health Fitchburg. “In the post-acute phase of stroke, complications can arise that can negatively impact patient outcomes. Our goal is to prevent complications and provide an environment in which patients thrive so they can successfully return to the community and avoid future hospitalization.”
Similarly, Encompass Health Fitchburg helps fill the gaps that patients may experience after an amputation as they rejoin the community.
“Our hope is to help patients experiencing limb loss regain their function and independence, gain access to limb loss resources and prepare in pursuit of prosthetics as appropriate,” said Joshua Hedrich, director of therapy for Encompass Health Fitchburg. “We address patients’ physical and mental health, utilizing the latest research and technologies, to maximize independence and improve quality of life.”
Encompass Health Fitchburg recently hosted an ice cream social to celebrate TJC certifications and the hard work of its staff during the process. The hospital opened to patients in 2023 and serves patients recovering from a life-changing illness or injury.