In the fall of 2007, Vivian S., age 70, was admitted to the Bon Secours St. Francis Health System Geriatric Fracture Center in Greenville, SC, after falling in the driveway of her home. Vivian had surgery the same day,was in physical therapy the next day, and now is doing fine.

“I feel great! I never thought I’d be walking and be able to go shopping so soon after my accident,” she said to the crowd at the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new unit. “If it weren’t for these folks, I would not be walking now.” Established in January 2007, the St. Francis Geriatric Fracture Center is the only facility of its kind in the Southeast. A team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers provide specialized care in a unit dedicated to helping older patients get back on their feet quickly after breaking a hip. All patient rooms have been remodeled and feature handrails and no floor barriers. The Center averages 20 patients per month.

Fractured bones are considered the most common and devastating injuries for the senior population. By challenging traditional treatment methods, the Center has achieved impressive results. The admissions process has been streamlined. Patients requiring surgery are operated on an average of 17 hours after admission. The average hospital stay has been reduced by nearly two-and-a-half days — less than five days versus the local average of seven days.

The St. Francis Geriatric Fracture Center returns more patients to their homes than nursing homes. Patients experience fewer complications and readmissions to the hospital. Patients also can have a falls-risk analysis done. And Vivian isn’t the only happy former patient. St. Francis reports 100 percent patient satisfaction with the Center.