Patricia Neal proudly displays her “House for Heroes” medallion. The medallions are presented to patients who are completing their inpatient therapy at Patricia Neal Rehab Center
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When patients came in for daily physical therapy at Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center earlier this spring, they found a familiar face – Patricia Neal! The Academy-award winning actress spent two weeks undergoing therapy at what she fondly calls “her hospital” to help her recover from several recent surgeries and other related complications.

“I was so thrilled to learn that I would be able to come to my hospital for treatment,” said Ms. Neal. “I’ve always said there is no better place for rehabilitation patients …and now I have experienced that care personally!”

Ms. Neal’s admission to the Center was 40 years to the day after she suffered three massive strokes which almost took her life. Her struggle to recover from the affects of those strokes has made her an inspiration to rehabilitation patients worldwide, and particularly at the facility which bears her name.

According to Dr. Mary Dillon, PNRC Medical Director, Ms. Neal once again showed her commitment to the rehabilitation process. “She went through therapy just as any of our other patients does, and progressed beautifully. She also brightened the spirits of PNRC patients with whom she worked side by side.”

Shortly before her discharge, Ms. Neal participated in a traditional event for PNRC inpatients – the medallion ceremony. The ceremony gives staff an opportunity to recognize patients for the amazing progress they have made toward recovery during their therapy. Recreation therapists lead the event and incorporate both serious moments of reflection and fun games of trivia and music. Needless to say, Ms. Neal knew all the answers in their traditional “Patricia Neal Trivia Quiz.” Most of her fellow patients knew them, too!

Located within Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center offers a comprehensive, team approach to care. Physical, occupational, recreational, behavioral medicine and speech language therapists work with physicians to develop individual plans of care designed to return patients to as normal a lifestyle as possible. The Center recently completed is accreditation survey by the Council on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Surveyors praised the Center and its staff saying, “This is clearly one of the finest rehab hospitals in the country.”

Currently Ms. Neal splits her time between New York City and Martha’s Vineyard. In May, she will travel to Hollywood to receive a star on the Walk of Fame.  “I’m thrilled,” said Ms. Neal about the Walk of Fame star. Then she added laughing, “It’s about time!”