Receiving outpatient physical therapy through Bladen County Hospital will soon be more convenient for patients.

The Bladen Fitness Center facilities will undergo renovations which will allow all physical and occupational therapy treatments to be administered in one place.

Currently, the fitness center is strictly for sports therapy, Bladen County Hospital CEO David Masterson told the hospital board at its Tuesday night meeting. All other types of therapy are now performed at a separate unit located on the second floor of the hospital.

Registration for either facility must be done through the hospital. Following the renovations, all patients will register through Bladen Fitness.

Carl Gryczynski, Vice-President of Operations for BCH, presented an overview of the plan to the board.

Ninety-five percent of all physical therapy is performed on an outpatient basis, he said. By combining all services at the same location, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic trainers will all be in one area.

The therapy area will be separate from the equipment used by members of the Bladen Fitness Center. This will provide complete privacy for both therapy patients and members.

When the move takes place, there will be a reduction in the cost of supplies since only one facility will need to be furnished. This will increase the profit for the hospital as well, Gryczynski said.

Recruitment and retention of therapists should also improve.

“We have many employees who don’t want to work in the second-floor area,” said Masterson. “This should help to reduce employee turnover.”

Also, it could potentially increase the number of Bladen Fitness Center memberships, Gryczynski said. “After receiving care at Bladen Fitness Center, some patients may decide they want to become members so that they can continue going to the center,” he said.

“By providing all therapy services in this single location, it will be good for the hospital and will enhance the fitness center,” Masterson said.

Precision Contractors Inc. of Lumberton was chosen from the four companies that submitted quotes for the project.

The total cost of the renovations will be just under $50,000. This money, which is now held in a county account, will come from remaining funds from the refinancing of Bladen Medical Associates.

Gryczynski projected that Bladen County Hospital should expect to show a return on the project investment within one year.

The renovations are expected to be finished by the end of March.