Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

The Post-Surgical Rehabilitation program at ChildServe Specialty Hospital helps children and teens restore function following an injury or planned surgery. We provide expert care for a wide range of complex needs in Jojo’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit. We offer: 

  • Intensive medical and nursing services 
  • Care coordination by a team of pediatric experts 
  • Physical, occupational and speech therapy 
  • Access to our adaptive equipment, orthotics and prosthetics program 
  • Cutting-edge rehabilitation technology 
  • Wound care

As children and teens reach their goals for health and independence, our pediatric specialists support them by coordinating with schools and outpatient or community services for a smooth transition home.

As the only freestanding Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation program in Iowa designed specifically for kids and teens, ChildServe has a proven track record of helping individuals regain strength and skills after a traumatic injury or surgery.

Physician-Led | We are physician-led by Dr. Rachel Blankenship, one of only two board-certified pediatric physiatrists in Iowa, and Dr. Leah Brandon, who holds board certifications in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Our team of therapists and nurses are experienced in pediatric rehabilitation. 

1 of a Kind | We are Iowa’s only children’s specialty hospital and the only freestanding, comprehensive pediatric rehabilitation program in the state for children and teens.

4,000+ Measures of Excellence | We were measured against 4,000+ standards of care to receive our CARF certifications. 

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Admission Process
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Why Refer to ChildServe?

Conditions We Treat

ChildServe provides expert care to individuals from birth through 18 years old who may be experiencing multiple medical issues due to their injury or surgery, including the following: 

  • Post musculoskeletal surgery due to injury*
  • Post musculoskeletal surgery due to cerebral palsy
  • Post-surgical Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) rehabilitation
  • Orthopedic injury – fractures or broken bones
  • Muscle weakness due to a long hospitalization

*We also serve individuals who experience injuries to multiple body systems – including Brain Injury or Spinal Cord Injuries. 

Why Choose ChildServe?

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Family Satisfaction

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Child Satisfaction

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Goal Attainment

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Pediatric Experts

 At ChildServe Specialty Hospital, we know children and teens are simultaneously growing and developing while also working to build or regain skills. Our pediatric experts, like our Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physician and Rehab Nurses and Therapists, have specialized training and additional knowledge to treat children after surgery. Your child will receive care from multiple rehabilitation specialists, who will use their expertise from across disciplines to build the right care plan to meet your child’s unique needs. Meet our full team.

 

Rehabilitation Technology

ChildServe’s premier rehabilitation technology allows for treatment and leads to outcomes not always seen with conventional therapy. We continuously evaluate and add evidence-based rehabilitation technology that can improve the functional outcomes and lives of children and families.   

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Continuum of Care

We connect with hospital teams before a child arrives at ChildServe to ensure a smooth experience for families. When goals have been met, we partner with home, community, or outpatient services so families can feel confident about their transition home.   

Children and teens have the opportunity to transition to outpatient therapy programs to continue receiving support from ChildServe’s expert therapists once inpatient goals have been met. 

Caregiver Education & Support

We want parents and guardians to feel comfortable and confident when it comes to their child’s care plan, goals and changing needs as they recover or build skills. Our rehab specialists train parents regarding their child’s condition and how to provide care at home. They offer a home and vehicle assessment to ensure safety upon discharge.

Our medical social workers offer care coordination for the transition to ChildServe’s programs and other community resources as needed. 

Complex Medical Care

ChildServe’s pediatric specialists help children and teens manage complex medical needs including ventilator and tracheostomy care.  

Outside of our medical team, we can also coordinate services with professionals who specialize in areas including urology, pulmonology, neurology, orthopedics, psychology, neuropsychology, ophthalmology/optometry and more.  

The ChildServe Experience

Our comprehensive services take place in Jojo’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit at our campus in Johnston, Iowa. ChildServe’s pediatric specialists provide medical care, intensive therapy, durable medical equipment and recreational activities. As children and teens reach their health and independence goals, we support them by coordinating with schools and outpatient or community services for a smooth transition home.

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Patient Experience

Max & Myles

Max and Myles, brothers living with Morquio syndrome, work toward strength and independence through ChildServe’s specialized rehabilitation. Their determination, family support, and dedicated therapists help them make remarkable progress as they rebuild skills, confidence, and hope for the futures they imagine.

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Brian’s Story

Not every nine-year-old will pick “steak dinner” as their special birthday meal, but anyone who’s met Brian knows to expect the unexpected from this bright, technology-loving boy. Brian, who has cerebral palsy, came to ChildServe’s pediatric rehabilitation unit after having a back surgery called SDR.

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Oliver’s Odyssey

“From day one of walking into ChildServe’s Rehabilitation Unit, we felt compassion. On day two, we started to see more of Oliver’s smile, and a lot of that was because of the ChildServe team,” said Oliver’s mom, Vicki.

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Irlanda’s Story

When Irlanda was nine, an unexpected illness turned into a life-changing experience. With a long road to recovery in front of her, she arrived to ChildServe’s Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation program where she found a team ready to help her move forward.

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Shane’s Story

When 18-year-old Shane was in a motorcycle accident, he experienced severe injuries to his brain and spinal cord. With support from his ChildServe team, and a variety of specialty equipment and technology, he fought hard to regain the strength to walk and talk.

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