When patients enter their room at UF Health Shands Rehab Hospital, they are greeted with a personalized welcome, thanks to a collaborative initiative developed by the rehab and UF Health Shands Environmental Services teams.

In each room is a basket that includes many essentials you might expect to be available in a hotel room — soap, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste and washcloths and towels designed by the Environmental Services team.

“This collaboration adds a simple touch to the room, yet it goes such a long way for our patients,” said Melissa Mariano, UF Health Shands Rehab Hospital Environmental Services assistant director. “It is great to see all of the Environmental Services staff put their own touches to the baskets by getting creative with the towel and washcloth design. We are happy to help out the rehab team!”

In addition to providing a lasting first impression for patients, the welcome baskets have supported staff productivity. In the past, rehab team members spent time tracking down the items now included in the basket during a patient’s stay. Often, patients would end up with duplicate items.

“This gesture from the Environmental Services staff makes each patient feel welcomed and gives them a sense of belonging when they first arrive here,” said Rachel Boeche, M.O.T., OTR/L, a UF Health Shands Rehab Hospital occupational therapist. “Our jobs are made so much easier when we are no longer hunting down supplies during our first meeting with our patients.”

For patients at the rehab hospital, there is no time to waste. As soon as a patient is admitted, the care team works quickly to assess therapy needs, devise treatment plans and assist in practicing life skills.

Rebecca Piazza, M.S., OTR/L, UF Health Shands Rehab Hospital occupational therapy clinical coordinator, said, “It’s been a timesaver for direct patient care and a more efficient use of hospital resources. Occupational therapists are able to spend all their time in the room at the bedside with the patient, doing what they do best.”