KEENE, N.H. – (MyKeeneNow) Cheshire Medical Center is announced the acquisition of $750,000 in congressional funding to enhance its rehabilitation services with cutting-edge robotic technology. This funding is part of the over $103 million allocated across New Hampshire, with Dartmouth Health receiving a total of $3.1 million. Spearheaded by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the funding was included in the final government funding package for fiscal year 2024.

Significant Contributions from Key Team Members

Kelli-Ann M. Abbott, DPT, PT, and Haley P. Bordner, OTR/L, ATP, who played a crucial role in securing this grant, are pictured in Cheshire’s inpatient rehabilitation unit. Their efforts will significantly benefit both staff and patients.

Cheshire’s Chief Nursing Officer, Anne E. Tyrol, MHA, MSN, RN, CEN, CENP, expressed enthusiasm about the new technological advancements: “We are thrilled to bring innovative technology to the already high-level clinical care our rehabilitation team members provide our patients.”

The Journey to Funding

The initiative began when Abbott and Bordner attended a robotics symposium at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia. Inspired, they wrote a grant proposal to the Department of Health and Human Services, resulting in the $750,000 funding, which will be used to acquire state-of-the-art robotic devices for both inpatient and outpatient therapy services.

Abbott and Bordner also engaged with Senator Shaheen’s office, leveraging her senior position on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee to advocate for Cheshire. Support also came from New Hampshire state Senator Donovan Fenton (D-Keene), former Mayor George Hansel (R-Keene), and Gabe Below, vice president of LNE Group, a government funding consultancy.

Cheshire’s rehabilitation services cater to various needs, offering physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy for diverse diagnoses and conditions. This new robotic technology will further enhance the care provided, ensuring patients receive top-notch rehabilitation services close to home.