In early 2025, Tina Jamieson was going through chemotherapy for angiosarcoma in her leg. But then, a complication: The chemo port in her chest got infected. She became septic.

“I had five mini-strokes,” said Jamieson. “When I came around afterwards, I could hardly move, and I was sent to the West Valley inpatient therapy program.”

Transitional care after a hospital stay

Jamieson said she had a hard time processing the idea of staying hospitalized for weeks.

“I wasn’t sure if I could do it, but the staff made me feel so safe with their knowledge,” she said. “They were fabulous. I couldn’t even sit up when I got there, and after four weeks, I could do everything. I had occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy.”

Jamieson said she slowly relearned the skills needed for day-to-day life.

“They had a way of getting you motivated,” she said. “They were pleased with every step I made, which slowly built up. I could sit up, brush my teeth and walk 50 feet by the end of my stay.”

During her stay, Jamieson said the days went by quickly.

“It was amazing, like going to a hotel,” she said. “The food was great, too.”

After her stay at West Valley Hospital, Jamieson spent an additional two weeks in Inpatient Rehabilitation at Salem Hospital working on her balance and stamina.

“I couldn’t shower for six weeks after my strokes,” said Jamieson. “The first time they got me to step into the shower was so amazing. They made me feel comfortable and safe.”

Care and support

Jamieson said she can now walk up to 250 feet, and she recommends West Valley inpatient therapy to anyone who might need it.

“I still have PT and OT as an outpatient,” she said. “Just being told I can do it and showing me how to do it… it’s invaluable even now. The small steps become bigger steps.”

Your path to recovery

The West Valley Hospital swing bed unit offers recovery care after surgery and serious illness. This helps people build back strength and skills to return to daily life. Physicians, therapists and pharmacy staff provide coordinated care after discharge to restore patients to previous levels of independence. 

In 2025, the average patient was in transitional care for 14 days, roughly half the national average. More than 75 percent of patients were able to return home after their stay rather than being sent to a nursing home or another hospital. This compares to 51 percent nationally. Less than 20 percent of West Valley swing bed patients were readmitted back to the hospital for their original diagnosis.