Acute Care

Acute Care

South Peninsula Hospital’s Acute Care department provides inpatient hospital care following emergencies, surgeries, or serious illnesses. Our 18-bed unit, including two Intensive Care beds, serves patients across the lifespan, from pediatrics through geriatrics.

Our Acute Care nurses and physicians are generalists with broad expertise, providing a wide range of care in one place. Whether you are recovering from surgery, being treated for pneumonia, managing complications from cancer therapy, or stabilizing after an emergency, our team adapts to meet each patient’s needs.

Our five-star rated unit is supported by more than 40 registered nurses with advanced certifications, along with respiratory therapists, rehabilitation specialists, social workers, hospitalists, and care coordinators. Together, this interdisciplinary team delivers evidence-based, patient-centered care in a setting that offers both comfort and beautiful views of Kachemak Bay.

Services

Intensive Care

Two ICU beds within the unit provide higher-level monitoring and life-support capability. When needed, our team partners with Providence specialists through tele-critical care, giving patients access to critical care physicians while remaining in Homer.

Skilled Nursing Care

Our registered nurses and certified nursing assistants provide round-the-clock medical support for patients who require close monitoring, complex care, or recovery after illness, injury, or surgery. This level of care bridges the gap between emergency treatment and recovery, ensuring patients receive the medical attention and support they need at every stage of healing.

Telehealth and Virtual Care Visits

Through partnerships with Providence, Acute Care offers tele-psychiatry, tele-stroke, and tele-critical care. These services connect patients with specialists across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, expanding access to medical expertise while keeping care local.

Pediatrics

From respiratory illnesses to post-surgical recovery, children who require hospitalization are cared for in Acute Care by nurses trained in pediatric support

Geriatrics

Older adults often have complex medical needs. Our team provides thoughtful, comprehensive care that considers mobility, cognition, safety, and family support.

General Surgery

We support patients before and after a wide range of general surgery procedures, allowing many people to receive high-quality surgical care close to home. Our Acute Care nurses work closely with the surgical team to provide post-operative monitoring, pain management, mobility support, and coordinated discharge planning, ensuring seamless care from surgery through recovery.

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)

Following certain obstetric or gynecologic procedures, patients may recover in Acute Care, where nurses trained across the lifespan provide monitoring and comfort.

Oncology

Patients receiving cancer-related treatment or managing complications from therapy may be hospitalized in Acute Care, with close coordination between oncology providers and our inpatient team.

Orthopedics

Patients undergoing joint replacement or other orthopedic procedures receive post-operative care in Acute Care, including pain management, mobility support, and coordination with physical therapy.

Rehabilitation

Physical, occupational, and speech therapists from the SPH Rehabilitation Department work directly on the Acute Care unit to help patients regain strength, mobility, communication, and independence following illness, injury, or surgery.

Respiratory Therapy

Patients who need breathing support or lung care receive specialized services from SPH’s respiratory therapists while in Acute Care. This may include oxygen therapy, breathing treatments, ventilator support, airway management, and monitoring for conditions such as pneumonia, asthma, COPD, and sleep-related breathing disorders.

What to Expect as a Patient

Admissions

Most patients arrive in Acute Care through the Emergency Department or Operating Room, sometimes as part of a planned procedure, and sometimes unexpectedly. In some cases, patients may be directly admitted from a clinic. It is helpful to bring a current medication list and your insurance information, though this is not required especially in emergencies.

Your Stay in Acute Care

Because Acute Care supports multiple levels of hospital care, your experience may change over time without changing rooms. Some patients stay for 24–48 hours under “observation” status. Others are admitted for several days of inpatient care. Some transition into “swing bed” status for rehabilitation or skilled nursing support before returning home.

Your Care Team

Your care team may include nurses, hospitalists, certified nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, rehabilitation specialists, social workers, and care coordinators, each playing a role in your recovery.

Preparing to Go Home

Before discharge, your team will review medications, follow-up appointments, and warning signs to watch for. We encourage you to ask questions and take notes; we want you to feel comfortable and understand next steps before you head home.

FAQ

What should I bring with me?

Many people come to the hospital unexpectedly. While nothing is required, it’s very helpful to bring a current list of your medications and your insurance information if you’re able. Having these on hand allows your care team to get you settled more quickly and ensure your treatment is safe and accurate.

When can I visit?

Visiting hours are 8am – 8pm. During these hours, visitors should check in at the nurses’ station. After hours, visitors must check in with registration or security before accessing the unit.

Who can visit?

Family members and friends are welcome to visit patients. Children are welcome as well, as long as they are accompanied and supervised by an adult. We simply ask that all visitors be mindful of patient rest, safety, and the needs of others on the unit.

What is your pet policy?

Personal pets may visit with appropriate documentation of a recent veterinary exam and health clearance. Pets must remain under control at all times and may not be left unattended. A certified therapy dog also visits the unit weekly for patients who wish to participate.

Do I need a referral?

No. Acute Care admissions typically occur through the Emergency Department, Operating Room, or direct coordination between providers.

What questions should I ask before discharge?

You may want to ask about medications, activity restrictions, follow-up appointments, warning signs to watch for, and who to call if concerns arise once you are home.