Remodeled Samaritan rehab opens

When Wes Lokey began rehabilitation following his first heart attack, he remembers working out in a very small room.

It was upstairs and couldnt fit more than three or four patients at a time, said Lokey, 64 of Albany. I was there twice a week.

Lokeys workouts come with a little more elbow room these days, thanks to a complete remodel of the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center adjacent to Samaritan Albany General Hospital on Elm Street S.W.

For Lokey, who has worked out at the cardiac center for 15 years, the new area is a welcome change.

It offers a lot more, said Lokey. Its more room that lets more people take part. Rehab is as much about support as anything.

Lokey spends his time using one of the many treadmills and working out with weights.

I feel good working out here. Its certainly nicer and brings in more people, he said.

Angie Gallagher, who has been the Cardiac Rehabilitation manager since it opened in 1998, has seen plenty of changes over the years.

This is really our fourth remodel, but this gives us so many options, she said. The staff and our patients love it. Aesthetically it is a great improvement.

Gallagher said the makeover provides a 40-percent overall increase in space, including 33 percent more gym space for patients. There is no additional equipment at this time, but that could change.

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Remodeled Samaritan rehab opens