Caring for our community

In addition to delivering the highest quality of healthcare, we enrich our region economically and strive to provide a safety net for those who need care. We work hand-in-hand with many nonprofit organizations to offer expanded health-related services to our local communities. Our total economic impact is more than $82 million.

We make ongoing investments that create an impact throughout the region, including:

• Capital investment spending in the millions
• Employing more than 1,000 physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians and other staff — with an annual payroll of more than $77 million, one of the largest in the region
• More than $375,000 in financial contributions, employee volunteer hours and in-kind services to organizations such as Families First Health & Support Center, SeaCare Health Services, prescription assistance programs, United Way agencies and local and national cultural, human services and health-related programs and organizations
• Nearly $10 million annually in local and state taxes and state Medicaid taxes
• Nearly $20 million in annual uncompensated care

We welcome the opportunity to partner with organizations in our local communities to promote health and wellness. Our hospital, joint venture partner practices, staff and volunteers can provide on-site health education, free health screenings, counseling, event speakers and blood drives. Contact us for information about how we can work together on health initiatives.

Some of our ongoing projects and services include:

• Annual Seacoast Wellness Fair showcasing health services and programs for people of all ages
• Consult-A-Nurse® physician referral and health information toll-free hotline
• Emergency preparedness training for area governments, schools and civic organizations
• Foundation for Seacoast Health (FFSH), the charitable foundation created when HCA Healthcare purchased the original Portsmouth Hospital in 1985
• Free Community Wellness Lecture Series
• Free surgical weight loss information sessions
• Nonprofit sponsorships
• Rehab community programs

As part of our commitment to community wellness, we offer several community health and wellness events, education programs and other resources. We are here to support you and your family in happy, healthy living.

Extensive wellness services

Because health encompasses more than advanced technology and medical procedures, we provide many educational resources to help you improve your health and overall well-being. Choose from a variety of programs, such as:

• Breast cancer, lymphedema and osteoporosis rehabilitation and exercise
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Community lecture series
• Fitness and exercise classes
• Nutrition counseling and diabetes education
• Rehabilitation services, including supervised exercise and physical therapy
• Smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation
• Stress management, biofeedback and relaxation techniques
• Yoga and massage therapy

Just a few of our fee-based fitness and exercise classes include:

• Balance It Out — Our gentle Tai Chi sequences and rehabilitation exercises promote balance and strength in the lower extremities.
• Dance aerobics — This is a high-energy, moderate- to fast-paced dance fitness routines set to international rhythms. Please note, these classes may be too strenuous if you have a lower extremity condition affected by pivoting and weight shifting.
• Fit to the Core and Core Basics — These pilates-based classes incorporate exercises to strengthen core muscles. We promote flexibility through posture, coordinating breathing with movement. Core-focused classes may incorporate light spine and neck exercises.
• Healthy Steps — Promoting health through music and dance, this movement program is for those diagnosed with certain conditions, including cancer, lymphedema, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and other conditions. If you have or are receiving radiation or chemotherapy treatments, you may also be eligible.
• No Bones About It For Those Who Work and No Bones About It For Those With Diagnosed Osteoporosis — These resistance exercise classes are focused on postural stability and flexibility.
• Sit and Get Fit — These exercise programs take place in a supervised environment with health-minded instructors. They are ideal for those with existing health conditions such as back pain, joint replacements or the need to return to function following injury, illness or surgery.

You may purchase a $60 card for access to 10 open class sessions that may be taken in any order. Your 11th class is free, and you can renew your participation at any time. Payment is available by cash or check. Classes are held in the West building at 155 Borthwick Avenue, down the street from the main hospital building.

Post-discharge resources

Whenever you're a patient at Portsmouth, your overall recuperation, return to daily activities and outlook on life can benefit from our services for integrative care, mental health and wellness and pain management.