Giffords to Be Released From Hospital Friday
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is expected to be released from the University Medical Center in Tucson, Ariz., to a Houston-area rehabilitation center as soon as Friday, her office announced.
Giffords, who was wounded in an attempted assassination Jan. 8, is expected to be moved to the TIRR Memorial Hermann rehabilitation hospital.
According to a release from her office, the Houston facility is considered one of the best in the nation. Her family favored it given its proximity to Tucson.
“The congresswoman’s family wants to ensure she receives the best rehabilitative care possible for her type of serious penetrating brain injury,” said Dr. Michael Lemole, one of Giffords’ neurosurgeons.
Giffords’ husband, Mark Kelly, praised the UMC facility that has been treating her and TIRR Memorial Hermann in the statement.
“The team of doctors and nurses at UMC has stabilized her to the point of being ready to move to the rehabilitation phase. Their goal — and our goal — has been to provide Gabby with the best care possible. It is for that reason that we have chosen to have her undergo rehabilitation at TIRR Memorial Hermann, which has a national reputation for treating serious penetrating brain injuries and is also in a community where I have family and a strong support network,” Kelly said.