Mercy Health, Tennessee Firm to Build Rehab Hospital

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Mercy Health – Youngstown, in partnership with Kindred Rehabilitation Services of Brentwood Tenn., announced plans Tuesday afternoon to build a standalone, 60-bed, acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital to be sited in the Mahoning Valley.

Kindred, a business unit of LifePoint Health, will manage day-to-day operations of the hospital, according to a joint news release. Construction is expected to begin in early 2023 with an expected completion in fall 2024.

“We are excited to partner with Kindred in this specialty hospital that will bring their experience and track record of outstanding acute inpatient rehabilitation care to our patients and the Mahoning Valley,” said John Luellen, M.D., market president of Mercy Health – Lorain and Youngstown. “This hospital will greatly expand Mercy Health’s ability to provide much-needed inpatient rehabilitation care and help us further our mission of bringing good help to those in need.”

A site for the hospital is yet to be determined, Mercy spokeswoman Kara Franz said. St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital has an inpatient, acute rehabilitation unit that can accommodate 26 patients, she said.

“There is a significant need for acute rehabilitative care in the region and this facility will greatly improve access to the kind of health care services that help those suffering from debilitating injuries or illnesses regain strength and function and return home to more normal lives,” she said.

“Kindred has a long track record of outstanding acute inpatient rehabilitation care and Mercy Health – Youngstown is excited to partner with them to bring this care to our patients and the Mahoning Valley.”

The announcement did not include any cost projections or square footage for the project, nor did Franz provide that information in response to an inquiry.

Earlier this year, Mercy officials said they would not move forward with a proposed expansion project at the Cafaro Co. Enterprise Park at Eastwood development. They are evaluating plans for a project on 63 acres of land near the Kent State University at Trumbull campus. Franz said Tuesday the site adjacent to Kent Trumbull was not being considered for the rehab hospital project.

Upon completion, Mercy Health Rehabilitation Hospital will be Kindred’s third joint-venture, standalone inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Ohio.

“We are confident that this partnership with Mercy Health, a leading health-care system, will create an exceptional inpatient rehabilitation facility that helps advance our goal of making communities healthier,” said Russ Bailey, Kindred president. “We look forward to opening and operating this hospital with Mercy Health so that Youngstown-area residents have better access to high-quality, rehabilitative care.”

The new rehabilitation hospital will feature all private rooms. Treatment will focus on acute inpatient rehabilitation for patients who suffer from stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, complex neurological disorders, orthopedic conditions, multiple trauma, amputation and other injuries or disorders.

Other features will include multidisciplinary therapy gymnasiums outfitted with the latest therapeutic technologies, including augmented-reality balance training, therapy bionics and a full-body exoskeleton. Additionally, it will include a therapeutic courtyard with exterior amenities to support patient care and help patients return to daily living activities.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.