A Major Healthcare Expansion for Athens
A brand-new rehabilitation hospital has officially opened its doors in Athens, Georgia — a collaboration between healthcare giants Encompass Health and Piedmont. The 40-bed facility is set to provide critical care for patients recovering from severe injuries and complex medical conditions.
Comprehensive Care for Life-Changing Conditions
This isn’t just another hospital. It’s a game-changer for those battling through tough recoveries. Patients here will receive at least three hours of intensive therapy five days a week, alongside 24-hour nursing care and regular physician visits.
The hospital specializes in treating patients recovering from:
- Strokes
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Complex orthopedic conditions
Loretta Rice, CEO of the Rehabilitation Hospital of Athens, expressed excitement about the opening. “Our team is ready to serve this community with compassionate, high-quality care. We’re dedicated to helping patients regain their independence and get back to the things that matter most.”
More Than Just Patient Rooms
The facility is packed with amenities designed to aid recovery and make the stay more comfortable. Private rooms ensure patients have personal space to heal. A large therapy gym equipped with advanced technology helps patients rebuild strength and mobility. There’s also an activities of daily living suite — a space where patients can practice everyday tasks to regain independence.
Other amenities include:
- In-house dialysis suite
- Therapy courtyard
- Dining room
- On-site pharmacy
- Dayroom areas for social interaction and relaxation
It’s clear this hospital was designed with both physical and emotional recovery in mind.
A Growing Partnership with a Proven Track Record
This isn’t the first time Encompass Health and Piedmont have teamed up — and it won’t be the last. The two healthcare leaders already operate several joint rehabilitation hospitals across Georgia and Alabama, including locations in Newnan, Henry, Phenix City, Columbus, Atlanta, and Augusta. A new facility in Loganville, Georgia, is also on the horizon.
Ronnie Wagley, President of Encompass Health’s South Atlantic region, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “Both Piedmont and Encompass Health share a commitment to top-tier care and patient satisfaction. Together, we’re bringing specialized rehabilitation services closer to home for more communities.”
Michael Burnett, CEO of Piedmont Athens Regional, echoed that sentiment. “This expansion means more patients in Athens and surrounding areas can access individualized rehabilitation care without traveling far from home. It’s a huge win for the community.”
Part of a Nationwide Network
The Athens hospital marks Encompass Health’s 167th inpatient rehabilitation facility in the U.S. — a significant number that reflects the company’s footprint across 38 states and Puerto Rico. Encompass Health continues to lead the charge in providing innovative, technology-driven rehabilitation care.
Ranked among Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies and Forbes’ Most Trusted Companies in America, Encompass Health is no stranger to setting the bar high in healthcare. This new Athens location is yet another step in their mission to help patients achieve the best possible recovery outcomes.
