HealthSouth to build comprehensive physical rehabilitation hospital in greater Orlando

HealthSouth Corporation (NYSE: HLS) today announced it has received permission from the state to proceed with building a comprehensive physical rehabilitation hospital in the greater Orlando, Fla., market. The 50-bed hospital will provide comprehensive physical rehabilitation to patients who have experienced stroke, trauma, brain and orthopedic injuries or other major illness or injuries.

"There are a number of long-standing comprehensive medical rehabilitation providers in the greater Orlando market; however, the need is greater than what the current providers can serve," said Linda Wilder, president of HealthSouth's southeast region. "We look forward to working with the other providers in the community and expanding upon the already strong continuum of healthcare services."

Construction on the approximately 55,000 square foot hospital is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2013 and the hospital is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2014. The proposed comprehensive physical rehabilitation hospital will include 50 all-private rooms, a spacious, on-site therapy gym and cutting-edge rehabilitation technologies. The development of HealthSouth's rehabilitation hospital represents an approximately $24 million investment in the community and, once fully operational, is expected to generate approximately 140 new, full-time jobs.

"Our key goal will be to return patients to the community at the highest level of function possible," said Wilder.

HealthSouth currently operates nine inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in Florida, with additional hospitals currently under construction in Ocala and Stuart, Fla.

SOURCE HealthSouth