Ascension Sacred Heart Bay is beginning construction of a new 18-bed Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit.  This facility will provide comprehensive acute rehabilitation services to patients recovering from major health events, such as stroke, injury, or surgery.  

"This new inpatient rehabilitation center aims to provide quality care to help individuals reclaim their daily lives," said Robin Godwin, President and CEO of Sacred Heart Bay. "By integrating this unit on our campus, we are expanding access to a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and specialists for patients who may require a higher level of care."

The new center will offer specialized physical, speech, and occupational therapies and medical care tailored for patients recovering from strokes, neurological injuries, severe trauma, orthopedic injuries, neurological disorders, and other medically complex conditions. 

As the region's only Level II Trauma Center and a nationally certified Primary Stroke Center, Ascension Sacred Heart Bay provides a vital continuum of care. The unit is fully integrated on-campus, giving patients immediate access to our specialized team of cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, oncology specialists, and surgeons. This on-site expertise ensures that patients don’t have to be transferred to another facility if they require emergency care or specialized consultation during their recovery.

“By offering a structured, supportive environment equipped with the latest medical advancements, the inpatient rehabilitation center is designed to maximize patient independence, accelerate healing, and help individuals successfully reclaim their daily lives,” Godwin said. 

The facility is designed to support some of the region's most complex rehabilitation needs, providing specialized care for: 

Stroke

Brain injury

Spinal cord injury and impairment

Amputation care and prosthetic fitting

Orthopedic injuries and post-surgical repair

Neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre' syndrome, Parkinson's disease, polyneuropathy, and other neurodegenerative conditions

Complex medical conditions, including pulmonary disease, end-stage renal disease, and severely impaired cardiac conditions for patients who qualify for intensive rehabilitation services

To ensure long-term success, patients can seamlessly transition to Ascension Sacred Heart’s outpatient rehabilitation services upon discharge to continue their recovery journey with the same trusted team.

The new unit is expected to open in Spring 2027. This addition is the latest example of how Sacred Heart Bay is fulfilling its promise to invest in the community, including the creation of approximately 50 new clinical and support positions to staff the new team. To learn more about the hospital, visit Ascension.org/BayFL. To find jobs with Sacred Heart Bay, visit Ascension.org/Careers.