Groundbreaking for Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital Springfield

Rehabilitation services in the Ozarks will get a major upgrade, as crews begin work on the new Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital Springfield.

The $28 million, 63,000 square foot facility will have 60 beds and provide inpatient rehabilitation for patients who are recovering from strokes, brain or spinal cord injuries, amputations, complex orthopedic injuries and other conditions. Construction is estimated to take about a year.

Currently, rehabilitation services are offered at Mercy Hospital Springfield. As a Level I trauma center for Arkansas and Missouri, as well as the region’s only burn unit, the need for rehabilitation has outgrown the 35 beds available in the current space. “This new facility will give us the room we need and lift the spirits of our patients,” explained Dr. Hollis Bell, medical director for rehabilitation at Mercy Hospital Springfield. “So many can’t wait to get out of the hospital, and while this will still be an inpatient facility, it will give patients a real sense that they are making progress, and inspire them to continue the tough work ahead.”

Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital Springfield will challenge patients to tackle obstacles they will encounter in everyday life. “Little things like walking on gravel may not seem like a big deal to most of us,” said Dr. Robert W. Steele, president of Mercy Hospital Springfield. “But after a traumatic injury, learning how to navigate various surfaces is a major milestone. We’ll have features that will allow patients to practice that in a safe environment.”

Other unique features will include:

Apartment where patients and families can practice daily living tasks Gymnasiums featuring high-tech therapy devices and treatments Dedicated rooms for burn patients Brain injury unit with monitored rooms, specialized beds, patient lifts and dedicated therapy space and dining area Dedicated stroke unit with specialized equipment Specially-equipped rooms for bariatric patients Private, family-friendly rooms with sleeper chairs Pet therapy and recreation programs

Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital Springfield is a partnership between Mercy and Centerre Healthcare Corporation, a national leader in the development and operation of rehabilitation hospitals. Centerre has partnered with Mercy for similar projects in St. Louis and Oklahoma City. McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is the construction manager.