Encompass Health and Piedmont have announced the expansion of their joint venture arrangement to further include the Walton Rehabilitation Hospital in Augusta in the US state of Georgia.
As part of the expanded partnership, the 70-bed inpatient facility, which was initially acquired by Encompass Health in 2013, will be co-owned and operated by both organisations.
The existing partnership between the two healthcare entities encompasses several rehabilitation hospitals in Newnan, Henry, and Columbus, all in Georgia, and Phenix City in Alabama, US.
This includes a recently opened 40-bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, US.
Piedmont Augusta clinical hub CEO Lily Henson said: “As a destination for healthcare, Piedmont Augusta treats patients from across Georgia. By adding Walton Rehabilitation Hospital to our system, it is now easier for us to provide the high-quality, patient-centred care and seamlessly integrated experience for which we are known.”
Furthermore, the organisations have confirmed their expansion plans to construct new hospitals in Athens and Loganville, Georgia.
These facilities will complement the acute care services provided by Piedmont and Encompass Health, offering intensive rehabilitative care for patients recovering from serious conditions such as brain injuries, strokes and spinal cord injuries.
The new facility will also offer other complex orthopaedic conditions, amputations, and conditions that require assistance in regaining function and independence.
Encompass Health's inpatient rehabilitation hospitals are also known for providing multiple healthcare services, including regular physician visits, a minimum of three hours of intensive therapy five days a week and round-the-clock nursing services.
Encompass Health South Atlantic region president Ronnie Wagley said: “We are excited to continue growing our partnership with Piedmont, a well‑respected integrated healthcare leader serving Georgia residents for more than a century.
“By leveraging the strengths of both organisations, we look forward to continuing to serve patients in the Augusta area and providing coordinated, connected care that meets patients where they are in their healthcare journeys.”
