Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Florence Welcomes New Era with Grand Reopening
FLORENCE, S.C.
The Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Florence has officially reopened its doors, ready to usher in a new era following a major renovation. The grand reopening ceremony held on August 28, 2024, saw guests ranging from city and hospital officials to former patients and staff members, rejoicing in celebration.
Known for providing over 40 years of service to the community, the hospital has served more than 33,000 patients. The newly renovated hospital offers 38 private rooms and now includes a therapy gym and in-house dialysis suite.
The rehabilitation facility primarily assists patients recovering from debilitating conditions such as strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and complex orthopedic conditions. The patients receive a minimum of three hours of intensive therapy five days each week, while also benefiting from frequent physician visits and 24-hour nursing care.
Designed with Patient’s Needs
John Jones, the Chief Executive Officer of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Florence, stated that the latest round of renovations were designed with patient needs in mind, complete with ADA upgrades. Further enhancing the rehabilitative experience for patients, the facility now also provides a therapy courtyard, a dining room, an education room, in-house pharmacy, and dayroom areas.
Jones expressed gratitude for being a part of the Florence community and credited his impeccable team for their hard work. “We’ve changed a lot in here. It’s an honor to us to be able to be a part of the community. I work with a great team,” said Jones.
Complete Upgrade
Encompass Health South Atlantic Region President, Ronnie Wagley, was proud to showcase the completely upgraded 90,000-square-foot hospital. “We started [the renovation] in September 2022. This team has gone through a lot of moves. We’ve installed state-of-the-art therapy equipment,” Wagley shared.
The renovation, a nearly $14 million investment, signals the commitment of Encompass Health to the citizens, ensuring they can find care close to home. Wagley added, “Our goal will always be to provide a place families and patients can access quality care… a place where patients can recover and hope and regain confidence for their return into their community with the ultimate goal being to improve quality of life.”
Patient Testimonials
During the event, several former patients spoke about their time at the hospital and their recovery journey. Dan Thompkins, a patient from 2020 shared his story. Thompkins endured a grueling recovery from COVID-19 which left him on a ventilator for eight months. Speaking highly of the hospital, he said, “What I found when I was admitted was the care of the people serving. You got a lot of caring people here. That’s not to be taken lightly.”
Daniel Jeko who suffered a stroke earlier in 2024 and was left paralyzed was also among the speakers at the event. Speaking about his experience he said, “To have all of my physical ability taken away was pretty devastating at first. The support, love, and encouragement the staff showed for me and my wife…it was the guidance, confidence, and hope given by the staff here that impacted me the most.”
Jeko was able to make a full recovery in four months and is currently walking on his own. Expressing his gratitude he said, “I appreciate you helping me get my life back and being there for my wife and my kids.”
The grand reopening of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital marks a significant milestone and reflects the institution’s commitment toward transforming patients’ lives and ensuring their return to an active lifestyle.
