#United States #Jacksonville #Baptist Health #Brooks Rehabilitation

Baptist Health and Brooks Rehabilitation to Enhance Patient Care

Baptist Health, in a significant move to improve healthcare services, has announced plans to construct an 18-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit at the Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida. This innovative project, developed in collaboration with Brooks Rehabilitation, aims to provide specialized care for patients recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological conditions. The new facility is expected to open its doors in the spring of 2027.

Transitioning Care for Better Outcomes

With the introduction of this new inpatient rehabilitation unit, Baptist Health seeks to facilitate a seamless transition for patients moving from acute care to specialized rehabilitation services. Under the daily management of Brooks Rehabilitation, a nonprofit organization renowned for its expertise in rehabilitative care, the center will focus on optimizing patient outcomes and creating an integrated healthcare experience.


“This new unit is a powerful demonstration of our commitment to supporting patients throughout their health journey,” stated Nicole B. Thomas, FACHE, hospital president of Baptist Jacksonville. This collaboration, she added, enables Baptist Health to enhance the continuum of care for patients, ensuring they receive timely and appropriate treatment at every stage of their recovery journey.

Strengthening Neurological Care

The new unit will serve not only patients from Baptist Jacksonville but also those from other adult hospitals within the Baptist Health system. With the expertise of Brooks' professionals, the center will offer comprehensive post-acute rehabilitative services, tailored to meet the complex needs of individuals who have endured serious neurological challenges.

Doug Baer, the president and CEO of Brooks Rehabilitation, emphasized the organization's longstanding commitment, stating, “Brooks Rehabilitation has served Northeast Florida for more than 50 years with a commitment to providing high-quality care for individuals recovering from serious illness and injury.”

Advanced Facilities and Expertise

Patients are set to benefit from a state-of-the-art rehabilitation environment featuring private rooms, a large rehabilitation gym, and realistic home environments for practicing daily activities. The center will be equipped with specialized neurological technology and outdoor spaces to support recovery processes.

Notably, the team overseeing the rehabilitation unit will consist of licensed professionals, including board-certified physicians specializing in physical medicine, rehabilitation nurses, and therapists with advanced training in neurorehabilitation. They will collaborate closely with Baptist Health’s hospitalists, consulting specialists, and non-clinical team members, all dedicated to fostering each patient's recovery journey. Families and caregivers will also receive vital education and support to prepare for post-discharge life.

As a respected provider of advanced neurological treatments, the new unit at Baptist Health will elevate the capabilities of healthcare delivery in Jacksonville, making it a preferred destination for comprehensive neurological care. This initiative is not just a step forward in healthcare; it is a promise of hope and enhanced recovery possibilities for patients across the region.

The Impact of Baptist Health and Brooks Rehabilitation

Baptist Health has long been a pillar of the Jacksonville community, functioning as the area’s only locally governed, faith-based not-for-profit health system. By continuously expanding its network of ambulatory locations and hospitals, Baptist aims to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care is accessible to all. The collaboration with Brooks Rehabilitation marks yet another milestone in their efforts to address the growing healthcare demands of neurological patients effectively.

As they prepare for the launch of this new rehabilitation unit, both organizations are enthusiastic about the positive impact it will have on patient care. With a commitment to advancing rehabilitation practices and integrating new technology, this initiative represents a significant leap forward in meeting the complex healthcare needs of the community.

For those wishing to learn more about this exciting development, further information is available on the respective websites of Baptist Health and Brooks Rehabilitation.