Encompass Health, Cookeville Regional Medical Center break ground on new inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Cookeville, Tennessee

Sept. 14, 2026 – Today, Encompass Health, the nation’s largest owner and operator of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, and Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Cookeville, Tennessee. The future hospital, a joint venture between Encompass Health and CRMC, will be a 50-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital. It will be located at 215 W. Sixth St. and is expected to begin serving patients in early 2028.

The future hospital will provide essential rehabilitative services to help patients recover from strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and complex orthopedic conditions regain function and independence. Patients will receive a minimum of three hours of intensive therapy five days each week, frequent physician visits and 24-hour nursing care.

“We are proud to partner with Cookeville Regional Medical Center to enhance access to exceptional inpatient rehabilitation care for residents of Putnam County,” said Abe Sims, president of Encompass Health’s MidAtlantic region. “By bringing together the expertise and resources of both organizations, we are strengthening the outcomes for our patients, helping them achieve their rehabilitation goals close to home.”

"This partnership represents a significant step forward in meeting the healthcare needs of our community," said Buffy Key, CEO of Cookeville Regional Medical Center. "This new inpatient rehabilitation hospital means our neighbors can continue to recover close to home, surrounded by family and the support systems that are so important to healing. We're excited to partner with Encompass Health and welcome them to our community to help bring this beautiful rehabilitation center to the patients in our region."

Hospital amenities will include 50 private patient rooms, a spacious therapy gym featuring advanced rehabilitation technologies, an activities of daily living suite, dialysis suite, therapy courtyard, dining room, in-house pharmacy and dayroom area. An interdisciplinary team of highly specialized nurses, therapists and physicians will provide physical, occupational and speech therapies to restore functional ability and quality of life.

To learn more, visit encompasshealth.com/cookevillerehab.