South Plains Rehabilitation Hospital Expansion
Oct. 9, 2025 – At 33 years old, John Robles suffered a rare brain stem stroke. Robles recalls it starting with an intense headache, and then one week later, he woke up in the hospital ICU. After leaving the acute care hospital, Robles came to South Plains Rehabilitation Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, needing physical, occupational and speech therapy.
“I mean, it’s been baby steps, but from where I was to where I am now, it’s just…my dad would take videos, and so seeing where I am now to then, it’s just baffling,” Robles told KCBD NewsChannel 11.
South Plains Rehabilitation Hospital recently added 26 private patient rooms, allowing the hospital to care for more patients like Robles.
“Typically, patients come to us after a life-altering event,” CEO of South Plains Rehabilitation Hospital Beth Tucker told KCBD.
Tucker shared there is usually a waiting list for patients to be admitted.
“To be able to offer the therapy to patients to be able to get back home to their friends and family, it’s really meaningful to our staff,” said Tucker.
South Plains Rehabilitation Hospital opened to patients in May 2019 with 40 patient beds. A few years later, the hospital added 26 beds. Now with this year’s addition, the hospital can serve 92 patients.
“We see them [patients] coming in on stretchers, and we see them walking out the door,” said Tucker.
After making tremendous strides, Robles will soon walk out of the hospital, too.
“I’m lucky to be alive,” Robles said. “The staff and faculty and the therapists are amazing. I think like they pretty much paved the way for my new normal.”
To watch the full story from KCBD NewsChannel 11, click here.