Ernest Health, a nationally recognized healthcare system of post-acute rehabilitation and long-term care providers, continues to expand its reach of post-acute healthcare services with one of the Ernest Health-affiliated hospitals recently opening a new 22-bed rehabilitation unit in Provo, Utah.

Consisting of 29 medical rehabilitation and seven long-term acute care hospitals, the health system has facilities across 13 states that provide specialized medical and rehabilitative services to patients recovering from disabilities caused by injuries or illnesses and from chronic or complex medical conditions.

“A private, independent company, Ernest Health was founded almost 20 years ago with the goal of providing specialized, post-acute healthcare to smaller, rural areas that were not being served; this newest expansion of inpatient rehabilitation services continues with our mission,” says Jake Socha, CEO of Ernest Health. “The organization was created with its Guiding Principles as the cornerstone of its operations. The Guiding Principles direct our employees to take a patient-centric approach to providing superior quality care, while enforcing a culture of accountability. The principles lead us in creating healing and nurturing environments where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”

While the health system continues to grow across the United States – with seven hospitals opening since 2020 alone — Socha is quick to point out that each hospital is managed locally to best meet the needs of individual communities served. The hospitals share information, knowledge, and resources so they can continually evaluate and improve delivery of care to patients.

“Patients are always our priority,” Socha says. “Our hospital employees incorporate the most advanced techniques and technology to optimize clinical outcomes. Our intent is to lead the industry by striving to provide world-class care.”

The health system currently boasts numerous clinical accomplishments. All eligible hospitals are accredited by The Joint Commission. Many of the medical rehabilitation hospitals have voluntarily earned The Joint Commission’s disease-specific certifications in stroke, traumatic brain injury, hip fractures, Parkinson’s disease, amputee, or cardiac rehabilitation. All of Ernest Health’s long-term acute care hospitals are certified in respiratory failure, with two being the first in Idaho and Utah to earn the distinction.

Additionally, all of Ernest Health’s eligible medical rehabilitation hospitals have been ranked in the Top 10 percent in the nation, cited for care that’s patient-centered, efficient, timely, and effective. Four hospitals have been in the national ranking for 15 years, with others consistently ranked based upon their opening dates. Five of Ernest Health’s medical rehabilitation hospitals were recognized by Newsweek as America’s Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers in 2023, and Becker’s Hospital Review recently ranked two of Ernest Health’s medical rehabilitation hospitals among the Top 10 in the nation for lowest readmission rates.

“We remain dedicated to achieving better outcomes and setting higher standards of care for the thousands of patients treated in our hospitals annually,” Socha says. “The depth and experience of our corporate and local leadership teams are unparalleled, but it’s truly our employees’ passion and commitment to patient care that drive results and allow us to continue to strengthen and grow our organization.”