MOUNT VERNON – On Dec. 17, 2021, Knox Community Hospital welcomed the first patient to its new Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU). 

The eight-bed unit, on the newly renovated fifth floor of the hospital, helps patients regain the skills they need to return home after experiencing a loss of function from an injury or illness.

According to Chief Nursing Officer Carol Emery, the program fills a need in the community that previously wasn't available locally.

“Before we opened, people who live in this area had to travel to Columbus, Cleveland or Wooster for their acute rehabilitation needs,” said Emery. “Since caregivers are a big part of our inpatient treatment and educational programs, being closer to home makes it more convenient for them.”

For more information about KCH’s acute rehabilitation services, call 740-462-3220.