(KAIR)--A new rehabilitation hospital is coming to Doniphan County.

Announcement of the planned construction of the 30-bed hospital in Elwood was made Thursday in a release issued by ClearSky Health, a healthcare provider that currently owns and operates five such facilities out-of-state.

According to the release, “the hospital is expected to treat about 650 patients annually who are living with disabling injuries or illnesses,” ranging from strokes and brain injuries to COVID-19.

Darby Brockette, CEO of ClearSky Health, in the release, says the Elwood location “was selected with the intent of serving both the Elwood, Kansas and St. Joseph, Missouri markets,”adding that, according to a national study, “patients treated at inpatient rehabilitation hospitals return home sooner, remain home longer, have fewer hospital readmissions and ER visits, and live longer versus other types of rehabilitation programs.”

The planned hospital will be about 40,000 square feet, and will feature all private rooms, a rehabilitative gym, dining room, and daily living space.

Groundbreaking is planned this fall, with a winter 2022 opening expected. According to Brockette, the area to be served “has an unmet need for rehabilitation services,” with the Elwood location “selected with guidance from both towns’ community and medical leadership.”

Doniphan County Economic Development Director Leah Johnson, in the release, calls the planned hospital “a win/win situation,” providing not only access to a higher level of rehabilitative care, but will also “provide about 100 new healthcare-related jobs.”

Elwood Mayor Timmy Keiser, in the release, also notes the future increase in both local healthcare services and career opportunities, saying the hospital will assist in continuing “to support and expand the quality of life for members of the community."

The Elwood City Council held a public hearing Tuesday evening regarding the issuance of up to $22 million in industrial revenue bonds for the hospital project.