(KNZA)--A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday afternoon for a new 30-bed rehabilitation hospital in Elwood.

The rehab hospital will be operated by ClearSky Health and will be located on a six-acre lot right off of U.S. Highway 36 next to Dollar General.

ClearSky executives said they felt Elwood was a good location due to the fact that a hospital of its type isn’t available for 50 miles, along with its ability to work with Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph.

The hospital will provide specialized, rehabilitative care to about 650 patients annually who are living with disabling injuries or illnesses.

The patients will receive individualized care from an interdisciplinary team that includes physical, occupational, and speech therapy; rehabilitative nursing; case management; respiratory therapy; dietary services; and other specialized services.  

Darby Brockette, the CEO of ClearSky Health, said their mission is to give patients the opportunity to be close to their family and friends when recovering while receiving premium care. She said the goal of the new center is to decrease travel for patient supporters and increase the "at-home" atmosphere when staying at the center.

The new facility will feature all private rooms, a rehabilitative gym, dining room, and an activity of daily living space.  

The facility is expected to create about 100 new healthcare jobs for the area.

The facility is expected to open in the winter of 2022.

ClearSky currently owns and operates five other such facilities across the country.  

( photo credit: KQ2-TV)