New rehabilitation facility adds jobs in Rexburg

The Madison Memorial Hospital held a groundbreaking ceremony Monday for the construction of a new short stay rehabilitation facility.

It is a joint venture between the hospital and Homestead Assisted Living. The new center is designed for patients recovering from surgery, illness or other medical events.

Doug McBride, public relations for Madison Memorial Hospital said, “The emphasis is on getting patients home as soon as possible.”

The average stay in rehabilitation center is expected to be around 30 days and can accomodate up to 34 patients.

The center will include state-of-the-art therapy equipment, spa, whirlpool, private dining, library and a hair salon.

McBride noted that Rexburg is a rapidly growing community.

“There’s a lot happening within the county area and the surrounding areas and that’ll help build the associations with them. We’ll have about 50 to 60 new jobs with this expansion,” said McBride.

Those new positions will include nursing staff, food service, housekeeping, engineering and business management. Construction for the new $7 million facility will begin immediately and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2013.