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Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Services

Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation for those facing stroke, spinal cord injury and other disabling conditions

Rehabilitation Services Honor Patricia Neal’s Inspiration and Hope

Acclaimed actress and Knoxville native Patricia Neal touched the lives of many during an illustrious stage and film career that spanned the years from the mid-1940s to 2010. But she touched even more lives through the hope and inspiration she brought to patients suffering from disabilities and traumatic life events such as strokes, spinal cord injuries, and brain injuries.

In 1965, in the middle of a successful film career and while three months pregnant, Ms. Neal experienced three massive strokes that left her partially paralyzed. Few anticipated she would be able to resume her career or an abundant life. But through years of rehabilitation, she returned to acting in films and television.

Her hometown of Knoxville and Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center paid tribute to Ms. Neal’s achievements by dedicating a new rehabilitation facility in her honor. The Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center opened in 1978 and served more than 38,500 inpatients and 140,000 outpatients during its years of operation. Ms. Neal was a frequent visitor to the Center, and became a worldwide symbol of hope and victory to those experiencing stroke and other disabilities.

New Facilities Meet Growing Needs for Rehab Services

In the early 2020s, Covenant Health, parent company of Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, announced a joint venture with Encompass Health, the largest owner and operator of rehabilitation hospitals in the U.S. The joint venture expanded Knoxville’s rehabilitation services significantly through construction and renovation of inpatient and outpatient locations that continue the Patricia Neal Center’s legacy of excellence.

Inpatient Care: Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Hospitals

Opened in 2023, two hospital locations provide specialized inpatient services and higher medical management for patients recovering from stroke, neurological disorders, hip fractures, brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation and complex orthopedic conditions. Patients receive daily therapy five days a week, 24-hour nursing care, access to advanced technologies and assessments by a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician.

Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Hospital – West 

A 51-bed freestanding inpatient hospital located in west Knoxville

Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Hospital – Fort Sanders 

A 22-bed hospital-in-hospital structure located at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in downtown Knoxville

Physical therapist helping woman doing rehabilitation exercise with resistance band
Man doing seated leg lifts with help of rehabilitation therapist

Outpatient Care

Patricia Neal Outpatient Center

Located at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Patricia Neal Outpatient Center is a dynamic part of the spectrum of care for those who have completed inpatient programs or been referred by healthcare providers. The Center offers physical, occupational, speech/language and behavioral medicine therapies for patients facing stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, other neurological impairments or multiple traumas.

Patricia Neal Outpatient Center also offers special programs for assistive communication, post-concussion injuries, seating and mobility, vestibular rehabilitation (balance), and rehab psychology. Additional resources in comprehensive driving, an innovative recreation program and support groups help patients reach a more enjoyable and higher quality of life.

A Not-For-Profit, Community-Owned Healthcare System

We are committed to improving the quality of life in East Tennessee through better health. In partnership with our generous donors, Covenant’s 11,000+ employees, physicians, and volunteers are providing the very best care for our patients and their families.

Covenant Health