40 Bed Injury Rehab Hospital Breaks Ground in Surprise

Surprise AZ (May 13, 2014) An advanced rehabilitation hospital specializing in treating traumatic brain injuries took a step closer to opening day with a ground breaking ceremony in Surprise this morning.

The 40-bed facility, operated by Dallas-based Cobalt Medical Partners, will treat injured veterans, first responders, athletes and the general public when it opens at the northeast corner of Dysart and Bell roads late this year, according to Chief Executive Officer Richard Fiske.

Surprise will work with Cobalt to host a job fair to help the company find new employees, Mayor Sharon Wolcott said at today’s ceremony.

“Job creation and new health-care opportunities are key elements of our Strategic Plan,” Wolcott said. “Cobalt’s $15 million investment will have an immediate and lasting impact on our growing reputation as a community of good jobs and excellent health services.”

The rehabilitation hospital is expected to employ about 125 people.

Surprise and Cobalt will collaborate in identifying job training opportunities for future health care professionals and the City will provide Cobalt guidance on federal or state grants that pertain to the company’s mission or that promote energy and water conservation, Wolcott added.

“Making things happen is what Surprise is all about and Cobalt has the same energy and drive,” Wolcott said. “Cobalt brings state of the art treatment to Surprise, which can attract high level practitioners, which in turn can attract additional health care facilities,” she said. “Our community welcomes and supports such high quality, professional development.”

The City Council unanimously approved an agreement with Cobalt in November of 2013 which calls for the City to pay $160,000 in building permit and plan review fees.

Cobalt is a private healthcare real estate development and investment company that partners with physicians and local communities in building successful healthcare facilities. Cobalt has rehabilitation hospitals in Kansas, Texas and Louisiana.

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