PAM Health and Baptist Health Care have announced a joint venture to establish a 40-bed rehabilitation hospital in Pensacola, expanding access to inpatient therapy services for residents of northwest Florida and south Alabama.

According to a news release, the 40,000-square-foot facility will be housed on the third and fourth floors of Catalyst HRE's Henderson Health Center, located on the Baptist Hospital campus. Construction is expected to begin in May, with an anticipated opening in spring or summer 2026. Once operational, the hospital will create approximately 80 new jobs, including positions for medical professionals and support staff.

PAM Health Founder, Chairman, and CEO Anthony Misitano said the partnership with Baptist Health Care will ensure high-quality medical services for the growing region.

"We are excited to partner with Baptist Health Care, a well-respected organization that has been serving the medical needs of Florida Panhandle residents for more than 70 years. Together we are looking forward to providing high-quality, comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation care to the residents of northwest Florida and south Alabama," Misitano said in a news release. "With millions of people in this region, access to top-tier rehabilitation services is essential for optimizing recovery after an injury, surgery or illness."

Baptist Health Care President and CEO Mark Faulkner emphasized the collaboration's role in advancing patient care.

"Our collaboration with PAM Health will continue to elevate access and continuity of care for patients. We are excited to further realize the vision of our main campus by providing these additional inpatient rehabilitation services, creating new jobs and advancing our mission," Faulkner said. "We look forward to working with PAM Health and continuing to serve as the trusted partner in our community."

The facility will provide inpatient rehabilitation services, including physical, occupational and speech therapy, for patients recovering from traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, strokes, cardiac conditions, amputations, orthopedic surgeries and other debilitating illnesses. PAM Health hospitals are also nationally recognized for their workers' compensation programs, which help injured employees regain function and return to work.

PAM Health will fully lease and operate the hospital, which will accept referrals from all hospitals in the region. Catalyst Vice President of Development Brandon McFarren said the addition aligns with the company's goal.

"Catalyst is proud to support this partnership between PAM Health and Baptist Health Care by providing a state-of-the-art space within the Henderson Health Center," McFarren said. "The addition of PAM Health's services aligns with our mission to enhance access to high-quality care. We look forward to seeing its positive impact on the Pensacola community and beyond."

For more information, visit ebaptisthealthcare.org.