Founded by the Sisters of Saint Mary in 1900, the hospital – originally known as
Mount Saint Rose Throat and Chest Hospital, provided specialized care for people
suffering from tuberculosis. It was here that the world's first collapsed lung therapy
was administered in 1914. This revolutionary technique of introducing air into the
chest cavity to deflate a diseased lung and provide it with the rest needed for
recovery was a major breakthrough in arresting the disease process of tuberculosis.
Through the years, the hospital expanded its programs and services to meet the changing
needs of patients in the greater St. Louis community. Specialized physical therapy
services were incorporated by the mid-60s and in 1972, a dedicated Rehabilitation
Center was opened at the hospital.
In 1980, the name of the facility was changed to Saint Mary on the Mount Hospital
and Rehabilitation Center, reflecting its greatly expanded capacity for modern,
comprehensive medical rehabilitation.
Just six years later, the hospital became known as SSM Rehabilitation Institute,
and subsequently, SSM Rehab, which provided inpatient rehabilitation services at
two locations: SSM St. Mary’s Health Center in Richmond Heights, MO, and SSM St.
Joseph Health Center in St. Charles, MO.
In 1991, the hospital’s first free-standing outpatient facility in Hazelwood, and
by 2008, offered outpatient services at more than 17 locations in the greater St.
Louis area. During this same time period, SSM Rehab Day Institute, a unique program
designed for individuals who do not require inpatient care, but who would benefit
from an intensive day program was created.
As the need for services continued to grow, SSM WorkHealth was launched in
2006 to provide occupational medicine services. In addition, Homeward Bound, a skilled
nursing facility-based rehabilitation program, was established at several locations
in the area.
In 2009, SSM Health Care, the parent organization of SSM Rehab, and Select Medical
Corporation, a leading provider of specialized health care, joined together to enhance
the delivery of quality rehabilitation services in the greater St. Louis area. Through
this partnership, the inpatient rehabilitation became known as SSM Rehabilitation
Hospital.
Also, as part of this partnership, the more than 30 SSM Rehab and Select Physical
Therapy outpatient centers in the region joined together to operate as SSM Physical
Therapy.
Today, SSM Rehabilitation Hospital offers a full continuum of rehabilitation services
-- acute inpatient rehabilitation, comprehensive outpatient programs at our SSM
Physical Therapy Centers; the multi-disciplinary SSM Day Institute; SSM Homeward
Bound, specialized rehabilitation programs for skilled nursing and long-term care
facilities; occupational medicine services through SSM Work Health ; and SSM Home
Care therapy services.
With the scope of programs and services available, SSM Rehabilitation Hospital effectively
meets the individual needs and rehabilitation goals of every patient.
