Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital Celebrates Five Years of Innovation, Healing, and Hope
Media Contact:
Suzanne Winchester
Associate Director of Public Affairs, University of Utah ǿմý
Email: Suzanne.Winchester@hsc.utah.edu
May marks the five-year anniversary of the Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital at University of Utah ǿմý, a nationally recognized leader in transformative rehabilitation care.
Since opening its doors in May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital has grown into a beacon of recovery, reinvention, and resilience—empowering thousands of patients on their journeys to restored independence and improved quality of life.
“As we mark the fifth anniversary of Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital, I’m filled with gratitude for all we’ve accomplished together,” said David Steinberg, MD, MMM, Chair of the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Executive Medical Director of Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital. “Since the hospital’s opening, we’ve grown into a place of innovation, healing, and hope—driven by patient-centered care and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of rehabilitation. This milestone is not just a celebration of a building, but of the people—our patients, families, staff, clinicians, and community—who make it exceptional. The future is bright, and we’re just getting started.”
Over the last five years, Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital has made measurable strides in patient outcomes and safety, while expanding access and care quality.
- The number of patients seen has grown 18% since 2021, expanding reach to more individuals across the Mountain West and throughout the nation.
- Nearly 98-99% of patients reported high satisfaction with their rehabilitation journey, feeling involved in their care, prepared to return home, and experience improvements in their quality of life—a demonstration of strong commitment to safety and clinical excellence.
- Community reintegration remains a hallmark, with nearly three out of four patients returning to independent or supported living environments—reflecting the hospital’s focus on helping patients get back to where they want to be, faster and stronger.
Behind these achievements is a dedicated, multidisciplinary team with advanced training and deep compassion.
“The past five years have demonstrated what is possible when teams come together to reinvent, reimagine, and rebuild lives,” said Bart Adams, MBA, Executive Director of Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital and University Orthopaedic Center. “Special tribute goes to our faculty and staff, whose work brings life to the innovation embedded in every corner of this building.”
Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital stands as a one-of-a-kind facility in the nation. It features full-room automation and is the only location in the U.S. equipped with all three ZeroG® mobility systems—track, over-the-stairs, and 3D. As the first center to house both the ZeroG 3-Dimensional and ZeroG Gait & Balance Systems in the same gym, it offers unmatched therapeutic capabilities. With the addition of a state-of-the-art Mobility Garage and a cutting-edge Rehab Technology Lab, Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital is truly redefining what’s possible in recovery.
A Nationally Recognized Leader
Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital has earned:
- Recognition as #27 in the Nation for Rehabilitation Care U.S. News & World Report
- Accreditation from the
- Designation as a CIHQ Center of Excellence
- National awards, including the CHIME Digital ǿմý Most Wired Award and Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award
These accolades reflect a culture of excellence and a commitment to continual improvement, supported by board-certified, fellowship-trained specialists and a uniquely integrated model of care spanning neurology, cardiothoracic, engineering, fine arts, and more.
Transforming Lives, One Story at a Time
Behind every statistic is a human story, like:
- Sarah Frei, who overcame a life-changing spinal cord injury and amputation to return to college and recently became engaged
- Max Togisala, the top wheelchair golfer in the nation and spinal cord injury advocate
Other patients, such as Hannah Britton and have shared their powerful stories of resilience, recovery, and community connection.
A Message of Gratitude and Vision
“This milestone is a testament to your unwavering dedication, compassion, and innovation in advancing rehabilitation medicine,” said Dan K. Lundergan, CEO of University of Utah ǿմý Hospitals & Clinics. “You’ve built more than just a hospital—you’ve created a sanctuary of healing, resilience, and hope.”
As the Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital looks to the next five years, its leaders remain focused on building deeper community partnerships, advancing rehabilitation science, and most importantly, improving lives.
Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital
Our hospital was built for patients—of all capabilities—to interact with their surroundings in real-time. Our smart technology enables patients greater control of the space around them and their recovery. Come experience it for yourself.
