Ribbon cut for $41 million rehabilitation hospital serving Great Lakes Bay Region

Saginaw, Mich. – In a virtual ceremony, leaders from Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation at Covenant HealthCare dedicated a new hospital today. The three-story building, located on the main Covenant HealthCare campus, is specially designed for rehabilitation. It houses 60 private inpatient rooms, outpatient therapy spaces, offices for six board-certified rehabilitation physicians as well as treatment and fabrication space for patients who require braces and prosthetic limbs.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at Mary Free Bed at Covenant

“This beautiful and sophisticated new space is the product of the solid relationship between Mary Free Bed and Covenant HealthCare,” said Beth Charlton, president and CEO of Covenant HealthCare. “Together we’ve dreamed of elevating rehabilitative medicine in the Great Lakes Bay Region, and determination has pushed us through everything from supply chain shortages to global pandemics.”

In March 2018, a joint venture between the two health care providers became operational. The pairing has been positive, and the number of people needing rehabilitation has been growing, fueling the decision to move forward with the new hospital.

Kent Riddle, president and CEO of Mary Free Bed, came to know rehabilitation when his wife suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car crash. “I can personally attest that miracles can happen when hopeful and motivated patients connect with rehabilitation experts who love their profession and the patients they serve,” he said. Riddle predicted the future of Mary Free Bed at Covenant will include new programs, additional technology and helping more patients regain hope and freedom.

Bob and Jan Podleski with Kent Riddle

Decorated Vietnam veteran Bob Podleski also spoke about the critical importance of vigorous rehabilitation. The two-time Purple Heart recipient, who’s constantly battled the adverse effects of Agent Orange, contracted COVID-19 in July. After a lengthy hospitalization, he arrived at Mary Free Bed at Covenant unable to sit up by himself. He’s home now, standing and determined to walk again.