ROCKFORD, Ill., April 5, 2024 - Robert “Bill” Mewes has been appointed as chief executive officer of Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute. In his position as CEO, Mewes oversees the day-to-day operations as well as patient care and quality at the 65-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital, located at 950 South Mulford Road. He assumed the position in January.

“Robert brings nearly two decades of clinical and leadership experience to his new role as CEO of Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute,” said Troy DeDecker, president of Encompass Health’s Central region. “He has proven success in changing the cultures of hospitals for greater patient satisfaction, and I am confident in his vision for the hospital and excited to welcome him to the Rockford community.”

Prior to joining Encompass Health, Mewes served as chief nursing officer and vice president of patient services at UW Health Northern Illinois. In this role, he was responsible for the Company’s nursing practice and the ancillary staff across two inpatient hospitals and 32 ambulatory clinics. From 2019 to 2022, Mewes also served as director of perioperative services where he oversaw operations for nearly 10,000 operations each year.

Mewes earned his bachelor’s in nursing from Olivet Nazarene University and his master’s in nursing and health administration from the University of Phoenix.

About Encompass Health
Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) is the largest owner and operator of rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. With a national footprint that includes 160 hospitals in 37 states and Puerto Rico, the Company provides high-quality, compassionate rehabilitative care for patients recovering from a major injury or illness, using advanced technology and innovative treatments to maximize recovery. Encompass Health is ranked as one of Fortune's World’s Most Admired Companies and Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare. For more information, visit encompasshealth.com, or follow us on our newsroom, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.