Construction kicks off on $231 million HCA hospital
The hospital will include surgical services, a 30-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit and a full complement of imaging services.
Photo: wirategasem/Getty Images
HCA Florida Healthcare says construction is now underway on the new $231 million HCA Florida Gainesville Hospital, the latest hospital planned as part of HCA's planned expansion across the state.
Community and hospital leaders kicked off the project Thursday with a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the recently opened HCA Florida Gainesville Emergency Room, which will be expanded into the new full-service hospital over the next 18 months.
"We're excited to begin construction on what will be a state-of-the-art, full-service hospital and medical offices to expand access to healthcare, including acute care, for our growing community," said Eric Lawson, CEO of HCA Florida North Florida Hospital.
WHAT'S THE IMPACT?
The new hospital and medical office building, targeted to open in early 2026, will build on the existing HCA Florida Gainesville Emergency Room, HCA said.
The hospital will include a surgical services department, a catheterization lab, 60 medical/surgical beds, a 30-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit, and a full complement of imaging services available for the community. It's anticipated to house more than 200 colleagues, including physicians, other healthcare professionals and support personnel.
Eric Godet Sr., president and CEO of the Greater Gainesville Chamber and board member of HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, said the new hospital is not only beneficial in terms of its medical treatment, but due to the positive economic impact that's expected.
"We're excited by the new jobs this major project will bring and look forward to additional business growth in the area as a result," said Godet.
The groundbreaking for the new hospital and ribbon cutting for the existing HCA Florida Gainesville Emergency included a community celebration and open house with tours of the new emergency facility, which is open 24/7 for adults and children.
THE LARGER TREND
A number of big-ticket construction proposals have surfaced in recent months, most notably a $1 billion, decade-long transformation project for Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, spearheaded by Highmark Health, the parent company of Allegheny Health Network.
Meanwhile, McLeod Health, based in Florence, South Carolina, is eyeing plans to construct a $45 million replacement facility for its Cheraw-based hospital, the health system said in April. Plans for the new facility will be to grow around the existing emergency and radiology departments, and possibly more retained facilities, with new construction to be determined.
Jeff Lagasse is editor of Healthcare Finance News.
Email: jlagasse@himss.org
Healthcare Finance News is a HIMSS Media publication.
