HCA Florida Healthcare announces nearly $70 million expansion in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties
Plans include three new freestanding emergency rooms to meet healthcare needs in high growth counties
TAMPA, Fla. (February 4, 2025) – HCA Florida Healthcare’s West Florida Division announced plans today to build three new freestanding emergency rooms in high-growth communities along Florida’s West Coast.
This significant investment includes a free-standing emergency room called HCA Florida Oak Hill South Emergency which will be located on Mariner Blvd, near the Hernando County Family YMCA and affiliated with HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital.
“Offering additional emergency services in Hernando County will help support our growing community and care for residents who may need advanced care locally,” said Ken Wicker, CEO, HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital. “Our plans to build a new emergency room will help serve the southern part of the county with the same great service offered at Oak Hill Hospital.”
Also included are HCA Florida Sunlake Emergency, part of HCA Florida Trinity Hospital, which will be located at the corner of Sunlake Boulevard and State Road 54 in Pasco County and HCA Florida Black Diamond Emergency, which will be located on Norvell Bryant Highway and will bring HCA Florida Citrus Hospital’s emergency services closer to Lecanto residents in Citrus County.
“We’re very excited about these investments in the communities we serve to ensure access to needed emergency care and ultimately the healthcare continuum,” explained Jyric Sims, Ph.D., president of HCA Healthcare West Florida Division. “As Tampa Bay’s largest healthcare system of more than 23,000 colleagues and 17 hospitals, we proudly serve some of the fastest growing communities in the nation.”
The latest census data shows the Tampa Bay Metro area grew by 14%, led by Pasco County which experienced a 21% growth rate. Hernando County was not far behind at 13%.
Construction is expected to begin on the three facilities in 2025, with completion anticipated in 2026.
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About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. United as a statewide network in 2022, HCA Florida Healthcare includes approximately 11,100 experienced doctors and more than 84,000 colleagues working together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care through more than 11.6 million patient encounters each year. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. The network provides more than $903 million in uncompensated care and contributes $2.2 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly-trained specialists, including the state’s largest cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is also a major supporter of university-based healthcare programs and residencies and fellowships throughout the Sunshine State. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
