Orlando Health closed Rockledge Hospital in Brevard County, Florida due to “decades of neglect” including mold, raw sewage leaks, and structural damage.The decision was made shortly after Orlando Health acquired the facility in October 2024. The acquisition was part of a larger deal with Steward Health Care, which was going through bankruptcy. 

In response to the recent closure and the growing healthcare needs of Brevard County residents, Health First and Orlando Health are collectively investing close to $1 billion to enhance medical facilities across the region.

Health First’s Strategic Expansion

Health First is accelerating its plans to develop two new freestanding emergency departments (EDs) in Brevard County. These facilities aim to provide 24/7 emergency care closer to home, reducing travel times and alleviating pressure on existing hospital-based EDs. One of the new EDs is under development at 3300 S. Fiske Blvd. in Rockledge, while the second is planned for the southern part of the county. Both sites are designed to be fully equipped and staffed by emergency physicians and trained care teams.

Additionally, Health First is expanding its First Flight air ambulance program by introducing a second full-time helicopter stationed in northern Brevard County. This expansion enhances the region’s emergency response capabilities, enabling quicker transportation of patients to the area’s only Level II trauma center, Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center.

Orlando Health’s Plans for Brevard County

Orlando Health is also making significant investments in Brevard County’s healthcare infrastructure. The organization plans to build at least three freestanding emergency departments, each projected to cost $30 million. These facilities are part of a broader $750 million expansion plan to replace the services previously provided by Orlando Health Rockledge Hospital.

Community Impact and Future Outlook

The closure of Orlando Health Rockledge Hospital has created immediate challenges for residents in Central Brevard County, particularly in accessing emergency services. Health First is actively addressing these challenges by increasing ambulance capacity at Cape Canaveral and Viera Hospitals, expanding inpatient services, and accelerating the development of new medical facilities. The organization is committed to ensuring that residents have reliable access to high-quality healthcare services.

Both Health First and Orlando Health are dedicated to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of Brevard County residents. Through their substantial investments and strategic expansions, they aim to enhance access to emergency care, improve patient outcomes, and support the region’s growing population.

Source:  OBJ