Since the current location of BayCare Health System’s Bartow Regional Medical Center opened in 1999, the population of Bartow has increased by about 26%.

On Nov. 6, hospital team members and administration joined with city leaders to celebrate Bartow Regional Medical Center’s own growth, strategically designed to serve the surrounding community.

“We know from the volume of patients we see that it’s time for us to expand our services. This project is not just about managing capacity right now, but also making sure we’re able to grow in the future,” said Bartow Regional Medical Center President Karen Kerr. 

BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners paid tribute to the Bartow Regional Medical Center’s team for its commitment to providing extraordinary care.

“When you think about this facility and this region – families and patients choose this hospital,” Conners said. “We would be shortsighted if we didn’t invest in this culture and facility. Because of the successes and the results, our BayCare Board was very supportive of this investment.”

Bartow Mayor Trish Pfeiffer was among the guests from the community who attended the groundbreaking, and she acknowledged the importance of the hospital to the community.

“Expansion is not just about growth in numbers, but it’s about enhancing the quality of life for our residents,” said Pfeiffer. “Bartow Regional Medical Center’s commitment to excellence and innovation has made a profound impact, ensuring that residents have access to top-notch medical care close to home.”

The $110 million expansion project, announced in June, will expand the hospital from 72 to 90 beds.

The first part of the project will focus on expanding the Emergency Department, adding 27 examination areas, along with adding space to the Sterile Processing Department. The project will also expand and move the Intensive Care unit and add to the cath lab and operating room. More patient rooms will also be added. The first phase is scheduled to take about 16-18 months.

“This hospital has been in this community in some way for more than 90 years,” said Dr. Jeremy Katzmann, Bartow Regional Medical Center’s chief medical officer, who has been a part of the hospital’s medical staff for about 15 years. “We’re so excited to expand this facility and deliver on the promise to continue to provide extraordinary care.”

Kerr acknowledged Bartow Regional Medical Center’s team members as key to the hospital’s success.

“We appreciate the support we get from our team members and physician leaders,” she said. “It’s just an incredible place to work and being able to deliver this improved facility will be such a positive experience.”

Construction is scheduled to begin next week and is expected to take a few years.