Orlando Health announced Monday that it plans to invest more than $750 million over the next four years in Brevard County. This investment includes building a new hospital at a yet-to-be-revealed location, opening free-standing emergency departments in the northern, central, and southern parts of the county, and establishing new physician offices.

“We’re committed to becoming the healthcare provider of choice for Brevard County,” the organization said in a statement. “Our expansion aims to serve a broader population than what Rockledge Hospital could handle.”

While the new hospital had been previously announced, the emergency departments and physician offices were newly revealed plans. Currently, Brevard County lacks free-standing emergency facilities. Health First also intends to open two such centers, including one in Rockledge.

Last October, Orlando Health acquired the 298-bed Rockledge Hospital as part of Steward Health Care’s bankruptcy. Due to safety concerns tied to its deteriorating condition, Orlando Health announced the hospital will close on April 22.

As part of the $439 million acquisition, Orlando Health also took over Steward’s 119-bed Melbourne Regional Medical Center (now Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital) and 178-bed Sebastian River Medical Center (now Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital). These two hospitals will remain open.

Source:  Florida Today