The Ocala Regional Medical Center broke ground on a new $65 million expansion this week.

The new project will add a dedicated 36-bed neurological intensive care unit, five new cardiovascular procedure suites, and significant renovations of dining space and laboratory facilities.

Multiple Ocala and Marion County elected officials attended the ceremony, including Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant, Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn, and Florida House Representative Stan McClain, among others.

Ocala Health CEO Chad Christianson says this expansion will effectively tap out the existing space for construction on the Ocala Regional Medical Center campus.

The new project will add over 49,091 square feet of new space and renovate an additional 9,976 square feet of existing space.

With the additional 36 beds, the facility now boasts a total of 323 inpatient beds.

The organization hopes to have the new unit open by the third quarter of 2022.

Source:  Ocala News