Florida Hospital Orlando (see more articles like this)

WHAT: You’ve probably noticed the cranes, scaffolding, and more than 500 construction workers at Florida Hospital Orlando on a daily basis.  And now, the construction project that will change Orlando’s skyline has reached a major milestone.  Florida Hospital Orlando’s new 15-story patient tower, which will house one of the largest Emergency Departments and one of the largest cardiac catherization labs in the country, will “top out” on Thursday, June 7, 2007.  Early Thursday morning construction crews will pour the top floor of the patient tower that will be the tallest hospital building in Florida. 

WHY: More than bricks and mortar, Florida Hospital’s new patient tower will create a total healing atmosphere that reduces stress, replenishes the spirit, and is visually appealing.  National experts have helped architects design a healing environment that will utilize open space, light, and the natural setting of beautiful Lake Estelle. Florida Hospital spent almost two years creating the best possible design for the new tower’s hi-tech, comfortable, private rooms that cater to the caregiver, patient, and family.  Florida Hospital nurses, environmental service workers, and other employees continue to play a role in the design of the rooms which will be a sanctuary of healing for patients. 

BACKGROUND: Florida Hospital is building a new patient tower that will contain the Florida Hospital Cardiovascular Institute, 440 patient beds (200 upon completion and 240 future beds), and one of the largest Emergency Departments in the country.  Florida Hospital is still raising money for the expansion project which will cost an estimated $255 million.   The patient tower is scheduled to be complete in late 2008, when Florida Hospital marks its 100th year of service to the Central Florida community.
   

WHERE:  Florida Hospital Orlando
             601 East Rollins Street
             Orlando, FL 32810

NOTE: Tours of the new tower are available upon request.  Interested media must wear hard soled shoes (no tennis shoes or high heels) and pants.