Florida Hospital System (see more articles like this)

Florida Hospital administrators were joined by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Chairman Richard Crotty today as they announced Florida Hospital’s largest expansion project in its history.
 
“The purpose of today’s event was to inform the public that Florida Hospital is preparing now to meet the community’s needs in the future,” said Florida Hospital President Don Jernigan. “In the past three years, Florida Hospital has seen a 35 percent increase in inpatient volumes; add to that the fact that more than 4,000 residents move into Central Florida every month, and you have an urgent need for expansion.”

Today, Florida Hospital shared the next steps of the vision that will lead the organization into the next century of care. This includes major expansion plans for all seven Florida Hospital campuses located throughout Central Florida including Orlando, Altamonte, Apopka, East Orlando, Kissimmee, Celebration Health and Winter Park Memorial. From a new parking garage at the Altamonte campus to a new patient tower at the East Orlando campus, to a new tower at the Orlando campus, the projects are expected to begin this year and continue for years to come.

“From an economic standpoint, Florida Hospital’s expansion will have a significant impact on this community,” said Ray Gilley, president and CEO, Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission. “The availability of quality healthcare is one of the many factors companies consider when looking to expand or relocate.  These new facilities will not only provide direct new jobs, but will aid in our efforts to lure additional business to the region.”

"The availability and quality of health care are often important factors when a company is considering Florida for a location or expansion," said Enterprise Florida President and CEO Darrell Kelley. "Florida Hospital's efforts will further enhance our state's quality of life and make Florida even more attractive to the type of companies that will help us diversify the economy."

During the event, which was held on the banks of Lake Estelle at the Orlando campus, a 20-foot canvas rendering showing potential plans for the Orlando campus was unfurled from metal scaffolding, as a song titled “Imagine the Possibilities” was sung live on stage. “The song is truly the theme of this event,” said Des Cummings, president, Florida Hospital Foundation. “Although we do have some ideas about this new building, we are committed to engaging the best minds in the nation, including healthcare leaders and our community, in forging the vision for the 21st century.”

To help facilitate this feedback at the Orlando campus, a special building called the “Imagination Station” has been created. In addition, an email address and comment cards have been developed for employees and members of the community to speak out about what they envision for Florida Hospital in the future.

One aspect that will be incorporated into all of the expansion projects is creating a healing environment using evidence-based design principles. Florida Hospital has sought consultation from a variety of national experts including an environmental psychologist, hotel/resort architects, and health care designers. “The goal is to create a total healing atmosphere that is efficient for employees and that also reduces stress, replenishes the spirit and is visually appealing,” said Lars Houmann, COO, Florida Hospital.

A great example of incorporating evidence-based design in the projects is the slated location for the new tower at Florida Hospital Orlando. Originally, the site for the new tower was going to be the open space next to the train tracks, but now it is being built on the lake. “New research indicates the use of nature not only leads to stress reduction, but also a reduction in pain,” said Dr. Roger Ulrich, environmental psychologist. “Nature pleasantly distracts people temporarily from an internal focus of their thoughts.”

“Focusing on patient-centered care, incorporating evidence-based design, and using employee and community feedback to shape these expansion projects, will all have a profound impact on the end result,” said Randy Haffner, COO, Florida Hospital Orlando.

For more information on specific Florida Hospital construction projects, please see the attached fact sheet or visit www.floridahospital.com. For more information, please contact Florida Hospital Media Relations at (407) 303-1917.

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