Ascension St. Vincent’s will open a new freestanding emergency room in Jacksonville’s Southside by fall 2025, enhancing local healthcare access. Meanwhile, Chad Patrick returns to lead HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, which has expanded rehabilitation services. Baptist Health’s Wellness on Wheels program targets health disparities, and Wolfson Children’s Hospital launches a Halloween fundraiser to support pediatric care, showcasing a commitment to community health in Northeast Florida.
In response to the rising demand for emergency care, Ascension St. Vincent’s is set to debut a freestanding emergency room on Jacksonville’s Southside by fall 2025. Spanning 10,000 square feet at Kernan and Beach Boulevards, this facility is designed to enhance accessibility in a rapidly growing community. Kevin Rinks, president and CEO, emphasized the commitment to ensuring timely emergency care for everyone in the community. The new ER will feature advanced medical capabilities, including a triage area, critical care rooms, nine treatment spaces, and cutting-edge imaging technology. With a team of around 40 staff members, it aims to serve approximately 16,000 patients annually in a region projected to grow by 6% over the next five years. Michael Shaw, Chief Strategy Officer, reassured that the facility is equipped for complex medical cases. In nearby healthcare news, Chad Patrick has returned as CEO of HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital after a successful tenure at Mission Hospital in North Carolina. His previous leadership at the Orange Park facility involved significant developments like a heart and lung center and expanded emergency services. The hospital will now benefit from Patrick’s extensive experience and deep community ties. Also, HCA Florida has expanded its inpatient rehabilitation facility from 20 to 42 beds to offer comprehensive post-acute care. With personalized rehabilitation strategies and state-of-the-art equipment, this facility aims to ease patient recovery. Jane Maynard, Director of Rehabilitation Services, highlighted the enhanced capabilities for patient care. In collaboration with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, Baptist Health has launched the Wellness on Wheels initiative, a mobile health service offering screenings and education. Michael Mayo, CEO, indicated that this program targets health disparities by providing preventive care directly in underserved neighborhoods. The transportation authority previously utilized a wellness bus for mobile vaccination clinics during the pandemic. Wolfson Children’s Hospital is also getting into the spirit of giving with its Halloween-themed fundraiser, featuring Wolfie, the hospital mascot. The Wolfie BOO! yard signs, available for purchase, aim to surprise and delight neighbors while supporting pediatric rehabilitation services. Proceeds from this initiative will help children facing various developmental challenges.
This article explores various recent healthcare developments in Jacksonville, particularly the establishment of a new freestanding emergency room by Ascension St. Vincent’s, which aims to address the increasing demand for emergency services in the area. It also touches on the return of an experienced CEO at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, the expansion of rehabilitation services, the launch of a mobile health initiative by Baptist Health focusing on preventive care, and a Halloween-themed fundraiser by Wolfson Children’s Hospital supporting pediatric rehabilitation. Together, these initiatives signify a growing commitment to healthcare accessibility and quality in Northeast Florida.
Ascension St. Vincent’s forthcoming emergency room will greatly enhance access to critical care on Jacksonville’s Southside, reflecting a robust healthcare response to community needs. The return of Chad Patrick signals continuity and growth for HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, while the newly expanded rehabilitation services promise improved patient outcomes. The Wellness on Wheels initiative emphasizes preventive care, and the Wolfie BOO! fundraiser supports vital pediatric services. Collectively, these efforts underscore an unwavering dedication to strengthening healthcare in the region.
Original Source: www.jacksonville.com
