Haines City Hospital Continues To Expand, Add Medical Services

Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center in Haines City is growing at an accelerated pace to keep up with community needs, says CEO Jay Finnegan.

"We have experienced double-digit percentage growth in ER visits this past year, particularly in the area of cardiac catheterization," Finnegan explains.

To meet this demand, the hospital's cardiac catheterization lab is undergoing a $2 million construction that will be completed in July 2010. In addition, the hospital renovated ER space not directly used for patient care into areas that would allow for more treatment. An urgent care facility on Cypress Gardens Boulevard opened in August 2009 to accommodate non life-threatening emergencies.

"We added 40 beds to our fourth-floor surgical unit and 2009 was the first full year of use," says Finnegan. "But despite that addition, we're still at full capacity."

Finnegan says Heart of Florida plans to build out a fifth floor to add an additional 40 beds, and plans are underway to begin construction on another five-story tower to accommodate more patients.

In addition, the hospital recently acquired digital mammography equipment for its imaging center, thereby enhancing its diagnostic services.

Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center has grown from a small community hospital to being the primary health care source for Haines City, Winter Haven and surrounding communities. The urgent care facility is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Source: Jay Finnegan, Heart of Florida Regional Hospital