BayCare revealed on December 5 that it will be opening a new freestanding emergency department in the south Lakeland area. This facility will provide additional emergency care services to the growing Polk County community, complementing the existing BayCare hospital emergency rooms.

Expanding Emergency Care to Meet the Needs of Polk County

Construction of this new BayCare emergency department will start in 2025 at 5501 S. Florida Ave., with a planned opening in late 2026. With Polk County’s population steadily increasing, BayCare’s President and CEO, Stephanie Conners, emphasized the importance of expanding access to emergency care in the region, especially for the area's youngest residents.

The new, 12,000-square-foot facility will feature 12 emergency care beds and three "fast-track" rooms for less urgent cases. A standout feature of the Lakeland location will be its pediatric focus, as it will have a direct connection to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Tampa. This link ensures that children in need of specialized care can receive seamless treatment.

Comprehensive Services and Integration with BayCare Hospitals

The Lakeland emergency department will offer a range of services, including diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests, along with hospital transfers if necessary. The facility will also be integrated with other BayCare hospitals in Polk County, including Bartow Regional Medical Center, Winter Haven Hospital, and Winter Haven Women’s Hospital, ensuring patients can easily transition to a hospital if needed.

This expansion marks another milestone in BayCare’s role as a leader in freestanding emergency departments in Florida. Todd Jones, Chief Ambulatory Services Officer, pointed out BayCare’s pioneering work with Bardmoor Emergency Center in Pinellas County, which was Florida’s third freestanding emergency department when it opened 16 years ago.

By adding this new facility in Lakeland, BayCare is committed to ensuring high-quality emergency care is accessible to the growing Polk County community, especially for families with children.

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