New Free-Standing ER Opens in Venice: A Lifeline for Local Healthcare!

901 U.S. 41 Bypass S, Venice, FL - Venice is on the brink of an exciting healthcare milestone. The city is welcoming a new free-standing emergency room, the HCA Florida Venice Doctors Emergency, located just outside the city limits at 901 U.S. 41 Bypass S. This facility represents a significant step forward in addressing healthcare gaps that emerged following the closure of ShorePoint Health Venice in 2022. The new emergency room, which cost approximately $16 million to build, spans 11,000 square feet and is set to enhance emergency care availability for residents in the area.

The grand opening is anticipated to take place in mid-to-late June, pending necessary inspections. Community members recently got a sneak peek during a preview tour that featured cheerleaders, a balloon arch, and even a teddy bear clinic, making it a festive occasion for all involved. HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital CEO Joe Rudisill emphasized the importance of this facility, stating it serves to fill the crucial void left by the ShorePoint Health closure, which occurred shortly after Sarasota Memorial Health Care System opened its new hospital in Venice.

Comprehensive Services at Your Doorstep

The HCA Florida Venice Doctors Emergency is designed to offer a plethora of services. According to HCA Florida Healthcare, the facility will feature 11 examination rooms, including a dedicated space for trauma patients. It will be open 24/7, welcoming both walk-in patients and those arriving by ambulance.

Expected to handle over 10,000 patients annually, the emergency room will have a complete range of services at its disposal, including labs, imaging, and care from board-certified professionals. Local touches are woven into the fabric of this facility as well, with artwork displayed from Venice High School students and many local residents employed here, creating a sense of community ownership.

Job Creation and Community Impact

Notably, the emergence of this facility will also create approximately 30 full-time jobs, ranging from physicians and nurses to paramedics and support staff. This significant job creation is essential in bolstering the local economy and providing new opportunities for residents who lost their jobs when ShorePoint Health closed its doors. The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce played a crucial role in organizing job fairs for displaced ShorePoint employees, demonstrating a community effort to rebuild and strengthen local healthcare.

This initiative aligns with the broader strategy of HCA Florida Healthcare, which is known as the largest ER network in Florida. Facilities like the HCA Florida Venice Doctors Emergency are crucial in ensuring that residents have timely access to emergency care without the long travel times typically associated with larger hospital settings. As explained by Orlando Health, freestanding ERs distinguish themselves from urgent care centers by being available around the clock, always equipped with emergency medicine physicians, and providing comprehensive emergency services including imaging and lab work.

With its innovative design and community-focused approach, the HCA Florida Venice Doctors Emergency stands poised to make a significant impact in the lives of Venice residents. As the facility prepares to open in just a few weeks, it is clear that this investment in healthcare will not only serve as a safety net for emergencies but will also enhance the overall well-being of the community. There’s something to be said for having accessible healthcare right in your backyard, and Venice is ready to embrace it.