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Friday, March 29, 2024

Ocala Health announces ambitious expansion plan for West Marion Community Hospital

Ocala Health announced plans Tuesday for an additional expansion project at West Marion Community Hospital.

The project will add nearly 13,000 square feet of new space. It will include the addition of a second cath lab and a dedicated 10-bed, pre-post cath lab recovery unit.

West Marion Community Hospital

The expansion project also includes the addition of two large operating suites and support areas, bringing the total to 10 operating rooms. And expansions in the kitchen and pharmacy areas also are planned in the project that is expected to be completed in its entirety by fall 2020.

Recent projects at West Marion Community Hospital include:

  • The addition of a fifth-floor tower that includes 36 inpatient beds dedicated to orthopedic services (completed March 2019);
  • The addition of fourth-floor tower that includes 44 more inpatient beds (completed March 2018);
  • The addition of nine emergency room beds, bringing the total to 31 (completed December 2017); and
  • The addition of four operating suites (completed December 2017).

Tuesday’s announcement comes less than a month after Ocala Health announced plans to build a third freestanding emergency department off County Road 466A in The Villages, as well as an additional $31 million expansion project at Ocala Regional Medical Center that will include 36 more inpatient beds dedicated to cardiovascular services, bringing the total to 292 beds.

“We continue to invest in expansions to our facilities so we can provide the level of care our community needs,” said CEO Chad Christianson. “Ocala Health has seen expansive growth over the last few years. Whether we’re adding beds, services or new facilities, Ocala Health continues to grow so we can better care for our community. We look forward to working with our community partners in our continued efforts to serve patients and their families throughout greater Marion County.”

Ocala Health encompasses Ocala Regional Medical Center, a 256-bed facility located in the heart of Ocala; West Marion Community Hospital, a 174-bed hospital located in west Marion County; and Summerfield ER, a freestanding emergency department located in southern Marion County.

Ocala Health has the only Commission on Cancer-approved cancer center in Marion County. The hospitals offer a host of other quality and award-winning services, including orthopedic care and joint replacement; robotic surgery; cardiac and vascular services, including open heart surgery and interventional procedures; emergency, neurological and rehabilitation services; and bariatric surgery.

Ocala Regional Medical Center also is a level II trauma center and a comprehensive stroke center. Ocala Health’s outpatient facilities include Family Care Specialists, a primary care network of six locations throughout Marion County; Advanced Imaging Centers; a freestanding Wound and Hyperbaric Center; a Senior Wellness Community Center; and three surgical and physician specialty practices.