Orlando health system moves ahead with new hospital in region

LAKELAND — Orlando Health, a nonprofit health care system with more than $7.6 billion in assets under management, has finalized plans to build a new hospital in Lakeland on 80 acres it owns in the Polk County city.

According to a news release, construction of Lakeland Highlands Hospital will commence in spring 2022. The facility, which will boast 136 in-patient beds and 24 emergency department beds, is expected to open in fall 2024.

“With the extraordinary growth we see in Lakeland and Polk County, the need for this hospital is clear and we are so excited that Orlando Health is here to help meet this need,” Orlando Health COO Jamal Hakim states in the release. “At Orlando Health Lakeland Highlands Hospital, we will provide a broad range of health care services. Here, at one convenient location, you will be able to get exceptional emergency and inpatient care from clinical experts in multiple specialties, the highest quality diagnostic services and seamless access to all of Orlando Health’s trusted primary and specialty care providers.” 

Design firms HOK and VHB, the release states, have planned for future growth of the hospital and its surrounding campus, which could eventually accommodate up to 360 hospital beds, a 20,000-square-foot ambulatory surgical center, 240,000 square feet of medical office space, 20,000 square feet of retail space and a 150-room hotel. 

“We have been delighted to work with Mayor Bill Mutz, the Lakeland city commission, City Manager Shawn Sherrouse and city staff to ensure we are addressing the needs of the community,” Hakim states. “Their forward-thinking leadership and professionalism will help make the Orlando Health Lakeland Highlands Hospital a tremendous asset for the area.”