Orlando Health will close Rockledge Hospital and four Brevard outpatient facilities in April as the hospital deteriorates. Orlando Health acquired the facility, including Rockledge Hospital, in late 2024, on a $439 million contract with Steward Healthcare.
Orlando Health asks that Rockledge Hospital and four Brevard outpatient facilities will be closed in April. How does Orlando Health own a hospital in Brevard County?
News of the closure came out Thursday, months after Orlando Health took over. At the end of October, Orlando Health completed a $439 million transaction, including taking over the 298-bed Rockledge Regional Medical Center.
Also, part of the contract was Sebastian’s 178-bed Sebastian River Medical Center, and the 119-bed Melbourne Regional Medical Center, which is practiced by several associated physicians.
Why does Orlando Health close Rockledge Hospital?
A statement from Ohme Entin, senior vice president of the Orlando Health East region, said Rockledge Hospital was in “poverty” while profitable.
The employee said, “We learned what we learned through inspections by professional architects and engineers that facilities, such as electricity, HVAC, plumbing, and other systems, and their systems are failing.”
Enting also said it would be more cost-effective to build a new hospital, rather than modifying the existing hospital to 110 Longwood Avenue. That may be true.
How did Orlando Health end in Brevard County?
Orlando Health acquired Brevard Health facility late last year through an asset purchase agreement with Steward Healthcare. This was approved by a bankruptcy court judge handling the ongoing steward bankruptcy case.
Orlando Health quickly rebranded former Steward Hospital as Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital, Orlando Health Rockledge Hospital and Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital.
“These acquisitions provide new healthcare days for residents of these communities,” said Ohme Entin, senior vice president of the Orlando Health East region, who oversees the three hospitals in October. “History shows that when Orlando Health expands into new communities, the quality of healthcare will improve and the community will benefit.”
What is Orlando Health?
Orlando Health, based in Orlando, runs a medical center and laboratory. Community and Specialist Hospitals. Physician practice; emergency care facilities; skilled cultivation facilities; and Home-Health-Care and long-term and behavioral health care services.
The non-profit healthcare institution was founded over 100 years ago. It has a presence in Florida, Alabama and Puerto Rico.
Orlando Health doctors have experts in over 105 communities. We also take pride in our community engagement. Last year, the Healthcare System provided more than $1.7 billion in total community impact in the form of charity care, community benefits programs and services, and community building activities.
What is the future of Brevard-based Orlando Health Facility?
Rockledge Hospital will close on April 22nd.
The facility is then demolished and the land is sold for redevelopment.
Orlando Health Authority said plans for other “new community care sites” are also underway.
“Details of additional details for these projects will be shared by the Healthcare System in the near future,” Orlando Health said.
These are other facilities that will be closed along with Rockledge Hospital.
Steward Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center of Rockledge, 1257 Florida Ave., Suite B, Rockledge.Steward Diagnostic Services & Steward Pain Management Center, 2400 N. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt. Suite 100, Merritt Island.32953steward Rehabilitation Services – Suntree, 6300 N. Wickham Road, Suites 116 and 117, Suntree.
What happens to Rockledge Hospital employees and patients?
“All Rockledge Hospital employees who are in good condition and are open to working in other Orlando Health locations are in a guaranteed position within the organization,” Orlando Health said. Some positions may require commuting or relocation.
Current Rockledge Hospital employees will be offered to current Rockledge Hospital employees, including interviews, resume writing workshops, career fairs, and more to help them find new positions within Orlando Health .
Patients can call 321-637-3030 if they have questions about their current appointment or need to reschedule. Patients can request a copy of their medical records via the hospital’s patient portal, Steward Connect, or via fax or email. For more information, please call 321-636-2211 at the extension. 4.
Spitzer is a trend reporter. She can be contacted at mspitzer@floridatoday.com.
