Sarasota- In an emergency situation every minute matters which is why Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is opening a new freestanding emergency department.
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s CEO. Andy Guz says this facility will be life-saving.
“Having that ability to have a facility that’s closer to your home, closer to your work or you know is there just driving down the road truly can make the difference between life and death,” said Guz. “The emergency room we are building here is operated no different here than if it were attached to a full-scale acute care hospital.”
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center broke ground at its newest Fruitville location just east of I-75, Tuesday. Residents can expect to see the new emergency department later this year.
“It’ll be state of the art,” said Universal Health Solutions, Trey Weathers. “There’ll be a lot of the radiology modalities here for everyone. It should be a great addition for the community.”
Lakewood Ranch business owner, Alicia Phidd attended Tuesday’s groundbreaking and says convenience is key.
“You can live in Parrish but you may work in North Sarasota, you’re not going to drive back home to Parrish to go to the hospital if you’re ill, you’re going to go to the closest place. This is a great idea.”
Unlike an urgent care clinic, the freestanding emergency department will be fully equipped to handle major conditions and offer emergency care.
“It’ll have six exam rooms, full laboratory, X-Ray, CT and ultrasound services. We are open 24/7 365, always staffed by a board certified emergency room physician,” said Guz.
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