Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Hazelle P. Rogers
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO DISCUSS status of Florida Medical Center and impact on the community. (Commissioner Rogers)
body
Why Action is Necessary
Necessary to permit Board discussion of this issue.
What Action Accomplishes
Allows the Board to discuss this issue.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
Florida Medical Center, located in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, has been providing acute care services in central Broward County since 1973. The 459-bed hospital is home to the Heart Institute of Florida, where doctors have worked on the leading edge of cardiac care for more than 40 years. Florida Medical Center is one of only a few 24-hour hospitals serving central Broward County, an area that has a significant portion of low-income individuals and seniors. The closest hospital with 24-hour acute care service is over four miles away in any direction.
In May 2024, the parent company of Florida Medical Center (Steward Health Care System) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection; and, on September 17, 2024, a bankruptcy judge approved the sale of Florida Medical Center to its former landlord and a temporary operator was put in place until a permanent one can be found. The bankruptcy filing and sale of Florida Medical Center have had significant impacts on patients, employees, and the larger community.
Although Broward County does not provide healthcare services and there are other entities charged with directly providing services to our residents, the County should play a part in ensuring either (i) the viability of an entity that is an economic driver in the region and lifeline for many of our residents or (ii) that any vacuum in healthcare services is filled.
Source of Additional Information
Dwight Hinkson, Executive Administrator, 954-357-7009
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
None.