The University of Florida and Shands announced Thursday plans for a $10 million, full-service emergency department in northwest Gainesville.
According to a press release, the 8,500-square-foot facility will provide 24-hour services for locals with acute illnesses or injuries and includes 10 exam spaces staff by UF board-certified emergency physicians and nurses.
"The suburban sprawl is happening, and it's been going on for a little while," said Edward Jimenez, chief operating officer and senior vice president for Shands. "So we came to the realization a while ago that we need to have a more geographically convenient location for health care services."
The building, located at 8475 NW 39th Ave., will have the newest in emergency department technology and resources. Patients who need further treatment will be moved to the Shands main campus, the press release said.
"It's clear that there are people driving distances to get health care," Jimenez said. "This is a way to make it a little more convenient."
Shands' main goal allows northwest Gainesville residents to receive faster attention when it comes to emergency medical care. According to the release, population growth is expected in the area and this will respond to the increasing need for a closer location.
"Freestanding emergency departments are designed to treat patients in a streamlined manner with minimal wait times compared with hospital-based emergency situations," according to the press release.
The Archer Road complex's equipment will be brought to this new location and the new site is not just a doctor's office, Jimenez said. In addition to providing medical care, the hospital will add jobs to the Gainesville economy.
"Shands and the College of Medicine will lead in our stewardship to the community," he said. "So this fits right into that."
Renovations will begin in January and should be completed by July.
Kelsey Meany wrote this story online.