ST. Johns County, Florida – University of Florida Health leaders broke ground Wednesday on a new hospital that will expand medical services in the Durbin Park area of St. Johns County.
St. John’s University Health President Carlton DeVoto said the hospital will have 150 beds when fully completed.
“The first phase will be approximately 98 beds serving orthopedics, cardiac care, women’s services, general surgery and whatever the community needs,” DeVoto said.
DeVoto added that the new hospital represents University Health’s commitment to St. Johns County and Northeast Florida. He said the project came about after an assessment of the area surrounding the site was conducted.
“The five ZIP codes surrounding this site are the five fastest growing ZIP codes in the county, so there was a real need in the community right now,” DeVoto said. .
Dr. David Nelson, senior vice president for university health affairs, said they are committed to expanding medical services.
“This event today allows us to begin construction of the facility and staffing and services of physicians to really support the broader health care delivery system in Jacksonville and St. Johns County, and we plan to move forward as soon as possible.” said Nelson.
Nelson also said his mission is to increase the number of doctors in Florida.
“We are nearing the process of hopefully completing the establishment of a regional medical school that will commit medical students to come to Jacksonville and spend their third and fourth years,” Nelson said. .
He said he hopes to welcome the first expanded medical school class by 2025.
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