Health First Accelerates Plans to Expand Emergency Care With New Freestanding EDs

With closure of Orlando Health Rockledge Hospital, Health First fast-tracking efforts to expand emergency care

With Brevard’s Only Level II Trauma Center, Health First’s Creation of Freestanding EDs Strengthens Countywide Emergency Access

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Health First announced that it is accelerating the development of two new freestanding emergency departments (EDs) to help ensure residents continue to have reliable, 24/7 emergency care close to home.

Health First has long planned for the creation of freestanding EDs in Brevard County as the population is projected to grow steadily into the next decade.

However, based on the community’s evolving needs, particularly given the recent announcement and swift closure of Orlando Health Rockledge Hospital, Health First will now fast-track efforts to expand access to emergency care across Brevard County.

Prepared for What’s Next.

“For more than 30 years, Health First has served the people of Brevard with a commitment to meeting our community’s health care needs—and that includes being ready for the unexpected,” said Health First President and CEO Terry Forde.

“We’ve been planning to grow our emergency care network, and the timing could not be more critical for us to accelerate our plans. Our neighbors can count on us to step up and deliver the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

Operating the only Level II trauma center in Brevard County, Health First plays a vital role in the region’s emergency response network. These additional ED sites will increase access to time-sensitive care while relieving pressure on existing hospital-based emergency departments.

Why Freestanding EDs?

Freestanding EDs deliver the same high-quality care found in hospital emergency departments. They are fully equipped and staffed around the clock by emergency physicians and trained care teams. Located in growing areas across the county, they help reduce patients’ travel times and support faster treatment during critical moments.

Two New Sites – One Confirmed, One in Progress.

Rockledge Site: Health First is actively working to develop a 13,000-square-foot, 12-bed freestanding ED at 3300 S. Fiske Blvd.

Architectural assessments have confirmed the site’s viability, and the organization is engaging with city officials on zoning and permitting. Discussions with the Florida Department of Transportation are underway to improve traffic flow in the area.

Southern Brevard Site: A second freestanding ED is in the early stages of development to serve the southern part of the county.

Details will be shared once plans advance further and permitting is underway.

“We’re moving quickly but carefully,” said Keila Stradtner, Health First System Vice President for Facilities Construction and Real Estate.

“We want the community to know that these emergency departments have been in the works—and we’re accelerating our efforts to meet the moment and ensure every resident has access to safe, timely care.”

Health First will provide regular updates as site development progresses and construction timelines are confirmed. The organization remains committed to working hand-in-hand with city leaders, emergency responders, and residents to expand access to high-quality emergency care for all of Brevard County.

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