Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Patient Tower Expansion
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center celebrated the official ribbon cutting of its new patient tower, marking a major milestone in the hospital’s continued growth and commitment to serving the expanding Lakewood Ranch community.
The ceremony featured remarks from Philip Reber, Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center; Rex Jensen, President and CEO of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch and Lakewood Ranch; Bill Conerly, Florida House of Representatives for District 72; Edward H. Sim, Executive Vice President of UHS and President of the Acute Care Division; and Marc D. Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer of UHS.
The new tower adds 60 inpatient beds across the second and third floors and includes a new pharmacy, laboratory, surgery waiting area, outpatient lab, and pre-admission testing space. The expansion is designed to enhance patient care, improve access to services, and support the region’s rapid growth.
“Having a facility within Lakewood Ranch to serve so many of our residents is extremely important,” stated Representative Conerly. “I appreciate our partnership and we will continue to work together at the state level with regard to healthcare facilities that provide benefit to the community. I look forward to our future work together.”
“UHS, and specifically Marc (Miller), believed and invested in the vision for Lakewood Ranch early—at a time when many couldn’t yet see it—and has grown alongside us ever since,” said Jensen. “Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and the community have evolved together, serving a population that continues to expand in both size and diversity.”
“This expansion represents our commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of our growing community with high-quality, patient-centered care,” said Philip Reber.
The first patients are expected to be welcomed in the new tower in late April.
Prior to opening, the hospital will host a public open house on Friday, April 3 from 6–9 p.m. during the Music on Main block party, offering community members a unique opportunity to tour the new space before it becomes operational. Guests will be able to view the new surgery waiting area, outpatient lab, pre-admission testing space, and patient rooms.
“This is an exciting time for our hospital and our community,” Reber added. “We are proud to continue expanding our healthcare services and facilities to better serve our patients and their families.”
About Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is an acute care hospital, accredited by The Joint Commission, which serves patients in Lakewood Ranch and surrounding communities. There are more than 750 physicians and clinicians who provide comprehensive medical and healthcare services. It has earned Primary Stroke designation, is accredited as a Chest Pain Center and holds other prestigious quality awards including Certifications in Advanced Primary Heart Attack Center, Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement and Sepsis Certification from The Joint Commission. Visit http://www.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com for more information.
Photo credit: Angell Media
LWR Team Photo L to R: Jeanne Reeves, Rep. Bill Conerly, Renee Shopoff, Kevin DiLallo, Marc Miller, Mark D’Arcy, Philip Reber, Ryan Chandler, Edward Sim, Alex Swenson, Lauren Cross