New Freestanding ER Set to Open in South Lakeland

On March 10, Lakeland Regional Health will begin admitting patients at its brand new freestanding emergency room that will serve patients 24/7 at 6150 South Florida Avenue.

Just eight miles from the main campus of LRH, this new site will be more than just a last resort for unexpected medical emergencies—it will act as an extension of the same quality of care and array of services that has become expected of the community health care system that has served Lakeland for more than 100 years.

It will offer full CT scan, ultrasound and X-Ray services, and is home to a full-service laboratory to run lab tests.

Leadership prides itself on the fact that LRH’s ERs are the only ones in the area with dedicated pediatric care and the only ones with certified geriatric physicians.

Dr. Fred Blind, medical director of the department, said patients can expext a “very quick service, clean environment with great continuity of care,” and James Wright, vice president of emergency services, said the proximity of the new location to the main campus means patients can easily transition to available rooms just eight miles away for further care when necessary.

“Here you’re getting expert care from your specialists instead of physicians being 1.5 hours away,” he said.

The new location has a total of 20 beds and is expected to care for an estimated 30,000 patients per year.

Lakeland Regional Health’s new freestanding ER is located at 6150 S. Florida Ave.

Right to left: Dr. Fred Blind, APNR James Wright and Dr. Jim Melton converse in the front lobby of the new ER

Full CT scan capabilities, as well as x-ray and ultrasound services are available at the location.

The new location sits on the corner of County Rd. 540A.

The technology in the new facility rivals the equipment LRH uses at its main campus, home to the second-busiest single location ER in the country.

The new ER in South Lakeland will be open 24/7 seven days a week.

The 20-bed facility is expected to care for approximately 30,000 patients per year. The facility is equipped to face many medical scenarios, including a pregnant mother giving birth.

The full-service lab in the ER will allow for patients to get quick results that help determine best next steps, whether at the ER or at LRH’s main campus, when necessary.