Broward Health, in collaboration with Memorial Healthcare System, has broken ground on its first freestanding emergency department in Sunrise, Florida.

This project aims to provide advanced emergency care to both adults and children.

The new facility is expected to treat around 15,000 emergency patients annually.

Broward Health president and CEO Shane Strum said: “Sunrise has long been considered a medical desert, lacking necessary medical services for the residents who call that city home.

“We explored a number of ways to mitigate the gap in healthcare and are proud to be teaming up with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital to bring high-quality emergency care to adults and children who call Sunrise home.”

Slated for completion in early 2025, the freestanding emergency department aims to address the rising demand for quality emergency services in Sunrise, which is expected to grow 1.5% over the next five years.

Besides promoting healthcare, the freestanding emergency department is expected to lead to an almost $11m economic impact by way of creation of jobs.

The facility will offer same level of care as traditional hospital emergency rooms, with patients having round-the-clock access to certified medical professionals and advanced diagnostic services.

Strum further added: “Thanks to the support of the community and the collaborative efforts of the City of Sunrise, Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System leaders, Sunrise residents will finally get the healthcare they need close to home.

“As our community grows and healthcare needs evolve, Broward Health will continue our 85-year legacy of innovation and service to Sunrise and beyond.”

This department will be equipped with adult emergency care offered by Broward Health and paediatric emergency care offered by Memorial Healthcare System’s Joe DiMaggio’s Children's Hospital.

Based in South Florida, Broward Health operates two trauma centres, offers personalised care across four hospitals and over 50 health centres and physician practices.