HCA Florida Largo Hospital, part of American for-profit operator of healthcare facilities HCA Florida Healthcare, has announced the expansion of its emergency services with the opening of a new freestanding emergency room, HCA Florida Countryside Emergency, set for 2026.

The facility will be located at 2209 Main Street in Clearwater, Florida, US.

Hospital leaders have extended an invitation to community partners and the media to participate in the groundbreaking event, which took place on 28 February.

In addition to Clearwater, the new emergency room will cater to the residents of Dunedin, and nearby areas.

It will create nearly 30 full-time jobs, which encompass roles for nurses, physicians, paramedics, radiology technicians, security personnel, and housekeeping staff.

The facility, anticipated to cost $22.5m, will span 10,860ft² and include 11 treatment rooms.

A dedicated area at the facility will cater to emergency medical services (EMS) and trauma patients.

The HCA Florida Countryside Emergency will benefit from trained nurses and board-certified physicians capable of diagnosing and treating a wide range of emergency conditions.

These encompass stroke, chest pain, concussions, back and stomach pain, broken bones, and upper respiratory infections.

The new facility will operate under the umbrella of HCA Florida Largo Hospital, providing 24/7 emergency care equipped with the latest diagnostic technologies.

It will also facilitate connection to the statewide HCA Florida Healthcare network for patients requiring further medical attention.

This expansion follows the launch of another freestanding emergency room by HCA Florida Healthcare in February 2024 at its North Florida Hospital.

The launch of this emergency room, HCA Florida Gainesville Emergency, expanded the existing emergency care services at the hospital.