Tampa General Hospital (TGH) in the US is set to launch a new freestanding emergency department, the TGH Kennedy Emergency Center, on 6 July.

The facility is intended to expand access to emergency medical care services in the Tampa Bay area.

Located in the heart of Tampa, the centre is part of TGH's $550m Master Facility Plan and serves as a key addition to the Tampa Medical and Research District.

Spanning approximately 15,000ft², the facility aims to provide emergency care to adult and paediatric patients in the surrounding areas.

It is expected to have an economic impact of $31m and create more than 60 jobs.

The facility will be equipped with advanced laboratory and imaging services, including CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasound capabilities.

Staffed by a coordinated care team of board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and paramedics, it will offer full-service emergency care and the ability to transfer patients to Tampa General's Level I trauma centre if necessary.

The facility will address a wide range of medical emergencies, including broken bones, and abdominal and back pain, as well as life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, or loss of consciousness.

In addition, its proximity to the TGH Rehabilitation Hospital and the planned TGH Behavioural Health Hospital positions the Kennedy Boulevard location as a vital healthcare hub near downtown Tampa.

The facility is expected to operate 24/7, including holidays and weekends.

Tampa General president and CEO John Couris said: "At Tampa General, we work every day to provide world-class, accessible care when and where our community needs it, and the TGH Kennedy Emergency Center provides our ever-growing local population with another access point to the same excellent, comprehensive care patients expect from us at our hospital.

“This new facility will not only positively impact the health and well-being of our entire community, but it will help enhance our regional economy.”