The ribbon-cutting on July 1, 2021 celebrated the culmination of Baptist Health South Florida’s commitment to the Florida Keys community’s health and well-being since its purchase of Fishermen’s Hospital four years ago. The celebration was hosted by Drew Grossman, chief executive officer of Fishermen’s Community Hospital, alongside Baptist Health executives and community leaders.
“Baptist Health is heavily investing in communities throughout South Florida to ensure access to high-quality care for all who need it,” said Grossman. “This new facility is an extension of our commitment to providing the best healthcare to all residents and visitors in the Keys.”
Fishermen’s Community Hospital has been caring for the Florida Keys community since it opened in 1962. The hospital was closed in September 2017 when Hurricane Irma caused extensive damage to much of the area. A field hospital was quickly opened to provide uninterrupted care to the community. In July 2018, Baptist Health replaced the field hospital with a modular facility.
“This day has significant meaning,” said Jay Hershoff, chair of the hospital’s Board of Directors. “Not only is it a celebration of the completion of the hospital, but on this day four years ago, Baptist Health made a commitment to the Keys community with the acquisition of Fishermen’s. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Baptist never wavered in its commitment to the Keys community and immediately got to work making a plan to replace the damaged facility.”
With the completion of the new, 37,330-square-foot facility, Fishermen’s Community Hospital now provides specialized services such as 24/7 emergency care with telestroke services to give stroke patients immediate access to board-certified neurologists, an on-site helipad, six inpatient beds, including two intensive care beds with 24/7 monitoring, nine emergency department beds, five additional recovery beds, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation and laboratory services. In addition, Fishermen’s is now home to the southernmost branch of Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health, providing patients with high-quality oncology care close to home.
