“By combining our respective strengths, we are able to provide a level of care and service that expands both our capabilities while enhancing patient care,” said Carlos Carrasco, senior vice president, Orlando Health Midwest Region. “Watson Clinic is one of the region’s largest and most established healthcare providers, with over 84 years of deeply rooted history in the community. We’re excited about our alignment with Watson Clinic and the impact it will have on patient care across Florida’s heartland.”

"Watson Clinic is honored to work alongside one of nation’s most respected healthcare organizations on this magnificent project," said Watson Clinic Chief Executive Officer Jason Hirsbrunner. "This collaboration will provide our devoted patient base with expanded access to the doctors and care they trust most, and it will ensure exceptional healthcare services in our community for generations to come."

The affiliation will be evident in many areas throughout the hospital. Experts from both organizations have been heavily involved in collaboratively designing the facility, selecting state-of-the-art technologies, and planning the comprehensive services to be offered to serve the community’s needs. On opening day, the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital will open with more than 300 inpatient beds, 69 emergency and observation beds, 11 working operating rooms, four cardiac and interventional suites and 18 beds in an intensive care unit (ICU) that will serve 36 patients at full build-out.

Obstetric services and accommodations will also be prominent on opening day with eight labor and delivery rooms, two special c-section operating rooms and more than 25 post-partum rooms. A 12-bed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) will debut shortly after the hospital opens.

“This is one of the largest hospital capital investments Orlando Health has made,” added Mr. Carrasco. “It’s a big commitment to the community. But it’s a big commitment because the community deserves it.”

About Orlando Health: Orlando Health is a private not-for-profit, integrated academic healthcare system with $12 billion of assets under management, that serves the southeastern United States – including Florida and Alabama – and Puerto Rico. With corporate offices in Orlando, Florida the system provides a complete continuum of care across a network of medical centers and institutes, community and specialty hospitals, physician practices, urgent care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and long-term and behavioral health care services. Founded more than 100 years ago, Orlando Health’s mission is to improve the health and the quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve. The system provided nearly $1.7 billion in community impact in the form of community benefit programs and services, Medicare shortfalls, bad debt, community-building activities and capital investments in FY 23, the most recent period for which the information is available. For more information, visit orlandohealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter.)

About Watson Clinic: As one of the largest multispecialty medical clinics in the southeast, Watson Clinic provides comprehensive healthcare services to residents of Lakeland and surrounding communities. First established in 1941, Watson Clinic has grown to include over 200 board-certified physicians representing more than 40 medical and surgical specialties. The Clinic is proud to deliver quality healthcare to every generation from our Main Clinic location at 1600 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland, as well as 19 additional convenient locations throughout Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. More information is available at www.WatsonClinic.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.