Design and Construction Report staff writer
Memorial Healthcare System is expanding emergency care services in South Broward and Northwest Miami-Dade counties in Florida with the addition of two new freestanding emergency departments (FSEDs).
These new facilities will be located at Miramar Parkway and Red Road in Miramar and at 801 Douglas Rd. in Pembroke Pines—areas experiencing rapid growth and rising demand for healthcare.
“Our new freestanding emergency departments in Miramar and Pembroke Pines are a vital part of Memorial’s effort to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our communities,” said Shane Strum, CEO of Memorial Healthcare System. “These facilities will enhance access to high-quality emergency care, reduce wait times, and provide essential services closer to home.
“The new FSEDs are expected to handle more than 30,000 additional visits annually, allowing us to deliver specialized care to individuals and families in need.”
Two FSEDs, with an estimated total cost of $61.8 million, are expected to begin construction in early 2025, with completion set for mid-2026. The South Hospital District Board of Commissioners approved the projects in October after swift action by Memorial’s leadership to push the initiatives forward.
The 16,800-square-foot FSED at Miramar Parkway and Red Road will serve Northwest Miami-Dade, an area where emergency room visits account for 27% of Memorial’s total emergency room volume. Designed to accommodate over 32,850 visits annually, the facility will include 13 exam rooms, a pediatric treatment area, a trauma/resuscitation room, advanced imaging services (CT and X-ray), and on-site lab capabilities. With the area’s population projected to grow by 10% by 2029, the FSED will provide much-needed access to care and help ease wait times.
“We’re excited to see how quickly Memorial is moving forward with important growth initiatives,” said Elizabeth Justen, chair of the South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners. “Under Shane Strum’s leadership, we are confident Memorial will continue expanding its services and investing in the community to ensure access to the best possible care.”
The FSED at 801 Douglas Road will be built inside a 48-year-old structure, which will be transformed into a modern 30,100-sq. ft. emergency facility. Equipped with 20 private exam and treatment rooms, dedicated pediatric areas, and enhanced imaging services, this facility will treat approximately 55,000 individuals each year. It will also feature a behavioral health area and trauma/resuscitation room, meeting the diverse needs of the community, which has a significant number of uninsured and Medicaid-dependent residents.
“These two new freestanding emergency departments are part of our larger vision for Memorial’s future growth,” Strum said. “We’re focused on meeting the healthcare needs of our rapidly expanding region while delivering high-quality care to set a new standard for the community.”
Memorial Healthcare System’s ongoing commitment to growth and innovation reflects its dedication to improving patient care and increasing access to emergency services across South Florida. Strum concluded, “These new FSEDs are just the beginning of our strategy to ensure Memorial remains competitive and able to offer the critical services our growing community needs.”
