Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, located in Lakeland, Florida, is a non-profit hospital owned by the City of Lakeland and operated by Lakeland Regional Health.
Established in 1916 as Morrell Memorial Hospital, it has grown significantly over the past century to become one of Florida’s largest hospitals, with 910 beds and a workforce exceeding 7,000 employees.
Ownership and Management
The hospital’s assets are owned by the City of Lakeland, while Lakeland Regional Health manages its operations. In October 2021, the Lakeland City Commission approved an amendment to the existing Lease and Transfer Agreement between the City and Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center.
This amendment allowed the hospital to pay the city $215 million to fulfill its lease obligations through 2040, effectively prepaying the lease and saving approximately $52 million compared to the previous annual payments of $14 million.
Services and Facilities
Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of services, including:
Emergency Care: It operates one of the busiest single-site Emergency Departments in the United States, with over 165,278 visits in 2020. The hospital is designated as a Level II Trauma Center, providing critical care to patients in Polk County and surrounding areas.
Women’s and Children’s Services: The Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children features private suites for labor and delivery, a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with 30 private rooms, and a pediatric floor with a 12-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
Cancer Care: The Hollis Cancer Center, located near the main campus, holds top-tier Gold Status Accreditation from the Commission on Cancer and offers comprehensive oncology services.
Rehabilitation Services: The Bannasch Institute for Advanced Rehabilitation Medicine provides state-of-the-art inpatient therapeutic rehabilitation services designed to improve patient outcomes.
Community Impact and Workforce
As the second-largest private employer in Polk County, Lakeland Regional Health plays a vital role in the local economy. The organization employs over 7,000 individuals, including more than 700 medical staff members. It also serves as a teaching hospital, offering residency programs to train the next generation of physicians, thereby addressing the shortage of healthcare providers in the region.
Recent Developments
In November 2023, Lakeland Regional Health expanded its services by opening a new facility on Kathleen Road. This expansion aims to address the growing need for accessible primary and specialty care in the north Lakeland area, which has been experiencing significant population growth.
Financial Overview
In the fiscal year 2021, Lakeland Regional Health reported operating revenue of $978 million and nearly $5 billion in gross patient revenue. The early lease payment to the City of Lakeland in 2021 was a strategic financial move, allowing the hospital to allocate resources more efficiently and invest in expanding services to meet community needs.
Awards and Recognitions
Lakeland Regional Health has received multiple accolades for its commitment to quality care and workplace excellence, including:
Forbes 2022 Best-in-State Employers: Recognized as one of the top employers in Florida.
2023 ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award: Honored for leadership in advancing women’s roles in the community.
2023 CHIME-AHA Transformational Leadership Award: Acknowledged for innovative approaches in healthcare delivery.
Conclusion
Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center stands as a cornerstone of healthcare in Central Florida. With its city-owned assets and management by Lakeland Regional Health, the hospital continues to expand and adapt to meet the evolving needs of its community, all while maintaining a commitment to excellence in patient care and medical education.
