Ana Lopez-Blazquez
By Daniel Casciato
Baptist Health South Florida is taking a significant step toward expanding healthcare access with the development of a new hospital in Sunrise. With a mission centered on improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves, Baptist Health is dedicated to providing high-quality, cost-effective, and compassionate care. The new facility aims to address the growing demand for healthcare services in the region while integrating advanced technology, patient-centered design, and sustainable practices.
A Strategic Expansion to Meet Community Needs
The decision to establish a hospital in Sunrise was driven by the pressing need for accessible, high-quality healthcare services. According to Ana Lopez-Blazquez, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Health Enterprises, “The residents of Sunrise need a hospital in their community; having a hospital nearby isn’t just convenient, it’s essential.”
This expansion aligns with Baptist Health’s overarching mission to serve the local population with comprehensive medical services while maintaining a strong commitment to patient care.
Comprehensive Services and Specialties
Baptist Health Sunrise Hospital will offer a robust array of medical services designed to meet the community’s diverse healthcare needs. The facility will house approximately 100 inpatient beds, including 10 critical care beds with room for expansion. Additionally, it will feature a 25-bay emergency department, ensuring timely access to urgent care.
Beyond emergency and inpatient services, the hospital will be fully integrated with Baptist Health’s extensive network of specialty services, including cancer care, orthopedic care, cardiovascular care, and brain and spine care. “The hospital is designed to serve the community close to home,” Lopez-Blazquez explains. “If highly complex care is required, we can coordinate care amongst our highly specialized programs with our renowned physicians.”
A Patient-Centered Approach to Design
Baptist Health Sunrise Hospital prioritizes patient-centered care through its innovative and healing-focused design. The facility will incorporate elements that promote comfort and reduce stress, blending art and science to create an optimal healing environment.
“Our patients serve as the guiding light behind everything we do,” says Lopez-Blazquez. “With a warm color scheme, natural stone façades, and lush vegetation, the design is intended to provide a welcoming and calming atmosphere. Water features and organic materials further enhance the space, promoting relaxation and healing.”
Leveraging Advanced Medical Technologies
Staying at the forefront of medical advancements, Baptist Health is integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance patient outcomes and streamline operational efficiency.
“The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and we work to be ahead of that evolution through research and technology,” Lopez-Blazquez emphasized. “By continuing to integrate cutting-edge platforms, systems, robotics and AI-integrations, we are able to better support our patients and streamline our workflow.”
These technologies have helped them better ensure that patients are receiving the highest standard of care in a timely and effective manner.
Economic Growth and Community Partnerships
Beyond healthcare, the new hospital is expected to have a significant economic impact on Sunrise. Baptist Health’s investment in the facility will generate more than 600 jobs once fully operational.
“Aside from improving access to healthcare in the area, the facility will provide high-quality employment opportunities and better allow the organization to tap into existing community partners,” says Lopez-Blazquez. “We are actively engaged in the Sunrise community through local partnerships and offerings, including Education & Exercise classes, Youth Athletics, Autism Swims, and more.”
Baptist Health currently collaborates with over 25 Broward County community organizations, providing valuable resources and services to local residents. This new hospital will further solidify its role as a cornerstone of the community.
Meeting the Future Healthcare Demands of Broward County
Broward County’s growing population requires a healthcare system that can adapt to increasing demands. Currently, many residents of Sunrise must travel outside the area for hospital-based care. Baptist Health aims to change that.
“Currently, patients in Sunrise who are seeking urgent and hospital-based medical care need to drive to surrounding areas; they need a high-quality option right in their backyard and we are here to deliver,” Lopez-Blazquez adds. “Baptist Health Sunrise Hospital will serve as a valuable resource to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the growing community. As the communities we serve grow, the hospital is designed to expand along with them.”
Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Healthcare
Baptist Health Sunrise Hospital is not only committed to superior medical care but also to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The facility is designed with eco-friendly initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and supporting long-term environmental health.
“This hospital will set a new standard for minimizing ecological impact,” Lopez-Blazquez notes.
Some of the key sustainability strategies include:
All electric systems: This ultimately reduces its carbon footprint and paves the way for a hospital operating on 100 percent renewable energy in the future.
Green walls: Nature-based green walls not only enhance aesthetics but contribute to a healthier, more healing atmosphere.
Solar power: To harness the power of the Florida sun, solar panels are integrated to further reduce its reliance on traditional energy sources.
These efforts align with Baptist Health’s broader sustainability strategy, ensuring that the hospital operates in an environmentally conscious manner while promoting community wellness.
Seamless Collaboration Across Baptist Health Facilities
Baptist Health has long been a trusted healthcare provider in Broward County, operating 13 physician practice locations, seven urgent care centers, and five diagnostic imaging centers in the region. The new hospital in Sunrise will be a critical addition to this network.
“All facilities in the area – as well as in the greater South Florida market – work together to provide patients with high-quality and seamless care,” says Lopez-Blazquez. “With an ideal central location, Baptist Health Sunrise Hospital will be perfectly positioned within the region to work cohesively with other hospitals and partners as needed.”
A Transformational Step for Healthcare in Sunrise
The establishment of Baptist Health Sunrise Hospital represents a bold step forward in providing accessible, high-quality healthcare for the growing Sunrise community. Through a combination of advanced medical services, cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and a strong commitment to patient-centered care, Baptist Health South Florida is poised to make a lasting impact on the region.
“This is more than just a hospital—it’s a commitment to the health and future of our community,” Lopez-Blazquez concludes. “We are proud to bring exceptional healthcare closer to home for the people of Sunrise.”
For more information, visit baptisthealth.net.
