April 22, 2026 – HCA Florida Mercy Hospital celebrated the ribbon cutting of its new surgical waiting room on April 21, unveiling a $1.12 million, 3,590-square-foot renovation designed to create a comforting, faith-centered space for patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments.
The newly dedicated waiting room serves families whose loved ones receive surgical care across nearly all major service lines, including general and robotic surgery. Nearly 12,000 patients move through the surgical area each year, with more than 30,000 patients and loved ones expected to spend time in the waiting room annually.
The space is dedicated to the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, whose legacy has helped shape HCA Florida Mercy Hospital since its founding in 1950. The dedication also pays special tribute to Sister Elizabeth, who has served HCA Florida Mercy Hospital for more than 30 years in a variety of leadership roles and today serves on the hospital’s Board of Trustees.
“This new surgical waiting room represents more than a renovation – it reflects who we are as a hospital,” said Allyssa Tobitt, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Mercy Hospital. “As Miami-Dade’s only Catholic hospital, we are proud to offer patients and families a space that is welcoming, comforting and grounded in faith while honoring the extraordinary legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine and Sister Elizabeth.”
Designed to feel both modern and deeply human, the waiting room was created with thoughtful details that support reflection and reassurance for families navigating surgery. Hospital leaders said the completed space beautifully honors Mercy’s Catholic identity while creating a sense of sacred space that will bring comfort and peace to patients, loved ones and visitors. Located in the heart of Coconut Grove, HCA Florida Mercy Hospital is the only Catholic hospital in Miami-Dade County and has served South Florida for 75 years. The new waiting room investment reflects the hospital’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care in an environment that supports the whole patient and family experience.
About HCA Florida Mercy Hospital
HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, a comprehensive medical facility serving the healthcare needs of South Florida for 75 years, is a part of HCA Florida Healthcare. The 488-bed, acute care hospital is an award-winning facility that specializes in emergency services that are kid and senior friendly, maternity with level III NICU, general and robotic surgery, hyperbaric and wound care center, cardiology, cancer care, orthopedic and spine, primary stroke center, weight loss programs and more. HCA Florida Mercy Hospital is Miami-Dade’s only Catholic hospital and provides patients with the best quality care in a compassionate and caring environment. HCA Florida Mercy Hospital is in the heart of Coconut Grove, FL with a bayfront property that makes it the only hospital in Miami to be accessible by land, air and sea.
About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is one of Florida’s leading healthcare networks. Its 11,200 physicians and 80,000 colleagues work together to deliver evidence-based, collaborative care through nearly 12.8 million patient encounters annually. With more than 670 connected care sites – including hospitals, physician practices, urgent care centers and freestanding emergency rooms – across the state, HCA Florida Healthcare helps expand access to the specialized care patients need. HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals are annually recognized for excellence in patient experience and clinical outcomes, including three facilities ranked in the top 2% nationally for overall clinical excellence. A leader in healthcare education, HCA Florida Healthcare supports the next generation of healthcare workers through its 153 graduate medical education programs across 29 hospitals. In 2025, the network provided more than $1.1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.5 million to community organizations across the state. Visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.