May 27, 2026 – HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital, part of HCA Florida Healthcare, announces plans to expand its emergency department to better meet the growing needs of the Okeechobee community.
Construction on the more than $21 million project is expected to begin in late summer 2026, with completion anticipated near the end of 2027.
The expansion will increase the number of emergency room beds from 14 to 25, enhancing access to care and improving patient flow in one of the busiest emergency departments in the HCA Healthcare system for its size. The department cared for more than 30,000 patients in both 2024 and 2025.
“This expansion marks an important milestone for HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital as we continue to grow alongside our community,” said Alex Masmela, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital. “By increasing capacity and modernizing our emergency department, we are strengthening our ability to deliver timely, high-quality care close to home.”
The project includes approximately 6,000 square feet of new emergency department space and features:
- 11 additional patient care beds
- Including 2 trauma beds and 2 behavioral health beds
- An expanded waiting area for patients and families
- An enlarged colleague breakroom
Once completed, the expanded emergency department is expected to require additional physicians, nurses and support personnel. The project also reinforces the hospital’s collaboration with local EMS, ambulance and air medical teams to enhance both daily operations and emergency response capabilities.
The improvements are designed to reduce wait times, improve patient throughput and enhance the overall care experience, while also supporting recruitment of medical professionals to serve the rural community.
HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital’s emergency department remains a vital access point for care in Okeechobee County, providing 24/7 emergency services and serving as a critical resource for residents and visitors alike.
About HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital
Serving Okeechobee County since 1979, HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital is a 100-bed full-service acute care hospital. Specializing in emergency services, minimally-invasive surgery, hip and knee replacement, urology, gastroenterology services, mammography services and occupational, physical and speech therapy, we provide high-quality patient care to Okeechobee residents and the surrounding communities. We hold the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Primary Stroke Center Certification and Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award for nine years in a row (2026-2018). Within minutes of FL-710, the hospital’s 24-hour emergency room provides specialized hospital services for adults and children of all ages.
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.
