OCTOBER 10, 2024- SMH-Sarasota, SMH-Venice and our freestanding ER in North Port stayed busy before, during and after the storm. Thankfully, our facilities fared well, despite heavy winds, rain and surges nearby. Both hospitals are on high ground – our Sarasota campus at 19 feet and our Venice campus at 16.5 feet. We had an influx of patients as the storm headed our way and hospitals around us began closing and evacuating patients.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our team. They left their homes and many left their families to be here for our patients and community during one of the most alarming hurricanes approaching the Suncoast,” said David Verinder, CEO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System. “They reported for duty on Tuesday evening and helped provide care and support for more than 1,000 patients and medical evacuees. And today, they continued to care for those who were injured or who developed serious medical conditions during the storm.”

SMH’s Relief team (Team B) began arriving throughout the day today, as road conditions allowed, to relieve the Response team (Team A).

All in all, SMH estimates its staff cared for, supported and sheltered more than 4,000 people at its 2 hospitals and freestanding ER, including patients, medically dependent people assigned by the county, patients evacuated from surrounding hospitals, physicians, staff and some of their children and pets (dogs, cats and one bunny that was an emotional support buddy for a nervous dog). SMH delivered 7 babies during the storm.

Please check smh.com for the latest updates. SMH is opening its 7 urgent care centers and network of outpatient diagnostic lab/imaging centers and physician offices as electricity, water and services become available.