Broward County residents now have easier access to quality end-of-life care with the expansion of the VITAS Healthcare Inpatient Hospice Unit (IPU) at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale. The nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care completed construction in October 2023, increasing its capacity from eight to 12 patient beds to provide high-acuity care to patients with serious illness. The new VITAS hospice wing expects to serve approximately 550 patients each year.

“At Broward Health Medical Center, we remain steadfast in our commitment to comprehensive healthcare, encompassing the crucial aspects of medical treatment and the invaluable comfort of palliative and end-of-life care,” said Aurelio Fernandez III, interim president and CEO of Broward Health. “Through the expansion of this VITAS hospice floor, we’re better equipped to extend compassionate services to more patients, ensuring smoother transitions to the specialized care they deserve.”

The Miami-based hospice provider began serving patients at the Broward Health Medical Center in February 2022 in an eight-bed IPU.

The facility is located on the 2nd floor of the hospital’s west wing. The 12-bed IPU features rooms with televisions and internet access, a private quiet room and a shared kitchen and family gathering area. It is open to guests 24/7 with overnight accommodations for visiting loved ones. Service animals are welcome at all times, and VITAS Paw Pals® friendly pet visits are available upon request.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted by VITAS on October 19 to commemorate the official opening of the expanded wing. The event was attended by Broward Health leadership and clinicians who were invited to tour the new home-like center.