Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Open for Business

Central Pasco and northern Hillsborough residents have a new place to turn when medical concerns arise: Fllorida Hospital Wesley Chapel officially opened its doors yesterday morning.

“We’re very excited to be serving patients,” said Tracy Clouser, the hospital’s director of marketing. “Everything has gone very smoothly.”

The 200,000-square-foot, all-private room hospital began construction 22 months ago. It now serves as home to more than 175 physicians who specialize in a variety of areas, including emergency, vascular surgery, cardiac care, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology and more.

The 18-bed emergency room features a streamlined process, dedicated imaging equipment, nurses and board-certified emergency room physicians on-site 24-hours a day. There’s also a themed, interactive waiting room just for children that boasts its own 900-gallon reef aquarium in partnership with The Florida Aquarium.

Patients accustomed to other hospitals where family and friends are ushered out at certain hours might find one of this hospital’s policies of particular interest.

“We have no visiting hours—your guests are welcome 24/7, with no restrictions,” the hospital’s website says.

Patient rooms are even set up to accommodate visitors.

“Each of our all-private rooms comes with a pullout bed for guests, a gorgeous view of the natural Florida scenery that surrounds the hospital and ambient white noise to help ensure that patients aren’t disturbed by hospital activity,” the website says. Wireless internet access is provided to all patients, as well.

Clouser said the design was very deliberately set to make sure patients knew the emphasis was on them.

“Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel was very specifically designed with patient care in mind,” she said.

Patients interested in scheduling imaging tests or outpatient surgeries can call 813-929-5555. Those interested in finding out what doctors will practice at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel can visit the website at www.fhwesleychapel.org and click on "Find a Physician."  The website also features information on what services and treatments are offered at the hospital.

The hospital is located at 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

What do you think about the hospital’s opening? Have you visited the new facility yet? Let us know what you think in the comments section.