HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, part of HCA Florida Healthcare, announced today a nearly $200 million investment to construct a new multi-story patient tower and expand surgical services to meet the rapidly growing healthcare needs of North Central Florida, adding 470,423 square feet to the hospital system.
This addition of 62 private care rooms to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital brings the total number of beds in the hospital system to 647 patient care beds. With construction scheduled to begin this year, the expansion significantly increases the hospital’s capacity and will add more than 70 new healthcare positions along with a broad range of additional support positions.
“This expansion represents a major milestone for HCA Florida Ocala Hospital as we continue to grow alongside our community,” said Alan Keesee, chief executive officer, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. “By investing in additional capacity, advanced surgical capabilities and modern infrastructure, we are ensuring that patients have access to the care they need — when and where they need it.”
The project includes construction of a new multi-story patient tower designed to support both immediate and future capacity needs:
- A new 16-bed intensive care unit (ICU), bringing the new total for the hospital system to more than 100 ICU beds, and a central utility plant to serve the tower.
- Two additional 26-bed medical/surgical/telemetry units and infrastructure to support expanded surgical services.
- The tower is designed to accommodate up to seven total floors, allowing for continued expansion as community needs evolve.
To further enhance accessibility for patients, a new 806-spot multi-story parking garage will be constructed to improve the overall campus experience.
In addition to the new tower, the project includes significant surgical services expansion and renovation, including:
- Construction of new operating rooms.
- Shell space for future operating rooms to support long-term growth.
- Relocation and expansion of the vascular lab and procedural areas.
- Development of new pre- and post-operative recovery spaces.
- Upgrades to patient flow, support areas and clinical infrastructure.
“This investment will allow us to expand and enhance our surgical capabilities, which will allow our highly skilled teams to serve more patients,” said Lisa Tzanakis, chief operating officer, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. “This project not only addresses today’s needs but positions us to serve future generations with expanded access, advanced technology and exceptional care.”
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital continues to expand its services and footprint across the region, including the recent addition of 52 jobs and 40 new inpatient rooms at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital and its newest freestanding emergency room in Ocala, expected to open in 2027.
This project reflects HCA Florida Healthcare’s ongoing commitment to investing in its facilities, caregivers and communities to improve patient outcomes and expand access to care across the state.
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital are teaching hospitals partnered with University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine. On resident match day HCA Florida Ocala Hospital matched 65 new residents who will start in July 2026, bringing the total number of residents in the hospital system to 181 residents and fellows for the 26-27 academic year.
Since 2020, HCA Florida Healthcare has increased access and care with the following initiatives:
- Added 36 new beds to the Neurological ICU at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital.
- Expanded the Cardiology Catheterization Laboratories at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital.
- Added an Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit to HCA Florida West Marion Hospital.
- Added 36 new Cardiovascular ICU beds to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital.
- Renovated and expanded HCA Florida Ocala Hospital’s emergency department by adding 13 new beds.
- Added four new operating rooms to HCA Florida West Marion Hospital.