BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Emergency departments in Brevard County are experiencing significant increases in patient volumes following the closure of Rockledge Hospital in April.
Local hospitals, including Cape Canaveral and Vieira, have reported a 20% to 25% increase in emergency department visits since the closure. Parrish Medical Center in Titusville has also seen an 8% rise in emergency room visits.
Health First has accelerated plans for new freestanding emergency rooms in response to the increased demand.
The closure of Rockledge Hospital has led to a surge in patients needing hospital beds, prompting local emergency departments to add staff and beds to accommodate the influx.
Orlando Health plans to invest over $750 million in new facilities, including a new hospital and freestanding emergency departments, to better serve the community.
Parrish Medical Center is working to expedite the treatment of less acute patients to free up beds for life-threatening emergencies.
With plans for new emergency facilities underway, Brevard County aims to improve healthcare access and manage the increased patient volumes effectively.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2025 Cox Media Group
