Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) is moving forward with more than $1 billion in healthcare expansion projects, strengthening medical access for residents across Sarasota, Venice, and North Port, Florida.
Backed by strong financial ratings and increasing patient demand, the system is building new facilities, expanding specialty care, and upgrading diagnostic technology to better serve the rapidly growing Southwest Florida healthcare market.
From a brand-new hospital in North Port to a modern cancer pavilion and rehabilitation center, these projects are designed to bring advanced care closer to home.
$507 Million North Port Hospital to Expand Local Healthcare Access
The most significant investment is the SMH-North Port hospital, a $507 million acute-care hospital currently under construction.
Slated to open in 2028, this facility will be the first full-service hospital in North Port, helping reduce travel times and emergency wait periods for local residents.
Key features include:
- Nine-story hospital tower
- 100 patient beds at launch
- Expandable capacity up to 208 beds
- Emergency, inpatient, and specialty services
- Space for future growth
The new hospital is expected to play a critical role in meeting the region’s rising demand for hospital care in Southwest Florida.
New Cancer Pavilion to Strengthen Sarasota Oncology Services
Cancer treatment services are also expanding with the Milman-Kover Cancer Pavilion, opening in Spring 2026 at the Sarasota campus.
The pavilion will be part of the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute, providing patients with access to:
- Advanced cancer treatments
- Innovative technology
- Clinical trials
- Outpatient oncology care
- Support programs for families and caregivers
By centralizing services, Sarasota Memorial aims to deliver top-tier cancer care in Sarasota without requiring patients to travel outside the region.
$82.5 Million Venice Rehabilitation Pavilion Planned
To improve recovery services, SMH is constructing the Venice Rehabilitation Pavilion, an $82.5 million facility focused on inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.
This four-story center will offer:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Post-surgery rehabilitation
- Specialized recovery programs
The project will significantly enhance rehabilitation care in Venice, Florida, supporting faster and safer recoveries for patients.
$50 Million Radiology and Imaging Upgrades
Sarasota Memorial is also investing more than $50 million in radiology and imaging upgrades across Sarasota and Venice campuses.
These improvements will enhance:
- Diagnostic accuracy
- Imaging speed
- Patient comfort
- Access to modern equipment
Advanced imaging technology helps doctors diagnose conditions earlier and create more effective treatment plans, improving overall patient outcomes.
Why This Expansion Matters for Southwest Florida
Southwest Florida continues to experience rapid population growth, increasing demand for reliable and modern healthcare services. Sarasota Memorial’s expansion ensures the region has:
- More hospital beds
- Faster emergency care
- Expanded specialty treatment options
- Modern diagnostic tools
- Improved patient experience
With these projects underway, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is positioning itself as a leading healthcare provider in Florida, ready to serve both current residents and future generations.
