Orlando Health and Watson Clinic are moving forward with a joint venture that will bring a new acute care facility to Lakeland, Florida, expanding access to inpatient, emergency, and specialty services across Polk County.

The collaboration brings together the Orlando-based hospital system and the Lakeland-based physician group, both of which play significant roles in Florida’s healthcare landscape. The hospital will open with over 300 inpatient beds, 69 emergency and observation beds, and 11 operating rooms. The facility will also include four cardiac and interventional suites and an 18-bed intensive care unit, designed to serve up to 36 patients at full build-out.

“This is one of the largest hospital capital investments Orlando Health has made,” said Carlos Carrasco, senior vice president of Orlando Health’s Midwest region. “It’s a big commitment to the community. But it’s a big commitment because the community deserves it.”
The facility will also provide maternal and neonatal services. At launch, it will include eight labor and delivery rooms, two cesarean section operating rooms, and more than 25 postpartum rooms. A 12-bed neonatal intensive care unit is expected to open shortly after the hospital becomes operational.

Watson Clinic, which has served the region for over 80 years, will contribute clinical expertise across multiple specialties. "This collaboration will provide our devoted patient base with expanded access to the doctors and care they trust most," said Jason Hirsbrunner, chief executive officer of Watson Clinic.

Leaders from both organizations have worked together on the hospital’s design, technology selection, and service offerings.

The hospital is scheduled to open in June 2026.

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