Health First, based in Brevard County, Fla., has announced plans for a $230 million five-floor patient tower expansion of Palm Bay Hospital, to meet the needs of the growing community. Design phase is slated to begin in August, with construction starting in Summer 2026. The new tower is projected to significantly increase capacity. It is scheduled to be completed in 2028.
The new tower will include 60 new inpatient beds; expanded operating rooms, Cath labs, pre-op/recovery spaces; upgraded Sterile Processing Department; two shelled floors to support future growth – potentially adding up to 60 additional beds.
Palm Bay Hospital currently includes 120 beds, more than 200 physicians and offers more than 40 medical specialties. In 2024, the 27-bed Emergency Department treated more than 53,000 emergency cases.
Palm Bay Hospital was built in 1992 as a 60-bed micro-hospital. And while Health First has made expansions to the campus over the years, the facility was never designed to handle the level of growth Brevard County and Palm Bay have experienced over the last decade, reports Viera Voice.
“As we have for over 30 years, Health First is committed to growing with and meeting the needs of our community. This Palm Bay Hospital expansion project is one of many ambitions investments we have long planned, and we’re very proud and excited to see these plans quickly becoming a reality,” Health First President and CEO Terry Forde said.
“Palm Bay Hospital has faithfully served the south Brevard community since 1992. As the fastest growing city in Brevard County – and one of the most rapidly growing cities in the United States - Health First and Palm Bay’s community hospital is committed to meeting our community’s needs,” said Kyle Baxter, Palm Bay Hospital President. “I join our associates, providers, and volunteers in expressing our pride and excitement for this expansion that will improve access to quality care, and the health and wellness of our community.”
Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina said, “Palm Bay is a city on the rise, and this transformative expansion by Health First reflects that momentum. It brings more jobs, more physicians, and more peace of mind to our residents. We are grateful for this investment in the health and future of the greatest city on the face of the Earth, we call Palm Bay.”