Baptist Health Breaks Ground on New Hospital in Sunrise
Construction is underway on Baptist Health’s first hospital in Broward County, a significant milestone promising expanded access to healthcare for residents of Sunrise and surrounding communities. The new facility represents a substantial investment – exceeding $500 million – and signals Baptist Health’s commitment to the future of medical care in South Florida.
A Strategic Vision for the Future of Healthcare
Located on a 26-acre parcel at the intersection of Oakland Park Boulevard and the Sawgrass Expressway, near Amerant Bank Arena, the seven-story hospital is slated to open in 2029. The 340,000-square-foot facility is being designed as a fully integrated digital environment, leveraging artificial intelligence, robotics, and seamless connectivity to improve patient outcomes.
According to Bo Boulenger, president and CEO of Baptist Health, the project is “a pivotal moment” that addresses the needs of a growing population while simultaneously “advancing medical excellence.” He further stated that the hospital is “more than just a hospital; it’s a commitment to the health, sustainability and future of Sunrise and the surrounding areas.”
Embracing Tomorrow’s Technology From the Start
The hospital will feature 100 inpatient beds, including 10 dedicated to critical care. A 30-bed Emergency Department, equipped with three triage areas and digital tools, is designed to enhance safety, coordination, and rapid response. A 25,000-square-foot medical office building will provide a range of services, creating a comprehensive healthcare campus.
Baptist Health Sunrise Hospital will incorporate AI-enabled clinical systems to aid caregivers in decision-making and offer advanced robotic-assisted surgical capabilities across four suites, with provisions for future expansion. Ana Lopez-Blazquez, Baptist Health executive vice president and chief strategy officer, and CEO of Baptist Health Enterprises, emphasized the organization’s proactive approach to integrating research and technology into healthcare.
The facility will be fully integrated with Baptist Health’s existing network of specialty services, including cancer, cardiovascular, orthopedic, and brain and spine care.
Thoughtful Design Inside and Out
Beyond technological innovation, the hospital prioritizes environmental sustainability and operational resilience. Critical infrastructure, including backup power, elevated site construction, water storage, and reinforced structural elements, will enable the hospital to function independently for up to seven days during disaster events like hurricanes.
Notably, Baptist Health Sunrise Hospital is planned to be Florida’s first all-electric medical facility, aiming to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and operate on 100 percent renewable energy through the use of integrated solar panels. Ms. Lopez-Blazquez noted that this reflects Baptist Health’s recognition of the environment’s role in patient recovery and well-being.
Here for the Growing Community
Baptist Health has served Broward County for over a decade, offering services through an outpatient center in Plantation, and with a second outpatient center under construction in Pembroke Pines, expected to open in 2027. The organization also operates seven urgent care centers, five diagnostic facilities, and more than a dozen physician practices throughout the county.
The new hospital is projected to create over 600 jobs, adding to the more than 3,000 Baptist Health employees already working in Broward County. Mr. Boulenger stated, “We are proud to bring exceptional healthcare to the people of Sunrise as we build our first hospital in Broward County.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the hospital expected to open?
The Baptist Health Sunrise Hospital is expected to welcome patients in 2029.
How large will the hospital be?
The hospital will be a seven-story, 340,000-square-foot facility.
What types of services will be offered at the hospital?
The hospital will offer emergency and inpatient services, as well as being fully integrated with Baptist Health’s network of specialty services, including cancer care, cardiovascular care, orthopedic care, and brain and spine care.
What role do you believe innovative hospital design will play in the future of patient care and community health?