By Matt Wiley
It has been open since October, but the new Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel has only recently begun operating at its full capacity.
The 83-bed facility, located on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., just north of S.R. 56, initially opened with only one of its in-patient wings in use, but finally was busy enough to open its second wing on November 26.
Director of public relations Tracy Clouser says that FHWC was waiting for the number of patients to increase to justify the opening of the hospital’s second wing.
“We’ve been very busy since we opened,” she says. “We’ve had a steady flow of patients, but it still took a little time for the number of patients to outnumber the amount of beds we had available.”
Clouser says that the hospital has received a large amount of positive feedback from the community since opening on October 1.
“A lot of (the feedback) has been about the environment inside the hospital,” she explains. “People seem to really enjoy how soothing it is. We’ve also had a lot of positive comments on the ambient technology in the emergency rooms suites. And, of course, about the staff.”
Ambient lighting, which patients can change the color of, is used as a tool in emergency room suites to help soothe patients before and after procedures. Children can choose between different animated themes that are projected and played on the walls.
Clouser says that people have continually pointed out that, unlike many other hospitals they may have visited, at FHWC, they don’t feel like a number.
The hospital, although now open at its full current capacity, was designed with room to eventually add on two more wings, for an ultimate total of 291 beds.
Public Invited To Wellness Center’s Jan. 6 Event!
And, just in time to help with all those New Year’s Resolutions, the FHWC Health & Wellness Center, located adjacent to the hospital, is set to open for business on Sunday, January 7. And, just like the public opening of the hospital itself, the public will be treated to a FREE “Community Grand Opening” on Sunday, January 6, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
The 50,000 sq.-ft., state-of-the-art facility will take a new approach to fitness, integrating healthier lifestyle choices, including healthy eating and stress management, into workouts.
According to the FHWC website, in addition to traditional free weights and treadmills, the FHWC Health & Wellness Center features a four-lane, 25-meter lap swimming pool and warm water therapy pool, Technogym equipment – which is the same equipment used by Olympic athletes – cardio equipment with built-in TV screens, a cushioned, air-conditioned, indoor walking and jogging track, four exercise studios, a healthy café and childcare facilities.
Clouser says that the public Grand Opening event on January 6 is a great way to check out the Wellness Center. Attendees can expect live entertainment, refreshments, tours and equipment demonstrations, as well as a “healthy food truck rally.” She says that instead of having a catering company supply the food, the public will be able to try different dishes from several local food trucks that feature healthy menus.
For more information about the FHWC Health & Wellness Center and memberships, please call 929-5252 or visit the Membership Sales Center, located outside FHWC’s front entrance on BBD. A membership information kiosk also has been set up inside the Shops at Wiregrass mall. Or, visit FloridaHospital.com/Wesley-Chapel.
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