ORLANDO, Fla. – As construction nears completion, Florida Hospital for Women opened its doors for a sneak peek of its new 12-story tower.
The 330-bed facility, located at Florida Hospital Orlando, will offer an array of services for women and families including obstetrics, gynecology, mammography and cardiovascular.
On the ground floor, construction workers and equipment remain scattered about, but the design can be clearly seen. Hospital officials say the layout is not only with women in mind, but also with their direct input and collaboration.
"The building was designed to reduce anxiety. It was designed for women and families to feel comfortable," said vice president of women's services Kari Vargas.
Phase one of the $180 million project focuses on young women and babies, cardiac care and breast cancer treatment.
Patient rooms are outfitted for women receiving care to be in control of their personal experience.
"Simple things like temperature and lighting and sound that they could display pictures of their family members and loved ones," said Vargas.
Caregivers said the new hospital gives them access to state-of-the-art equipment to focus on patient needs.
"I think it just give physicians peace of mind and patients peace of mind that they'll be well taken care of," said chief medical officer Dr. Lori Boardman.
Once construction finishes by the end of the year, Florida Hospital for Women is expected to open to patients in late January.
Phase two, which will include oncology, women's surgery and a level-three NICU, is expected to be completed in late 2016.