DeSoto Memorial Hospital in Arcadia has a new name and a new owner. Tampa General Hospital has officially taken over the 49-bed facility, now called Tampa General Hospital, DeSoto, and the change is aimed squarely at the nearly 34,000 residents of DeSoto County.
The plan brings orthopedics, cardiology and complex neuro services to Arcadia, so patients no longer have to drive to Sarasota, Tampa or Fort Myers for care that should be available closer to home. TGH is investing at least $45 million in equipment and infrastructure, and a permanent helicopter will be stationed on site for emergencies. Right now, at least two patients are transferred out of the county each day. The stated goal is to reduce that number to zero. Staff have also been told their jobs are safe as the hospital expands services.
Rural healthcare has been squeezed for years across Florida, and a takeover like this is a big bet on a small community. President and CEO John Couris put it simply: your zip code should not determine the type of care you receive. What service would you most want to see added first at the Arcadia hospital?
