The past year has been one of monumental growth and service for Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH). The hospital recently released its 2024 Community Update, which highlights Sarasota Memorial’s transformative expansion initiatives and new services improving the health of the Suncoast region and patients it serves. From opening world-class medical facilities and expanding vital services, to attracting top-notch physicians and clinicians to our fast-growing community, Sarasota Memorial’s accomplishments the past year are wide-ranging. Among these achievements are placing among U.S. News & World Report’s list of the top hospitals in the country for over 20 types of care, ranking amongNewsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals, and earning a spot on Forbes’ list of “America’s Best Large Employers.” These independent quality and reputation reviews came amid a period of exponential growth and helped the health system attract nearly 3,600 new staff members in 2023, continuing its status as the region’s largest employer with over 10,000 employees. Founded in 1925, SMH was the county’s first modern hospital and remains the only community-owned, not-for-profit hospital in the region. Shaped by and for the community it serves, the health system is guided by an unpaid, publicly-elected Sarasota County Public Hospital Board, which provides strategic oversight, transparency and accountability. The governing board helps ensure that SMH operates in the best interest of the community, maintaining high standards of fiscal responsibility and patient service as it pursues advances in health care and technological innovation. In its 2024 Community Update, Sarasota Memorial spotlights several initiatives meeting essential needs in the fast-growing region. The hospital also is expanding services and facilities serving areas of the county seeing vast population growth. For example, SMH is doubling the capacity of its Venice campus and plans to develop new medical facilities in North Port and Wellen Park to provide residents with convenient access to hospital services, outpatient care, and physician offices. It is also expanding emergency care in the northern part of the county. “We are proud to celebrate the growth and success of this valued public institution and the important steps it continues to take to ensure our community has access to comprehensive, top-quality care,” Sarasota Memorial President and CEO David Verinder said. 

The complete 2024 Community Update is available here