OCALA, FL (352today.com) – HCA Florida West Marion Hospital has officially opened a new, larger operating suite, marking the first phase of its $120 million expansion project. The $15.3 million addition includes four new operating rooms, significantly increasing the hospital’s surgical capacity.
“A year ago, we at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital broke ground on a new $120 million expansion. We did so because we recognized the impending impact of future growth and because we recognized a need to create access for patients north and west of Ocala, ensuring they don’t have to travel for exceptional care,” said Isaiah Zirkle, chief executive officer for HCA Florida West Marion Hospital. “Today we see the first fruits of that project — four brand new operating rooms.”
The hospital, along with HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, was recently recognized as No. 1 in Florida for orthopedic surgery, spine surgery, and vascular surgery, and No. 2 for joint replacement and overall surgical care. The expansion is expected to improve access to high-quality care for Marion County residents.
“The population growth in Marion County of the past 20 years requires our community’s medical establishment and infrastructure to evolve and grow along with it. The addition of these operating rooms reflects that need,” said Dr. James Duke, a member of the hospital’s Board of Trustees.
Local leaders also praised the project’s impact on the community. “It’s clear the expansion of HCA Florida West Marion Hospital that was launched one year ago is a necessary project for a community in need of new healthcare services and increased access,” said Marion County Commission Vice Chairman Carl Zalak.
“This addition of four operating rooms ensures patients at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital can receive top-quality surgical care without leaving the community and in a timely manner, getting them back to their lives and the people they love sooner,” Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano observed.
Beyond expanding surgical capacity, the hospital’s $120 million project will add 42 more medical-surgical beds, four elevators, 247 new parking spaces, and an updated engineering plant. The hospital’s second floor has been designed to allow for future expansion.
HCA Florida West Marion Hospital and HCA Florida Ocala Hospital collectively form the largest hospital system in Marion County, offering 545 beds. Both facilities were recently named among America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2025 by Healthgrades, placing them in the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for clinical performance.
The hospitals also earned multiple accolades from Healthgrades, including being ranked among the nation’s 50 best for vascular surgery and surgical care and the top 100 for orthopedic surgery, spine surgery, joint replacement, and prostate surgeries.
With the continued expansion, HCA Florida West Marion Hospital remains committed to delivering top-tier healthcare to the growing Ocala community.