ROCKLEDGE, Fla. – A lot of people were shocked when a hospital suddenly announced it’s closing.
On Friday, some people, including employees of the hospital, protested that controversial decision.
Orlando Health said that because of years of neglect and costly repairs, it will shut down Rockledge Hospital on April 22.
Healthcare workers Friday said they were scared about what could happen to their patients.
Matt Price is an ICU nurse and one of the more than 900 employees who will be impacted by the closure. Price said he fears patients will die.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
“Time is of the essence when we’re talking about people having heart attacks, strokes, delivering babies,” he said. “If you don’t get seen fast, your potential of dying is much, much more.”
In response to Orlando Health saying the hospital’s condition makes it unsafe for employees and patients, Price said repairs have been made.
”We’ve had our issues with this old building, certainly, but even since October when Orlando Health has taken over, they have already started making some repairs here,” the nurse said. “I say the building can stand until a new one can be built.”
A new hospital is being built in Brevard County, but it’s in Merritt Island and under a hospital chain.
Before construction can be completed, Health First said their services can help people in Rockledge right now.
Media and public relations director Lance Skelly said Health First is about to start flying a second medical helicopter in the county.
“This is actually going to double our fleet,” Skelly said. “So that actually goes into effect starting Monday which we’re really excited about.”
Orlando Health has said it’s going to build a new hospital in Brevard too, but they haven’t said when or where.
The Health First hospital in Merritt Island, which relocates Health First’s current hospital in Cocoa Beach, is supposed to open in 2027.
