Sarasota Memorial Hospital doubles ER capacity at Venice campus

Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Venice has more than doubled its emergency room capacity in a move that hospital officials say will help meet the growing needs of South County residents.

The Venice hospital’s expansion spans 30,000 square feet and cost $90 million, according to a statement from Sarasota Memorial Hospital. The addition included 33 more exam rooms for a total of 61, two more resuscitation suites, upgraded imaging facilities and a third CT scanner that is centrally located.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Venice opened in November 2021 and reached capacity within days of opening, officials say. The closure of ShorePoint Venice in 2022 and the closure of ShorePoint Punta Gorda since hurricanes Helene and Milton have “underscored the urgency to increase capacity and capabilities at SMH-Venice,” according to a statement from the hospital.