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ALERT

Rockledge Hospital and its Emergency Room have closed.

Rockledge Hospital Has Closed

Effective April 23, 2025, Rockledge Hospital and its Emergency Room were closed. Four hospital-based outpatient departments were closed previously. The healthcare system has announced plans to build a new hospital and three free-standing Emergency Departments in Brevard County.

Prior to acquiring Rockledge Hospital, the healthcare system was aware that years of neglect had left the facility in such poor condition that it did not meet the system’s standards for patient care environments. To avoid the facility’s immediate closure during Steward’s bankruptcy, the healthcare system agreed to accept Rockledge Hospital when it purchased Melbourne and Sebastian River hospitals.

Following in-depth inspections that could only occur after acquisition, it was determined that the cost to repair and renovate Rockledge Hospital far exceeded the cost of a new, state-of-the-art hospital. Accordingly, a decision was made to close the facility and ensure the safety of patients and team members.

Plans are underway for new sites of care in the community, including a new hospital and three free-standing Emergency Departments in Brevard County. Additional details on these projects will be shared by the healthcare system in the near future.

Orlando Health already has begun substantial, long-term investments in Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital and Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital.

Press FAQ

Why was Rockledge Hospital closed rather than repaired?

Following in-depth inspections, Orlando Health discovered that the cost to repair and renovate the Rockledge Hospital property far exceeded the cost of building a new, state-of-the-art hospital. (See Wall Street Journal story for reference.)

How will Orlando Health invest in Brevard County healthcare services?

A new, state-of-the-art hospital and three free-standing emergency departments are among the $750 million investment in Brevard County healthcare services that Orlando Health already has put in motion. Residents and visitors also can look forward to medical pavilions, physician offices and other services to enhance wellness as we work hard to become the health system of choice for our Space Coast communities.

Additionally, Orlando Health is making a total donation of $10 million to the Space Coast Health Foundation to support healthcare services in Brevard County, now and into the future. This includes an initial investment of just over $3 million to assist with current needs identified by the Space Coast Health Foundation. Following the initial contribution, Orlando Health will donate an additional $7 million to the grant program over seven years.

Why didn’t Rockledge Hospital remain open until a new hospital was built in the region?

Inspections by professional architects and engineers revealed that the facility and its systems — like electrical, HVAC and plumbing — were failing. Construction of a new hospital within the region could take several years, which is longer than experts felt Rockledge Hospital could realistically remain open.

What happens to the facility and land now that it has closed?

With the hospital’s closing, Orlando Health plans to demolish the facility. The hospital land will be donated to the City of Rockledge, and Orlando Health will continue to evaluate its other owned properties surrounding the hospital for future use.

Is Orlando Health building a new hospital?

Yes. The organization will expand care within the region, including a new hospital in Brevard County.

Was the facility’s closure an economics-driven decision?

Rockledge Hospital was profitable, but the facility was purchased in poor condition and did not meet our standards for patient care environments. The cost to repair and renovate the Rockledge Hospital property far exceeded the cost of a new, state-of-the-art hospital.

Is Orlando Health closing the other hospitals recently acquired along the east coast of Florida?

No. Orlando Health already has begun substantial, long-term investments in Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital and Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital. There are no plans to close either of these facilities.

Where will Rockledge Hospital patients receive care after the hospital closes?

Orlando Health remains committed to providing high-quality care to the patients of Brevard and Indian River counties. Patients can continue to receive care at other Orlando Health facilities located throughout Central and East Central Florida.

How do patients request their medical records?

Patients can request copies of their medical records by: