Healthcare in Brevard.
As your local healthcare partner, we’re here to support you by keeping you informed. Following the closure of Orlando Health Rockledge Hospital, this page provides answers to common questions about healthcare access, services, and community impacts—and shares how we’re working to improve care moving forward.
June 24, 2025
Just over three months ago, Orlando Health abruptly announced the closure of Rockledge Hospital, giving our community only 60 days' notice and no transition plan, creating an immediate healthcare crisis for Brevard. In that critical moment, Brevard’s local, not-for-profit providers, including Health First, Parrish Medical Center, Brevard County Fire Rescue, Coastal Ambulance, Brevard Health Alliance, and Space Coast Health Foundation stepped forward to ensure no patient was left behind.
While Orlando Health provided some financial support after the announcement, it was the immediate, round-the-clock operational work by local providers that ensured patients continued to receive care without interruption. Health First specifically took swift and decisive action:
Expanded emergency and inpatient capacity systemwide, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our medical staff, Emergency Department providers, and associates, whose tireless dedication enabled us to absorb an 18 to 20% patient surge while maintaining ambulance offload times among Florida’s best.
Welcomed and integrated over 120 displaced Rockledge team members, including more than 80 registered nurses, ensuring continuity of care.
Accelerated existing plans for two new freestanding Emergency Departments, including one in Rockledge, and announced a $230 million expansion of Palm Bay Hospital as part of Health First’s broader $800 million investment in Brevard.
Protected access to Brevard’s only Level II Trauma Center and Level II Neonatal ICU.
Maintained nationally recognized standards of quality and safety, earning honors from Newsweek and Leapfrog.
Our ability to respond quickly comes from deep roots in this community. As a locally governed, not-for-profit health system, we have invested here for 30 years. Last year alone, we provided over $52 million in care and services to more than 28,000 residents who otherwise could not afford them. Our mission has always been clear: “We exist to improve the health and wellness of the communities we serve.”
As we move forward, our communication will shift from weekly to milestone-based updates as this crisis response chapter concludes. Our commitment to transparency and accountability remains as strong as ever.
Thank you for your continued trust and resilience.
Born in Brevard. Committed to you.
FAQs
Orlando Health will permanently close Rockledge Hospital on April 22, 2025.
The closure will remove nearly 300 hospital beds from Brevard County. Nearby hospitals may see increased patient volumes and longer travel times for emergency care. Health First is expanding capacity and coordinating with EMS to maintain timely access to care.
Health First is expanding hospital capacity, hiring more staff, and coordinating with emergency responders. We’ve also added a second helicopter to our First Flight program and are collaborating with other providers to support patient needs.
No, Orlando Health has not made a commitment to replace Rockledge Hospital at this time. Health First is adding a Freestanding Emergency Department in the northern part of the county, and we have already added another helicopter in Titusville to enhance emergency response.
No. Despite public appeals, Orlando Health has confirmed the closure is permanent. Health First is focused on expanding services to address potential gaps in care created by the closure.
Simply speak with your care team at Orlando Health Rockledge Hospital, and they will help facilitate the transfer to a Health First facility. There is a standard process in place for care coordination between hospitals to ensure a smooth and efficient transition.
Contact Orlando Health’s Health Information Management. If you're transitioning to Health First, we can help request your records with your consent.
Contact your OB/GYN to update your birth plan and confirm if they have privileges at Health First’s Holmes Regional or Viera Hospitals, which offer maternity services. If not, you may need to transfer to an OB/GYN with privileges at one of these locations.
Many providers will continue practicing in the area. Check with your doctor about their new location. If you need to find another provider, please visit hf.org/findadoc
Health First has multiple outpatient centers and specialist clinics across Brevard. Click here to explore our facility locations.
Always call 911 in an emergency. First responders will provide critical care right away and take you to the nearest open emergency department. Health First has also expanded air ambulance service in northern Brevard to enhance emergency response.
Health First has surge plans in place to help manage increased patient volume. We are actively increasing capacity where possible, enhancing staffing, and coordinating with other hospitals to address demand. Additionally, we are exploring options for new facilities and mobile health solutions.
Health First is hiring and hosting job fairs. Visit hf.org/careers to learn more.