Viera Hospital to be built.... finally

Finally........The Florida Today newspaper reported in this morning's issue that the State of Florida has finally approved the construction of the the much debated Viera hospital and health complex. Situated west of Interstate 95 on the southwest corner of Wickham Road and Lake Andrew Drive, Health First purchased a 50-acre site in central Brevard County's fastest growing areas. Quoting from Health First's web site "It is estimated that between 2000 and 2010, the resident population within Brevard County will increase by 19 percent, and the population of Viera/Suntree is expected to increase by 99 percent. Given this explosion of growth, the need for a new hospital is obvious, and Health First is working hard to meet this critical need." "Phase 1 includes a two-story, 75,000-square-foot Pro Health & Fitness Center, and a medical office building that will offer diagnostic, wellness and therapeutic services to residents who live or work in the Viera area.

The fitness center is scheduled to open in March 2008. We will break ground on the hospital next fall, and barring any unforeseen delays, the doors will open to the public in fall 2010."

Although this news does not appear to sit well with the Wuesthoff Health System folks it does seem to be a welcomed decision. Welcomed by the folks who live in the Viera and Suntree areas of Brevard County.Wuesthoff operates 2 hospitals (one in Melbourne, one in Rockledge). The new facility will be in between both of these locations.

Visit Health First, Inc's site to track the progress at www.health-first.org .