by Robert Borges on October 18, 2024
Known for its beautiful weather, great outdoor activities, and reasonable cost of living, Ocala is a perfect choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, peaceful neighborhood to settle in Florida. However, apart from the cost of living in Ocala, the state of its healthcare system can be a concern for potential homebuyers.
Luckily, Ocala’s healthcare system has undergone significant transformation over the years, with recent advances guaranteeing residents access to high-quality medical services and patient safety.
For example, the University of Florida has built a new hospital in Ocala, which features dozens of emergency department rooms, inpatient rooms, and medical imaging suites among other notable features. The hospital is adjacent to several gated communities in Ocala like Silver Springs, Oak Tree Village, and Golden Ocala.
What Is Healthcare Like in Ocala?
One of the points of interest in Ocala to consider when searching for a home to buy in the city is the availability of reliable healthcare services. This is particularly essential if you’re retired or about to retire.
As we age, our immune system becomes compromised, making us vulnerable to opportunistic diseases. Therefore, access to good medical care becomes even more of a necessity.
The good thing about living in Ocala, Florida is the fact that the city has a strong healthcare infrastructure with dozens of recognized medical facilities. These hospitals are known for the exceptional measures they’ve put in place to ensure patient safety.
For instance, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA West Marion Hospital have been recognized for their great services, earning the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award for seven consecutive years since 2018.
They’re among the top 5% of hospitals that have received national acclaim for patient safety. This recognition highlights the facilities’ commitment to providing patients with excellent care and minimizing serious safety incidents.
These two facilities were recognized by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer for their premium standards in treating cancer patients. They’ve also been awarded numerous accolades for performing successful orthopedic procedures like spine surgery, rotator cuff repair, joint replacement, and ACL reconstruction.
This doesn’t mean that specialized medical services like cardiovascular procedures, cancer treatment, and orthopedics are only available at the two hospitals. You can find them in many other hospitals across Ocala.
Advancing Healthcare in Ocala
As mentioned, healthcare in Ocala is evolving rapidly, with numerous notable developments intended to enhance the access, quality, and cost of medical services in the city. This progress has been mainly witnessed in infrastructure development and the recognition of quality in specialized medical services and patient safety.
Infrastructure Growth
One of the most notable infrastructural developments that have transformed the healthcare sector in Ocala is the newly constructed University of Florida Health Ocala Neighborhood Hospital. The 150,000-square-foot facility features ten emergency rooms, ten inpatient rooms, four operating theaters, and one medical imaging center among other special features.
It’s a three-story building with an outpatient wing where lab draws are done, an anesthesia preoperative wing, a physician's office, and extra space for future expansions. The surgery center holds twelve pre- and post-operation beds while the medical imaging wing has two rooms for general x-rays, two CT scan rooms, one ultrasound room, and one MRI chamber.
Located on 35th Avenue Road, this hospital brings UF’s nationally acclaimed medical expertise and compassionate patient care to residents of the surrounding communities. It offers comprehensive medical care, including cardiovascular treatment, cancer care, transplant procedures, and neurology.
Nationwide Recognition
Hospitals in Ocala continue to receive accolades and nationwide recognition for their excellent patient care, specialized services, and overall safety. These accreditations and awards are based on a hospital’s continued compliance with rigorous standards set by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
In Summary
The healthcare system in Ocala continues to advance, with new nationally recognized hospitals being constructed to make medical care readily available to residents. The excellent services and safety standards provided by many hospitals in Ocala have earned them numerous awards and endorsements.
If you're looking for a peaceful and secure fifty-five-and-older community near one of the main hospitals in Ocala, Florida, check the Private Communities Registry. Our search portal for master-planned lifestyle communities is sure to help you find your perfect new home!
