Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital Receives Major $5.5 Million Grant for Expansion
Great news is on the horizon for healthcare in Indian River County. Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital has received a significant financial boost totaling $5.5 million from the A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation. This substantial grant is set to accelerate critical renovation projects, specifically targeting the hospital’s busy Emergency Department, as well as the Behavioral Health Center and maternity unit.
The donation comes from the legacy foundation of the late James Clark, a longtime seasonal resident of John’s Island and a prolific builder known for his work in Washington, D.C. This latest contribution brings the total amount raised locally for the hospital’s renovation projects to an impressive $20 million.
Transforming Emergency Care in Vero Beach
The lion’s share of the grant—$5 million—is designated for the second phase of renovations for the Emergency Department (ED). Currently, the Indian River ED is the busiest within the entire Cleveland Clinic Florida network, serving over 55,000 patients annually. To handle this volume, the hospital has previously relied on ad hoc treatment areas and temporary cubicles. This project aims to replace those temporary fixes with state-of-the-art permanent facilities.
Once the ambitious renovation is fully complete, the Emergency Department will boast:
- 38 acute care rooms.
- A total capacity for nearly 100 patients.
- Expanded triage capabilities and a redesigned front entrance.
Dr. Richard Rothman, vice president and chief medical officer at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, emphasized the importance of this funding.
“The support from the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation builds on our momentum and enables more people to receive emergency care, timely mental health assistance and more mothers and babies to benefit from the high standards of care we have achieved.”
Timeline of Construction and Improvements
The renovation process involves a multi-phase approach to ensure the hospital remains operational while expanding.
- Phase One (Completed): This phase involved adding a new CT scanner and specialized stroke diagnostic equipment near the ambulance bay. It also required moving the cancer infusion facilities to clear space for the ER expansion.
- Phase Two (Starting January 2025): Breaking ground the week of January 12, this phase focuses on constructing “Flex Care” space, adding 20 new treatment areas to better manage patient flow.
- Phase Three (Late 2026): Once the Flex Care space is finished, construction will move to the triage area, adding eight additional acute rooms and redesigning the main lobby.
Additional Support for Behavioral Health and Maternity
While the Emergency Department is a primary focus, the remaining $500,000 of the Clark Foundation’s grant is allocated to vital community services. The funds will be split between the Behavioral Health Center and improvements to the new maternity unit.
Local philanthropy continues to play a pivotal role in the evolution of Vero Beach’s medical infrastructure. The Clark Foundation, chaired by John’s Island resident Courtney Clark Pastrick, joins other notable local donors, such as Ron and Nancy Rosner, in ensuring that Indian River County residents have access to top-tier medical facilities right here at home.
