Construction Begins on Lake City Medical Center Expansion

~ Multi-Million Dollar Investment in Community Will Increase Access to Healthcare and Create New Career Opportunities in Columbia County and Surrounding Areas ~

By Noah Walker, LCMC Director of Communications and Public Relations

LAKE CITY, Fla. – Following a 2020 unveiling of plans to expand Lake City Medical Center, the hospital announced today that construction has started on the nearly $9 million expansion, which stands to create dozens of jobs and increase access to healthcare in the Lake City community.

“This week, Lake City Medical Center will enter into a phase of physical construction, adding 12 additional beds and inpatient MRI to the hospital. With this construction, we are very excited to be able to expand the capability we have in caring for our community,” Rick Naegler, CEO of Lake City Medical Center. “In light of all that has occurred this past year, we have remained committed to providing safe, compassionate high-quality care to the Lake City community. As the only hospital serving this area, we want to ensure we grow to best support the healthcare needs of our community. This phase of expansion in our capacity will be the first in a line of imminent growth at Lake City Medical Center.”

During the construction phase, the hospital and emergency department will remain fully operational. The construction sites will be properly marked and any changes to traffic patterns on the hospital campus will be communicated via directional signage to assist hospital colleagues, patients and visitors in easily navigating to their destination. 

     The approximately 6-month long expansion project will result in the installation of inpatient MRI service space and the addition of nearly 7,000 square feet and 12 new beds, bringing the Lake City Medical Center bed count total to 103 (roughly 15% additional capacity).  Along with the additional features, it is estimated that 40 additional positions will be staffed to support this new capacity.