Business News Briefs: HCA hospitals and Marion County government

On Feb. 13, HCA Florida West Marion Hospital hosted a ribbon cutting for a larger operating suite, the first in a series of projects to expand treatment areas within a new patient tower. [Submitted photo]

Hospitals celebrate new operating rooms and top ratings
HCA Florida West Marion Hospital has cut the ribbon on a larger operating suite, the first in a series of projects to expand treatment areas within a new patient tower. HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and West Marion Hospital have announced they are among America’s best hospitals for 2025.

On Feb. 13, HCA Florida West Marion Hospital hosted a ribbon cutting for the $15.3 million project that adds four new operating rooms.

“A year ago, we broke ground on a new $120 million expansion. We did so because we recognized the impending impact of future growth and because we recognized a need to create access for patients north and west of Ocala, ensuring they don’t have to travel for exceptional care. Today we see the first fruits of that project, four brand new operating rooms,” said Isaiah Zirkle, chief executive officer, in a prepared statement.

“The population growth in Marion County of the past 20 years requires our community’s medical establishment and infrastructure to evolve and grow along with it. The addition of these operating rooms reflects that need,” stated Dr. James Duke, a member of the hospital’s board of trustees.

The overall project includes 42 additional medical surgical beds, a second-floor shell for future expansion, four more elevators, an additional 247 parking spaces and the relocation and update of the engineering plant.

The hospital, along with HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, was recently recognized as No. 1 in the state for orthopedic surgery, spine surgery and vascular surgery and No. 2 in the state for joint replacement and surgical care.

Healthgrades, an online site people use when searching for a doctor or hospital, recently named both hospitals to its list of America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2025, putting them in the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance.

Marion County government offices earn awards
Marion County has been awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for its fiscal year budget beginning Oct. 1, 2024.

According to GFOA, the award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting and represents a significant achievement.

“It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device,” noted the news release.

Budget documents must be rated proficient in all four categories and in 14 mandatory criteria within those categories to receive the award. This is the second year Marion County has received the award, under the direction of Clerk of Court and Comptroller Gregory C. Harrell and Budget Director Audrey Fowler.

Additionally, the Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s Office has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by GFOA for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2023.

The report was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report, according to GFOA.

This is the 39th consecutive year the office has received this award and the fifth year in a row for Harrell.