AdventHealth plans new 14-story tower at Orlando campus, other changes
AdventHealth plans to construct a new 14-story tower on its main campus near downtown Orlando, add more training programs to attract more new doctors and boost robot-assisted surgeries and other technological advancements.
The healthcare company announced its plans Wednesday, saying it would add more than $1 billion of enhancements to the campus in what it touted as the largest single investment in health care in Central Florida history.
Advent will spend about $660 million on the new tower, which will include 24 operating rooms, endoscopy and imaging services, and 440 in-patient beds. It plans to open the new facility in 2030, a company spokesman said. No date for when construction would begin was given.
'This project is paving the way for our Orlando campus to become America's epicenter for surgical advancement, breakthrough treatments, pioneering research and medical education — all centered on our whole-person health philosophy,' AdventHealth Orlando CEO Rob Deininger said in the company's news release. 'Our vision is for AdventHealth Orlando to serve our city as a vibrant civic center while growing as a magnet for science and health care innovation.'
The campus, located about two miles north of downtown Orlando on East Rollins Street, is a 172-acre complex where nearly 10,000 people work.
In addition to the new tower, Advent plans new services and technologies such as robot-assisted kidney transplants; the Genomics Risk Assessment for Cancer and Early Detection (GRACE) program, which uses a patient's family history, medical history and AI data to assess potential risk; and the Little Miracles Unit, which provides more intensive care for infants born as early as 22 weeks.
'We are setting the national standard for advanced medicine,' said Britney Benitez, AdventHealth Orlando's chief nursing officer, in the release. 'We're not only Central Florida's leading health system and most trusted by our neighbors, we're a medical destination for people across the world.'
AdventHealth Orlando also plans to attract and train more doctors, hoping that expanded residency and fellowship programs will grow from 358 physicians to 467 by 2029. It also wants what it called 'bold' recruitment goals for AdventHealth University, which trains nurses, healthcare administrators, physical therapists and others, to help enrollment grow to 3,000 by 2030. The university expects to enroll 2,000 students this year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Grace Schara's wrongful death trial against Ascension St. Elizabeth begins
APPLETON - The jury trial involving the death of Grace Schara, 19, at an Ascension hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic got underway June 3 in Outagamie County Circuit Court. The Freedom teen died Oct. 13, 2021, seven days after she was admitted to Ascension NE Wisconsin-St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton for symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Scott Schara, her dad, sued the hospital a year and a half later in a wrongful death case that includes claims of medical negligence, violation of informed consent and battery. Dr. Gavin Shokar, who was the primary doctor in charge of Grace's care, and Hollee McInnis, a registered nurse who provided medications to Grace while she was a patient in the intensive care unit, are also named as defendants in the case. In an approximately 30-minute opening statement, Warner Mendenhall, one of Schara's attorneys, said Grace's stay at St. Elizabeth was a precautionary measure to provide her with supplementary oxygen and steroids. But she quickly began facing issues. On two occasions shortly after she was admitted, on Oct. 7 and Oct. 8, Grace was given Precedex, which "dangerously lowered her blood pressure and pulse," Mendenhall claimed. On both occasions, Grace's condition improved after medical staff stopped or turned down her dose of the medication, he said. Scott Schara stayed with his daughter at the hospital for several days, until staff asked him to leave, and he was escorted out of the hospital by security guards on Oct. 10. He was persistent with asking questions of medical staff, but was "doing exactly what he was supposed to do as a dad and power of attorney for health care,' Mendenhall said. The family had lawyers negotiate with the hospital to allow older sister Jessica Vander Heiden to be with Grace. On the morning of Oct. 13, Shokar spoke with Grace's family over the phone saying Grace was stable and they should focus on nutrition and movement so Grace could soon go home. 'Oddly though, despite Grace's improving condition, Shokar requested Scott authorize a ventilator, even though there was no need for a ventilator at that time,' Mendenhall said. Mendenhall said Scott Schara did not want his daughter to be placed on a ventilator. But as a result of this conversation, Shokar not only documented that Grace had a Do Not Intubate order, known as a DNI, but also a Do Not Resuscitate Order, known as DNR. The Schara family did not learn Grace has been labeled DNR until Grace was in respiratory distress shortly before she died later that night. 'Dr. Shokar watched this 19-year-old girl breathing fast, and instead of assessing why, without talking to the family before, and Nurse McInnis, injected Grace Schara with morphine, a powerful opioid drug that suppresses breathing,' Mendenhall said. Scott and Cindy Schara, Grace's mother, then had to watch their daughter die over FaceTime, with their cries for medical staff to save their daughter ignored, Mendenhall said. 'At this trial, we will show that Grace Schara, a beautiful, gifted 19-year-old girl with Down syndrome, was killed by a deadly injection while dozens of medical personnel stood aside and did nothing,' Mendenhall said. Attorneys for the defendants painted a very different picture of Grace's hospital stay and the events leading up to her death. Two attorneys delivered opening statements for the defense: Jason Franckowiak, who represents defendants Ascension Health and McInnis; and Randall Guse, who represents Ascension Medical Group – Fox Valley Wisconsin, Inc. and Shokar. Grace did not die of any injection she was given by hospital staff, the attorneys argued. She died of a COVID-19 infection, which worsened during her days at the hospital, despite medical staff's best attempts to save her. Additionally, attorneys said Grace's family had consented during a conversation with Shokar to both a "Do Not Intubate" and a "Do Not Resuscitate" order. Franckowiak said evidence presented at trial will dispute multiple claims made by the plaintiffs, including that the medications and dosages provided to Grace were standard in the intensive care unit. Specifically, Precedex and lorazepam, both sedatives, were used in an effort reduce her rapid breathing and allow her to take deeper breaths and take in more oxygen. After administration of those drugs did little for her vitals, Shokar ordered McInnis, one of Grace's nurses, to administer a small dose of morphine. That drug, Franckowiak said, helped temporarily improve Grace's oxygenation, from around 50% to 98%. "Dr. Shokar reached a reasonable conclusion that the morphine had done exactly what he had intended it to do: it had lowered Grace's rate of breathing sufficient to allow her take deeper breaths, therefore increasing her oxygenation level,' Franckowiak said. Grace was stable for about an hour, but then her lungs gave out, Franckowiak said. He said experts will testify that without the ability to intubate Grace, chest compressions would not have been effective. And a reversal agent like naloxone would not have been effective, as the plaintiffs asserted. "The only potential way for Grace's emergent pulmonary condition to have been adequately addressed at the point of her arrest would have been mechanical ventilation, but doctors and nurses had been explicitly forbidden by Mr. Schara (from) intubating Grace," Franckowiak said. Franckowiak also said Scott Schara will be asked to testify about some of his beliefs, which have 'shaped the allegations' he is making. Among them are a belief that the COVID-19 pandemic was planned to create fear and a general distrust of medical personnel. Cindy Schara, Grace's mom, was the first witness to testify for the plaintiffs. She detailed how Grace began to show symptoms of COVID-19, which she describes as similar to allergy symptoms, after the family attended a concert in Oshkosh on Sept. 25. Grace was not vaccinated, and on Oct. 1 she tested positive for the virus. Cindy said she had the same symptoms, which is why she was never able to go to the hospital to be with Grace. Cindy Schara also confirmed she and Scott Schara had been researching how to treat COVID-19 prior to seeking medical help for Grace on Oct. 6. Cindy Schara said they were researching protocols provided by Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance. The group, now known as the Independent Medical Alliance, was formed in April 2020 by physicians and former journalists who advocated for unapproved treatments, such as ivermectin, for COVID-19. Both its founders have since had their medical board certifications revoked. She said the organization advised taking supplements, which they did, and to seek medical help if blood-oxygen saturation levels dropped below 94%, which they also did. Cindy Schara said the family would never made a decision on a DNR order on its own. If they were, they would want other family members, their pastor, primary care physician and a lawyer to be involved in the conversation. "It would be a terrible thing to have to decide," she said, indicating she and her husband never made that decision during two separate phone calls with Shokar. She was questioned at length about her and her husband's views on the medical professional after Grace's death. She acknowledged she believes the COVID-19 vaccine is a bioweapon and young vaccinated men, once vaccinated, became sterile, among other things. None of these theories are supported by research or the scientific community. The trial is expected to last up to four weeks. Jessica Van Egeren is a health care reporter and assistant breaking news editor with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at jvanegeren@ This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trial begins against Ascension hospital in Appleton over Grace Schara's death
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Family of 19-Year-Old Grace Schara takes hospital to court in landmark wrongful death case
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – In a case that has captivated the community and raised profound questions about medical ethics, the trial concerning the wrongful death of 19-year-old Grace Schara commenced on Tuesday in Outagamie County court. The young woman, who had Down syndrome, died at Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton in 2021 after contracting COVID-19. The Schara family has launched a civil lawsuit against the hospital, alleging medical negligence, violations of informed consent, and battery. Wisconsin DNR: Limit time outside due to Canadian wildfire smoke As opening statements unfolded Tuesday morning, the parents of Grace argued that their daughter was administered a combination of medications—precedex, lorazepam, and morphine—without their knowledge or consent. They contend that these drugs, rather than complications from COVID-19, led to Grace's respiratory distress and ultimately her untimely death. The family only discovered a 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) order had been placed on Grace's chart when she was already in critical condition, prompting concerns that medical staff had failed to honor their last-minute request to change her DNR status. The case marks a significant moment in legal history, as it is the first to challenge the designation of COVID-19 as the primary cause of death on a death certificate. The hospital, however, has firmly denied the allegations, asserting that Grace received appropriate care from a team of medical professionals and that her deterioration was a natural progression of her illness. 'Nothing is urgent enough to destroy their life': Sheriff in Wisconsin catches driver going 105 mph in a 55 zone During the trial, plaintiff attorney Warner Mendenhall emphasized the alarming sequence of events leading to Grace's decline, stating, 'Instead of recognizing the life-threatening situation and reducing the medications causing the problems, this medical team did the opposite.' In contrast, defense attorney Jason John Franckowiak argued that the claims are based on misunderstandings surrounding Grace's care, asserting that the medical team acted within the accepted standard of care. Defense attorney Randall also addressed the court, saying, 'We believe the evidence will show that Dr. Shokar's care and treatment of Grace Schara on October 12th and 13th of 2021, met the standard of care that applied.' The emotional weight of the trial is compounded by the heartbreaking testimony from Grace's mother, Cindy Schara, who recalled her daughter's vibrant spirit and artistic talents. 'She was so talented when it came to coloring, and she loved to leave notes for people,' Cindy reflected. 'She learned how to play violin, she was a dancer, she was an actor, she loved to be in plays, our home-schooled plays.' Wisconsin Department of Transportation warning residents of fake DMV link scams As the trial unfolds, it is expected to last up to 3 weeks, drawing attention to critical issues surrounding informed consent and the rights of patients and their families in the healthcare system. The outcome of this landmark case could have far-reaching implications for how medical decisions are made, especially during a public health crisis. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Grace Schera's family wants jury to decide hospital caused her death, not COVID-19. What to know about the case.
The circumstances of the death of a young Wisconsin woman, whose story has been visible on billboards in Outagamie County for years, went on trial June 2. Grace Schara died at age 19 in October 2021, after being admitted to Ascension NE Wisconsin-St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton for symptoms of COVID-19. Her father filed a wrongful death lawsuit a year and a half later. Here's what to know about the case and trial. More: COVID, conspiracy theories and a billboard campaign: Grace Schara's hospital death finally sees trial Grace Schara was the youngest of three children. She had Down syndrome, and loved drawing, singing, dancing and Elvis Presley. Grace was 19 when she died Oct. 13, 2021, seven days after being admitted to Ascension NE Wisconsin-St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton for symptoms of COVID-19. She died from COVID-19 complications, according to the hospital. Her parents believe she died as a result of actions taken by hospital staff, and have filed a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court. Grace's father, Scott Schara, leased multiple billboards along Interstate 41 and other highways in Outagamie and surrounding counties. The messages and photos change, but some include: 'Have innocent lives been stolen by medical malpractice or murder?' 'Was Grace given a lethal combination of meds at St. Elizabeth's hospital? Intentional? Who's next?' Now self-proclaimed 'medical murder' expert, Schara believes the government and medical community have worked together to hasten the deaths of thousands of people, particularly the disabled and elderly. He's spread these views on the billboards and a related website, Their lawsuit is a wrongful death claim. Their lawsuit includes claims of medical negligence, violation of informed consent and battery. In the family's lawsuit, they say Grace was given precedex, lorazepam and morphine without their knowledge or consent, and that it was this trio of drugs — not complications from COVID-19 — that caused Grace's body to go into respiratory distress. And, their lawsuit claims, it wasn't until Grace was in respiratory distress that the family learned a "do not resuscitate' order had been placed on her chart — which directs medical staff not to perform any life-saving measures if a patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest. Their lawsuit names defendants Ascension Health, doctor Gavin Shokar and nurse Hollee McInnis as defendants. Other doctors, nurses and medical professionals were dismissed from the lawsuit. The hospital argues that injuries or damages sustained by the Schara family may be the result of their own negligence or decision-making, and that Grace's condition may have been the result of a pre-existing condition or the result of a natural disease progression beyond the control of the hospital staff. The hospital also argues the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act provided immunity from liability for certain individuals and entities during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to court documents. Ascension spokesperson Victoria Schmidt said in a statement to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that while the hospital is unable to comment on ongoing legal matters, 'we have full confidence in the legal proceedings.' Jury selection began Monday, June 2. Opening arguments took place Tuesday, June 3. Outagamie County Circuit Court Judge Mark McGinnis reserved four weeks for the trial. During the trial, up to 22 witnesses may testify. Eight of those people are experts on various topics, McGinnis said at jury selection Monday. Others testifying will include Grace's parents, Scott and Cindy Schara, and defendants Dr. Gavin Shokar, Grace's doctor, and Hollee McInnis, a nurse. The trial will be live-streamed by Children's Health Defense, the anti-vaccine nonprofit founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now the nation's health secretary. The public can attend in-person at Outagamie County Courthouse, but may have to sit in an overflow room because of limited capacity. The case is the first to challenge COVID-19 as the cause of death listed on a death certificate. Family and supporters view it as a chance to hold the medical profession responsible for hospital deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The case could also set a precedent that bypasses the state's medical-malpractice cap. A wrongful death case can apply to any cause of death, but if that death is due to medical care, there are limitations on who can file such a case and the amount of damages that can be paid out. Attaching the medical battery claim to the lawsuit is an attempt 'to kick the case outside the realm of medical malpractice limitations," said Jerome Hierseman, with Milwaukee-based End, Hierseman & Crain, a medical malpractice for the family believe it is also the first medical battery claim attached to a wrongful death lawsuit to be tried in Wisconsin in the past 50 years. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Grace Schara trial: What to know about disputed COVID-19 death
