Broward Health

History of Broward Health

The beginnings of consolidated healthcare in Broward County

In the land boom of the 1920s, the Wallace Apartments were converted into the Edwards-Maxwell Hospital, which was the first hospital in Broward County. Soon, the land boom busted, followed by the September 1926 hurricane, one of the worst in county history. Due to lack of patients that were able to pay for care, the hospital was forced to close in 1929. It was reopened by Juanita Clay in 1932 and remained successful until it was purchased in 1937 by Medical Services, Inc., an insurance company owned by Dr. F.A. Brunson and M.L. Menger. Medical Services issued hospital and family insurance policies that required the use of their own hospital and doctors. The Broward County medical community rebelled, refusing to use the Medical Services hospital.

In May 1937, the Broward County Medical Association (BCMA) met to discuss plans to build a public hospital, feeling that private hospitals could not be relied upon for continuity of service and only a community-owned hospital would offer security. The consensus of the meeting was to build a hospital supported by the city, county, or a hospital district. The result of the meeting was a unanimous motion to form the Broward Hospital Association (BHA). From that point on, the BHA began its mission to raise the funds needed to build a hospital. The Chairman, James D. Camp, as well as the other members, explored every possibility of finding funds; however, government-assisted funding simply wasn't available. During this time, the county was experiencing such rapid growth, the need for facilities became critical.

Broward General Opens

After a long search, it was agreed that the Granada apartments could be remodeled into a hospital that would accommodate 45 patients, with room for acceptable operating rooms, delivery rooms, laboratories, and x-ray space.

Members of the community also joined in. Many donated their work at cost, contributing their fees to the "hospital fund." A "drive" was also implemented and equipment donated. The 45-bed hospital opened its doors as the new Broward General Hospital (now Broward Health Medical Center) and admitted its first patient on January 2, 1938.

Between 1935 and 1940, the population of Broward County grew from 20,000 to approximately 30,000. To keep up with the growth, the addition of a new wing was crucial, but without funding the expansion was difficult. Camp approached the city commission in 1940 about the need for expansion and received a favorable response for a new wing. In 1942, a South Wing was added; in 1948, the East Wing was built, raising the bed total at Broward General to 142.

In 1949, the Hospital Board returned to the City Commission to ask for funds for another wing. This time the City Commission denied the request. As a result, Camp and all members of the Board resigned.

The birth of the district

In August 1950, the Broward General Hospital Board succeeded in obtaining approval of an expansion program. A legislative act for a North Broward Hospital District was approved in 1951, and in 1952 a referendum was approved and a District Board was appointed by the governor with William J. Kelly as chairman.

Soon thereafter plans for a building on the west side were underway. The West Wing plans included two floors for patients, a new surgical unit, new kitchen and dining space to be connected to the North Wing of the hospital by a hallway. In 1955, a new lab was opened and on September 3, 1957, the City of Fort Lauderdale gave a deed of conveyance to the North Broward Hospital District. Its area of responsibility stretched the width of the county, from the Dania Canal north to the Palm Beach County line.

Broward Health North

By 1960, the population in Broward County grew to 350,000. Responding to the growth of the county, the District built a three-story hospital on Sample Road in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The first patient was admitted to the new Broward Health North in March 1961. Over the years, six more floors and a conference center were added. Today, the 409-bed facility is an adult Level II trauma center providing care for more than 50,000 medical emergencies and 14,000 hospitalized patients.

Broward Health Imperial Point

Broward Health Imperial Point opened in November 1972. Its 22 acres (8.9 ha) of land at the 204-bed community hospital were granted to the city of Fort Lauderdale for a community park, and today hosts a fitness area and playground. It is now known as Broward Health Imperial Point.

In the most recent year with data, Broward Health Imperial Point had 33,382 patients visit the emergency room, and 9,340 patients were admitted to the hospital. Surgeons at the hospital performed 1,707 inpatient and 5,097 outpatient surgeries.

Broward Health Coral Springs

Broward Health Coral Springs opened its doors in March 1987 and was originally called Coral Springs Medical Center. This 250-bed facility, located in Coral Springs, Florida, hosts Camp KoralKids, created in 1995, a summer day camp for children with Type-I diabetes—the only day camp of its kind in South Florida. It has since developed into a two-week camp that annually serves over 60 children. It is now known as Broward Health Coral Springs.