SMH-Venice Expands & Adapts to Meet Local Healthcare Needs
The rapid growth of South Sarasota County has brought a pressing question into focus: How can healthcare infrastructure keep pace with an aging population and surging demand? For Sarasota Memorial Hospital–Venice (SMH-Venice), the answer lies in ambitious expansion and strategic adaptation.
Opened in late 2021, SMH-Venice quickly became a vital healthcare hub for the community. The hospital reached full capacity within weeks, and the abrupt closure of ShorePoint Health-Venice in 2022 made the demand for additional resources even more urgent. Now, under the leadership of President Sharon Roush, the 65-acre hospital campus on Laurel Road has expanded its facilities and services to serve more patients, closer to home.
In 2024, the hospital unveiled a new five-story patient care tower, nearly doubling its inpatient capacity from 110 to 212 private suites. The new floors include dedicated units for cardiac care and orthopedics, two of the hospital’s most in-demand specialties, ensuring advanced treatments are available locally.
The hospital’s Emergency Care Center (ECC) also underwent a transformation and, in December 2024, revealed 33 new exam rooms for a total of 61. Upgrades also include two resuscitation suites, enhanced imaging facilities, and a centrally located third CT scanner, improving emergency response times and patient comfort.
“From day one, our mission has been to support the health and well-being of our community,” Roush said. “This expansion is a direct response to the overwhelming demand for inpatient and emergency services in South Sarasota County. We’re proud to grow alongside the community and continue providing top-tier care.”
A Community-Centered Approach
SMH-Venice’s growth extends beyond brick-and-mortar improvements. Since opening, it has added more than 400 team members (bringing its total staff to more than 1,500) and continues to recruit as its facilities expand. These efforts not only strengthen healthcare delivery but also provide significant economic benefits for the region.
All of the hospital’s private patient suites have been thoughtfully designed to enhance the patient experience. Natural light, views of the landscaped campus, local artwork, and warm materials create a healing environment that prioritizes comfort and well-being. Beyond inpatient care, the hospital continues to support the community through programs like its HealthConnection wellness hub, which offers health monitoring, coaching, and wellness activities from its first-floor lobby.
SMH-Venice also partners with local organizations to promote preventive care and wellness. Programs like a Parkinson’s Wellness Club, smoking cessation classes, and the Milk Depot—which collects breast milk for critically ill newborns—showcase the hospital’s commitment to meeting community needs.
Looking Ahead
As the region’s population grows and ages, SMH-Venice is preparing for increased demand for specialized care in areas such as diabetes, heart disease, and other age-related or chronic conditions. The hospital remains focused on expanding its team, facilities, and services to address these challenges and improve the quality of life for its patients.
Recent accolades, such as consecutive “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group and the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Stroke Award, reflect SMH-Venice’s dedication to safety and excellence. Looking to the future, the hospital aims to stay ahead of emerging healthcare challenges and maintain its vital role in the community.
As SMH-Venice enters its next chapter, it brings expanded capacity and a forward-thinking approach to healthcare. The hospital remains deeply committed to meeting the evolving needs of its patients. With these efforts, SMH-Venice continues to serve as a lifeline for a healthier, more vibrant South Sarasota County.
SMHF: Supporting Medical Innovation & Patient Care at Sarasota Memorial
For nearly 50 years, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation (SMHF) has been the fundraising partner to one of the nation’s top hospitals, Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH). Through community-driven efforts, SMHF provides critical resources to help ensure SMH continues delivering nationally recognized healthcare, advanced technology, and exceptional patient care. This partnership underscores how vital community support is in keeping our health system strong and accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances.
The Foundation’s impact has been extraordinary. In 2024, SMHF completed a campaign that raised more than $95 million for the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute including the Millman-Kover Cancer Pavilion on the Sarasota campus, slated to open in 2026. Additionally, the soon-to-open Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute, this spring, promises to drive innovation, research, and physician training—further establishing SMH as a leader in advanced medicine and patient care.
Community support is essential to SMH’s success. While tax revenue, Medicare, and insurance provide a baseline, donations from individuals and businesses enable extraordinary achievements—such as acquiring state-of-the-art medical equipment, expanding research initiatives, supporting staff education, and enhancing patient facilities. As a safety-net hospital, SMH’s mission to serve all patients, including the uninsured, is bolstered by this generosity.
SMHF’s history reflects its ability to rise to the occasion during times of crisis. From funding PPE and ventilators during the pandemic to supporting SMH employees after hurricanes, the Foundation has consistently ensured the health system remains strong, no matter the challenge.
SMHF’s Focus on South County
Since opening in 2021, SMH-Venice has become a cornerstone of the community. As the facility continues to grow, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation has intensified its focus on supporting South County. Plans for new medical campuses in North Port and Wellen Park are underway to meet the region’s growing demand for healthcare services. In Venice, fundraising efforts are gaining momentum, with events like the upcoming Women & Medicine Educational Luncheon on women’s health (see sidebar) fostering community engagement and support for local healthcare.
“We are very proud of our donor-centric way of doing business and excited to engage the philanthropic community in Venice,” said an SMHF President Stacey Corley. “Building relationships with community members who have a passion for philanthropy, helping others, and ensuring that excellent healthcare is accessible to all.”
To learn more about the Foundation’s work, The Women & Medicine Luncheon, or to explore how you can get involved, visit SMHF.org.
SMH-Venice has expanded its facilities and services to serve more patients, closer to home.