Nearly 3,500 patients treated in first year at HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency
HCA Florida Wellen ParkSM Emergency is marking its first anniversary after treating nearly 3,500 patients, expanding access to emergency care in rapidly-growing South Sarasota County.
Local restaurateur and military veteran Darel Albin credits that access with saving his life.
While driving through the Wellen Park residential area, Albin experienced chest tightness and shallow breathing. Having survived two previous heart attacks, he recognized the warning signs and went to HCA Florida Wellen ParkSM Emergency.
“I’m having a heart attack,” he told the care team.
He was quickly evaluated and transferred to HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, where he received a stent. Within weeks, Albin was back on his feet — even walking up to seven miles a day during a three-week trip to Europe with his son.
“The care was remarkable, fast and efficient,” Albin said. “Know your body, and when something feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to get help.”
Albin is now preparing to open La Maison, a new restaurant in Downtown Wellen Park — a milestone he said was made possible by the care he received.
HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency, a $32 million facility at 7070 S. Tamiami Trail, opened March 2025 as part of HCA Florida Englewood Hospital. The nearly 11,000 square-foot emergency room operates 24/7, providing full emergency services, including laboratory testing, X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound.
In its first year, the facility received more than 550 EMS transports. It cared for more than 375 pediatric patients, along with 350 cardiac and stroke cases. Head injuries were among the most frequently treated conditions. On average, patients were seen by a provider in just five minutes from arrival.
“Our team is proud to care for this community with fast, high-quality emergency services,” said Kelly Lindsay, CEO. “Stories like Darel’s show why emergency care close to home matters. We’re able to treat serious conditions like heart attacks and quickly connect patients to additional care when needed.”
To mark the anniversary, the team will participate in Downtown Wellen Park’s Family Fun Day on April 11 from 4:00 to 9:00pm. The event will feature a fireworks display sponsored by HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency, along with education on recognizing stroke symptoms and how to “Stop the Bleed” in an emergency.
Learn more about when to visit an emergency room and how to recognize life-threatening symptoms at HCA Florida Healthcare's website.