By Kyle LoJacono
Staff Writer
LUTZ — The first new full-service hospital built in Hillsborough County in 30 years will have to wait another two weeks longer than planned.
The decision to postpone the opening of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North until Feb. 15 was made early in the day on Jan. 23, the same day the hospital opened its doors to the public for a “sneak-peak” into the hospitals services.
“We made the decision to push the opening date back to Feb. 15 to give the staff more time to train with all the equipment,” said Lisa Patterson, public relations manager. “Because of all the new and complex tools and facilities, we want to give the staff all the time they need to be ready for our first patients.”
No more information on the delay was available at press time.
The new facility, 4211 Van Dyke Road in Lutz, saw thousands of people attend the two-day “sneak-peak” event.
“It’s very exciting to see the public come out for the event,” said Jacqueline Farruggio, hospital spokeswoman. “The facility will truly bring quality healthcare closer to home for people in northwest Hillsborough and southern Pasco counties.”
For more information on St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, visit www.sjbhealth.org.
