The start date for construction of Braden Hospital in Ave Maria, Fla., has been pushed back. According to an article in the Naples Daily News, the project is now moving forward with plans for additional size and scope. Reporter Liz Freeman writes: “The project size has increased from the planned 68,000-square-foot building with 25 beds. An early project cost is $34.5 million. Current residents in Ave Maria and nearby Immokalee reportedly face long drives for hospital services and Braden is expected to ease that burden…Braden originally aimed to break ground in November 2019.”

The 25-bed hospital will involve a “micro” model “incorporating technology with a pared-down menu of services to address key medical issues that local residents will need.”