In the wake of the Pulse nightclub shooting in June 2016, officials of Orlando (Fla.) Regional Medical Center, which treated victims, saw the need to expand their trauma unit.
"Pulse was the tragedy that brought all of us together to understand the value of having a trauma center, but especially so close to where the shooting happened," John Bozard, president of the Orlando Health Foundation, told WFTV9 News. "But you know, every day, every day we have an average of 200 patients a day coming into our trauma center. So it's not just a one-time occurrence."
The patient bays and equipment hasn't been upgraded since the 1990s, according to the report. Currently, there are six bays in the trauma area.
The $10 million project will more than double the size of the existing space, which currently encompasses 1,250 square feet. The hospital expects to fund the construction through private donations, but it also plans to offer local government entities the opportunity to support the expansion.