Panama City, Fla.-based Bay Medical Sacred Heart will resume limited inpatient care on Jan. 2, according to a news release obtained by the Panama City News Herald.
Bay Medical sustained wind and water damage from Hurricane Michael nearly three months ago, and only the hospital's emergency room remained open after the storm. Officials said the hospital will reopen in stages after Jan. 1, at one-fourth of its previous 323-bed size.
The first phase of the reopening is 75 inpatient beds, including 15 intensive care beds and 60 medical-surgical beds, as well as eight operating rooms and five heart catheterization labs, according to the report.
Hospital officials said in the news release that physicians are back at their offices or have found new space.
"Bay Medical has served Bay County and the surrounding area for 70 years, and we're proud of the role we've played in the growth and health of our city and Bay County," Bay Medical CEO Scott Campbell stated.. "We hope our return will be a significant sign of the renewal taking place across this region. We look forward to continuing to grow far into the future."
The hospital expects to lay off 635 staff members early this year when it reopens. All laid-off employees will be paid through Feb. 4, and benefits will continue through Feb. 28.
Alyssa Rege contributed to this report.