Tampa General Hospital Charts New Course for Hernando County Facilities

By Staff Writer — The Brooksville Signal

Brooksville, Florida — Leaders from Tampa General Hospital (TGH) delivered a sweeping update on the future of healthcare in Hernando County during a “State of the Hospital” presentation this week in downtown Brooksville, outlining major strides since acquiring two struggling local hospitals and pledging further investment in the community.

TGH President and CEO John Couris described the past year as a “turning point” for healthcare access in the region. “We’re not just focused on the numbers,” Couris said. “We’re building a sustainable, patient-centered healthcare system that Hernando County can rely on for decades.”

Big gains after takeover

Since taking over the hospitals, TGH reported a 45% increase in net revenue and a 28% jump in patient discharges, evidence that more residents are seeking care locally instead of traveling to Tampa or other cities. Officials said staffing has stabilized, recruitment has improved, and specialized services have returned to the county.

Among the most notable changes: the reopening of the Level II neonatal intensive care unit at TGH Spring Hill, a facility that had been shuttered before the acquisition. “Families in Hernando County shouldn’t have to drive 50 miles for specialized newborn care,” Couris said.

Strategic plan unveiled

Looking ahead, TGH unveiled a three-year roadmap built on four pillars:

Community investment: Expanding facilities, technology, and outreach programs. Physician relationships: Recruiting more doctors and strengthening ties with local providers. Technology and innovation: Upgrading equipment and digital health platforms. Culture: Prioritizing workforce development and employee retention.

TGH executives emphasized that these initiatives are designed not only to grow capacity but also to restore trust after years of financial and operational struggles under the hospitals’ previous management.

What it means for Hernando County

For Brooksville and Spring Hill residents, the message was clear: more services will be available closer to home. “Healthcare is local,” Couris said. “When people need care, they want it right here in their own community.”

Local leaders praised the update, calling it a sign that Hernando County is moving away from the uncertainty that plagued its healthcare system in recent years.