Eight ways healthcare is evolving across Miami and Florida

Miami's healthcare landscape is rapidly changing, bringing both innovation and new concerns.

Hospital collaborations like the Nicklaus Children’s and Broward Health partnership will give kids better access to specialty care, while upgrades like Nicklaus's new surgical tower introduce advanced tools such as robotics and virtual reality.

The region is also seeing a wave of neighborhood expansions, with the University of Miami Health System and Baptist Health opening new outpatient centers in growth areas like Doral.

At the same time, warnings about patient safety have surfaced, like the elevator malfunctions at the Miami VA or threats to maternity care at Palmetto General Hospital. Rising parental stress is a growing issue, prompting resources from groups like The Children’s Trust, as families juggle access, affordability, and quality in a healthcare system facing worker shortages and infrastructure challenges.

Nurses train to use the equipment of the operating room in the new Kenneth C. Griffin surgical tower at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Miami, Fla. The operating rooms of the new building are 800 square feet and among the biggest in the country.

NO. 1: ‘HOSPITAL WITHIN A HOSPITAL.’ NICKLAUS CHILDREN’S OPENS NEW SURGERY HUB WITH SPECIAL TECH

Here’s what we know | Published November 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante

The Children’s Trust offers help to parents facing excessive stress.

NO. 2: U.S. SURGEON GENERAL ISSUES ADVISORY ON PARENTAL STRESS; CHILDREN’S TRUST CAN HELP

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says today’s parents have more to deal with than ever. | Published November 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Bevone Ritchie

Florida has experienced an outbreak of measles, including among children in Broward County.

NO. 3: NICKLAUS CHILDREN’S AND BROWARD HEALTH TEAM UP FOR CARE. WHAT IT MEANS FOR PATIENTS

The initiative will give Broward Health pediatric patients access to certain Nicklaus specialists. | Published November 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante

Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa is a stunning escape for wellness lovers.

NO. 4: THIS YEAR, RESET YOUR MIND AND BODY AT THESE SERENE FLORIDA WELLNESS DESTINATIONS

Dreaming of pure relaxation? Discover Florida’s top retreats for spa days, Turkish baths and serene escapes that will leave you glowing inside and out. | Published January 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Caraway-Carlton

The Miami VA Hospital By Miami Herald File

NO. 5: ‘LIKE PLAYING RUSSIAN ROULETTE.’ PLUNGING ELEVATORS SCARE, HURT PEOPLE AT MIAMI HOSPITAL

“A place of healing ... is not supposed to have death trap elevators.” | Published February 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante

Three employees leave Palmetto General Hospital through the emergency entrance on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, in Hialeah, Fla. By Sophia Bolivar

NO. 6: CAN THIS MATERNITY WARD BE SAVED? DOCTORS, NURSES SOUND ALARM AT A MIAMI-AREA HOSPITAL

"If the maternity unit closes, I have no idea where I will give birth.” | Published February 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Verónica Egui Brito Michelle Marchante

Recently installed air-conditioning units at 2840-2842 NW 10th Avenue in Miami, Florida. Federal housing doesn’t require air-conditioning, but Miami-Dade County is funding new A/C units for hundreds of public housing apartments. By Jose A. Iglesias

NO. 7: ON SWELTERING MIAMI SUMMER DAYS, IT CAN BE HOTTER INSIDE HOMES THAN OUT, STUDY FINDS

“Everyone in Miami has AC. The question is does it work and can you afford to use it?” | Published March 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Harris

An external view of the new UHealth Doral Medical Center during its grand opening event on Thursday, November 21, 2024. By Alexia Fodere

NO. 8: A GROWING MEDICAL HUB IS CHANGING HEALTHCARE IN MIAMI. WHAT’S DRIVING THE NEW PUSH?

“Every major system is expanding. The whole area is hot now.” | Published March 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.