Lower Keys Medical Center is Cornerstone of the Lower Keys

3/31/2023

The skilled and compassionate hands of physicians, nurses and other team members of Lower Keys Medical Center support the health and well-being of patients who turn to the hospital for expert care. Beyond providing clinical care, the hospital is a cornerstone of our community and a major contributor to the economic health of the lower Keys as a major employer and tax-payer and through applying resources to expand and enhance the medical services available close to home. The overall impact is significant and totaled more than $123 million in 2022.

Care was provided at more than 135,000 patient encounters, including more than 23,800 emergency department visits, more than 3,600 inpatient admissions and more than 3,100 surgeries. More than 104,000 patients received care across the Keys Medical Group physician clinics, women’s imaging center, rehabilitation therapy and other outpatient locations. Joy was delivered to local families with the birth of more than 500 babies.

“We help people get well and live healthier by providing quality care for patients,” said David Clay, chief executive officer for Lower Keys Medical Center. “Our community is truly fortunate to have this dedicated team of clinicians and caregivers here in Key West and the lower Keys who are making a real difference each and every day.”

Lower Keys Medical Center applies its resources to medical services, facilities and technologies that are important to patients. Access has been enhanced with the addition of a new primary care provider and a certified nurse midwife. Capital improvements totaling more than $3 million were made, including upgrades to surgical equipment, expansion of special procedures space and infrastructure improvements.

Lower Keys Medical Center also gives back to the broader Keys region by providing more than $58 million in charity and uncompensated care for the community’s most vulnerable. And the payment of $6.8 million in property and sales taxes helps support civic resources and services.

Support for local charitable and community organizations such as the recipients of our 2022 Doctors’ Day donations, Wesley House Family Services, Samuel’s House and Florida Keys Children’s Shelter, includes financial donations and outreach.

The hospital’s payroll of more than $53 million ripples across the local economy as employees buy goods and services. Last year the hospital added enhanced benefits to help team members achieve their personal and professional goals, including assistance with student loan repayments, reimbursement of licensure and certification expenses, as well as tuition reimbursement.

CEO Clay continued, “The vital care we provide is only one part of the broad impact we have. We are a cornerstone of this community and we are committed to doing all we can to provide excellent healthcare services and to making the Keys a healthier, better community for all.”

In partnership with The College of the Florida Keys, we are helping nursing students begin their careers and a new scholarship fund will help local high school students find their passion in healthcare.

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