Abrazo Surprise Hospital, the city’s first full service hospital, marks its second anniversary in October as it continues to provide medical care close to home for Surprise-area residents.

The neighborhood hospital, located at the southwest corner of West Bell Road and Loop 303, opened its doors Oct. 12, 2020. Its Emergency Department was immediately busy, and the hospital admitted its first inpatient later that day.

“The fact that patients arrived so quickly reinforced the need for hospital services in this part of the Valley,” Administrative Director Chrissy Salazar said.

Opening in the midst of the pandemic, Abrazo Surprise Hospital also provided additional inpatient care when rooms in other hospitals were in short supply.

Offering a 13-bed fully equipped Emergency Department and eight inpatient rooms, Abrazo Surprise Hospital provides care beyond what’s available at an urgent care or freestanding emergency center, Salazar said.

“We’ve heard wonderful things about the hospital, it’s very close by and we know that we can get taken care of very quickly,” said Sun City Fiesta resident Rosemary Mistretta, who accompanied her husband on a recent visit to the ER at Abrazo Surprise Hospital. “We’re very fortunate to have Abrazo here for us.”

Hospital staff said it was a challenge opening during the pandemic.

“Our team did a fantastic job opening up this hospital during the middle of the pandemic. I’d like to acknowledge the staff for the amazing impact they’ve made on this community,” said Stephen Garner, CEO of Abrazo Surprise Hospital and Abrazo Arrowhead Campus. “We’ve treated emergency patients, COVID patients, cardiac patients, and helped save lives.”

While maternity care is normally provided at sister hospital Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, emergency deliveries can happen and Abrazo Surprise Hospital staff is well-prepared. Salazar said a baby girl was delivered Abrazo Surprise during its first year of operation.

“Our hospital is helping meet the healthcare needs of Surprise-area residents as the city grows and demand continues for 24/7 emergency care,” Salazar said.

Garner noted the synergies between the Surprise and Arrowhead hospitals complement each other with a goal of seamless continuity of care.

“What sets our hospital apart is the capability of extending care beyond the ER to admitting patients to our inpatient unit for lower acuity medical conditions. If additional care is needed for a more complex condition, our sister hospital Abrazo Arrowhead can offer seamless transition for higher-acuity patients,” he said.

For information about Abrazo Health hospitals, visit AbrazoHealth.com.