by Monica Chamness
Staff Writer
As the new vice president of Baptist Health, Ronald Robinson has some lofty challenges.
“My goals are to make this a better organization and to plan, lead and build the new hospital,” said Robinson, who moved recently to Jacksonville from Oxford, Miss.
The new hospital Robinson mentioned is slated to be built at the corner of St. Augustine Road and I-95 in Mandarin. It will feature 92 beds, the latest medical technology and and emphasis on a patient-centered, healing environment.
“We’re looking at more greenery, a courtyard, more guest access to patients and more comfort,” he said.
Baptist Health officials chose the site because of population growth, transit needs and demographics.
“It’s a massive undertaking and a major commitment of funds to build a hospital,” said Robinson. “There is continued involvement from other hospitals in the design, but opportunities for appeals still exist.”
What Robinson means is that other hospitals can challenge Baptist about the need for a new facility. Hospital regulators require that an organization submit an in-depth certification of the need for a hospital to be built. If another entity objects to the proposal, the process is delayed.
“In this industry, supply creates its own demand,” explained Robinson. “[The rules] are to make sure there is not a hospital on every corner. We hope we won’t have an opponent and that the other hospitals will allow us to build it. I feel ultimately we could get approval.”
If the plan is approved, construction could start within six months.
In addition to the hospital project, Robinson will be responsible for cancer services, imaging, the Baptist Eye Institute, pharmacy, laboratory, adult pulmonary and rehabilitative services.
Excluding the construction of the new hospital, Robinson’s biggest task will be to evaluate the oncology service line “to provide services in the best manner.”
A certified health care executive, Robinson left his position as chief operating officer of Baptist Medical Center in Oxford to manage the Jacksonville team. Robinson also spent 11 years at Lexington Medical Center in Columbia, S.C.
Witt Keeper, a recruiting firm in Atlanta, conducted a nationwide search to find Robinson.
“They wanted to make sure I was the appropriate fit with the organization,” said Robinson. “I heard good things about their culture over the years. They have a strong team focus and a synergy you don’t always see in other organizations. It was an opportunity to be involved in the ground floor of a hospital.”
Plans for the new facility are still being modified. Planning documents and renditions of the facade have been sketched and floor plans are still being reviewed.
According to Robinson, a large number of current Baptist employees would be offered the opportunity to work at the new facility, but the total
number of jobs that would be created has yet to be tabulated.
“It’s exciting to me to help create something of great benefit in an area that is not currently being served,” said Robinson.