Myths vs. Facts
Let's separate fiction from reality about the proposed 24/7 Emergency Room.
Myth: It'll bring in crime and homeless individuals.
Some people believe this facility will attract vagrants and transient individuals to the neighborhood.
Fact:
The facility will have 24/7 security personnel, surveillance systems, and lighting. The Broward Sheriff's Homeless Outreach Office confirmed that FSERs are not destinations for Baker Act patients or homeless individuals.
Myth: It'll overwhelm traffic on US1.
Some people believe this facility will overwhelm traffic on Federal Highway.
Fact:
The FSER will generate 92% less traffic (247 daily trips) than a restaurant (3,044 daily trips) that could be built under current zoning, the building also has a smaller footprint and better drainage. In fact, part of the FSER's parking lot will be used as an overflow lot for nearby Chic-fil-a, so it will improve traffic in the area.
Myth: There's already a hospital nearby.
Some people believe this facility is unnecessary because there's already a hospital nearby.
Fact:
This is a new, community-focused way to receive healthcare services. Regular Hospital ERs have significantly longer wait times (131-166 minutes) compared to FSERs (5 minutes to see a physician). In emergencies, these time differences can be critical.
Myth: It's a hospital with all the associated impacts.
Some people believe this facility has all of the associated impacts of a regular hospital.
Fact:
This is a Freestanding ER with no inpatient beds or overnight stays. It provides emergency care only, without the traffic, noise, and scale of a full hospital.
Myth: It will be noisy with constant ambulances.
Some people believe this facility will be noisy with constant ambulances.
Fact:
These types of facilities are for "drive-in" injuries like allergic reactions, athletic fractures, senior falls, or minor cuts and burns from the kitchen. FSERs average less than one ambulance per day, and 97% of those are outgoing transport of stabilized patients, with NO lights or sirens. Data from existing HCA Florida FSERs shows averages of 0.8 ambulance trips daily.
Myth: It will decrease property values.
Some people believe this facility will decrease property values, fearing it might disrupt the neighborhood's appeal or character.
Fact:
It's a neighborhood amenity. Modern healthcare facilities typically increase nearby property values. The FSER will replace a long-vacant property with a state-of-the-art facility that provides essential services and enhances the area. Research shows that healthcare infrastructure, like emergency rooms, boosts local economies, raises property values, and attracts high paying jobs while improving access to critical care.
Help Spread the Facts
Share accurate information with your neighbors and help us bring better emergency care to Pompano Beach.