Orlando Health and Watson Clinic Combine Efforts to Improve Healthcare in Polk County and Beyond
Orlando Health and Watson Clinic are working together to expand access to high-quality medical care for the Polk County community. This collaboration brings together one of the highest-quality hospital systems in the Southeastern United States and one of the nation’s most respected physician-led practices to deliver seamless, patient-centered care across a full spectrum of healthcare services.
The collaboration will be actualized in June 2026 with the opening of the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital.
By combining our respective strengths, we are able to provide a level of care and service that expands both our capabilities while enhancing patient care.
About Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital
Opening in summer 2026, the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital will serve as a vital healthcare hub, offering:
- More than 300 inpatient beds and 69 emergency and observation room beds
- 11 operating rooms and four cardiac and interventional suites
- Dedicated ICU, labor and delivery services, including a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that will debut shortly after the hospital opens
This hospital represents one of Orlando Health’s largest investments in Polk County, ensuring long-term access to expert, compassionate care.
Learn More about Orlando Health Locations Serving Polk County
In addition to two emergency rooms serving residents of northeast Polk County, Orlando Health has also expanded access to primary and specialty care offerings with additional locations opened in late 2024 in Four Corners and Davenport.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is not a merger or acquisition. Orlando Health is collaborating with Watson Clinic to provide exceptional care to the residents of Lakeland, Polk County and neighboring areas. We will work together to improve access to well-coordinated care.
More than 900 Orlando Health team members live in and near Polk County. The new Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital will expand the available locations where Orlando Health team members can work and enables them to provide exceptional care in their own community.
- Will Watson Clinic physicians still see patients at Lakeland Regional Health?
The goal of Watson Clinic physicians is to provide care wherever their patients need care, and they will continue to have privileges at other area hospitals.
- Does this relationship impact costs?
This relationship does not affect patient costs and charges. Both organizations are committed to providing high-quality care at the lowest cost.
- Who will I pay?
You will continue to pay Orlando Health for services rendered at Orlando Health and Watson Clinic for services rendered at Watson Clinic.
- Whose patient portal will I use?
Both Orlando Health and Watson Clinic use MyChart as their patient portal. This will enable a seamless exchange of medical information for providers at both organizations. Patients may need to ensure their MyChart portal is set up for both organizations if they want to utilize its benefits.
- Who will have my medical records?
Medical records from your physician will stay with the physician. Medical records for your hospital stay will remain with the hospital.
- Will I have to use a Watson Clinic doctor?
The physician-patient relationship is sacred, and both Orlando Health and Watson Clinic recognize the importance of this relationship. If a patient is seeking a healthcare provider, Watson Clinic has more than 300 physicians and advanced practice providers in more than 40 specialties to meet patients’ needs.
- What if I want to deliver my baby at the hospital once it opens?
Prenatal care is paramount for the safety of both mother and baby. Expectant mothers can choose their Watson Clinic OB-GYN provider to begin prenatal care prior to delivery at the new Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital. Please follow this page to learn more as the opening of the new hospital draws near: OrlandoHealth.com/Watson.
Both Orlando Health and Watson Clinic are deeply rooted in the community and support various organizations. These relationships will continue to be an important part of each organization and will continue as agreed upon by each organization.
With the expanded services coming to the new state-of-the-art hospital, Orlando Health and Watson Clinic team members will have more options for growth and development. Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital expects to bring more than 1,500 new jobs to the community. We suggest continuing to check back in with our career sites at OrlandoHealth.com/Careers and WatsonClinic.com/Jobs as new positions will be posted as the opening date draws nearer.
Our teams are working diligently to build a variety of service lines that meet the needs of the community. Once we have established our service line offerings, we will be sure to share them.