Look, if you’ve lived in South Florida for more than a week, you've probably driven past that massive medical complex on the corner of Johnson Street and North 35th Avenue. It’s huge. It’s intimidating. Honestly, for many locals, memorial hospital johnson street hollywood (officially known as Memorial Regional Hospital) is just that big building you try to avoid during rush hour. But if you’re actually looking for care, or trying to navigate the maze of buildings, the "official" website doesn't always tell you how it really works on the ground.
Memorial Regional isn't just a community hospital; it's the flagship of the entire Memorial Healthcare System. It opened its doors way back in 1953. Back then, Hollywood was basically a quiet beach town. Today, it’s one of the largest public hospitals in the country. It’s a Level I Trauma Center, which is a fancy way of saying they handle the stuff other hospitals can’t.
What People Get Wrong About the Johnson Street Campus
The first thing you need to know? It’s not just one hospital.
When people talk about the "hospital on Johnson Street," they’re often referring to a literal city of medicine. You’ve got the main Memorial Regional building at 3501 Johnson Street, but then right next door—basically attached—is Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
Then you have Memorial Regional Hospital South, which is actually a few blocks away on Washington Street. People get these mixed up all the time. If you have an appointment for rehab or certain orthopedic surgeries, check your GPS twice. You might be heading to the wrong street entirely.
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The Trauma Center Reality
Being a Level I Trauma Center is a big deal. It means they have surgeons, specialists, and high-tech equipment ready 24/7. Most people don't realize that Memorial Regional is one of only a few facilities in Florida with this designation. If there’s a major accident on I-95 or a serious medical emergency in Broward, this is where the helicopters are headed.
Navigating the 3501 Johnson Street Maze
Let's talk about the parking. It’s the number one complaint you'll hear. Honestly, it can be a nightmare if you don't have a plan.
- Valet is your friend. Especially at the main entrance or the Joe DiMaggio entrance. It usually costs a few bucks, but it beats circling the garage for 20 minutes when you’re already stressed.
- Garage B is generally for the Conference Center and certain outpatient visits.
- The Roundabout on North 35th Avenue is the main artery. It’s busy. Be patient.
Inside, the hospital is split into different wings and institutes. You’ve got the Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute, the Memorial Cancer Institute, and the Neuroscience Center. They aren't just departments; they’re basically specialized hospitals within the hospital.
Why the "Public" Status Matters
Memorial is a public healthcare system. That sounds like it might be "basic," but it’s actually the opposite. Because they are publicly funded and overseen by a Board of Commissioners, they reinvest a massive amount of money back into technology. They aren't just answering to shareholders; they’re answering to the taxpayers of the South Broward Hospital District.
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In 2025, Leapfrog Group—an independent watchdog—gave them high marks for safety, but like any massive institution, your experience depends heavily on which department you're in. The ER at Memorial Regional is world-class for trauma, but because it's so specialized, the wait times for non-emergencies can be... well, long. Kinda just the way it goes at a Level I center.
Specialized Care: Beyond the ER
If you’re going to memorial hospital johnson street hollywood for something planned, it’s likely one of their "Institutes."
The Cardiac and Vascular Institute is pretty famous in the region. They do everything from heart transplants to complex valve repairs. They’ve actually been recognized by the American Heart Association with "Gold Plus" awards for stroke care.
Then there’s the Family Birthplace. If you’re having a baby in Hollywood, this is likely where you’re going. They have a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). That’s the highest level of care possible for newborns. It's the kind of thing you hope you never need, but you’re really glad it’s there if you do.
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A Quick Reality Check on Reviews
If you look at online reviews, you’ll see a wild mix. One person says the nurses are literal angels; the next says they waited six hours in a hallway. Both can be true.
Large trauma hospitals are chaotic by nature. They prioritize based on who is dying the fastest. If you have a broken toe and a car accident victim comes in, you’re going to wait. That’s the "trauma center tax."
Actionable Tips for Patients and Visitors
If you actually have to go to the Johnson Street campus, do these things to make your life easier:
- Use the MyChart App: Memorial uses the MyChart system. Use it. You can see your test results, message your doctor, and even check in before you arrive. It saves a lot of paperwork in the waiting room.
- Verify the Building: Check if your doctor is in the Memorial Medical Office Centre at 1150 N. 35th Ave or the main hospital. They are close, but not the same.
- Bring a Jacket: It’s South Florida. It’s 90 degrees outside and 65 degrees inside. The hospital AC is legendary and unforgiving.
- Ask for a Patient Advocate: if you feel like you aren't being heard or the communication is breaking down, every floor has access to patient advocates. Their job is to bridge the gap between you and the medical staff.
- Park in the Visitors Garage: If you aren't doing valet, use the garage on the NW corner. They can usually validate your ticket if you’re there for specific procedures or meetings.
The Bottom Line on Memorial Regional
Memorial Hospital on Johnson Street is the backbone of healthcare in Hollywood. It’s a teaching hospital, a trauma center, and a specialized surgery hub all rolled into one. It’s not perfect—no hospital is—but in terms of sheer medical capability, it’s hard to beat in the tri-county area.
If you're heading there, give yourself an extra 30 minutes just for the logistics of parking and finding the right elevator. Your stress levels will thank you.
Your Next Steps:
- Check your appointment location: Confirm if you are at 3501 Johnson Street (Main) or 3600 Washington Street (South).
- Download the Memorial MyChart app and set up your profile before you arrive to expedite check-in.
- Review the hospital's visitor policy online before heading over, as hours can change based on current health protocols.