When you’re driving down Washington Street in Hollywood, it’s easy to get the different Memorial buildings mixed up. You’ve got the massive main campus on Johnson Street, and then you’ve got Memorial Regional Hospital South, which sits just a few blocks away. Honestly, if you’re looking for a giant, chaotic ER where helicopters are landing every twenty minutes, this isn't that place. That's the main campus.
But if you’re trying to figure out where to go for intensive rehab or certain specialized surgeries, you really need to understand what happens at the South location.
Memorial Regional Hospital South: More Than Just an Annex
Basically, Memorial Regional Hospital South Hollywood FL has carved out a very specific niche in the Broward County healthcare scene. It’s not just a "backup" hospital. It’s home to the Memorial Rehabilitation Institute, which is basically the gold standard for getting people back on their feet after a stroke, a spinal cord injury, or a nasty car wreck.
A lot of people don’t realize that while the main hospital handles the "save your life" part of trauma, the South campus handles the "get your life back" part.
The Rehabilitation Powerhouse
In 2024 and 2025, U.S. News & World Report actually ranked this place among the best in the nation for rehabilitation. That’s a big deal. They have 89 beds dedicated specifically to comprehensive medical rehab. We're talking about high-tech stuff like robotic-assisted walking frames and specialized gyms where therapists push you—sometimes harder than you want to be pushed—to regain mobility.
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They also have some pretty unique programs you don't find everywhere:
- Animal-Assisted Therapy: Yes, they have actual trained therapy dogs that help with emotional and physical healing.
- Adaptive Sports: They help athletes who have been injured find ways to play again.
- Driving Assessments: This is a huge one for seniors or people after a stroke. They actually test if you're safe to be back behind the wheel.
Surgery and the "Boutique" Hospital Feel
If you’ve ever stayed at a massive 800-bed hospital, you know it can feel like a factory. Memorial Regional Hospital South Hollywood FL is much smaller. It has about 324 licensed beds, though that number fluctuates based on how they’re using the units. Because it's smaller, the vibe is just... different.
They do a lot of "bread and butter" orthopedic surgeries here—hip replacements, knee reconstructions, and spine work. Because the rehab center is in the same building, the surgeons and the physical therapists actually talk to each other. That’s a luxury in modern medicine.
Wait, is there an ER?
Yes. People ask this all the time. There is a fully functioning Emergency Room at Memorial Regional Hospital South. It’s open 24/7. However, it’s important to know the hierarchy. If you have a life-threatening, "Level 1" trauma situation, the ambulance is likely taking you to the main Memorial Regional Hospital on Johnson Street.
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But for things like a broken bone, a high fever, or a deep cut that needs stitches, the ER at the South campus is often way less crowded.
The Logistics: Getting There and Staying There
The address is 3600 Washington Street, Hollywood, FL 33021.
Parking is usually a lot easier here than at the main campus, which is a relief if you're visiting someone daily. They have a parking garage and some surface lots. Inside, the facility has been renovated recently to feel less "institutional."
Honestly, the food in the cafeteria is actually decent for a hospital. They have a "Welcome Center" that helps out-of-town families find hotels or places of worship, which is a nice touch considering people travel from all over the Caribbean and Florida for their rehab services.
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Why Quality Scores Matter Here
In the latest 2025 and early 2026 data, the Memorial Healthcare System as a whole has been raking in awards. Specifically, they recently picked up several Press Ganey Human Experience Awards. What does that mean for you? It means the staff actually answers the call button.
Medicare data for the South campus often shows high marks for "cleanliness" and "doctor communication." They also have a 100% compliance rate with their bedside medication scanning system. That sounds like a boring stat until you realize it’s the thing that prevents a nurse from accidentally giving you the wrong pill at 3 AM.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that Memorial Regional Hospital South is the same thing as Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. It’s not. Joe DiMaggio is its own beast, mostly located next to the main campus on Johnson Street.
Another mistake? Thinking you can’t get "serious" surgery here. You can. They handle complex podiatry, ENT, and urology cases. They just don't do the high-intensity cardiac or neuro-trauma surgeries that require a Level 1 trauma designation.
Actionable Steps for Patients and Families
If you or a loved one are looking at a procedure or recovery in Hollywood, here is how you should handle this specific facility:
- Verify the Campus: Double-check your appointment. Many people show up at the Johnson Street campus when they’re supposed to be at the Washington Street (South) campus.
- Ask for Rehabilitation Pre-Admission: If you have an upcoming elective surgery (like a total knee replacement), ask your surgeon if you can be "pre-cleared" for the Rehabilitation Institute at the South campus. It’s easier to get a bed if you’re already in their system.
- Use the VA Navigator: If you are a Veteran, this hospital is very vet-friendly. They have a specific VA Navigator (954-844-7126) who helps coordinate care with the Veterans Affairs system so you don't get stuck with a massive bill.
- Check the ER Wait Times: Before you head out, check the Memorial Healthcare System website. They post live ER wait times for all their locations. Usually, South has a shorter wait than the main Regional ER.
- Request a Tour: If you're looking at long-term inpatient rehab, don't just take their word for it. You can usually schedule a quick walk-through of the rehab floor to see the equipment and the rooms for yourself.
The South campus isn't the biggest hospital in Florida, but for specific needs—especially recovery—it's arguably the most specialized tool in the box for Broward County residents.