About WHASC

History of the Organization
Winter Haven Ambulatory Surgical Center was established in January 1998, in response to the growing ambulatory procedure needs of the community. Twelve area physicians, who saw an opportunity for the improvement of ambulatory services, organized the effort and committed to achieving this goal.
The Center received Medicare certification in February 1998 and performed 2,595 procedures the first year. As a multispecialty facility, it provides the services in three operating rooms, two endoscopy suites and thirteen recovery beds. The patient population extends from pediatrics through geriatrics and incorporates patients who can arrive as an ambulatory patient, undergo the planned procedure and return home (or to a location with a similar level of care) the same day. The staff is comprised of RNs, LPNs, Scrub Technicians, Central Processing Technicians, Aides/Orderlies and Clerical staff for administrative duties.

On October 14, 1999, the facility was surveyed by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC) and was awarded a three year certification, the highest level achievable through AAAHC.


Winter Haven Community
Winter Haven is located approximately forty miles south of Orlando, sixty miles east of Tampa. Central to Polk County, it boasts as the home of Cypress Gardens and spring training for the Cleveland Indians.

The population of Winter Haven is approximately 28,000, 55% of who range in age from 18 to 64. Industry is exemplified through the progressive business climate, which contributes to the area’s steady economic growth. State Farm Insurance recently consolidated their regional headquarters in Winter Haven; Sherwin Williams, Wal-Mart and Scotty’s all have large distribution centers in the area. Other sectors of the local economy include agriculture, cattle, light industry, health care, retirement and tourism.

The medical community of Winter Haven offers a vast range of medical services inclusive of surgical specialties, addictions counseling, massage and physical therapy, podiatry, reconstructive surgery, psychology and psychiatry, ophthalmology and dermatology. Polk County is home to a total of eight hospitals, 10 medical clinics, two blood banks, and nearly 800 physicians and dentists.