Treasure Coast hospital labor and delivery demand has sharply increased over the past year, prompting significant changes at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital in Port St. Lucie. The hospital is expanding its facilities to address the surge in maternity care needs throughout the region, following the recent Florida Coast Medical Center in Port St. Lucie, which has contributed to the evolving healthcare landscape.
Labor and Delivery Demand Surges in Port St. Lucie
According to hospital officials, population growth along the Treasure Coast has led to a record number of births and requests for maternity services. Dr. Laura McCurdy, an OB-GYN at Women’s Health Specialists, said the increase is evident in daily patient inquiries for prenatal and delivery care.
“Almost on a daily basis, I get requests. Not just for people who are newly pregnant, but for people who are in their second trimester or third trimester,” Dr. McCurdy stated, according to WPTV’s reporting. She noted a significant influx of patients seeking care in recent months.
Closures Increase Pressure on Regional Maternity Services
The recent closure of the maternity unit at Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital has further strained available resources for childbirth in the area. Dr. McCurdy reported that after the closure, the Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital‘s maternity and specialty services saw a large increase in patients, contributing to capacity challenges across the region.
Healthcare leaders say the combination of rapid population growth and reduced hospital options has created a critical need for expanded labor and delivery services in St. Lucie County and surrounding areas.
HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Responds With Expansion
To meet the rising demand, HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital is finalizing construction on two new hospital floors. According to CEO Corey Lovelace, one floor will be fully dedicated to labor and delivery, including advanced neonatal care options.
“So the needs are definitely we see from a capacity perspective, just accommodating the number of deliveries and then also the acuity of services—even having the NICU,” Lovelace said, as reported by WPTV.
Significant Increase in Births Reported
The hospital reported a major spike in deliveries, with 140 births in August 2025 compared to just 26 births in August 2024. According to HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital, this nearly fivefold increase highlights the urgent need for expanded maternity care.
Expanded Facilities and NICU Services
The expansion will add 25 new labor and delivery beds, including 10 Level II NICU beds for infants requiring specialized care. Hospital officials stated that additional Level III NICU beds are planned to open soon after the initial expansion, following the trend of expanding healthcare access at Florida Coast Medical Center in Port St. Lucie.
- 25 new labor and delivery beds
- 10 Level II NICU beds
- Additional Level III NICU beds coming soon
- Two new hospital floors under construction
Regional Healthcare Leaders Support Expansion
Healthcare administrators and prenatal care providers have welcomed the hospital’s response. Samantha Suffich, CEO of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, described the expansion as “timely and proactive,” according to WPTV. She said it should help relieve pressure on the entire regional healthcare system.
Dr. McCurdy also emphasized that the added capacity will benefit both hospitals and prenatal care providers. “I do see the expansion providing relief for all of us prenatal providers as well as for all of us doing deliveries still. It allows for us to accommodate the extra volume,” she said.
Women’s Health Specialists Move Deliveries to St. Lucie Hospital
In response to the improved services and expanded NICU access, Women’s Health Specialists decided to relocate all deliveries to HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital as of August 2025. Dr. McCurdy explained that this change reduces the likelihood of needing to transfer patients in cases of premature birth, as the hospital can now provide a higher level of neonatal care onsite.
“It’s much less likely we’ll have to ever transfer our patients and our patients will have care even in those circumstances of prematurity,” Dr. McCurdy said, according to WPTV.
Timeline for New Labor and Delivery Facilities
According to hospital officials, the new labor and delivery floors at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital are expected to open in December 2025 or January 2026. The hospital reports that construction is on schedule, and additional NICU capacity will be added shortly after the initial opening.
Officials stated that the expansion is designed to meet both current and future maternity care needs for Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast region.
Frequently Asked Questions About Treasure Coast Hospital Labor and Delivery Demand
What is causing the rise in labor and delivery demand at Treasure Coast hospitals?
The main factors are rapid population growth in Port St. Lucie and the closure of the maternity unit at Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital. This has increased the number of patients seeking maternity care at other local hospitals, according to official sources.
How much has the number of births increased at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital?
According to hospital officials, births at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital rose from 26 in August 2024 to 140 in August 2025. This is nearly a fivefold increase in deliveries within one year.
Are there new labor and delivery facilities opening in Port St. Lucie?
Yes, HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital is opening two new floors, with one fully dedicated to labor and delivery services. The expansion will include new beds and advanced NICU care, according to hospital administrators.
Can you access Level II and Level III NICU care at St. Lucie Hospital?
According to hospital officials, the expansion includes 10 new Level II NICU beds, with additional Level III NICU beds planned to open soon. This will allow the hospital to care for premature and medically complex newborns in Port St. Lucie.
Where are most maternity services now provided in the Treasure Coast area?
After the closure of Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital’s maternity unit, most labor and delivery services are now provided at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital. The new expansion at St. Lucie Hospital is expected to further increase its capacity for local families.
Details in this article are based on official statements and preliminary reports from HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital and WPTV. Information may be updated as the situation develops.
Port St Lucie Talks
