Baptist Jacksonville Enhances Maternity Care Services with Major Renovation Expansion

Baptist Jacksonville Expands Maternity Care with New Renovation Phase

Jacksonville, FL – Baptist Health has officially announced the beginning of the second phase of renovations to the Chartrand Frisch Family Birth and Newborn Center. This expansion aims to enhance facilities and resources for expectant mothers, especially those facing high-risk pregnancies. The construction work started this week and is expected to wrap up by September 2025.

Investment in High-Risk Maternity Care

The upcoming renovations will add 12 dedicated labor and delivery rooms, designed specifically to accommodate mothers requiring specialized care before delivery. This enhancement aims to prepare for the anticipated increase in high-risk obstetric cases, which is projected to rise by over 15% in the Jacksonville area between 2023 and 2033. This surge equates to more than 1,000 additional mothers needing advanced care during their pregnancies.

Community Growth and Hospital Commitment

Baptist Health CEO Michael Mayo stated, “As our community grows, so do we.” He emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing top-quality facilities and exceptional care for families navigating one of life’s significant milestones — bringing a child into the world. This holistic approach takes into account the joys and uncertainties involved in childbirth.

Recent Developments in the Facility

The first phase of the renovation was successfully completed in July 2024. It introduced four dedicated maternity exam rooms along with a specialized surgical pre- and post-operative recovery area. These enhancements have already begun to facilitate improved care for expectant mothers.

Projections and Future Services

Baptist Health anticipates an increase in obstetric inpatient care by nearly 6% in the coming years. This forecast highlights the pressing need for expanded maternity services within the growing Jacksonville area. Nicole Thomas, hospital president of Baptist Jacksonville, remarked, “For generations, Baptist Health has been the top choice of mothers to deliver their babies.” The hospital aims to connect mothers experiencing high-risk pregnancies with superior neonatal care offered by the Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Enhanced Connectivity with Pediatric Care

The expansion will create a direct link between maternity services and the specialized 87-bed neonatal unit within the Borowy Family Children’s Critical Care Tower at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. This strategic alignment is designed to ensure that seriously ill newborns receive immediate and comprehensive care, directly supporting mothers who need added reassurance during their pregnancies.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The ongoing expansion at the Baptist Jacksonville campus is a significant leap forward in addressing the maternity care needs of the community. With renovations underway and a clear vision for future services, Baptist Health is poised to meet the challenges of upcoming years while delivering enhanced healthcare solutions to expectant mothers and their families.