Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County breaks ground on Level II NICU Expansion

Ascension St. Vincent's Clay County is expanding its Family Birth Place to include a Level II NICU for sick and premature infants.

The hospital hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the beginning of construction. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

"This expansion will complement the award-winning care that the Family Birth Place already provides to families in Clay County," said Bryan Walrath, president and CEO of St. Vincent's Clay County. "We are focused on ensuring every family has access to the services they need, without having to leave their community."

This heightened level of care will benefit Northeast Florida, enabling families to access advanced neonatal services in their own community. In 2023, 12% of births in Clay County were preterm-higher than both the Florida rate of 10.7% and the national average. Bringing specialized care closer to home matters.

The expansion will add approximately 5,000 square feet and eight Level II NICU beds in private rooms, allowing for caring for newborns from 30 weeks gestation and/or 1,250 grams (2.75 lb.) or greater birthweight who require close monitoring and require additional support, such as feeding, temperature and mild respiratory problems.

"We're committed to increasing access to high-quality services for mothers and babies throughout Northeast Florida," said Scott Kashman, Interim Market Lead for Ascension St. Vincent's. "This expansion will provide the next level of care that new and expecting families in Clay County deserve."

This project represents a vital step forward in meeting the region's growing needs while offering meaningful opportunities for philanthropic support to help shape the future of maternal and infant care in Northeast Florida. With this expansion, St. Vincent's Clay County will join St. Vincent's Southside, which has the health system's other Level II NICU.