Ascension’s 27,000-square-foot St. Johns expansion begins (Courtesy of the Jacksonville Business Journal) — By this time next year, Ascension St. Vincent’s will have comprehensive labor and delivery care open to families in St. Johns County.
The 27,000-square-foot expansion, which broke ground Thursday morning, will be a single-floor project at 205 Trinity Way to add a level two neonatal intensive care unit, among more additions.
“Families in St. Johns County deserve access to exceptional maternity care in their own community,” said Sean McAfee, interim president and CEO of Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns County. “This new Family Birth Place reflects our continued commitment to serving our fast-growing county with compassionate, personalized care rooted in our mission.” expand
The space, anticipated to open by summer 2027, will include 14 private delivery suites, four fully private rooms in the NICU and a dedicated family lounge.
Currently, Ascension operates a Southside Family Birth Place at 4201 Belfort Road and Clay County Family Birth Place 1670 St Vincents Way in Middleburg.
Both facilities have received many awards for their service, including being named to the list of U.S. News & World Report – Best Hospital for Maternity Care honorees.
U.S. News evaluates how well hospitals perform in childbirth using C-section rates, newborn severe complication rates, routine vaginal birth after cesarean delivery rates, episiotomy rates, best practices to support breast milk feeding, whether a hospital meets federal criteria for “birthing-friendly” practices, and whether a hospital tracked and reported disparities in outcomes. In 2026, 495 top hospitals for maternity care were recognized as High Performing.
“Ascension St. Vincent’s is 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 project will complement our Family Birth Places at our Southside and Clay County hospitals, providing comprehensive care that’s close to home for families throughout the region.”
Rendering courtesy of Ascension