A new era of healthcare has arrived for expectant families in Vero Beach. Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital has officially unveiled its newly renovated, state-of-the-art labor and delivery wing, marking a significant milestone in the community’s commitment to women’s health and the future of Indian River County.
Community leaders, hospital trustees, and medical staff gathered on December 15 to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of the facility, which has been designed to transform the childbirth experience from a clinical procedure into a comfortable, family-centered event.
A Sanctuary for New Beginnings
The renovated wing is a far cry from traditional hospital aesthetics. Designed to function less like a medical ward and more like a calming retreat, the space features soothing décor and modern amenities aimed at reducing anxiety for laboring mothers. The facility includes:
Mothers will now give birth in these specialized suites before transferring to the existing postpartum care ward, where newborns can remain by their side during recovery. According to hospital leadership, the focus on ambiance is strategic, not just cosmetic. Research suggests that a calming environment helps manage pain and anxiety, which can lead to fewer interventions such as induced labor or emergency C-sections.
A Community-Driven Initiative
The journey to this opening began seven years ago, sparked by a vision to ensure young families in Indian River County had access to top-tier maternity care. Longtime John’s Island residents and philanthropists Dace and King Stubbs kickstarted the project with a $1 million donation to the hospital foundation board.
King Stubbs, a physician who practiced within the hospital’s halls for 30 years, emphasized that the future of Vero Beach depends on growth and young families. While the project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitment never wavered. The Indian River County Hospital District conducted town halls to gauge public interest, confirming strong community support for financing and sustaining the program.
“We are totally committed to caring for women and children in this community. We are thankful to the Indian River Hospital District for ensuring we have a sustainable labor and delivery program with some of the best outcomes in the state of Florida.” – Dr. Richard Rothman, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital
Keeping Healthcare Local
One of the primary goals of the new wing is to reverse the trend of “out-migration” for maternity services. While approximately 850 babies are expected to be born in Vero Beach this year, roughly 300 local families currently travel to neighboring St. Lucie, Brevard, or Orange counties for childbirth.
Hospital officials believe the new facility, combined with Cleveland Clinic’s safety record, will encourage these families to stay close to home. Dr. George Fyffe, chair of obstetrics and gynecology, noted that the hospital is already the first choice for over 75 percent of local mothers, with a goal to reach 100 percent.
Safety and Statistics
Beyond the aesthetic upgrades, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital boasts impressive safety metrics that rival or exceed state averages.
While some nearby hospitals offer Level Two or Three NICUs, statistics show that the likelihood of a newborn requiring that level of care—and subsequent separation from the mother—is less than two percent.
With this significant investment in infrastructure and care, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital has solidified its position as a premier destination for childbirth on the Treasure Coast, ensuring that the community’s newest residents can take their first breaths right here in Vero Beach.
