Oh, Baby! Health First opens new labor and delivery unit at Viera Hospital

Soon-to-be mothers and members of the community got a first look at the new Birth Suites at Viera Hospital during the recent celebratory ribbon cutting. The Health First Hospital is located in Viera, one of the fastest-growing areas in the central coastal region of Florida. The brand new 16,700-square-foot labor and delivery unit ensures convenient access to state-of-the-art obstetrical and gynecological care for residents throughout Brevard County.

Designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) healthcare architects with patients and staff at top of mind, the Health First facility meticulously considers the needs of all end users. The birth suites include 14 suites for labor, delivery and post-care delivery, providing private space for each family in which the patient will be cared for during the entirety of their stay.

This means from the moment they arrive at the hospital until discharge the family will stay in one comfortable space where they can bond with their baby. The birth suites even include a special button that when pushed, plays a lullaby over the intercom system to celebrate each new birth. The new unit also houses two operating rooms for cesarean sections and a nursery.

“The new women’s center brings a state-of-the-art labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum suite to serve the young families in the fast-growing Viera community,” said Jack Monroe, GMC’s healthcare leader in Orlando. “This new facility provides more space for labor and delivery needs, space for families, as well as clinicians and equipment.”

The plan for the facility was birthed when Health First decided to move its labor and delivery services to Viera Hospital from Cape Canaveral Hospital. The approximately 20-mile move is for good reason – supporting immense growth – as the relocation offers care in an area where it is extremely in demand. In addition, Health First is currently constructing a new hospital and medical office complex in Merritt Island, approximately four miles east of the existing Cape Canaveral Hospital.

The Viera community is growing, with many moving to the family-friendly area. The community has experienced phenomenal growth of 58% from 2010 to 2022, with projected plans to double again by 2050 as noted by The Viera Company.

The project was an interior outfit on the fifth floor of the Health First Viera Hospital. GMC served as the project architect, with Gilbane as general contractor; BCER as mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer; and Cripe Architects + Engineers as the medical equipment consultant.