Baptist Health Celebrates Ribbon-Cutting and Unveiling Ceremony for New Freestanding Emergency Room in Palmetto Bay
PALMETTO BAY, FL – November 20, 2025 – Baptist Health celebrated the ribbon-cutting and unveiling ceremony for its newest freestanding emergency room (ER) in Palmetto Bay today, a facility made possible through the generous support of the Nateman family. Located at the corner of SW 144th St. and SW 87th Ave., the Dr. Harry Richard Nateman Center will operate as a department of Baptist Health Doctors Hospital, providing 24/7 emergency care to the community.
The ceremony was led by Baptist Health leadership who gathered with community officials and members of the Nateman family to commemorate the occasion. The new facility is set to begin treating patients on December 10, 2025, significantly expanding access to critical medical services for residents in and around Palmetto Bay. The 17,000-square-foot ER will feature 17 exam rooms, a dedicated triage area, advanced imaging services—including CT scans, ultrasounds and x-rays—as well as an on-site laboratory and pharmacy.
“At Baptist Health, our goal is to bring exceptional care closer to where our patients live and work,” said Nancy Batista-Rodriguez, CEO of Baptist Outpatient Services. “This new emergency room will be a vital resource for the Palmetto Bay community, ensuring that families have immediate access to life-saving services when they need them most.”
The facility’s establishment was supported by a significant philanthropic gift from the Nateman family, recognized as valued partners of Baptist Health.
“Dr. Harry Richard Nateman, a pioneer in emergency medicine, dedicated his life to the success of Baptist Health. He would be deeply grateful for this exceptional facility, which will enhance emergency care delivery to the Palmetto Bay community and surrounding areas,” said David Nateman, M.D., member of the Nateman family.
“We are honored to recognize the generosity of the Nateman family, whose support helps power extraordinary healthcare,” said Alex Villoch, CEO of Baptist Health Foundation. “Their commitment as a valued donor and partner of Baptist Health is instrumental in our ability to expand our services and bring world-class healthcare to our communities.”
Lourdes Boue, CEO of Baptist Health Doctors Hospital, also shared her enthusiasm for the new facility. “We are excited to extend the reach of Doctors Hospital and provide the compassionate, personalized care that Baptist Health is known for.”
For more information, please visit BaptistHealth.net/PalmettoBayER.
About Baptist Health
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 29,000 employees, 4,500 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned institutes specializing in cancer care, brain and spine care, heart and vascular care and orthopedic care. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and The Baptist Health PineApp, a virtual health platform. Baptist Health South Florida is an academic and clinical affiliate of Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida by U.S. News and World Report. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
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