ST. AUGUSTINE, FL – DECEMBER 12, 2008 – Flagler Hospital announced today that the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) has approved its certificate of need application to establish a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at its facility located in St. Augustine, Florida.   A level II nursery provides advanced monitoring and clinical services for premature and ill infants requiring specialized care.  The facility will feature advanced technology, board-certified neonatologists and specially trained staff who tend infants 24 hours a day.

“Our commitment is to offer best-in-class programs and services that meet the changing needs of our community,” commented Flagler Hospital CEO Joe Gordy. “The approval to move forward with the development of a Level II nursery here at Flagler Hospital allows us to enhance our maternity services program, and most importantly, keep special needs newborns right here - close to mom, home and family members.”

Flagler Hospital submitted its initial application in September 2008 after a thorough analysis of the community need.  Research indicated that there was a 75 mile gap between the two nearest approved and existing NICU facilities, as well as significant anticipated population growth for women of child-bearing age in Flagler Hospital’s service area, particularly in St.Johns and Flagler Counties.

The hospital anticipates phasing in the 7 bed unit, beginning in 2010.

About Flagler Hospital

Flagler Hospital is a 316-bed acute care hospital that is consistently recognized nationally for overall clinical excellence.  Flagler was named among U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Hospitals 2007” and was Northeast Florida’s first hospital to receive the ANCC Magnet hospital award.  Thomson Reuters also named Flagler Hospital among the nation’s Top 100 Performance Improvement Leaders for the past three consecutive years. Most recently, the hospital earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Care Centers, and Center of Excellence Designation for its Bariatric Surgery Center. For more information about Flagler Hospital, please visit us at www.flaglerhospital.org.

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Contact:

Gina McLean

904.819.4431

gina.mclean@flaglerhospital.org