WJHG News Channel 7: A new partnership for maternity care

New Partnership Brings Round‑the‑Clock Maternity Care to Walton County

As Walton County races ahead as the fourth fastest-growing in Florida, births are climbing—and local healthcare is responding in kind. Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach, FL recently announced a new alliance with Ob Hospitalist Group, aiming to ensure 24/7 maternity coverage for expectant mothers across the Emerald Coast (https://www.wjhg.com).

The surge isn’t trivial: the hospital welcomed more than 1,400 babies last year and operates three bustling OB/GYN clinics in the region. CEO Trey Abshier emphasizes the critical nature of the expansion: “It’s an absolute necessity for this community to provide safe, timely, OB hospitalist care.”

Ob Hospitalist Group brings experienced hands like site director Dr. Deborah Edgeworth, delivering babies in northwest Florida since 1993. With a personal delivery count north of 2,000—and now even encompassing her own grandchild—Edgeworth highlights the importance of having reliable coverage: “It’s always nice to have back up…if [OBs] don’t get there in time for delivery, we can catch a baby for them.”

The partnership does more than bolster staffing—it offers peace of mind to local families and physicians alike. With population growth showing no signs of slowing, this collaboration sets a new standard for maternal health on the Emerald Coast.

Why it matters: In rapidly expanding communities, healthcare infrastructure must keep pace. Implementing around-the-clock OB hospitalists not only reduces risk during unpredictable deliveries but also supports existing OB/GYN providers by offering expert backup during emergencies.

Looking ahead: Ascension Sacred Heart plans to grow its OB/GYN footprint even further, recruiting more full-time obstetricians to serve Walton County’s bright—and growing—future.

For more details, you can watch the interview here.