Baptist Health South Florida held a ribbon-cutting and unveiling ceremony for its new freestanding emergency room in Palmetto Bay on November 20, 2025. The Dr. Harry Richard Nateman Center, located at SW 144th St. and SW 87th Ave., will function as a department of Baptist Health Doctors Hospital and provide round-the-clock emergency care to the local community.
The event was attended by leaders from Baptist Health, community officials, and members of the Nateman family, whose philanthropic contribution helped make the facility possible. The emergency room is scheduled to open for patients in December 2025. The center covers 17,000 square feet and includes 17 exam rooms, a triage area, advanced imaging services such as CT scans, ultrasounds, x-rays, an on-site laboratory, and pharmacy.
Nancy Batista-Rodriguez, CEO of Baptist Outpatient Services, stated: “At Baptist Health, our goal is to bring exceptional care closer to where our patients live and work. 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.”
David Nateman, M.D., representing the Nateman family who supported the project through a significant donation said: “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.”
Alex Villoch, CEO of Baptist Health Foundation commented: “We are honored to recognize the generosity of the Nateman family, whose support helps power extraordinary healthcare. 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 added: “We are excited to extend the reach of Doctors Hospital and provide the compassionate, personalized care that Baptist Health is known for.”
Baptist Health South Florida operates twelve hospitals with over 29,000 employees across Miami-Dade County as well as Monroe County and other regions. It offers specialized institutes focused on cancer care among other medical fields.
More information about this new facility can be found at BaptistHealth.net/PalmettoBayER.
