A History of Transforming for the Future

Baptist Health Care is celebrating its 70th anniversary in October, marking the treatment of the first patient admitted to Baptist Hospital on Oct. 17, 1951.

Over the past 70 years, Baptist has expanded the community’s access to health care with services provided at three hospitals, four medical parks, Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and an extensive network of primary care and specialty providers located in Northwest Florida. Throughout these many years, Baptist has pioneered countless innovative programs, services and technologies.

In 2023, a new era of modern health care will begin when the Baptist Health Care campus opens on Brent Lane. The new health campus represents the single largest investment in health care facilities, services and programs in Northwest Florida’s history. It will provide a central location for clinical care, programs and services via a new acute care hospital, multispecialty Bear Family Foundation Health Center and a behavioral medicine unit. Its parklike setting filled with heritage oaks, magnolia trees and other native landscaping will provide a calming backdrop for optimum healing and comfort. We are excited about the next chapter in our future.

The collection of photos in the gallery below is just a small representation of our many years of service to the community and the groundbreaking care we have provided. Such a walk down memory lane helps us remember our legacy, celebrate the incredible contributions made by those before us and look forward to the journey ahead. You can also view our timeline for more history about Baptist Health Care.