Top 5 Hospitals Near 30A

If you're in the 30A area and need medical care, here are the top hospitals to consider. These facilities offer a mix of emergency services, specialized care, and proximity to key locations around 30A.

Key Highlights:

• Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast (Miramar Beach): Closest to 30A with 24/7 ER, NICU, maternity care, and high patient ratings.
• HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital (Fort Walton Beach): Only Level II Trauma Center nearby, with specialized services like open-heart surgery and stroke care.
• HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital (Niceville): Known for orthopedic care and private rooms, located 19 miles from 30A.
• North Okaloosa Medical Center (Crestview): Offers sleep studies, wound care, and cardiac services, but farther from 30A.
• Healthmark Regional Medical Center (DeFuniak Springs): Emergency room closed since 2022, but still provides specialty services like cardiovascular care and an ICU.

Quick Comparison Table:

When time is critical, Ascension Sacred Heart and HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin are your best bets for emergency care. If you're planning ahead for specialized services, use this guide to choose the right hospital for your needs.

1. Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast

Proximity to 30A

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast is a vital medical facility for both residents and visitors in the 30A area. Conveniently located at 7800 U.S. 98 in Miramar Beach, the hospital is just 1.4 miles from Sandestin and about 4.4 miles from Santa Rosa Beach. Its position along U.S. Highway 98 makes it easily accessible for those traveling from the 30A corridor.

Emergency Care Availability

This 76-bed hospital operates a round-the-clock emergency department that serves both adults and children. The pediatric emergency room is staffed with board-certified specialists and features child-friendly facilities, catering to both routine and more advanced care needs. For critical cases requiring specialized trauma care, patients can be quickly transported by helicopter to the Level I trauma center at Studer Family Children's Hospital in Pensacola. These emergency services are part of the hospital's broader commitment to comprehensive care.

Specialty Services Offered

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast offers a range of advanced medical services, including spine surgery, joint replacement, and robotic-assisted procedures. The Family Birth Place provides maternity care, including support for high-risk pregnancies, and has earned Level II Maternal Care Verification from The Joint Commission. It also houses the only Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Walton and Okaloosa counties - a 10-bed Level II unit designed for premature infants born up to two months early. Additional services include heart care, cancer treatments, breast imaging at the Women's Diagnostic Center, and rehabilitation programs for both adults and children.

Awards and Patient Care Ratings

The hospital has received several prestigious accolades, including a 5-star CMS Overall Rating and an "A" Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade. It has also earned national recognition for maternity and overall patient care from respected organizations such as U.S. News, Newsweek, Healthgrades, and Fortune/PINC AI.

2. HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital

Proximity to 30A

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital's main campus is located in Fort Walton Beach, roughly 20–25 miles west of Dune Allen Beach and about 40 miles from Inlet Beach. For those closer to 30A, there's a freestanding 24/7 ER at Highway 98 and Tequesta Drive, offering faster access to emergency care. This setup ensures residents and visitors along 30A have convenient options for urgent medical needs.

Emergency Care Availability

This 331-bed hospital is equipped with a 24/7 emergency room, a specialized Pediatric ER staffed by board-certified physicians, and the only Level II Trauma Center serving Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties. The trauma center is prepared to handle severe injuries like gunshot wounds, major burns, and motor vehicle accidents, with two dedicated trauma operating rooms and on-site CT scanners to provide immediate care.

Specialty Services Offered

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital stands out for its wide range of specialized services. It is the only facility in the area offering open-heart surgery, a hospital-based midwifery program, and an Advanced Primary Stroke Center. It also features a UAB-affiliated Cancer Care Center and the region's only acute care inpatient Rehabilitation Institute. Other advanced services include robotic-assisted surgeries and a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Awards and Patient Care Ratings

The hospital has earned numerous accolades, including an "A" Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for 2018 and 2019, several Healthgrades excellence awards, and recognition as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures for four consecutive years. Additionally, it received the prestigious Get With The Guidelines Gold Plus Target Stroke Award, reflecting its commitment to high-quality stroke care.

3. HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital

Proximity to 30A

HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital sits in Niceville, conveniently located at the intersection of Highway 85 North and College Boulevard. It's about 20 to 30 miles from the 30A area, making it an accessible option for residents of northern South Walton. Most destinations along 30A can be reached within 35–50 minutes via the Mid-Bay Bridge or Highway 331. This prime location, combined with the hospital's 24/7 emergency services, ensures timely care for those in the area.

Emergency Care Availability

The hospital's emergency department is open 24/7, providing care for patients of all ages, including specialized pediatric services. It has earned recognition as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital by The Joint Commission, ensuring rapid stroke assessment and treatment. Equipped with advanced diagnostic tools like 16-slice CT scanners, EEG/EKG machines, and nuclear medicine, the emergency department is prepared to handle critical situations. Additionally, the hospital features a 24/7 Critical Care Unit for intensive medical care, ensuring patients receive prompt and compassionate attention in emergencies.

Specialty Services Offered

Beyond emergency care, HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital provides a range of specialized services. It offers 24/7 heart attack care with advanced cardiac monitoring, ensuring patients receive immediate attention when it matters most. The facility is designed with 100% private rooms, which helps lower infection risks and supports quicker recovery times [23, 24]. The hospital also partners with the VA Community Care Network to support veterans, offering case management, outpatient services, and access to a free Consult-A-Nurse line at 844-706-8773. Impressively, the hospital employs 40 local veterans, further strengthening its commitment to the community.

Awards and Patient Care Ratings

HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital has been recognized for its excellence in stroke care by The Joint Commission as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital. Healthgrades has also honored the hospital for its dedication to patient safety, while the American Heart Association has presented awards for its outstanding healthcare services. Additionally, the hospital’s parent company, HCA Healthcare, has been named one of the best employers for veterans by Military Times, highlighting its commitment to supporting those who have served.

4. North Okaloosa Medical Center

Proximity to 30A

Located at 151 East Redstone Avenue in Crestview, Florida, North Okaloosa Medical Center is about 32 miles from Santa Rosa Beach. Its convenient location adds to its appeal for residents and visitors seeking comprehensive medical care.

Emergency Care Availability

The hospital provides round-the-clock emergency services, supported by a skilled team of professionals. With 110 beds, this acute care facility employs over 600 staff members dedicated to both emergency and inpatient care. For patients needing close observation and treatment, the hospital also features an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Specialty Services Offered

Beyond emergency care, North Okaloosa Medical Center delivers a variety of specialized medical services. These include advanced imaging technologies such as CT, MRI, PET scans, and digital mammography. Additionally, the hospital offers interventional cardiology through its Cath Lab with PCI, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and a sleep center. Other services include wound care, orthopedic and sports medicine, labor and delivery with a nursery, an ambulatory surgery center, and a GI/Endoscopy Lab.

Awards and Patient Care Ratings

North Okaloosa Medical Center has received the Patient Safety Excellence Award™ from Healthgrades, recognizing its strong commitment to safety standards. It is accredited by The Joint Commission and holds Mammography accreditation. In November 2025, an Emergency Department nurse gave the hospital a perfect 5.0/5 rating. Staff members often praise the supportive and kind workplace environment, although some have mentioned that certain medical equipment and software could use updates.

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5. Healthmark Regional Medical Center

Proximity to 30A

Healthmark Regional Medical Center, located at 4413 US Highway 331 S in DeFuniak Springs, sits about 21 miles from Santa Rosa Beach. Accessing the facility is straightforward via northbound US Highway 331, making it a convenient option for residents in northern Walton County and nearby inland areas.

Emergency Care Availability

The hospital's emergency care capabilities have faced significant challenges. Its emergency room has been closed since March 18, 2022, initially for short-term renovations, but it has yet to reopen. This closure has placed a heavy burden on local healthcare services. For example, ambulance transports out of the DeFuniak Springs service area increased by 81%, and turnaround times for ambulances jumped from 30 minutes to nearly two hours. Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson has emphasized the critical need for an emergency room in north Walton County. In the meantime, patients requiring emergency care are redirected to facilities like North Okaloosa Medical Center in Crestview, HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital in Niceville, or HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. These challenges highlight the strain on emergency services in the area.

Specialty Services Offered

Despite its struggles with emergency care, Healthmark Regional Medical Center provides a variety of specialty services. The 50-bed facility employs 22 physicians across 14 specialties, including cardiovascular care, oncology and hematology, nephrology, vascular surgery, mental health counseling, and diagnostic radiology. The hospital also features a six-bed Intensive Care Unit and offers a "Swing Bed" program to help patients transition smoothly from acute care to post-acute recovery. However, it does not offer OB/GYN or birthing services.

Awards and Patient Care Ratings

Patient reviews and ratings for the hospital paint a mixed picture. On MedicalRecords.com, the facility has a 2.1/5 rating based on 54 reviews, with common complaints focusing on long wait times and cleanliness issues. On WebMD, the hospital has no patient reviews and holds a 0/5-star rating, with 0% of patients recommending the facility. Additionally, Medicare payments to the hospital were suspended in May 2022 due to a failure to submit required federal reports. Local officials have also noted that the building's outdated design and age have discouraged other healthcare providers from stepping in to manage the facility.

The HONEST Truth About 30A Healthcare

Hospital Comparison Table

The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of hospitals based on their distance from Santa Rosa Beach, emergency services, specialty care offerings, and patient ratings.

For more detailed information about each hospital's services and patient feedback, refer to the individual hospital profiles linked above.

Conclusion

Looking at the detailed profiles above, it's clear that residents and visitors near 30A have access to excellent healthcare options, whether for emergencies or specialized treatments.

For critical situations, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital stands out as the region's only Level II Trauma Center, complete with a dedicated Pediatric ER. If you're seeking maternity care, Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach offers comprehensive services through its Family Birth Place.

When it comes to orthopedic care, HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital shines with its Certified Orthopedic Joint Replacement Program and all-private recovery rooms. It's also recognized as a Top Quality Performer, ranking in the top 18% of hospitals nationwide.

For emergencies, always keep the closest 24/7 ER information readily available. You might also want to explore digital tools like the MyHealthONE app, which makes it easier to manage health records and book appointments at HCA Florida facilities.

Finally, use the table above to quickly compare distances, emergency services, and patient ratings. This can help you make informed decisions based on your medical needs and location.

FAQs

Where can I find the best emergency care near 30A?

For reliable emergency care near the 30A area, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital stands out as a trusted option. This acute-care hospital operates a 24/7 emergency department staffed by board-certified physicians, along with a dedicated pediatric ER to ensure comprehensive care for patients of all ages.

With a reputation for delivering prompt and dependable medical services, this facility has become a go-to choice for both residents and visitors in the 30A community.

What is the best hospital for maternity care near 30A?

Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach stands out as a premier destination for maternity care near 30A. Their Family Birth Place provides a full spectrum of OB-GYN services, cutting-edge maternal-fetal medicine, and a Level II NICU for newborns needing specialized care. Expectant mothers can enjoy access to a wide range of labor and delivery services, all within a modern and comfortable facility designed to meet their needs.

Are there any hospitals near 30A without open emergency rooms?

All hospitals near the 30A area have fully operational emergency rooms. Facilities such as HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, which features a main ER, a pediatric ER, and two freestanding ERs, along with Ascension Sacred Heart's 24-hour emergency care locations, are open and ready to handle emergencies. There are no reports of any emergency rooms being closed in the area.

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