In this episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, Dr. George Drake, OB/GYN Department Chair and Women’s Health Site Director at Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital, sat down to talk about the future of maternity care on the Treasure Coast. As Port St. Lucie and surrounding areas continue to experience rapid population growth, Cleveland Clinic is responding with expanded facilities, specialized staff, and infrastructure built to serve families from across the region.
From delivery room bonding to high-risk OB support and NICU expansion, this episode explores how the hospital in Tradition Port St. Lucie is scaling up to meet one of the most critical needs in healthcare.
A Response to Rapid Growth & Demand
Port St. Lucie is now the fourth fastest-growing city in the nation. For Dr. Drake and his team, this growth is more than a statistic; it’s a daily challenge that drives new hiring, infrastructure investment, and logistical planning.
Since arriving at Tradition four years ago, Dr. Drake has seen the expansion of Cleveland Clinic’s labor and delivery team from just a few providers to a robust, integrated group:
- 7 nurse midwives
- 5 ambulatory OB/GYN physicians
- 8 hospital-based OBs (hospitalists)
- 5 nurse practitioners and PAs
- 2 maternal fetal medicine specialists
They’ve also opened HealthPark Two, a new outpatient facility adjacent to the hospital, designed to support both routine and high-risk pregnancies.
Martin North Transition & Regional Consolidation
The conversation touched on Cleveland Clinic’s shift away from labor and delivery at Martin North Hospital, consolidating those services at Tradition. According to Dr. Drake, this means more consistent care, expanded access, and the opportunity to deliver in a facility purpose-built for modern maternity.
Dr. Drake emphasized that while the transition is still relatively recent, the system has adapted well. Even with increased volume, the focus remains on maintaining smooth operations and compassionate care.
NICU Expansion and What Level III Would Mean
Currently, Tradition Hospital operates a Level II NICU in partnership with Nemours. It can support infants born at or after 32 weeks or weighing at least 1500 grams.
But the next big step is a Level III NICU, which would allow the hospital to:
- Care for smaller, more premature babies
- Keep more high-risk cases local
- Reduce the need for transfers to Orlando or Miami
Dr. Drake was clear that this transition requires significant planning and coordination. From neonatologists and anesthesiologists to pediatric surgeons and NICU nurses, it takes a full team to support this level of care safely. But the long-term goal is to make Tradition a regional referral site for maternal-fetal medicine and neonatal care. This is what will make living in Port St. Lucie an attractive and more rewarding prospect for residents and transplants alike.
Recognized for Outstanding Care
Cleveland Clinic has earned myriad national and state-level recognition for its performance. Dr. Drake shared several recent achievements:
- Maternity Care, U.S. News & World Report
- Equity in Maternal Outcomes Award, for excellence in outcomes among African-American parents
- Baby-Friendly Hospital Certification, supporting breastfeeding and in-room newborn bonding
- Primary C-Section Rate of 12.2%, nearly half the national benchmark of 23.5%
- Recognition from the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative for postpartum care and maternal hypertension protocols
These awards reflect more than just numbers, they’re a product of systems built around listening, respect, and high standards.
Compassion, Confidence, and Bonding in the Delivery Room
Beyond systems and staffing, Dr. Drake shared how the delivery room experience shapes the confidence and connection of new parents.
The hospital encourages:
- Skin-to-skin contact within the first hour of life
- Delayed cord clamping
- Rooming in with newborns to strengthen bonding
- Active participation from both parents, including feeding, bathing, and soothing
- Birth plan support, including non-epidural options and respect for patient preferences
This approach helps new parents feel seen, supported, and capable — even in high-stress moments.
“Everyone wants the same thing: a healthy mom and a healthy baby,” Dr. Drake said. “Listening and empathy help get us there.”
Serving the Entire Treasure Coast
Tradition Hospital isn’t just serving St. Lucie County. According to Dr. Drake, families are now coming from Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, and beyond. Transfers are increasing. The team regularly receives requests from expectant mothers looking to move their care mid-pregnancy to Cleveland Clinic.
This regional pull is why the hospital’s plans for expansion — especially the Level III NICU — are so important. Patients across the Treasure Coast need access to high-level care without the burden of traveling two or three hours during critical moments.
Building a Sustainable Future for Families
The conversation closed with reflections on what’s next.
Dr. Drake pointed to:
- Ongoing recruitment of OB/GYN physicians, midwives, and NICU staff
- Streamlined patient transfer processes
- Gradual, stepwise NICU expansion
- Continuing investment in maternal-fetal medicine and outpatient support
He also emphasized that none of this happens alone. Behind every delivery, every successful transfer, and every award is a team of nurses, specialists, administrators, and providers working to make sure no detail falls through the cracks.
Final Thoughts
Dr. George Drake’s appearance on The Current provides an inside look at how one hospital system is responding to rapid growth with strategy, empathy, and clinical excellence.
For families living on the Treasure Coast, and for those planning to raise children here, Cleveland Clinic’s continued investment in maternal care offers both confidence and peace of mind.
