By Wendy O. Dixon

Healthcare services are a vital part of any community. North Walton County has been
lacking in emergency medical services since March of 2022, when Healthmark Regional
Medical Center closed its emergency room for renovations, and never reopened. The
impact has been felt in the area, as some residents who need medical attention have more
than a 30-minute transport to get treated at a neighboring hospital. To fill the need for local
healthcare, two emergency service facilities are planning to open beginning in early 2024.

North Walton Healthcare Campus LLC has purchased acres on the south side of I-10 and
is set to open North Walton Doctors Hospital Jan. 1, 2024. Included in the medical services
to the community are emergency services, surgical procedures, advanced imaging and
comprehensive laboratory services. The ER, OR and ICU area have been completely
renovated, and the remainder of the hospital is undergoing improvements.

New CEO of North Walton Doctors Hospital Dr. Huy Nguyen says the investment in
technology, as well as a culture of treating patients and customers, will lead to high-quality
healthcare to DeFuniak Springs.

The hospital expects to add 300 jobs to the Walton County workforce over the next five
years with an average pay of greater than $30 per hour.

Adding to the healthcare services in the area, HCA Florida Healthcare purchased nine acres
in the city limits of DeFuniak Springs. The future site for a new emergency services facility will be at the northwest corner of I-10 and 331. CEO Todd Jackson with HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital in
Niceville says they are in the planning and developing phase. Details will be presented
before 2024.