Greater St. Petersburg, FL: A Hospital Guide

The greater St. Petersburg, Florida area, nestled along the Gulf Coast in Pinellas County, is home to a robust network of hospitals offering a wide range of medical services.

Whether you’re a traveling CT or MRI Tech, RN or a visitor seeking care, understanding the options and services available can help you make informed decisions.

This article provides an in-depth look at the key hospitals and healthcare facilities in the Saint Pete Region, detailing their number of beds, trauma levels, services offered, surgical specialties, medical imaging modalities, and other pertinent information as of April 3, 2025.

1. Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital

Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital is a tertiary care center with a long-standing history of over 100 years. It provides comprehensive medical and surgical care, including emergency services (adult and pediatric via freestanding ERs), trauma care, neuroscience, cardiology, obstetrics, and acute rehabilitation.

The hospital is home to Bayflite, a prominent air medical helicopter transport program that serves West Central Florida, transporting over 2,600 patients annually. It also features a 38-bed neurosciences unit and a Level IV Epilepsy Center.

Services Offered:

  • Medical Imaging Modalities: Accredited by the American College of Radiology, Bayfront provides advanced digital imaging, including X-ray, CT scanning, ultrasound, MRI, and fluoroscopy. These support both inpatient and outpatient diagnostics, with same-day appointments available for most tests.
  • Surgical Specialties: The hospital offers a broad surgical program, ranging from routine general surgeries to complex procedures like coronary artery bypass graft surgery, heart valve repair/replacement, and aneurysm repair. It also specializes in orthopedic trauma care and minimally invasive robotic surgery.
  • Additional Notes: As a teaching hospital, it supports graduate physician programs in family practice, obstetrics-gynecology, and sports medicine. It’s accredited as a Comprehensive Stroke Center and a Chest Pain Center, making it a go-to for critical care needs.
  • Location: 701 6th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
  • Number of Beds: 480
  • Trauma Level: Level II Adult Trauma Center (Pinellas County’s only trauma center)

2. HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital

HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital, formerly known as St. Petersburg General Hospital, is a Joint Commission-accredited, full-service acute care facility within the HCA Florida Healthcare network.

With a legacy of community-focused care, it provides 24/7 emergency services, comprehensive medical and surgical care, women’s health (including labor and delivery, postpartum care, and a nursery), orthopedic services, cardiovascular care, and senior care. The hospital emphasizes accessibility and compassionate treatment, serving as a vital healthcare hub in northwest St. Petersburg.

Services Offered:

  • Surgical Specialties: The hospital excels in robotic surgery, earning a designation as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation and recognition as a GYN Robotic Surgery Training Epicenter. It offers a wide range of procedures, including general surgery, gynecologic surgeries (with five-star ratings from Healthgrades for C-sections, vaginal deliveries, and gynecologic procedures), and orthopedic surgeries through its Orthopedic Center, such as joint replacement and spine surgery. Treatments for pelvic pain and incontinence are also available.
  • Medical Imaging Modalities: The hospital’s advanced imaging center features a Breast Center with 3D digital mammography and computer-aided detection, alongside DEXA scans (for body composition analysis), ultrasound, mammograms (screening and diagnostic), nuclear medicine, CT scans, and interventional radiology procedures guided by X-ray, fluoroscopy, or MRI. These services support both diagnostic and therapeutic needs with same-day scheduling options.
  • Additional Notes: HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital holds multiple accolades, including the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission, Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care, and status as an Accredited Cancer Center. It’s also recognized as a Top Performer on the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equity Index, reflecting its commitment to inclusive care. Online registration for mammograms and surgical procedures enhances patient convenience, while visitor policies remain adaptable to public health conditions, such as revised hours during past surges like COVID-19.
  • Location: 6500 38th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
  • Number of Beds: 215
  • Trauma Level: Not a designated trauma center

3. HCA Florida Northside Hospital

HCA Florida Northside Hospital, established in 1976 as a 225-bed facility under the original name Northside Medical Center, has grown into a cornerstone of St. Petersburg’s healthcare landscape. Initially built to serve the growing Pinellas County population, it joined the HCA network in the 1980s, expanding its capacity and services over decades to meet community needs. Today, it offers a full spectrum of care, including 24/7 emergency services, cardiology via the Tampa Bay Heart Institute, stroke care, orthopedic and spine services, and general surgery.

The hospital features specialized intensive care units, including a Cardiac ICU (CICU) within its acclaimed heart program, providing round-the-clock monitoring and advanced support for patients with severe heart conditions. Its stroke care is bolstered by a dedicated Neuro ICU, staffed by critical care specialists to manage complex neurological emergencies like strokes and traumatic brain injuries.

Services Offered:

  • Surgical Specialties: Specializes in structural heart care and general surgery, with high-performing ratings in four adult procedures/conditions per U.S. News & World Report.
  • Medical Imaging Modalities: Accredited by the American College of Radiology for CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, and ultrasound, with advanced tools like a 64-slice CT scanner for cardiac mapping and echocardiography supporting its cardiology and stroke programs.
  • Additional Notes: Northside HCA is recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center (DNV-GL and AHCA accredited) and has received the AHA’s Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus award. Online registration for services enhances accessibility.
  • Location: 6000 49th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33709
  • Number of Beds: 288
  • Trauma Level: Not a designated trauma center

4. St. Anthony’s Hospital

Founded in 1931 by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, St. Anthony’s Hospital began as a small 40-bed facility in a converted hotel, driven by a mission to serve the poor and sick during the Great Depression. It moved to its current location in 1968, expanding into a modern 393-bed private hospital within the BayCare Health System.

Over its 90+ year history, it has evolved from a community hospital to a provider of comprehensive care, including emergency services, medical and surgical care, and a 50-bed behavioral health inpatient unit. The hospital includes a robust ICU for critically ill patients, though it lacks specialized Cardiac or Neuro ICUs. Its general ICU supports a range of conditions, from post-surgical recovery to acute medical crises, with a focus on compassionate, faith-based care rooted in its Franciscan origins.

Services Offered:

  • Surgical Specialties: Offers a range of surgical procedures, though specific specialties are less highlighted compared to trauma-focused facilities. General surgery and orthopedic care are available.
  • Medical Imaging Modalities: Provides standard imaging like X-ray, CT, and ultrasound, supporting diagnostics across its service lines, though specific accreditations are not widely publicized.
  • Additional Notes: Known for its community trust and exceptional patient care, St. Anthony’s remains a reliable choice for routine and behavioral health needs, reflecting its historical commitment to holistic healing.
  • Location: 1200 7th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
  • Number of Beds: 393
  • Trauma Level: Not a designated trauma center

5. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

Founded in 1926 as the American Legion Hospital for Crippled Children, this institution was Florida’s first children’s hospital, initially focused on polio care with a 25-bed capacity. It relocated and rebranded as All Children’s Hospital in 1967, opening a new facility with expanded services on land donated by St. Petersburg.

Joining Johns Hopkins Medicine in 2011 and renamed Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in 2016, it has grown into a leading pediatric center with over 20 specialties. A major milestone came in 2010 with the opening of a 10-story, 240-bed hospital. Today, it offers emergency care, heart surgery, and bone marrow/stem cell transplants, with more than half its beds dedicated to intensive care.

The Cardiovascular ICU (CVICU) is a standout, providing advanced care for newborns to young adults with congenital heart defects or post-surgical needs, including ECMO and ventricular assist devices (VADs)—making it Florida’s first pediatric VAD center. While it lacks a dedicated Neuro ICU, its general pediatric ICU supports neurosurgery and critical neurological cases.

Services Offered:

  • Surgical Specialties: Features one of Florida’s busiest pediatric heart surgery programs (over 190 heart transplants performed), alongside general pediatric surgery and neurosurgery.
  • Medical Imaging Modalities: Offers pediatric-specific MRI, CT, and ultrasound, tailored to minimize radiation exposure for young patients.
  • Additional Notes: Ranked #1 Children’s Hospital in Florida by U.S. News & World Report (2023-2024), it admits about 7,000 patients annually. Its CVICU’s ECMO Center of Excellence designation by ELSO underscores its critical care prowess.
  • Location: 501 6th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
  • Number of Beds: Approximately 259 (varies by source)
  • Trauma Level: Not a designated trauma center, but supports pediatric emergencies

Key Considerations

Emergency and Trauma Care: For life-threatening emergencies, Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital is the only Level II Trauma Center in Pinellas County, equipped with Bayflite for rapid transport. Other hospitals offer robust 24/7 ERs for non-traumatic emergencies.

Specialized Care: HCA Florida St. Petersburg and St. Petersburg General excel in women’s health and robotic surgery, while Northside Hospital is a leader in stroke and cardiac care. Johns Hopkins All Children’s is the go-to for pediatric needs.

Accessibility: Most hospitals offer online scheduling for diagnostics and surgeries, and many are accredited by national bodies like The Joint Commission or the American College of Radiology, ensuring quality.

Imaging and Diagnostics: Advanced modalities like MRI, CT, and 3D mammography are widely available, with Bayfront and Northside offering particularly comprehensive options.

Conclusion

The greater St. Petersburg area boasts a diverse array of hospitals catering to various medical needs, from trauma and emergency care to specialized pediatric and surgical services. Orlando Health Bayfront stands out for trauma and tertiary care, while HCA Florida facilities and St. Petersburg General offer strong surgical and women’s health options. Northside Hospital shines in stroke and cardiac care, and St. Anthony’s provides a trusted community anchor. For families, Johns Hopkins All Children’s is unmatched in pediatric expertise. With this guide, patients can confidently navigate their healthcare options in this vibrant Gulf Coast region as of April 3, 2025. Always call 911 for emergencies and consult your physician for personalized advice.