February 27, 2026
Southeast Orthopedic Specialists Opens Cutting-Edge Ambulatory Surgery Center (STAASC) in St. Augustine
New center anchors 37,000-square-foot one-stop orthopedic and spine facility
St. Augustine, Fla. (Feb. 27, 2026) — After more than two years since breaking ground, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists (SOS), in partnership with Ascension St. Vincent’s, has officially opened a new ambulatory surgery center (STAASC) at 45 Groover Loop in St. Augustine, expanding access to advanced, patient-centered orthopedic care for the local community.
The ASC marks the final phase of a 37,000-square-foot construction project that also includes an expanded clinic, which opened more than a year ago, and a digital imaging center. The 18,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art ASC features four operating rooms and 17 pre-operative and PACU beds.
The ASC is staffed by board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians and surgeons, supported by a team of advanced practice providers. Together, they deliver comprehensive orthopedic and spine services in one centralized location, providing patients with access to the latest advancements in musculoskeletal (MSK) care. SOS providers manage the full continuum of care from initial evaluation and non-surgical treatment to surgery and recovery.
“We are honored to provide something to the residents in the local areas. It’s important for us to be able to deliver advanced orthopedic procedures in a setting designed entirely around the patient experience,” said Donnie Romine, CEO of SOS. “Through our partnership with Ascension St. Vincent’s, we’re able to combine clinical expertise with a shared commitment to safety, quality, and compassionate care for the St. Augustine community.”
The ASC is equipped with the latest orthopedic surgical technology and supports minimally invasive procedures designed to promote faster recovery, improved mobility, and better overall patient outcomes.
“This partnership with Southeast Orthopedic Specialists reflects our commitment to expanding access to high-quality care close to home,” said Scott Kashman, President & Chief Executive Officer, St. Vincent’s Riverside and Interim Market Lead, Ascension St. Vincent’s. “Together, we’re bringing advanced orthopedic services to St. Augustine in a way that puts patients first.”
SOS and Ascension St. Vincent’s will host two ribbon-cutting events to celebrate the opening. A morning ribbon-cutting and media tour will take place from 9 to 11 a.m., offering photo and video opportunities, guided tours of the facility, and interviews with SOS leadership, orthopedic surgeons, and staff. An evening ribbon-cutting from 5 to 7 p.m. will feature additional speakers from Ascension St. Vincent’s and SOS, along with community and healthcare partners.
Over the years, SOS has experienced significant growth across the Northeast Florida region. In 2019, SOS partnered with Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo), an Arizona-based organization with an extensive integrated care network. HOPCo’s proven services model and technology platform have supported sustainable collaborations with health systems, payors, and other musculoskeletal practices, enhancing patient care and reducing costs. The platform includes a clinical quality infrastructure, proprietary IT tools and analytics, digital patient engagement solutions, efficient facilities management programs, and established value-based care initiatives contributing to a more cohesive and effective healthcare delivery model.
Through this partnership and in response to continued population growth in St. Johns, Putnam, and Flagler counties, SOS remains committed to meeting the region’s increasing demand for premier orthopedic and spine services. The final completion of this construction project represents a significant step forward in fulfilling that commitment.
About Southeast Orthopedic Specialists
Established in 2001, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists has grown into the leader in musculoskeletal care. SOS was founded on the principle of providing high-quality, comprehensive care in the Northeast Florida region. The entire spectrum of musculoskeletal healthcare services is provided to patients including orthopedic surgery, spine care, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain management, chiropractic, and podiatry. Services including physical therapy, regenerative medicine, advanced imaging, durable medical equipment, and musculoskeletal urgent care are offered in multiple locations throughout the region. Physicians at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists are leading experts in their field with decades of experience, including the completion of multiple fellowships and groundbreaking research. Visit www.se-ortho.com to learn more.
About Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)
Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo) is the global leader in musculoskeletal (MSK) value-based care, outcomes management, and care transformation. HOPCo partners with physician practices, health systems, payors, and suppliers to implement clinically integrated models that improve quality, reduce variability, and lower the total cost of MSK care.
Through HOPCo Digital, its advanced technology and AI platform, HOPCo is building the most comprehensive solution for practices, ambulatory surgery centers, payors, suppliers, and health systems enabling integrated, data-driven, and patient-centered care. HOPCo’s global footprint includes partnerships worldwide, with teams on the ground supporting successful implementations in both emerging and mature healthcare systems and markets. Visit www.hopco.com to learn more.
About Ascension St. Vincent’s Ascension
Ascension St. Vincent’s, based in Jacksonville, Florida, operates four hospitals and more than 90 other sites of care and employs more than 5,300 associates. In fiscal year 2024, Ascension St. Vincent’s provided more than $202.2 million in community benefit and other care for vulnerable persons. Ascension St. Vincent’s is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. As one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the U.S., Ascension St. Vincent’s is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable.
- Technology in MSK Care: Advancing Precision at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists - March 16, 2026
- Southeast Orthopedic Specialists Celebrates Opening of St. Augustine Ambulatory Surgery Center (STAASC) - March 9, 2026
- Southeast Orthopedic Specialists Opens Cutting-Edge Ambulatory Surgery Center (STAASC) in St. Augustine - February 27, 2026
