Florida Hospital Association

Last week, FHA President and CEO Mary Mayhew spent time with the team at Calhoun Liberty Hospital, where she got a preview of the new facility, which is expected to be completed in April of next year. The new facility will broaden access to care for the individuals and families served by CLH. CLH is but one of many rural hospitals in Florida who have benefitted from the Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Grant, which has provided critical funding for rural hospitals to harden and update their facilities. In addition to a new building, CLH has leveraged grant funds to support the purchase of a brand new, state-of-the-art CT machine and mammogram machine for the benefit of the community. Our rural hospitals are important fixtures in their communities, not only providing inpatient hospital services but serving as the foundation for community-based health care and mental health services. We are grateful for the Florida legislature’s investments in supporting the Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Grant and for rural hospitals’ incredible commitment to care.   Emily Brown, RN, MSN, LSSGB

The Florida Nurse Workforce Projections report conducted in 2021 concluded that hospitals are expected to have a shortage of 59,100 nurses and 18,000 physicians by 2035.   While we’ve seen positive developments in retention, our efforts must continue. We are committed to addressing these looming shortages and securing a strong health care workforce for the future of Florida. Mary Mayhew

Florida hospitals are setting the standard for nursing retention rates.   In 2024, Florida hospitals have a nurse turnover rate of 17.6%, well below the national average of 18.4%! Mary Mayhew

We are honored to introduce our 2024-2025 Executive Committee! This dynamic group of leaders will play a key role in driving health care initiatives over the next year and shaping the future of our hospitals and health care systems here in the Sunshine State: Chair: Larry Antonucci, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Lee Health Chair-Elect/Vice Chair: Randy Haffner, Ph.D., president and CEO of AdventHealth Central Florida Treasurer: Danielle Drummond, president and CEO of Lakeland Regional Health-Florida Secretary: Matthew Love, president and CEO of Nicklaus Children's Health System Immediate Past Chair: Gino Santorio, president and CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center of Florida Mary Mayhew

In 2024, Florida hospitals have a nurse vacancy rate of 7.8%, while the national rate sits at 9.9%. This progress highlights the state’s continued efforts to improve workforce stability and retention. Mary Mayhew

Today is the start of #HealthCareQualityWeek!   Thank you to our healthcare heroes who work around the clock to enhance patient outcomes and deliver the quality care needed for Floridians to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Mary Mayhew

Hospitals have made incredible strides in filling nursing positions and retaining talent. Key investments and best practices that are strengthening Florida’s health care workforce include: ✅ $716 million through Live Healthy to enhance health care access and bolster Florida’s workforce. ✅ $30 million for the FRAME program to ensure Florida nurses can receive reimbursement assistance for their student loans. ✅ Over $350 million invested in LINE and PIPELINE programs for nurse training. ✅ $150 million for Hometown Heroes to help health care professionals purchase homes. ✅ Flexible employment models across Florida hospitals for health care workers. Mary Mayhew

October is #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth. Let this month serve as a reminder to prioritize your health by scheduling screenings and engaging in discussions about any concerns you have with your health care provider. Mary Mayhew

Florida hospitals have made notable progress in addressing health care workforce shortages from 2022 to 2024. Their efforts have led to encouraging outcomes, with the vacancy rate now at 7.8% and the turnover rate reduced to 17.6%.    Learn more about these trends in our latest infographic report on nursing vacancy and turnover rates: https://lnkd.in/eXjA9xj7  Mary Mayhew

Thank you Gino Santorio, president and CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center of Florida, for serving as FHA’s 2023-2024 Board Chair. His outstanding leadership strengthened FHA’s legislative advocacy efforts, leading to the passage of one of the most significant pieces of health care legislation in decades.     We also thank our Executive Committee for their contributions and commitment to addressing our state’s health care needs:      Chair-Elect/Vice Chair:  Larry Antonucci, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Lee Health Treasurer: Randy Haffner, Ph.D., president and CEO of AdventHealth Central Florida    Secretary: Danielle Drummond, president and CEO of Lakeland Regional Health-Florida   Immediate Past Chair: Bo Boulenger, president and CEO of Baptist Health South Florida Mary Mayhew