HCA Florida Highlands Hospital

We had a great turnout this morning at our free physician lecture at the Highlands County Family YMCA! Dara Garces, a physician assistant for Dr. Robert Midence, who is affiliated with Highlands, presented on osteoporosis, a 'silent disease' that can be curbed with key lifestyle and nutritional changes. We appreciate those that joined us and look forward to our next lecture on Wednesday, November 6 at 9:15 a.m. If you have any questions regarding osteoporosis, please call our free Consult-A-Nurse number at 844-706-8773.

Our hearts are with everyone who has been impacted by Hurricane Helene, especially our colleagues in Western North Carolina. Your courage, dedication, and resilience during this challenging time inspire us all. We may be miles away, but we are standing with you. HCA Florida Healthcare stands in solidarity with our Mission Health colleagues. HCA Healthcare is donating $1 million to help with the needs in Western North Carolina. This donation includes $250,000 each to United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, as well as the American Red Cross of North Carolina. The remaining $500,000 will be allocated to other community partners directly involved in addressing hurricane-related issues. #WeHeartMission #WeShowUp #CareLikeFamily

This week, we celebrate the incredible contributions of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) who play a vital role in healthcare. From nurse practitioners to physician assistants, APPs bring expertise, compassion, and innovation to patient care every day. Join us in recognizing their dedication and commitment to improving health outcomes in our communities. Thank you, APPs, for making a difference in the lives of so many!

Patient safety is the bedrock of quality care, ensuring that every individual who walks through our doors receives the safest, most effective treatment possible. It means preventing errors, reducing harm, and continually improving our practices to protect those who trust us with their health. When we prioritize patient safety, we not only enhance the quality of care but also build trust and confidence in our healthcare system. This #WorldPatientSafetyDay we extend our gratitude to our colleagues and our patient safety director, Tom, for creating a safer, more reliable environment where everyone can thrive.

Our leaders at a great time engaging with County employees at the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners' annual health fair. We appreciate all they do for the betterment and safety of our community, and hope they continue to pursue a healthier lifestyle.

We are proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, a monthlong celebration from Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 honoring the historical legacy and contributions of the Hispanic community. As a part of HCA Healthcare, HCA Florida Highlands Hospital strives to foster an engaged and inclusive culture for our patients, colleagues and the communities we serve. Today and every day, we honor the experiences, stories and traditions interwoven in the rich tapestry of Hispanic culture and recognize the accomplishments that have shaped our nation and continue to move us forward. #PositiveImpact #HispanicHeritageMonth

On #WorldSepsisDay our Highlands team is sporting red and black to raise awareness about this medical emergency. Sepsis is the body's overwhelming response to an infection or injury. Symptoms may include an unusually high or low body temperature, signs of an infection, mental decline, including being confused, sleepy, and difficult to wake up, and extremely ill – whether it be severe pain, discomfort, or shortness of breath. Timing is everything! Every hour of delayed diagnosis increases the chance of death by 4-7%. Approximately 270,000 Americans die from sepsis each year. HCA Healthcare’s SPOT tool (Sepsis Prediction and Optimization of Therapy) was created by HCA Healthcare clinical and IT experts using data from millions of patient care episodes. It is an algorithm and alert system that monitors patients’ vitals and other data that signal impending sepsis. SPOT can alert nurses and doctors to the first signs of sepsis, hours before they would typically recognize the condition. We want to thank our outstanding quality team and sepsis coordinator, Joselyn, for their dedication to this important matter, and for their role in providing the highest level of care to our patients. If you have any questions on sepsis, call our free Consult-A-Nurse number at 844-70-NURSE (6-8773).

In recognition of Environmental Services Week, we are proud to celebrate the incredible environmental services (EVS) team members at HCA Florida Highlands Hospital and across our larger HCA Healthcare network for maintaining a safe and clean environment for patients, colleagues and visitors. Each day, these essential members of our care teams play an integral role in infection prevention, patient safety and overall care experiences. The hard work and dedication of our EVS team members have a positive impact on the high-quality care we deliver. Thank you, EVS professionals, for creating a welcoming space for everyone who walks through our doors. #PositiveImpact #EVSWeek

Today, and every day, we remember the lives we lost on Sept. 11, 2001, their families and the survivors who witnessed it all. Alongside our HCA Healthcare family, we pause to honor the brave actions of our first responders and everyday citizens who selflessly and courageously fought back. We remember, always. #NeverForget #PatriotDay

Last week, we kicked off our physician lecture series at the Highlands County Family YMCA! Dr. Collin Smith, an emergency medicine physician affiliated with Highlands, presented on signs of a stroke, highlighting the important acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. We appreciate those that joined us and look forward to our next lecture on Wednesday, October 2 at 9:15 a.m. If you have any questions regarding stroke, please call our free Consult-A-Nurse number at 844-706-8773.