HCA Florida Kendall Hospital

12/08/2025

Venice resident Patrick Decker has always lived an active and purpose-filled life. He and his wife enjoy pickleball, traveling, and hiking, but over time, knee pain began to limit the activities that brought him joy. As a retired pilot who spent 40 years in the air, Patrick now volunteers his time flying missions to deliver much-needed supplies to Haiti. With so many people relying on him, he knew he couldn’t ignore the pain any longer.

Patrick turned to HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital, where orthopedic surgeon Tracey Ng, D.O., shared the latest advancements in knee replacement: robotic-assisted surgical technology. After attending a community health lecture and watching a demonstration, Patrick felt confident he had found the right path forward.

In late November, Dr. Ng performed Patrick’s knee replacement using the hospital’s newest orthopedic surgical robot. The system creates a personalized 3D model of the knee, allowing Dr. Ng to precisely remove damaged bone and cartilage and position the new implant with remarkable accuracy. Today, Patrick is recovering at home and finally looking ahead again—to returning to the active life he loves and to getting back in the air to serve communities in need.

HCA Florida Healthcare orthopedic specialists provide comprehensive care for everything from minor injuries to complex joint and spine conditions. We are proud to have hospitals ranked in the top 5% in the nation for overall orthopedic services and joint replacement, as well as hospitals recognized as Five-Star Recipients for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement by Healthgrades. Explore our services: https://bit.ly/44Ieqfm.

12/05/2025

🧠 A is a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain. It can rupture without warning, leading to a life-threatening stroke. Many aneurysms go undetected so it’s critical to be aware of the most common symptom as well as risk factors.

Across our broader HCA Healthcare network, caregivers treated more than 3,000 brain aneurysms last year. HCA Healthcare has 43 comprehensive stroke centers and cares for more than 70,000 patients admitted for stroke treatment annually.

If you’re concerned about your risk for an aneurysm, talk to your doctor. And if you have a sudden, severe headache, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Know where to find emergency care near you by clicking the link in our bio.

12/04/2025

Chest pain feels different for everyone – it can be a dull ache or a sudden, sharp stabbing sensation. Regardless of how it feels, it’s important to take chest pain seriously. If the discomfort sticks around, it could be a sign of a more serious, potentially life-threatening condition like a heart attack or a blood clot.

Last year across our broader HCA Healthcare network, our emergency rooms saw nearly 838,000 visits related to cardiac complaints. You know your body better than anyone. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. And if your chest pain is severe or accompanied by any of the symptoms shown here, seek emergency care immediately. Know where to find an emergency room near you: https://bit.ly/48yfd3t.

12/03/2025

12/03/2025

How do you do it? Wash your hands, that is. Do you sing Jingle Bells? Happy Birthday? Whatever's on your handwashing playlist, in honor of National Handwashing Awareness Week. We encourage you to help prevent the spread of infection and keep loved ones healthy with simple soap and water wash.

Here are some quick tips to keep in mind:
✨Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
✨Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water aren't available.
✨Remember to clean all parts of your hands, including between your fingers and under your nails.

Read more health tips to keep your family heathy this winter: https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/healthy-living/blog/protect-your-family-from-illness-with-healthy-hand-hygiene-this-winter.

Let's make hand hygiene a habit and protect our communities!

12/02/2025

Need expert advice for your little one’s health concerns? Our Consult-A-Nurse® service connects you with licensed nurses 24/7, so you can make confident decisions without second-guessing.

Talk to our nurses — free and confidential — for trusted guidance on:
- Allergic reactions
- Common illnesses
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Minor injuries
- Rashes
- Respiratory problems

Call HCA Florida Healthcare's Consult-A-Nurse® line at 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773) 24/7.

12/01/2025

While the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, it can take a toll on your . According to American Heart Association, more people have heart attacks between late December and early January than any other time of year. This may be due to stress, disrupted routines, indulgent meals and less time for rest and exercise. If you saw a loved one collapse from cardiac arrest, would you know how to respond?

In this video, representatives from our HCA Healthcare family and the American Heart Association demonstrate how to perform , which involves these simple steps:

📱 Call 911 immediately.
✋ Place your hands in the center of the chest and push hard and fast.

Through our collaboration with the American Heart Association, HCA Healthcare is enhancing heart health across the country by leading nationwide education initiatives that promote heart-healthy habits, CPR training and awareness of warning signs of heart issues.

Learn more about Hands-Only CPR from the American Heart Association: https://bit.ly/4oE4b32

12/01/2025

Last month, we recognized Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to elevate education, early detection, and lifesaving conversations around lung health.

This , we’re proud to highlight HCA Florida Kendall Hospital's Pulmonologist, Dr. Javier Gonzalez, who recently appeared in two health show segments to shine a light on critical lung cancer topics, including:

🫁 The lung cancer risks associated with va**ng and e-cigarettes.
🚭 The powerful health benefits of quitting smoking.
⚠️ Symptoms to watch for and early detection.

Dr. Gonzalez’s insights help our community stay informed and empowered to take charge of their lung health.

Watch the segments here:
NBC6 Your Health - https://bit.ly/3KqniiH
Telemundo 51 Conectados con Daisy - https://bit.ly/3KqnhLF

Find which health screenings are recommended for you: https://bit.ly/4pcBxHf

11/28/2025

Driven by our shared promise to improve more lives in more ways, HCA Healthcare ’s commitment to care extends beyond the walls of our facilities as we work to build stronger, more resilient communities where we live and serve.

Our colleagues and the work they do to lead and serve in the community amplify our mission to care for and improve human life. In 2024, HCA Healthcare colleagues volunteered 240,000 hours and more than 8,500 charities were supported through donations and volunteering.

Learn more about how we make a positive impact in the communities we serve at https://bit.ly/4p7Nmyc.

11/28/2025

On this we highlight David's inspiring comeback. Last year, David Aguero faced a serious heart and blood vessel emergency. A tear in his main artery, the aorta, putting his life at risk. Although the first tear was treated, another section of his aorta continued to weaken and grow, creating a dangerous bulge that could have ruptured.

Thanks to Dr. Brandon Diaz, Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, David received a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure that repaired the damaged area while keeping blood flowing safely to his brain and arms.

Today, we’re thrilled to share that David has made a full recovery. David told us, “Dr. Brandon Diaz was amazing throughout this journey, I don’t know how he does it!”

We celebrate David’s strength and our team’s dedication to providing advanced, lifesaving care for our community. To learn more about our Heart and Vascular Institute, visit: https://bit.ly/3XGCnQx

11/27/2025

Just in time for Thanksgiving! 🦃

It’s these sweet little ones’ first Thanksgiving, and we’re grateful for the dedicated colleagues who are making this holiday special for them and their families.

At HCA Florida Healthcare, our colleagues are committed to creating a nurturing and safe environment for every precious arrival. As one of the largest healthcare providers in the state, we’ve welcomed over 32,000 newborns in the past year.
Learn more about our comprehensive women's health services, including prenatal care, labor and delivery services and postpartum care by clicking the link in our bio.

11/27/2025

Today and every day, we give thanks for our resilient patients and the communities that trust us with their care.

This , we’re especially grateful for the compassion, strength and dedication that define our HCA Florida South Shore Hospital team – and for the opportunity to show up for others in meaningful ways.

From our more than 84,000 colleagues to yours, we wish you a safe, joyful and healthy holiday. 🦃

Leave us a comment and share what you're for – we’d love to hear from you!

11/27/2025

Today, we pause to reflect on the many blessings in our lives, especially the incredible patients, families, and colleagues.

We are deeply thankful for the opportunity to serve our community and for the trust you place in us every day. Whether you're celebrating with loved ones or working to care for others, we honor you and wish you a day filled with warmth, gratitude, and peace.

From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

11/26/2025

Dr. Luis Cadena, an equine veterinarian, recounts his journey from debilitating back pain to recovery after minimally invasive spine surgery at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. His lifelong passion for horses was increasingly overshadowed by excruciating back pain. For years, he lived with a constant ache that he managed with shots and rehab, but the pain finally overwhelmed him while working with a horse, leaving him unable to stand.

An MRI revealed that his vertebrae were failing. At HCA Florida Ocala Hospital​, neurological surgeon Dr. Main performed a minimally invasive spine surgery, a procedure that offers smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery. Immediately following the procedure, Dr. Cadena experienced a profound relief, waking up for the first time in 10 years completely pain-free.

Dr. Main explains that the minimally invasive approach allows surgeons to precisely target problem areas while minimizing impact on surrounding healthy tissue. This specialized care is designed to help patients regain their quality of life. Today Dr. Cadena is finally free from pain, happily working with horses once more and reflecting on how HCA Florida Ocala Hospital helped him get his life back.

We understand that orthopedic conditions are unique and complex. We are proud to have hospitals ranked in the top five percent nationally for overall orthopedic services and joint replacement. Learn more about the full range of our orthopedic services by visiting: https://bit.ly/4inflHR.

11/26/2025

Heart conditions don’t always begin in childhood — and they don’t always make themselves known early.

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) can remain hidden well into adulthood, only surfacing later in life. That’s why, especially for older adults, staying proactive with regular checkups and specialized care is essential to catching silent heart issues before they become serious.

At HCA Florida Healthcare, part of the broader HCA Healthcare network, we’re committed to delivering comprehensive heart, lung, and vascular services — right here in your community. In 2024 alone, HCA Healthcare's Congenital Heart Programs performed over 700 CHD surgeries, helping patients of all ages live healthier, fuller lives.

Call 833-544-5031 to connect with a cardiologist in the HCA Florida Healthcare network.

11/26/2025

is an irregular or rapid heartbeat, also known as atrial fibrillation (AFib), often triggered by binge drinking. Alcohol consumption tends to spike between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day so, while holiday heart syndrome can happen any time of year, it's most common during the holiday season. And it can show up when you least expect it – especially after too much alcohol, stress or salty food – so be on the lookout for these warning signs:

😴 Fatigue
😵‍💫 Dizziness
💓 Heart palpitations
😮‍💨 Difficulty breathing
💢 Chest discomfort

If you notice any of these symptoms, it could be more than just the holiday hustle and bustle. Know where to go in case of an emergency: https://bit.ly/3MaOwdL

Want to learn how to protect your heart this holiday season? Get the facts at https://bit.ly/3XRpcvW

11/25/2025

Bad cold? Bump on the head? Find out which conditions call for a trip to the emergency room or urgent care clinic, or simply warrant a call to your doctor.

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you ever have any doubts, don’t wait — head to the hospital immediately!

Know where to go when an emergency happens: https://bit.ly/4rjhiZN

If you aren't sure what kind of care you may need, call our Consult-A-Nurse service at 844.70.NURSE (844.706.8773) to speak with a nurse anytime.

11/24/2025

On this , we highlight the incredible visit we hosted last week for the magnet students of Miami Southridge Senior High School. They enjoyed an immersive experience learning about diverse healthcare careers and connecting with our dedicated HCA Florida Kendall Hospital Healthcare Heroes.

We’re honored to help inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Interested in a future in healthcare? Visit us online: https://bit.ly/3KlFFW2

11/21/2025

This month, HCA Florida Kendall Hospital had the privilege of supporting the Hometown Heroes Parade, an event dedicated to recognizing the courageous individuals who protect and serve our community daily. We extend our appreciation to Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins and Anthony Rodriguez for uniting our community through such a powerful celebration.

11/20/2025

If hip pain is holding you back, hip replacement surgery may help you move with ease again. It's one of the most common orthopedic procedures, proven to reduce pain and improve mobility — so you can return to the activities you love.

Did you know? HCA Florida Kendall Hospital has been named one of Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery for four consecutive years — placing us among the top 5% orthopedic programs in the nation. We’re also proud to be a Five-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment for fourteen years running, a testament to our team’s commitment to exceptional outcomes, advanced techniques, and helping patients return to the activities they love.

Learn more about how to prepare and what to expect: https://bit.ly/4ppQ2r0.

For more information about our Orthopedic and Spine Institute, visit: https://bit.ly/3Kbx7B6

11/17/2025

Bad cold? Bump on the head? Find out which conditions call for a trip to the emergency room or urgent care clinic, or simply warrant a call to your doctor.

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you ever have any doubts, don’t wait — head to the hospital immediately!

Know where to go when an emergency happens: https://bit.ly/4r9hoTS

If you aren't sure what kind of care you may need, call our Consult-A-Nurse service at 844.70.NURSE (844.706.8773) to speak with a nurse anytime.

11/14/2025

Want to get ahead of potential heart problems with a simple screening? According to the American Heart Association, 350,000 Americans die from a cardiac arrest each year. Coronary calcium scoring is a quick, non-invasive cardiac exam that can give valuable insight into your heart health.

The inexpensive, elective screening measures the amount of calcium-containing plaque in a person’s arteries. Plaque buildup inside the arteries can grow and restrict blood flow, leading to a heart attack or other heart issues. Watch our video to learn more.

11/13/2025

Get screened for lung cancer

If you have a history of smoking, your doctor may recommend annual lung cancer screenings. We make it easy to determine which screenings are important for staying on top of your health: https://bit.ly/47EZH6R.

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 Today and every day, we honor the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

At HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, we are proud to recognize our veteran colleagues, patients, and families whose service and sacrifice embody our mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.

This Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have served for their courage, dedication, and selflessness.

Here are some photos of our veterans at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital celebrating alongside our leadership team.