HCA Florida Mercy Hospital

10/28/2025

🎉 Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence

On Friday, we celebrated the retirement of Dr. Juan A. Salazar, who dedicated 46 years of service to HCA Florida Mercy Hospital. 💙

A board-certified general surgeon, Dr. Salazar has been a pillar of surgical excellence— mentoring countless colleagues and guiding the surgical team with integrity, compassion, and precision.

Among those in attendance were his loving wife, medical staff members, and Mercy Hospital leaders, all gathered to honor a career defined by dedication and heart.

As friends and colleagues reflected on his remarkable legacy, many spoke of his generosity and leadership.
Dr. Braulio Sabates shared, “Dr. Salazar took me under his wing and welcomed me with open arms when I joined the practice.”
Dr. Carlos Santiago summed it up best: “He is the GOAT.” 🩺👏

Please join us in thanking Dr. Salazar for his extraordinary service and lasting impact on our Mercy family.

10/27/2025

On this , we proudly in pink once again for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 💗

It was a powerful display of unity and hope on Saturday as our HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals in Miami-Dade —HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, HCA Florida Mercy Hospital and HCA Florida Aventura Hospital — came together to support the American Cancer Society at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at loanDepot Park. Together, we are toward a future free from breast cancer.

In the U.S., breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women (after skin cancer) and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths (after lung cancer). Early detection saves lives. When breast cancer is found early, treatment is more effective and outcomes improve.

Our team is more than a group of healthcare professionals; they are advocates for your health. Their skill, compassion and dedication help make early detection possible.

To learn more or schedule your mammogram, visit: https://bit.ly/4owI66K

10/27/2025

High blood pressure often goes unnoticed, but it shouldn’t. It’s a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke and other serious health concerns.

Know the signs of a blood pressure medical emergency:
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• Severe headaches
• Severe abdominal or back pain
• Shortness of breath
• Vision changes, such as blurred or double vision

If your blood pressure hits 180/120 mmHg or higher, seek emergency care immediately, especially if you experience any of these symptoms.

Need guidance? Our experienced, licensed nurses are available for free 24/7 to guide you — no judgment, just support. Call HCA Florida Healthcare's Consult-A-Nurse® line at 844-70-NURSE.

10/27/2025

Across our larger HCA Healthcare network, we’re here to provide the care you need.

➡️ Emergency rooms: https://bit.ly/47apEuL
➡️ Urgent care: https://bit.ly/43l7PXN
➡️ Doctor’s appointments: https://bit.ly/3WVixQO

10/26/2025

Knee pain is a common symptom that can be caused by anything from sports injuries to arthritis. You can usually treat hip pain at home with self-care measures. Physical therapy and knee braces can also help relief the pain. But if the pain persists or gets worse, it might be time to see an orthopedic doctor.

According to the CDC, the rate of total knee replacements has increased in both men and women aged 45 and older with more than 790,000 procedures. Following a relatively short period of recovery, patients usually return to a high level of activity.

Check out our free knee health risk assessments to help you get started on a path to recovery and wellness. Start yours here: https://bit.ly/4o9TLJ1

10/25/2025

Today, HCA Florida Mercy Hospital proudly partnered with the Miami Police Department in support of the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

HCA Healthcare teams across the country joined forces with local law enforcement to "Crush the Crisis" and provide a safe and anonymous way for community members to dispose of unused or expired medications. Together, we helped raise awareness about the dangers of medication misuse and opioid addiction and took meaningful steps toward healthier, safer communities.

Since 2019, HCA Healthcare has helped safely dispose of more than 88,000 pounds of unused or expired medication.

Thank you to our community partners and to our community members for visiting with us to safely discard expired and unused medications!

10/25/2025

Today, we proudly partner with the Miami Police Department in support of the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in the fight against medication misuse and opioid addiction. Crush the Crisis events aim to education our communities on the risk of medication misuse while providing a safe and anonymous way to dispose of unused and expired medications that may be left over from previous procedures or other medical visits.

Take action TODAY by turning in your unused and expired medication for safe disposal at our convenient drive-thru location at

HCA Florida Mercy Hospital
3663 South Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33133

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

10/24/2025

10/24/2025

10/23/2025

Celebrating Healthcare Quality Week! At HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, quality is at the heart of everything we do. Grateful to our dedicated teams who ensure the highest standards of care for our community every day.

10/21/2025

The City of Miami Department of Fire-Rescue’s Pink Truck Tour rolled into Mercy Hospital, where leadership and staff joined us to raise awareness for breast cancer. From the CEO to the care teams, everyone showed their support by proudly wearing our pink helmets!

Remember, early detection saves lives!

10/21/2025

Every October, we honor the incredible work of our physical therapists who help patients regain strength, mobility, and independence every day.

This year, we’re proud to spotlight Tanya Malave, a Physical Therapist in our Inpatient Rehab whose path to this career took a few turns—but was always meant to be.

Before earning her PT badge, Tanya built a career in public health, helping communities from afar. Still, she felt something was missing. That changed one summer in college when she worked as a PT aide and discovered her calling.

✨ “There’s something in me that’s always needed to connect with people on a deeper level—to be part of their story,” Tanya shares. “Seeing a patient take their first steps after a stroke is the ultimate reward.”

Today, Tanya finds purpose in helping patients rebuild their lives at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital’s Inpatient Rehab, where healing happens every day—and everyone is treated like family. 💙

👉 Learn more about our Inpatient Rehabilitation Center by visiting: https://bit.ly/3LlKv5H

10/20/2025

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there was a nearly 27% decline in drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2024. These positive strides are promising, but there's still important work ahead.

In 2024, HCA Florida Healthcare joined local law enforcement at collection sites across the state to collect and properly dispose of more than 3,500 pounds of unused or expired medications as part of HCA Healthcare's Crush the Crisis initiative. In total, an estimated 21,000 pounds of medication, or an estimated 14.5 million doses, were reclaimed.

Help HCA Healthcare by removing unneeded medications and prescription drugs from your home. Join us on Saturday, October 25, 2025, by safely and anonymously dropping off your unused and unwanted medications at HCA Healthcare facilities across the country.

Together, we can create safer, healthier communities. Learn more: https://bit.ly/48FKcwn.

10/20/2025

Last week was Case Management Week, but at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, we celebrate our incredible Case Management team every day.

Case managers play a vital role in each patient’s journey — coordinating care, advocating for patients and families, and ensuring a smooth transition from hospital to home. Their compassion and expertise help turn care plans into recovery stories.

Thank you to our dedicated case managers for being the bridge between care and healing, and for making a difference in the lives of our patients every single day. 🌟

10/20/2025

💎 A Life-Changing Experience at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital

After months of pain and repeated visits to other hospitals, Cherytha Celestine arrived at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital through the emergency department — and immediately felt the difference.

“The moment my feet rolled into this hospital, everyone took action. They cared, they comforted me, and they figured out what was wrong. I wasn’t just a number — I felt like a queen.”

Under the expert care of Dr. Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz, Medical Director of HCA Florida Weight Management and Metabolic Wellness, Cherytha underwent a complex procedure to repair complications from a prior bariatric surgery.

“Dr. de la Cruz-Muñoz didn’t just perform my surgery — he restored my trust. He treated me like a person, not just a number like at other hospitals. He listened, he cared, and he made sure I was truly on the road to healing.”

Pictured with Susette Moore, RN, Cherytha credits her recovery to the compassion and teamwork that define Mercy. Just one day following surgery, she was able to go home. We look forward to following her continued journey toward full health. 💙

For more information about HCA Florida Weight Management and Metabolic Wellness, visit https://bit.ly/47zFNtS

10/17/2025

Today is – a reminder to take care of yourself and encourage someone you love to do the same.

Here’s how you can take action:

📱 Schedule a with us at https://bit.ly/498SjBM or by calling 866-463-7002. Across our broader HCA Healthcare network, caregivers perform approximately 1.5 million mammograms each year, helping people take proactive steps toward early detection.

🩷 Share this post to help spread awareness and encourage others to prioritize their health too.

10/16/2025

Minor cuts and scrapes are common but knowing where to go for care can make all the difference in healing properly and avoiding complications.

Visit urgent care for wounds that may need stitches but have controlled bleeding, or when you're unsure if it's more serious. Go to the ER if bleeding won't stop, the cut is deep or contaminated, or you can see muscle or bone.

Not sure where to go? Our free, 24/7 Consult-A-Nurse® line is here to help. Call 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773) anytime to speak with a licensed nurse for trusted advice.

Learn how to tell when a cut needs medical attention: https://bit.ly/4oJ45rl.

10/16/2025

Have a health question but not sure where to turn? Our Consult-A-Nurse® line is here to help—anytime, day or night.

At HCA Florida Healthcare, we show up for your health. With more than 650 affiliated sites of care, our network of hospitals, physician practices and freestanding emergency rooms ensures access wherever you are. Together, our 84,000 colleagues and 11,100 physicians remain committed to advancing the standard of care.

Whether it’s a minor concern or something more serious, you can speak directly with licensed, experienced nurses who provide trusted, professional guidance when you need it most.

Call HCA Florida Healthcare's Consult-A-Nurse® line at 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773) for answers, advice and peace of mind.

10/15/2025

Anxiety can feel overwhelming not only emotionally but also physically. When symptoms such as chest tightness, a racing heart, or shortness of breath feel different or more intense than usual, it's safest to get checked out.

From heart and vascular care to mental health support, our emergency care colleagues throughout Florida are prepared to assist when anxiety becomes more than just stress.

If you are not sure where to turn, our free, 24/7 Consult-A-Nurse® line is here to help. Call 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773) anytime to speak with a licensed nurse for trusted advice.

Learn more about when to seek care and how to manage anxiety: https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/healthy-living/blog/can-i-go-to-the-er-for-anxiety.

10/15/2025

When seconds matter, HCA Florida Healthcare is here with care you can trust.

During a 5K race in Ocala, Darryl McGinnes went into cardiac arrest near the finish line. Bystanders performed CPR until he arrived at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital​, where Dr. Bryan Bush and the cardiac team performed a life-saving quadruple bypass.

“Everything that day was a miracle,” Darryl says. “I couldn’t have asked for better care.”

Now, he’s back on his feet and ready to run again.

As the state’s largest cardiovascular network, we make it easy for our patients to connect to heart, lung and vascular specialists close to home.

Concerned about your heart health? Call 833-544-5031 to connect with a cardiologist in the HCA Florida Healthcare network.

10/14/2025

Do you have cold hands or tingly feet?

These could be symptoms of a blood clot or poor circulation. According to Dr. David Woodard, a cardiologist with HCA Florida Healthcare "Clots can become dangerous if they develop where they shouldn’t. In those cases, they may slow or block blood flow, leading to poor circulation or serious complications such as stroke."

Poor circulation and blood clots both deserve attention — because your body is trying to tell you something important.

Explore the signs and symptoms of blood clots, as well as the connection between blood clots and poor circulation, on our blog: https://bit.ly/4793Tu2.

10/14/2025

10/14/2025

If you're pregnant, it’s never too early to start thinking about what you want for your labor and delivery experience.

We understand that every labor and delivery experience is unique. Whether you're looking for holistic birthing assistance or the latest technology and the assurance of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), we're committed to providing you with the specialized care you want when you need it.

Learn how we help expectant moms become confident moms through tours, classes and events at your local hospital: https://bit.ly/478LUnu.

10/13/2025

Fighting off a stubborn cold? 😷 You might have heard that a good sweat can ease your illness – but is it true? Before you bundle up or head to the sauna, get the facts about which types of treatment may work best to help you recover: https://bit.ly/4h9rEXC.

10/11/2025

“Too often, patients try to push through the pain, but ignoring it can make things worse," said Dr. Michael Mashura, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with HCA Florida Mercy Hospital. "The best approach is also the simplest: rest.”

Overuse of the muscles and tissues in your lower legs can lead to painful shin splints. Learn the symptoms and how to treat them on our blog: https://bit.ly/3IFPNID.

10/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day, a global initiative to raise awareness about the importance of mental health.

Mental health challenges are universal and can affect anyone, regardless of background or circumstance. This day serves as a reminder to foster compassion, break the stigma and advocate for stronger support systems.

For those seeking help, HCA Florida Healthcare offers a range of mental health services to support your journey to wellness. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/4h1x8U8.

Whether through professional counseling, peer support, or moments of self-care, each of us plays a role in creating a space where mental health is a priority. Together, we can build a world where everyone feels seen, heard and supported.