HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital

08/13/2025

Colleague Spotlight: Ray Sansom

This week, we’re honored to shine a spotlight on Ray Sansom from our Pastoral Care team!

Ray's journey to becoming a Board Certified Chaplain led him to volunteer with us at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital, and HCA Florida Northwest Rehabilitation Center. Our colleagues were thrilled when he officially joined our team two years ago after receiving his certification.

Fun fact: his connection to our facilities goes back decades. Ray welcomed his three daughters at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin with his wife.

Ray’s genuine care and steadfast presence make him a cornerstone for those around him. Whether he’s offering solace to a family in need, lending a supportive ear to a colleague, or actively engaging in community events, Ray truly embodies the spirit of compassion and service.

In his own words: "I’m grateful every day to journey with all the patients and families I get to spend time with as a chaplain."

Thank you, Ray, for your compassionate service to our patients, families, and community! Your kindness and sincerity inspire us all.

08/11/2025

This month, HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital proudly commemorated over 40 years of dedicated service to our community with a celebration marking our 45th anniversary. Since opening its doors in 1980, our hospital has been a beacon of healthcare excellence, continuously evolving to meet the needs of the vibrant community it serves.

Our journey began on December 30, 1980, when we opened as the Niceville-Valparaiso Hospital. The original facility, a $6.8 million investment, featured 46 beds and offered essential services, including an emergency department equipped with two exam rooms, four treatment areas, and a trauma room. Over the past four decades, our hospital has undergone significant transformations. In the 1990s, the emergency department was relocated to accommodate expanded diagnostic imaging services. The early 2000s saw the surgical services department double in size, enhancing our capacity to care for patients. In 2017, we expanded our critical care capabilities by doubling the intensive care unit to eight beds. Most recently, in 2024, we completed an expansion of our emergency department, ensuring we continue to provide timely and comprehensive care to those in need.

At HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital, our commitment to excellence, compassion, and quality care remains unwavering. We are honored to have served our community for 45 years and look forward to many more years of providing exceptional healthcare services. Our ongoing dedication to innovation and growth ensures that we will continue to meet the healthcare needs of our community with the highest standards of care.

From all of us at HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community for their trust and support!

08/06/2025

Swelling in your legs, feet, or even hands could be more than just an inconvenience — it might be edema, and in some cases, a sign of a more serious health issue.

Dr. Kevin Hayes, chief of cardiology at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, breaks down the causes, symptoms and when it is time to seek care.

Not sure if your symptoms are serious? Our experienced, licensed nurses are available for free 24/7 to help guide you on the next steps for care. Call HCA Florida Healthcare's Consult-A-Nurse® line at 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773).

Learn more about what to look for and how to manage edema: https://bit.ly/47ivOJH.

08/05/2025

Is your child up to date on their immunizations? During Immunization Awareness Month, Dr. Duron Lee, a primary care physician with HCA Florida Healthcare, shares tips to help you protect yourself, your loved ones and your community as children return to school.

For more information on which vaccines you may need, our experienced, licensed nurses are available for free 24/7 to help guide you on the next steps for care. Call HCA Florida Healthcare's Consult-A-Nurse® line at 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773).

08/05/2025

Mammograms can save lives by finding breast cancer early, when it's most treatable. Learn what to expect and go into your feeling calm and confident. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the U.S. Each year, about 30% of all newly diagnosed cancers in women are breast cancer.

Schedule your screening mammogram with our convenient online scheduling tool. Visit https://bit.ly/4oscIHm

08/04/2025

A is a medical exam that assesses whether your child can safely participate in activities like sports, cheerleading and playing in a marching band. 🏆 Most schools, recreational leagues and other organizations require this exam annually. It involves a review of your child’s medical history and a physical exam to check for any health concerns that could be aggravated by physical activity.

Read our blog to learn from our HCA Florida Healthcare experts how regular sports physicals can help your child have a safe, healthy and injury-free season: https://bit.ly/3IZx6PG.

07/31/2025

Day 5 of celebrates a powerful full-circle moment HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital.

Recently, former trauma patient Jeramiaha returned to thank the team who helped save his life.

“It was amazing to see all the people who took care of me while I was here,” he shared. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

Moments like this remind us why we do what we do — and how healing is built on deep connections formed through care and compassion.

Across Florida, our nearly 200 hospitals and emergency care centers stand ready around the clock for life’s most critical moments. From roadside response to recovery, we’re here for you every step of the way. Learn more about HCA Florida Healthcare's emergency services here: https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/specialties/emergency-care

Thank you, Jeramiaha, for allowing us to be part of your healing journey. Your strength inspires us all!

07/30/2025

At HCA Florida Healthcare, we’re raising the bar — not just inside our hospitals, but wherever care begins. From dispatch to arrival, our medical transport teams put safety, comfort and clinical excellence at the forefront.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology and rigorous training, they respond when every second counts, whether transferring patients between facilities or providing life-saving care at the scene.

Their compassion and precision make all the difference, ensuring timely, expert attention every step of the way. It’s just one more way we show up when our community needs us most.



📸HCA Florida North Florida Hospital

07/30/2025

On Day 4 of , we salute our emergency transport and emergency care colleagues, often the first to arrive during medical crises.

By ambulance or helicopter, these dedicated teams make it possible for patients to receive advanced, timely care no matter where they are. They’re a vital link in our emergency response system.

Annually, HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals care for more than 11.6 million patients. Our emergency room (ER) colleagues respond to life-threatening medical emergencies ranging from strokes and heart attacks to traumatic injuries.

We thank our EMS and ER professionals for their unwavering commitment to saving lives every day.



📸HCA Florida North Florida Hospital

07/29/2025

Day 3 of takes us to HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, where compassionate care meets medical innovation.

Meet Karen, a patient who is now walking pain-free after undergoing a groundbreaking 3D bunion correction procedure.

For years, Karen lived with chronic discomfort and limited mobility. Guided by our skilled orthopedic colleagues, she chose a cutting-edge surgical option that treated the root cause of her condition, not just the symptoms.

This advanced technique realigns the bone structure, offering improved stability, faster recovery and lasting relief. Thanks to this innovation and expert care, Karen is now walking pain-free and enjoying life again.

Stories like Karen’s are the reason we show up. Helping people reclaim their lives isn’t just our work — it’s our calling.

Explore our award-winning orthopedic services, including total knee and hip replacements, spinal care and more: https://bit.ly/40GWEHp

07/28/2025

At HCA Florida Healthcare, demonstrating our commitment to communities means investing in their future — and that begins with supporting our youth. Through our continued partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America across the state, we are proud to back programs and spaces that help children and teens grow, succeed, and dream bigger.

As part of Day 2 of our , HCA Florida Kendall Hospital sponsored a total renovation of the playroom at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. This space has now been transformed into a colorful, safe, and inviting environment where kids can play, learn, and form lifelong friendships. The joy on the children’s faces and the heartfelt gratitude from Club staff served as reminders of the power of community and connection.

Our commitment to the next generation goes beyond early childhood. Through initiatives like The Pathway to Success program, we help prepare teens for college and careers by giving them first-hand experiences in healthcare. In partnership with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, students participate in job shadowing, hands-on demonstrations, and one-on-one discussions with HCA Florida Healthcare professionals. These experiences inspire students and open doors to future opportunities, providing the tools and encouragement they need to move forward confidently.

Whether it’s through renovating spaces that foster creativity or providing career-building opportunities, we are proud to support the next generation as they discover their potential. Discover the continual impact HCA Florida Healthcare is making on the Sunshine State: https://bit.ly/40EAGF2.

07/27/2025

Today marks the start of our — a time to pause, reflect and honor how our more than 84,000 colleagues and 11,100 physicians care for our patients and communities.

One of those moments came when Stephen Cloutier collapsed before a routine pickleball game. He wasn’t breathing.

His partner, Eliza Duade, recognized the signs of cardiac arrest, called 911, and began CPR. Paramedics rushed Stephen to HCA Florida Englewood Hospital. Stephen was taken to the cardiac catheterization lab and closely monitored in the intensive care unit.

“They were prepared. There was someone with him every step of the way,” said Eliza. “I know it’s their job, but to us, it’s a miracle.”

Thanks to Eliza’s quick action and expert care, Stephen made a remarkable recovery — and soon returned to the court.

Cardiac arrest strikes without warning, but immediate CPR can double or triple survival odds. As Florida’s largest cardiovascular network, we’re here to keep heart care close to home.

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

07/26/2025

Today is National Disability Independence Day, marking the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We remain dedicated to ensuring all individuals are treated with dignity and respect and are provided with opportunities to fully participate in the workplace.

07/26/2025

Migraine or stroke? Knowing the difference could save your life.

While migraines affect 1 in 4 U.S. households according to the American Migraine Foundation some symptoms like vision changes or intense head pain can mimic a stroke.

Dr. Keith DeSousa, an interventional neurologist with HCA Florida Healthcare, shares that symptoms can sometimes be misleading and explains why understanding the distinction is critical: https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/healthy-living/blog/migraine-or-stroke-how-to-tell-the-difference.

07/25/2025

Whether you hit the gym at sunrise or go jogging after dark, you might wonder what’s the best time of day to exercise and why. See how exercise timing can affect your : https://bit.ly/3TYvEPW.

07/24/2025

Raising the Bar for Emergency Care.

HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital recently celebrated the topping-off of our new HCA Florida Auburndale Emergency facility in Winter Haven.

Slated to open in late 2025, this state-of-the-art freestanding ER will bring 24/7 emergency care closer to home for families throughout Polk County. With board-certified physicians, advanced imaging technology and compassionate care for all ages, it’s designed to deliver high-quality treatment when and where it’s needed most.

This facility will join our extensive network of more than 652 affiliated sites of care, which includes hospitals, physician practices and freestanding emergency rooms. Together, our 84,000 colleagues and 11,100 physicians remain committed to advancing the standard of care across the Sunshine State.

07/24/2025

ICYMI: Last week our team broke ground on HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency! HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency will provide 24/7 emergency care right at the heart of Walton County and its neighboring areas, conveniently located at the northwest corner of I-10 and 331.

Once operational in early 2026, HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency will provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages, offering the same high-quality emergency care as a main hospital emergency room. This means families will have access to top-tier medical services without the need to travel far, providing peace of mind and immediate access to expert care.

Beyond enhancing healthcare access, we are proud to be creating approximately 35 full-time healthcare professional positions, contributing to job creation and fostering community development right here in Walton County.

Tune in here to learn more:

North Walton County residents will soon have more emergency healthcare options without having to travel too far.

07/23/2025

Menopause brings changes, but you can take control of your health. As estrogen levels decline, the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis increases. Staying active, eating well, and getting regular screenings help you stay strong through this transition.

Learn more about 5 ways to stay healthy before, during, and after menopause: https://bit.ly/3H2Z7Fn.

Still need guidance? Our Consult-A-Nurse® line offers free, 24/7 support. Call 844-70-NURSE for expert advice—no judgment, just help.

07/17/2025

Meet Jessica. She’s a cancer survivor and her daughter has Type 1 diabetes. They’re among millions of Americans who are about to face a major increase in health insurance costs.

Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs) are currently helping 24 million people – including our patients – afford high-quality healthcare coverage through the insurance Marketplace (https://bit.ly/4lTvjtG). Americans who purchase insurance on their own and rely on the tax credit are now facing skyrocketing costs if Congress allows the credit to expire at the end of 2025, putting at risk the health of children like Jessica’s daughter.

“We were living a perfectly normal life, and we suddenly had a child that had a chronic illness,” said Jessica. “We’re not wealthy. Money can get tight…we need Congress to take action now. It’s vital for us.”

Learn how you can help protect access to care at https://bit.ly/44T3Dy6

07/16/2025

HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital is thrilled to announce that construction has commenced on the much-anticipated HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency facility, marking a significant investment of $19 million in the community. This state-of-the-art, 11,000 square-foot, freestanding emergency room is projected to open its doors in early 2026, providing 24/7 emergency care right at the heart of Walton County and its neighboring areas.

The new facility, located at the northwest corner of I-10 and 331, promises to elevate the standard of care with the following features:

🔹10 Emergency Exam Rooms: Designed to accommodate patients efficiently and comfortably.
🔹Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Equipped with a CT scan, digital X-ray, and ultrasound to ensure precise and swift diagnostics.
🔹 On-Site Laboratory Services: Facilitating immediate and comprehensive medical testing.

Once operational, HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency will provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages. The facility will offer the same high-quality emergency care as a main hospital emergency room, ensuring that families have access to top-tier medical services without the need to travel far.

In addition to enhancing healthcare access, this new facility will significantly benefit the local economy by creating approximately 35 full-time healthcare professional positions, contributing to job creation and community development.

Todd Jackson, CEO of HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency will offer high-quality, expeditious emergency care around the clock by board-certified physicians, bringing medical expertise closer to families’ homes and workplaces.”

We are excited and honored to serve our growing community and look forward to the positive impact this facility will have on the health and well-being of Walton County residents. Stay tuned for more updates as we progress towards our opening day!

07/14/2025

Summer brings sunshine, adventure — and the occasional bug bite.

While most bites and stings are harmless, some can trigger serious allergic reactions or spread diseases. Symptoms typically appear within 30 minutes.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency care immediately:

- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Rapid heartbeat
- Rash or hives
- Stomach pain or vomiting
- Fainting or dizziness

Have questions? Skip the endless Googling — get real answers for free from experienced, licensed nurses anytime. Call HCA Florida Healthcare's Consult-A-Nurse® line at 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773).

07/04/2025

Wishing you a happy ! Please stay safe and celebrate responsibly.

07/02/2025

Excited to celebrate the ?

If fireworks are legal where you live, remember to prioritize safety.

In the event of an accident, know where to find emergency care near you: https://bit.ly/4lt0SLj