HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital

09/15/2025

In celebration of NICU Awareness month and Neonatal Nurses Week, we were honored to host a book signing dedicated to sharing the incredible story of a brave little girl named Emily. Emily was born here at HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital and spent 73 days with us in our NICU. While the first chapter of her life faced challenges, the love and support system around her never faltered.

Now at 3 years old, Emily’s journey has been beautifully documented in a heartfelt book to raise awareness, offer hope, and honor the strength of NICU families.

Our leadership purchased copies of the book to share with all of our talented NICU nurses and we were thrilled to bring Emily and her family back to sign books and help celebrate the strength of these little miracles.

09/12/2025

Did you know colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.? It’s also one that is the most preventable.

This week at HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital, we hosted an Inflatable Colon Demonstration to help our community learn about the importance of screenings, early detection, and prevention.

The walk-through display highlighted polyps, stages of colon cancer, and other colon health issues in an engaging, visual way. It’s a powerful reminder that getting tested can save lives.

✅ Talk with your doctor about when to start screening.
✅ Early detection = better outcomes.

We’re proud to raise awareness and support our community in taking steps toward better health.

09/10/2025

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Eric Sandwith and Dr. Delafontaine to HCA Florida Gulf Coast Heart & Lung Specialists!

Dr. Sandwith is expanding his well-established practice from HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital ​to serve patients here in Panama City, bringing his expertise and commitment to exceptional heart and lung care closer to home.

We’re excited to have him and his team back in our community!

Learn more in this recent WJHG feature:

Doctor Eric Sandwith opens a second cardiothoracic physician's office in Bay County.

09/09/2025

Teammate Tuesday! Spotlight on Kim Turney

With an extraordinary career spanning 43 years in the medical field, Kim Turney‘s journey began with a profound commitment to service inspired by her time as a Girl Scout leader. Her unwavering dedication led her to serve as a military flight nurse, where she was honored with two Air Force Wellness Awards.

Kim’s words of wisdom for aspiring nurses resonates deeply: “make sure you try every door that opens for nursing, there is so many opportunities to be well rounded, try everything”.
While describing her tenure of 15 years with HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital, Kim simply said, “This Hospital is my family”. She is a prime example of the mission we strive to achieve everyday here at HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital.

We know Kim as the friendly face that every onboarding employee gets to know and love, and we are so happy to get to work with passionate professionals like Kim every day.

09/08/2025

September is NICU awareness month- a time to honor the tiny fighters, and their families and the incredible healthcare teams who care for them. To help show support we are currently receiving contributions of burp cloths and bibs for babies and their families to provide comfort and care inside our NICU at HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital.

Every journey through the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is unique, filled with courage and hope. This month, help us recognize the strength of NICU babies and the dedication of those who support them every step of the way.

Join our team in raising awareness in celebrating every miracle big and small. Visit https://bit.ly/4gi4kGE for more information.

09/06/2025

Stay Ahead of the Flu This Season!

Flu season is here — protect yourself and your loved ones by getting your flu shot today!
✅ Safe
✅ Quick
✅ Effective
Getting a Flu shot helps reduce the spread and keeps our community healthier.

09/05/2025

It’s Su***de Prevention Month – an important reminder about the power of connection and the availability of immediate mental health support.

The 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline offers all of the above. If you live in the U.S. and you’re in emotional distress or concerned about a loved one, you can reach out for free, confidential help anytime, day or night. To connect with a crisis counselor, call or text 988 or start a live chat at 988Lifeline.org

***dePrevention

09/02/2025

According to the &LymphomaSociety, about every three minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma – the most common types of blood cancer. Blood cancer is caused by DNA mutations within blood cells. In most cases, this is linked to factors beyond our control, like age, ethnicity and family history. This Blood Cancer Awareness Month, we’re answering common questions by sharing the facts shown here.

As a part of HCA Healthcare, we give our patients healthier tomorrows through access to a connected oncology network, including nine accredited blood cancer treatment programs. Through these programs, over 1,000 acute leukemia patients receive treatment each year. For some blood cancers, the only potential cure is a blood and marrow transplant. The HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Network is the nation's leading provider of these transplants, conducting over 1,500 annually. Cellular therapy is another potential treatment for those with blood cancer, and our network is also leading the way in this novel treatment.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with blood cancer, we’re here to help. Find compassionate oncology care: https://bit.ly/3UWnOqE.

09/02/2025

We hope everyone had a happy and restful Labor Day. The HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital team caught up with News Channel 7 yesterday to talk about our Labor and Delivery department and all of the wonderful Women's and Children's services that we offer right here in our community.

While many people think of barbecues and a long weekend, today is also a perfect time to shine a spotlight on another kind of labor.

09/01/2025

Labor Day weekend is a time for barbecues, pool parties and outdoor fun, but it also marks one of the busiest periods for emergency rooms. While many holiday mishaps can be treated at home some situations require immediate medical attention.

Seek emergency care right away if you or a loved one experiences any of the following:

-Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
-A head injury accompanied by confusion, vomiting or loss of consciousness
-Signs of heatstroke, such as a high fever, confusion or fainting
-Deep cuts or wounds that won’t stop bleeding
-Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting
-Sudden weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking (possible stroke)

If you’re unsure whether your condition requires a visit to the emergency room, our experienced, licensed nurses are available 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).

08/30/2025

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

➡️ Emergency rooms: https://bit.ly/46di2ah
➡️ Doctor’s appointments: https://bit.ly/3JKodtH

08/29/2025

🌟 Calling all Registered Nurses in Puerto Rico! 🌟

Join us for two exciting hiring events where you can explore full-time RN opportunities in Gainesville, Tallahassee, and Panama City, Florida!

📍 Event #1
🗓️ Tuesday, September 9, 2025
🕙 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
📌 Embassy Suites, 8000 Tartak Street, Isla Verde, Carolina, PR 00979
RSVP Here: https://lnkd.in/eJrCvnuS

📍 Event #2
🗓️ Wednesday, September 10, 2025
🕙 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
📌 Aloft Ponce, Street No 2 KM 228.9, Ponce, PR 00717
RSVP Here: https://lnkd.in/eRBsWWaa

💼 Meet Nursing Leadership and our recruitment team to learn about relocation support, and discover how you can make a difference in Florida’s healthcare communities.

📲 Don’t miss this opportunity!

08/29/2025

It's natural to worry about the health of your parents as they age. Afterall, aging increases their risk for several chronic diseases, including arthritis, cancer, dementia and Type 2 diabetes.

The best way to help them stay healthy is to encourage your parents to maintain their annual wellness visits, complete their physician recommended bloodwork and stay on top of their annual screenings. These screenings could include:

- Blood pressure test
- Cervical cancer screening
- Colonoscopy
- Lung cancer screening
- Skin cancer screening
- Mammogram
- Prostate exam
- Pulse oximetry test

Have questions about these screenings or looking to support your parent in finding a new primary care physician, but not sure where to start? Call HCA Florida Healthcare's Consult-A-Nurse® line at 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773) and speak with a licensed nurse for free 24/7.

08/27/2025

We want to help keep our Florida communities healthy by raising awareness about colorectal health. Dr. Mohammad Anwer, a gastroenterologist at HCA Florida Healthcare, shares the key symptoms of colon cancer to help you recognize when it’s time to seek care.

Regular screenings are essential, especially for those over 45 or with a family history of colon cancer.

Have concerns about colorectal health? Get trusted guidance from a licensed nurse anytime — free of charge.

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

08/26/2025

Not all heroes wear capes – some wear collars! This , we’re celebrating the healing power of pups everywhere. 🐾

Facility and are valued members of our larger HCA Healthcare family, and they spread joy to our patients and caregivers. These specially trained companions, may help to reduce stress, anxiety and feelings of isolation, improve mood and lower blood pressure. Some of these furry friends even have their own badges and earn anniversary pins for their years of service.

Beyond the specialized work of therapy dogs, pets can provide unconditional love, comfort and companionship while also encouraging physical activity — all of which have a on mental and physical well-being.

Whether they’re bringing their calming presence to a clinical setting or simply enriching our lives with a daily dose of “pawsitivity,” dogs truly do make a difference.

[Alt text: Dog Day]

08/26/2025

Meet Dr. Richard Follwell! A board-certified bariatric and general surgeon with HCA Florida Gulf Coast Surgical Specialists. Dr. Follwell shares insights on weight-loss surgeries and hernia repair with minimal downtime. Watch to take your first step toward wellness.

https://bit.ly/45CZmk4

Follow this link for information: https://bit.ly/45CZikk

08/25/2025

Struggling to reach your goals? If diets and workouts haven’t brought you lasting results, weight loss surgery may be an option for you. It’s not just about lowering the numbers on the scale – it’s about improving your overall health and quality of life.

To find out if you might be a good candidate for weight loss surgery, take our free online assessment: https://ha.hcaflorida.carefinder.io/hra/weight-loss-surgery.

08/22/2025

HCA Florida Healthcare is Florida’s largest healthcare provider? We delivered more than 32,000 newborns last year — that’s one birth every 17 minutes!

Today, we're celebrating one of Florida's newest residents.

"This is my second time delivering a baby at HCA Florida West Hospital, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience," shared the Cook family. "From the moment I arrived, the labor and delivery team made me feel safe, supported, and genuinely cared for. Every nurse, doctor, technician, and staff member treated me with such kindness and compassion, always ensuring I was as comfortable as possible. They went above and beyond to respect my wishes, and I will forever be thankful for everyone who played a part in helping us bring our sweet baby into the world."

At HCA Florida Healthcare, our colleagues are dedicated to providing a nurturing and safe environment for every precious arrival. Learn more about our comprehensive women's health services, including prenatal care, labor and delivery services and postpartum care: https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/.../labor-and-delivery.

08/22/2025

Feeling unusually tired, or noticing a nagging cough, jaw pain or swollen legs? Your heart might be trying to tell you something. Learn subtle signs of heart disease and find out if you could potentially be at risk for a silent : https://bit.ly/4lE0j0g

08/21/2025

Summer is flying by! Fall, season and the excitement of fall sports are just around the corner.

Make sure your child is ready for a safe, healthy and injury-free season. Learn why regular sports physicals matter, with expert insights from HCA Florida Healthcare: https://bit.ly/4lKBe3P.

08/20/2025

When Sofia Otero first walked into HCA Florida Capital Hospital as a college volunteer, she never imagined she’d soon be making such a powerful impact on patients’ lives. Inspired by the care her own family received, she felt called to give back.

Now, as a patient care technician in the orthopedic and medical surgical units, Sofia brings energy, compassion and a smile that makes patients feel like family.

“Knowing my work directly affects my patients in a positive way confirms this is my calling,” Sofia says. “I love my hospital because I love my people. The advocacy I see from our nurses and techs inspires me every day.”

Albert Gonzalez, director of the orthopedic and medical-surgical units, said Otero’s presence is already making a difference: “Sofia’s energy, attitude and smile make our patients feel like family. Even as a new team member, she’s making a real difference.”

To all of our HCA Florida Healthcare colleagues, like Sofia, and to the more than 93,000 nurses across our larger HCA Healthcare network, thank you for showing up in ways that make our patients feel seen and cared for. Your dedication helps drive nursing forward at HCA Healthcare and beyond.

Considering orthopedic treatment or surgery? Call our Consult-A-Nurse® line anytime at 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773). Licensed nurses are available 24/7 to offer trusted advice and peace of mind.

08/19/2025

Feeling unusually tired, or noticing a nagging cough, jaw pain or swollen legs? Your heart might be trying to tell you something. Learn subtle signs of heart disease and find out if you could potentially be at risk for a silent : https://bit.ly/4oGYaDJ.

08/18/2025

School may be underway, but there’s still time for one last camping adventure. Keep your family safe with these smart camping tips for kids:

1. Buddy up. Even bathroom breaks need a partner.
2. Set boundaries. Mark clear campsite limits so kids know where it’s safe to explore.
3. Look, don’t eat. Teach kids not to snack on berries, mushrooms or other wild plants.
4. Steer clear of rash-causing plants. Learn to spot poison ivy, oak and sumac. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes and wash hands often.
5. Shoes on, always. Protect little feet from thorns, rocks and other sharp objects.
6. Tools aren’t toys. Keep kids away from axes, knives and other dangerous gear.
https://bit.ly/3Jmyufu petting wildlife. Even friendly-looking animals can carry disease or bite.
8. Review fire safety. Go over rules before the marshmallows roast — supervised fun is safest.

If your child gets hurt and you're unsure whether medical care is needed, 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).

08/15/2025

Stress is a natural part of new , and it may be affecting you and your baby in ways you wouldn’t expect. Discover how stress can potentially impact your milk supply and get tips to help manage it: https://bit.ly/415bvf8.