HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital

07/22/2025

Please join HCA Florida Pasadena and St. Petersburg Hospitals in recognizing Andrew Pawlowski from Sunstar Paramedics for going above and beyond in service and safety!

When security was needed at ER registration, Andrew didn’t hesitate—he immediately stepped up to assist. Later, he volunteered to help move an ICU bed stuck in an elevator. In both cases, he acted without being asked, showing true dedication and teamwork.

“He is always very friendly and easy to work with,” said Ashley, ER Nurse, HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital.

Thank you, Andrew, for your professionalism, compassion, and commitment to care. You make a difference every day! 👏🚑❤️

07/18/2025

"Summer should be about making memories, not medical emergencies,” said Dr. Jason Grabert, emergency room medical director at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital. “By staying informed and taking a few simple precautions, you can safely enjoy all that our community has to offer.”

Whether you are boating, hiking, or grilling with family and friends, a few smart choices can help you avoid medical emergencies.
Dr. Jason Grabert shares tips on how to stay safe in the heat, on the trails, and in the water: https://bit.ly/4kNOKDs.

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/44WN8Bf). 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/4lynWrM

07/16/2025

Arthritis is common; according to the CDC, about 53 million U.S. adults have arthritis. However, there are things you can do to protect your joints and feel better.

From staying active and eating anti-inflammatory foods to stretching key muscles and reducing stress, small choices can make a big difference.

Read our blog to discover how you can take control of your joint health at any age: https://bit.ly/3TJd8uM.

07/15/2025

One in eight people, and one in six children, in North Florida live in households that may be food insecure, which means not having enough nutritious food to have an active, healthy life.

At HCA Florida Healthcare we care committed to to fighting food insecurity. Recently, HCA Florida Capital Hospital presented a $15,000 donation to Second Harvest of the Big Bend to help provide food to families experiencing hunger, bringing the total to $23,000 since 2023.

The financial support is part of a broader effort that has included more than 250 colleagues from HCA Florida Healthcare volunteering at the Second Harvest of the Big Bend over the past two years to help sort and pack food donations.

“We’re honored to support Second Harvest with a financial gift, as well as the service of our dedicated volunteers throughout the year,” said Dale Neely, chief executive officer, HCA Florida Capital Hospital.

At HCA Florida Healthcare, we commit every day to creating healthier tomorrows — dedicating our time, expertise and resources to help others. Learn more about HCA Florida Healthcare's dedication to meeting the needs of our communities: https://bit.ly/44U3xGN.

07/14/2025

🌟 Colleague of the Month Spotlight 🌟
Please join us in congratulating Kimberly Mastry, ER RN, our July Colleague of the Month at HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital! 🏥💙

Kimberly is the heart of our Emergency Room—bringing compassion, calm, and clinical excellence to every shift. Her dedication to patient care, teamwork, and leadership inspires everyone around her. Whether she’s mentoring new nurses or going the extra mile for a patient in need, Kimberly exemplifies what it means to be a healthcare hero. 👩‍⚕️✨

Thank you, Kimberly, for your unwavering commitment and for making a difference every single day. We’re proud to have you on our team! 🙌💐

07/14/2025

Vomiting and diarrhea are common in children — but when should you be concerned? While food poisoning, stomach flu and other illnesses can cause these symptoms, some cases require urgent medical care.

Seek emergency care if vomiting is accompanied by:
- High fever (above 100.4°F for infants under 3 months, above 102.2°F for older babies and children)
- Repetitive vomiting
- No urination or wet diapers
- Lethargy or unusual drowsiness
- Inconsolable crying
- Swelling in the face, lips, or throat

If you’re unsure whether your child needs medical attention, 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).

07/11/2025

07/11/2025

The dreaded – it can happen even when you take precautions to protect your skin. Learn what not to do for a sunburn, how to find soothing relief and more: https://bit.ly/4lnToc8.

Still have questions? Get free advice you can trust directly from experienced, licensed nurses at HCA Florida Healthcare's Consult-A-Nurse® line. Call (844) 70-NURSE (844-706-8773) at any time for answers, advice and support.

07/10/2025

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the arms or legs. It’s easy to mistake PAD for other conditions like hip arthritis or spinal stenosis, which means often goes undiagnosed. Many people with PAD don’t experience symptoms at all. That’s why awareness of risk factors – such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking – is crucial for screening.

Understanding the early warning signs is the first step toward timely intervention and better quality of life. In most cases, lifestyle changes, exercise and medications are enough to slow the progression or even reverse the symptoms of PAD, so talk to your doctor if you think you may be at risk.

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. Find a vascular specialist close to home: https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/specialties/cardiology/vascular-disease.

07/09/2025

Wondering what to expect with AFib ablation?

Learn how this procedure can help restore a regular heartbeat and improve your quality of life. From preparation to recovery, we walk you through each step.

Read the full blog at https://bit.ly/4nAMdz3.

07/09/2025

Last week, the Director of Emergency Services for HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital and HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital led a vital Lunch and Learn session at the Gulfport Senior Center, focusing on the timely and critical topic of Heat-Related Injuries: Awareness, Prevention and Response.

🌡️ As Florida continues to experience extreme summer temperatures, the event aimed to educate seniors and community members on how to recognize, prevent and respond to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke — conditions that can escalate quickly and become life-threatening, especially among older adults.

“Education is the first step in prevention,” said Stephanie Nelson, Director of Emergency Services, HCA Florida Pasadena and St. Petersburg Hospitals. “By understanding the signs of heat-related stress and knowing how to respond, we can protect our most vulnerable populations and reduce unnecessary emergency."

☀️Read key takeaways and tips: https://bit.ly/4lNgaKA

07/08/2025

What Scott Woodward thought was just intense heartburn turned out to be something far more serious.

After a visit to the nearest HCA Florida Capital Hospital, he began to feel better and wanted to go home, but the team of medical experts knew Scott needed additional, comprehensive cardiovascular care.

Their quick action saved his life.

At HCA Florida Healthcare, we are part of a statewide network that allows us to deliver expert, coordinated care when and where it’s needed most. It’s just one of the many ways we are improving more lives in more ways.

Watch Scott’s full story below. Concerned about your heart health? Call 833-544-5031 to connect with a cardiologist in the HCA Florida Healthcare network.

07/07/2025

Unsure if you or a loved one has a UTI? Our free, 24/7 Consult-A-Nurse® line connects you with experienced nurses for guidance. Call 844-70-NURSE for answers and peace of mind.

Discover how to identify the early signs of UTIs and take preventive measures to help keep your elderly loved ones safe and healthy at https://bit.ly/4eHIyeQ.

07/04/2025

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

07/04/2025

🎆 Happy Fourth of July!
From all of us at HCA Florida Pasadena, we wish you and your loved ones a safe and joyful Independence Day!

As we celebrate the spirit of freedom and community, let’s also remember to look out for one another and practice safety with fireworks 🎆, grilling 🌭, and outdoor fun🌳.

Our team is here for you 24/7 if you need us.
https://bit.ly/3ZYG6KH

❤️ Stay safe, celebrate responsibly, and have a wonderful holiday!

07/03/2025

Small businesses play an important role as job creators and are a pillar in communities nationwide. More than 4 million small business owners purchase healthcare coverage on their own and rely on Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs) to keep premiums affordable.

But unless Congress acts soon, these tax credits will expire at the end of 2025. Many small businesses may face increased costs or be forced to reduce or eliminate employee health coverage.

Find out how you can help protect access to care : https://bit.ly/40CrhO1.

07/03/2025

HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital announces that Dr. Tim P. Carlson has been elected by the hospital’s medical staff as the new chief of staff, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Carlson succeeds Dr. Tom Prebish, who has served in the role with distinction and dedication.

In a symbolic moment of leadership transition, Dr. Prebish warmly welcomed Dr. Carlson, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the hospital’s Medical Staff leadership. The hospital community extends its gratitude to Dr. Prebish for his outstanding service and looks forward to continued excellence under Dr. Carlson’s guidance.

“It’s an honor to step into this role and continue building on the strong foundation laid by Dr. Prebish,” said Dr. Carlson. “I look forward to working alongside our talented medical staff to support our patients and community with the highest standard of care.”

Read more here: https://bit.ly/4eAm2UT

07/03/2025

There's a first time for everything! If you haven't had a mammogram before, it might seem intimidating. Not to worry – we've got you covered! Watch our video for details about what to expect, and go into your mammogram feeling calm and confident.

According to https://bit.ly/46bmo2n, In 2024, approximately 310,720 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, 16% of which will be in women younger than 50 years of age.

To learn more about our comprehensive breast center and to schedule your screening mammogram with our convenient online scheduling tool, visit https://bit.ly/3Iczr9v

07/02/2025

Join us for "Therapy Talks: Conversations with the Therapists" at HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital! This month’s session will focus on dementia—what it is, how it affects individuals and families, and what support is available.

📅 Date: Tuesday, July 22
🕛 Time: 12 PM
📍 Location: Palms Room, HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital

Whether you're a caregiver, patient, or just curious about rehabilitation services, this is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and connect with compassionate professionals.

📞 For more info or to register: (727) 341-7636

07/01/2025

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/44tayxV

Would you like more information about orthopedic care at Pasadena Hospital? Visit here: https://bit.ly/44ApcDM

06/27/2025

🌟 Congratulations to our BEE Award Winner – Adelyn Swett! 🌟

We are proud to recognize Adelyn Swett for exemplifying what it means to Be Exceptional Every Day at HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital. 🐝💛

Adelyn’s unwavering compassion, dedication to patient care, and positive spirit make a lasting impact on everyone she encounters. Whether she’s going the extra mile for a patient or supporting her team with a smile, Adelyn truly embodies the heart of our mission.

Please join us in celebrating Adelyn for her outstanding contributions and commitment to excellence. Thank you for making a difference every day! 👏🎉

06/26/2025

What an incredible morning at the EPTC Reauthorization Roundtable!

We were proud to co-host this important discussion alongside the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce, bringing together community leaders, healthcare experts, and advocates to explore how Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTC) impact our businesses and neighbors.

A special thank you to our CEO, Brent Burish, for representing HCA Florida Pasadena and St. Petersburg Hospitals on the panel and sharing valuable insights on how these changes affect healthcare access in our region.

👏 Huge thanks to all our panelists and attendees for making this event a success!

Let’s keep the conversation going and continue working together to keep our communities informed and covered.

Learn more about advocating for Enhanced Premium Tax Credits: https://bit.ly/46dIscj

06/26/2025

Meet Kenny. He’s one of millions of Americans who are about to face a major increase in health insurance costs – and most don’t even know it yet.

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/3IgFQR1). These tax credits are applied directly to people’s premiums, keeping coverage affordable and making healthcare more accessible. But unless Congress acts soon, these tax credits will expire at the end of 2025.

“When you get sick and you’re not rich, health insurance is absolutely essential. It doesn’t just make life easier, it makes life possible,” said Kenny. “Losing the healthcare tax credit would mean my monthly costs would go through the roof, and I wouldn’t be able to afford my treatments. I need Congress to extend the healthcare tax credit and give people in towns like mine a fighting chance.”

Without EPTCs, health insurance costs will skyrocket. Families may be forced to make heartbreaking choices – between keeping their health coverage or paying for food, rent and childcare. Learn how you can help protect access to care at https://bit.ly/4kYfrWC