HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital

07/24/2025

Every Thursday, our hospital gets a special kind of healing—one that comes with wagging tails and warm hearts. Meet Thor and Lala, our beloved therapy dogs who visit weekly to bring comfort, joy, and a whole lot of love to both our colleagues and patients.

Whether it’s a gentle nuzzle during a tough day or a happy tail wag that lights up a room, Thor and Lala remind us of the power of connection and compassion. Their presence is a bright spot in our week, and we’re so grateful for the calm and smiles they bring to our hospital family.

We are so grateful to Hearts of Gold Therapy Dogs from Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid Florida for bringing Lala and Thor 💙🐶

07/23/2025

🌸 Congratulations, Mackenzie McCormack! 🌸

Please join us in celebrating Mackenzie McCormack, Nurse Extern, for being honored with the Flower Bud Award — a prestigious recognition given to nursing students who exemplify compassion, empathy, and professionalism on their journey to becoming nurses.

Mackenzie’s dedication to patient care, her kind heart, and her unwavering commitment to excellence have made a lasting impression on everyone she works with. This award is a beautiful reflection of the impact she’s already making in the world of nursing — and it’s only the beginning!

We are so proud of you, Mackenzie! 💐💖

07/22/2025

You didn’t think we’d let you cross that finish line without something shiny, did you? 👀

Here’s your first look at the exclusive Laurie’s Love Legacy Run medal—a symbol of strength, support, and the lives you’re helping impact with every step. 💜

Whether you’re walking, running, or cheering from afar—this medal tells a story.
One of legacy. One of love. One of you showing up.

Are you ready to earn yours?

📲 Register now at https://bit.ly/4m6fvDU

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! 👏🚑❤️

07/21/2025

🎉 Celebrating Excellence in Stroke Care! 🧠💙

We’re proud to share that HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital has been nationally recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for providing high-quality stroke care! 🏅

This recognition reflects the dedication, expertise, and compassion of our incredible team — and we had a wonderful time celebrating this achievement together! 🎊

Check out the pictures below from the celebration as we honored the people behind this outstanding care. 👏

07/18/2025

You're Invited to the Bump to Baby Bash!

Join us at HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital on Saturday, August 23 from 10 AM – 2 PM for a fun-filled day designed for growing families!

✨ Enjoy:
🧘 Prenatal yoga
🍼 Breastfeeding classes
👩‍⚕️ Q&As with OBs & neonatologists
🎁 Raffles & giveaways
🚒 Touch-a-truck with our local fire station
🎨 Kids crafts, food trucks, dad challenges & more!

📍 6500 38th Ave N., St. Petersburg, FL

Reserve your spot here: https://bit.ly/3GTaWhk

Bring your bump, your baby, and your whole crew — we can't wait to see you there! 💕

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/4eYdZ4H). 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/4feEgff

07/17/2025

🎉 Celebrating Excellence in Emergency Care! 🎉

Please join us in congratulating David Amaro, RN, from our Emergency Department, for being named Colleague of the Month at HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital! 🏆

David’s dedication, compassion, and clinical excellence make a difference every day — and his impact doesn’t stop there. He was also recently honored as a Sepsis ED Champion, recognizing his outstanding leadership in early sepsis identification and intervention. 💪🩺

David, your commitment to patient care and your team is truly inspiring. Thank you for going above and beyond to make our ER a place of hope and healing. We are proud to have you on our team!

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.

07/15/2025

🏆 Leader of the Month Spotlight 🏆
We’re proud to recognize Joshua Black, Director of Pharmacy, as our Leader of the Month at HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital! 💊🌟

Joshua’s leadership is a powerful blend of innovation, integrity, and heart. Under his guidance, our pharmacy team continues to deliver safe, efficient, and compassionate care to every patient, every time. His commitment to excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement makes a lasting impact across our hospital.

Thank you, Joshua, for leading with purpose and passion. Your dedication to our mission and your team does not go unnoticed! 👏👏

07/15/2025

Summer Fun for the Whole Family!

Looking for a day that’s full of heart and fun for everyone?
The Laurie’s Love Legacy Run isn’t just a 5K—it’s a celebration of love, connection, and community for all ages!

👧 Kids’ 200-Meter Dash – Let the little ones shine!
🎨 Family-Friendly Activities – Crafts, games, & face painting galore.
🍧 Vendors + Treats – Cool off with local goodies and eats.
🏃‍♀️ 5K Run/Walk – For parents, friends, teams, and memory-makers.
🎉 Medals, Music & More – Because every effort deserves a celebration.

Bring your crew, lace up your sneakers, and join us for a day of joy, purpose, and impact.

📲 Register now: https://bit.ly/40k8Uxv

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).

07/14/2025

HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability. 🏥🩺

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times. ⏱️

“HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital is committed to providing the highest quality patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” Brent Burish, Chief Executive Officer, HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital. “Get With The Guidelines allows our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in St. Petersburg can experience longer, healthier lives.”

https://bit.ly/4kMP0Te

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.

07/10/2025

🏃‍♂️ Attention Avid Runners! 🏃‍♀️

Lace up for a race that moves more than just your legs—
it moves hearts, builds community, and empowers cancer warriors across the country.

📍 St. Petersburg, FL
📅 Saturday, September 27, 2025
🏅 5K Run/Walk + Kids’ Dash
🎉 Live music • Food trucks • Family-friendly fun

Whether you're chasing a new personal best or running in honor of someone you love, this event is more than a race—it’s a movement. Every stride supports connection, courage, and care for those navigating their cancer journey.

Register now and run with purpose:
https://bit.ly/3ImTCSk

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.

07/08/2025

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.

07/03/2025

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.