HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital welcomes first patient to new Level III NICU

HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, a 435-bed full-service acute care facility and part of HCA Florida Healthcare, the largest healthcare system in the state, recently welcomed the first patient to its recently opened Level III NICU.

At just under one-month-old, patient Luka Ramos was transported to suite nine in the newly-renovated and expanded Level III NICU. The process took less than five minutes and included multiple care team members, including nursing staff and a medical coordinator.

“The NICU renovation project has been underway for nearly a year,” said HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital director of children's services Marissa O'Dowd. “We are thrilled to move our first patient into our top of the line expanded NICU. In the newly renovated unit, our tiniest patients will receive the highest level of care and have access to the latest neonatal technology.”

Ramos was born in mid-August at 29 weeks and weighed only 3 lbs. Most recently, Ramos received care in the facility's Level II NICU, which remained open and was not impacted during construction.

“I'm excited he's first. What an honor,” said Luka's mom, Tiffany Lopez. “I can't wait to visit him here in the new NICU.”

Lawnwood Hospital’s NICU is now the largest on the Treasure Coast, with 20 beds, including two isolation rooms.

About HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital
HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital is a 435-bed, full-service acute care hospital accredited by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration as a comprehensive stroke center. Specializing in emergency services, dedicated pediatric emergency services, Level II trauma services, maternity, Level III neonatal services, pediatric intensive care services, comprehensive stroke services, minimally invasive surgery and open-heart surgery, we provide high-quality, exceptional patient care to Fort Pierce residents and the surrounding communities. The hospital has been recognized as a Blue Distinction Center for cardiac care and is an American College of Surgeons Verified Level II Trauma Center. The hospital’s 24-hour emergency room provides specialized hospital services for adults and children of all ages. For more information on HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, please visit hcafloridahealthcare.com or call 772-461-4000.

HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital is a part of HCA Florida Healthcare, the leading provider of healthcare in the state of Florida. With an employee base of 77,000, HCA Florida Healthcare’s comprehensive network includes 50 hospital campuses and more than 450 other care sites.

Sep. 7, 2023|

Treasure Coast Hospice achieves national recognition

Treasure Coast Hospice achieved recognition by earning four rings in the 2023 Quality Connections program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). Quality Connections is the only national program designed to support hospice and palliative care providers’ delivery of high-quality, person-centered care.

Quality Connections is structured around four fundamental pillars, which are represented by four rings: Education, Application, Measurement, and Innovation. Quality Connections participants are required to achieve milestones within defined timeframes by participating in activities such as quarterly data reporting and benchmarking, educational courses, case studies, and engagement on emerging issues; all of which serve to promote high-quality care delivery and service excellence. Achievement in the program is measured by completing activities within each of the four foundational areas, culminating in the closure of up to four rings.

Treasure Coast Hospice earned the highest achievement possible by closing four rings and enhancing its quality improvement program by incorporating the newest and best practices in serious illness and end-of-life care.

“Treasure Coast Hospice is honored to be recognized by the NHPCO’s Quality Connections program for our commitment to innovative, patient-centered care,” said VP of Quality and Education Shannon Cooper, RN, MPH, CHPN. “Receiving national recognition is a testament to our team’s

dedication to clinical excellence and our mission to provide the highest-quality care to patients and families at the end of life.”

“NHPCO is committed to helping hospice and palliative care providers deliver the best care possible to patients and their loved ones. Quality Connections was created to make the ongoing journey of

excellence possible," said NHPCO COO and interim CEO Ben Marcantonio. “The Quality Connections program continues to grow and include broader content and learning opportunities like compliance, palliative care, equity and inclusion that serve our patients and communities across the continuum of serious illness and end-of-life care.”

Learn more about Treasure Coast Hospice at www.TreasureHealth.org.

About Treasure Coast Hospice

Treasure Coast Hospice is a non-profit community organization of skilled professionals and dedicated volunteers whose mission is to provide access to compassionate, caring, expert and professional hospice and grief support services to patients and families at the end of life. Founded in 1982, Treasure Coast Hospice has grown to serve more than 4,000 patients annually in Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties. Thanks to the generous support of our community, the Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation is able to fund comprehensive hospice and grief support programs for Treasure Coast Hospice, including three Inpatient Units for those who need a higher level of care, the specialized pediatric program Little Treasures, music therapy, massage therapy, virtual reality experiences, individual and group bereavement services, and Camp Good Grief for children who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email news@indianrivermedia.com

Aug. 31, 2023|

Free Women’s Health Educational Program at the Emerson Center

The Initiative for Reproductive Justice (IRJ) educational arm is pleased to offer Focus on Women’s Health: Education and Empowerment, an educational program for women’s healthcare rights and services. Focus on Women’s Health will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Emerson Center located at 1590 27^th Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida.

Focus on Women’s Health is FREE and open to the public; no registration or reservations required. This community collaboration will feature medical and public policy experts who will present topics on reproductive health, maternal and infant care, women’s lifespan health issues (STD’s, heart health, gynecologic cancers, menopause), and behavioral health. “There are resources and services available to women who need them, and we want to help bring awareness of these services to our community,” explained Hester Bloom, member of the IRJ steering committee. If you or someone you know can benefit from women’s health services in Indian River County, please mark your calendar for this FREE educational program!

Healthcare in the United States continues to advance, but women in Florida still experience barriers to basic healthcare treatment and services.

On June 24, 2022, in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned 50 years of precedent, overruling Roe v. Wade. The judgement took away the constitutional right to abortion, and paved the way for states to ban abortion care.

This ruling ignited small groups across the state of Florida to take action. Locally, concerned citizens associated with the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach launched the Initiative for Reproductive Justice (IRJ), a group that advocates for women’s healthcare rights. The IRJ focuses on three areas of women health advocacy: representation, education and resources.

ABOUT THE EMERSON CENTER

The Emerson Center’s mission is to provide educational, enlightening and thought-provoking programs, and memorable music events for our community. For more information about The Emerson Center, please visit TheEmersonCenter.com. The Emerson Center is located at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach at 1590 27^th Ave, Vero Beach, Florida 32960.

Aug. 31, 2023|

Treasure Coast Hospice awarded Joint Commission Accreditation

Treasure Coast Hospice announced today that it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for hospice accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

“Earning national accreditation from The Joint Commission is an accomplishment that truly reflects our team’s unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of care to our patients,” said Treasure Coast Hospice CEO Jackie Kendrick, CHPCA.

“I am extremely proud of the dedication and teamwork that our staff demonstrated in preparation for this national review of our quality and safety standards. Multiple surveyors expressed how knowledgeable the staff is, which shows the importance that Treasure Coast Hospice places on training and education. This achievement affirms our team’s efforts to prioritize patient safety and high-quality care by meeting the rigorous standards set by the most prestigious accrediting organization in healthcare.”

The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® indicates that a healthcare organization has met or exceeded federal Medicare requirements to ensure safe and high quality care for all patients. In Florida, Treasure Coast Hospice is one of 12 hospices accredited by The Joint Commission.

Treasure Coast Hospice underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review last month. During the visit, a team of specially-trained Joint Commission surveyors evaluated compliance with hospice and health care standards spanning several areas, including medication management, emergency management, environment of care, and infection prevention and control. The surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews with staff.

The Joint Commission’s hospice standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts, hospice providers and researchers, as well as industry experts, purchasers and consumers. The standards are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help organizations measure, assess and improve performance.

“As a heath care accreditor, The Joint Commission works with health care organizations across settings to help improve patient safety and quality of care through our expert resources and tools, innovative solutions and rigorous standards,” says Deborah Ryan, MS, RN, interim executive vice president, Accreditation and Certification Operations, The Joint Commission. “We commend Treasure Coast Hospice for its commitment to advance safety and quality for all patients.”

About The Joint Commission

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 23,000 health care programs worldwide and focuses on continually improving health care by setting the highest standards for health care quality throughout the world. In setting the standards, The Joint Commission consults doctors, nurses, and quality and safety experts to review the current standards and make recommendations for improvements. For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website.

About Treasure Coast Hospice

Jul. 6, 2023|

Treasure Coast Hospice certified as a great place to work

Great Place to Work Institute and its senior care partner Activated Insights have honored Treasure Coast Hospice with certification as a Great Place to Work. The certification process involved surveying 100% of employees from across the organization and evaluating more than 60 elements of team members’ experience on the job. These included employee pride in the organization’s community impact, belief that their work makes a difference, and feeling their work has special meaning. Rankings are based on employees’ experiences, no matter who they are or what they do.

“Treasure Coast Hospice is honored to again be recognized as a Great Place to Work,” said CEO Jackie Kendrick, CHPCA. “Our staff care deeply for our mission and those we serve. They take tremendous pride in their work and supporting each other, creating a dynamic, collaborative environment in order to deliver the highest quality care to our patients and families.”

This is the fourth consecutive year that Treasure Coast Hospice has been certified as a Great Place to Work. This year, 94% of staff members responding to the survey said that it is a great place to work compared to 57% of employees at a typical U.S.-based company.

According to the survey’s results, 98% of employees said their “work has special meaning” and they are “proud to tell others where they work.” Treasure Coast Hospice was also chosen as a top place to work because staff feel good about the ways the organization contributes to the community and they feel welcomed upon joining the team.

“We applaud Treasure Coast Hospice for seeking certification and publicly sharing its employees’ feedback,” said Dr. Jacquelyn Kung, of Great Place to Work’s senior care partner Activated Insights. “These ratings measure its capacity to earn its own employees’ trust and create a great workplace for high performance.”

About Treasure Coast Hospice

About Activated Insights and Great Place to Work

Activated Insights is the senior care affiliate of Great Place to Work, the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through its aging services certification program, Activated Insights helps Great Place to Work recognize outstanding workplace cultures in the aging services industry and produce the annual Fortune "Best Workplaces for Aging Services™” as well as other Great Place to Work Best Workplaces lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small & Medium Companies, and various regions. Through its employee engagement platform, Activated Insights helps clients create great workplaces that outpace peers on key business metrics like revenue growth, profitability, and retention.

Jun. 8, 2023|

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital event raises $500K

Cleveland Clinic Florida supporters Tony and Sally Woodruff, Pat and Carol Welsh, Warren and Ginny Schwerin

Cleveland Clinic supporters gathered with good friends for a good cause to support the 32nd annual May Pops spring concert featuring the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. With more than 600 guests in attendance, the end-of-year event was held at the Windsor polo field in Vero Beach and raised nearly $500k to benefit Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital priorities. Special thanks went to Presenting Sponsors Marlynn and Bill Scully; VIP Hospitality Sponsors Mrs. Herman F. Becker and Chris and Keena Clifford; and Broadway Sponsors Bob Williams and Karen Katen.

The evening commenced with remarks by Indian River Hospital Interim President David Peter, MD, MBA, who thanked guests for their unwavering commitment to elevating medical care for residents of Indian River County. He also celebrated longtime Chairman Tony Woodruff and his wife, Sally, for their extraordinary service and leadership over the years. Mr. Woodruff will be stepping down as Chairman this year and transitioning to the role of Chairman Emeritus.

“Tony has served on both the Hospital and Foundation Boards at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital,” said Dr. Peter. “He was on the Foundation board for 19 years, with a record nine years as Chairman. His leadership and strategic engagement resulted in over $50 million in contributions. Today, we celebrate Tony’s achievements and congratulate him on his new role.”

Dr. Peter then introduced the conductor, symphony and soloists. Under the baton of Music Director Christopher Confessore, the Brevard Symphony delighted guests with several beloved Broadway musical hits performed by renowned vocalists Sarah Uriarte Berry and Sal Viviano. Featured songs included, Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You from Jersey Boys by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio and vocals by Sal Viviano, and selections from Les Misérables by Claude-Michel Schönberg and vocals by Sarah Uriarte Berry and Sal Viviano, among others.

May Pops was inspired by longtime supporters Dick and Helen Post, who had the idea of creating “an end-of-season celebration to support the hospital, with good friends, good music and good food for a good cause.” Since his passing in 2013, each year guests are invited to pay tribute to Mr. Post and his flair for signature neckwear by wearing a bow tie to the event.

All proceeds from May Pops will help advance technology, enhance facilities and elevate patient care at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.

About Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital

Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, part of Cleveland Clinic’s regional health system in Florida, is a 332-bed hospital in Vero Beach and offers comprehensive medical services to the Treasure Coast community. One of Cleveland Clinic’s five hospitals in Florida, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital is dedicated to achieving excellent outcomes. Guided by a Patients First philosophy, healthcare professionals represent specialties including orthopaedics, heart and vascular medicine, neurosurgery, stroke, gastroenterology, bariatrics and labor and delivery. With locations across Indian River County that include outpatient facilities, urgent care centers and a diagnostic center, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital has a 24-hour emergency department. Cleveland Clinic’s regional health system in Florida is an integral part of Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where providing outstanding patient care is based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Physicians at Cleveland Clinic are experts in the treatment of complex conditions that are difficult to diagnose. For more information, visit www.clevelandclinicflorida.org.

Jun. 8, 2023|

Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital Receives Comprehensive Stroke Center Certificatio

Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital Receives Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification

Cleveland Clinic Martin Health announced that Tradition Hospital in Port St. Lucie has received certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by DNV GL Healthcare.

“This achievement affirms that Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital has met the highest level of competence to address the full spectrum of stroke care,” says Marc Babi, MD, Chief of Neurocritical Care, Cleveland Clinic Florida Region and Co-Director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Tradition Hospital. “It reflects the extensive training and collaboration of our multidisciplinary teams in order to perform effectively and efficiently at each step in our patients’ care.

Tradition is the first hospital on Florida’s Treasure Coast and the first hospital within the Cleveland Clinic Florida Region to achieve this certification.

“With stroke care, you must have the best clinicians and resources, but also the ability to act organizationally with extreme efficiency because of stroke’s time-critical nature,” says Madhu Sasidhar, MD, President, Tradition Hospital. “We have put tremendous efforts into our stroke program and into ensuring the health and safety of our patients.”

The DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.

“Achieving this top certification highlights the Cleveland Clinic Florida Neuroscience Institute’s commitment to excellence,” says Amre Nouh, MD, MBA, FAHA, Regional Chairman of Neurology, Cleveland Clinic Florida. “It also demonstrates to the community that the hospital is performing at the highest level and able to attract top-level talent.”

About Cleveland Clinic Martin Health
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health is part of the Cleveland Clinic’s regional health system in Florida. It features three hospitals with a total of 521 beds, a free-standing emergency center, and numerous outpatient centers and clinics across Martin and St. Lucie counties on Florida’s east coast. Cleveland Clinic Martin Health offers preventive, primary and acute hospital care, as well as cancer care, a heart center, wellness and rehabilitation services, and much more. Cleveland Clinic’s regional health system in Florida is an integral part of Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where providing outstanding patient care is based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Physicians at Cleveland Clinic are experts in the treatment of complex conditions that are difficult to diagnose. For more information, visit my.clevelandclinic.org/florida. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

About DNV GL Healthcare
DNV is a global independent certification, assurance and risk management provider, operating in more than 100 countries. Through its broad experience and deep expertise, DNV advances safety and sustainable performance, sets industry benchmarks, drives innovative solutions.

Whether certifying a company’s management system or products, accrediting hospitals, providing training, assessing supply chains or digital assets, DNV enables customers and stakeholders to make critical decisions with confidence, continually improve and realize long-term strategic goals sustainably. For more information about DNV, visit www.dnvcert.com/healthcare

May. 25, 2023|

VNA receives five-star rating in patient satisfactio

VNA receives five-star rating in patient satisfaction

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) just announced their April-June 2023 Home Health Compare Survey Results, and the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) achieved the highest rating in patient satisfaction. The non-profit home health agency achieved 5 stars in patient satisfaction, giving VNA the highest overall rating of all home healthcare agencies in Indian River County.

“I love seeing the patient recognition for our team of dedicated and passionate clinicians. We strive every day to earn the trust and privilege to serve this community with the highest levels of care,” says VNA President & CEO, Lundy Fields, MBA, CNA.

The 5-star rating system allows patients and caregivers to easily compare home health agencies in their area. According to CMS, it is the first national standard for collecting information on patient experiences that enable valid comparisons among all home health agencies. Star ratings range from 1 to 5 and demonstrate how a home health agency stands up to other home health agencies.

Patient satisfaction ratings are based on patient experience scoring: overall care, communication between provider and patient, provider professionalism, medication education and future recommendations.

Home Health Compare (HHC) data is available online at www.medicare.gov. There, information about the quality of care provided by "Medicare-certified" home health agencies throughout the nation, is available to the public. “Medicare-certified” means the home health agency is approved by Medicare and meets certain federal health and safety requirements.

VNA offers Medicare-reimbursed home healthcare and is the only non-profit home care agency in Indian River County. Individuals who are discharged from the hospital after a surgery or have been diagnosed with a chronic illness benefit from the skilled nursing and rehabilitation services the VNA offers. To learn more about how the VNA cares for Indian River County, please visit www.vnatc.com or call 772-567-5551.

About the VNA
The VNA of the Treasure Coast provides home healthcare services—including Medicare-reimbursed and private-duty nursing; home health aides; physical, speech, and occupational therapy; in-home companions; and personal transportation—throughout Indian River County. The agency is also the only licensed hospice provider in Indian River County, offering end-of-life care in patients’ homes, local hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and the VNA Hospice House. The non-profit organization also provides community health services such as flu vaccinations, no-cost blood pressure/blood glucose screenings, and education on health-related topics in various settings.

May. 4, 2023|

HANDS Clinic of St. Lucie County Launches Mobile Healthcare Van

The HANDS Clinic of St. Lucie County is taking free health care on the road.

A mobile van, called Health on Wheels, has been outfitted as a primary care office that can bring staff and equipment to vulnerable neighborhoods in St. Lucie County.

“We know that many of the uninsured St. Lucie residents who are eligible for free care face transportation hurdles. They may have difficulty in getting to our main office in Fort Pierce, and so may go without the services they need,” said HANDS Executive Director Lisa Hatch. “Our HANDS Clinic volunteers are now able to bring our quality care to these individuals right in their own neighborhoods.”

The mobile van is a partnership of the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners, the St. Lucie

Health Department, and the HANDS Clinic. Funding for the purchase of the van was made possible through CARE Act funds administered by St. Lucie County. It is staffed by three HANDS Clinic nurse practitioners.

To launch the mobile van, the HANDS Clinic is holding a ribbon cutting in partnership with the St. Lucie Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, February 16 at 11 a.m. at In the Image of Christ on 7^th Street in Fort Pierce. The community is invited.

“This Lincoln Park neighborhood is the van’s first outreach location,” Hatch said, “so it seems the most appropriate site to celebrate its launch.” Health on Wheels will be at this location from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the option to expand the schedule as demand increases. Other neighborhoods will be added over time.

About The HANDS Clinic

The HANDS Clinic is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that provides free healthcare services to qualified uninsured St. Lucie County residents between the ages of 19 and 64. Staffed by volunteer physicians and other volunteer healthcare providers, the Clinic offers no-cost primary care and specialty care, the only free adult dental clinic in St. Lucie, vision care, lab tests, medication assistance, and health education. It also offers a full service Women’s Health program from well-woman care through pap smears, ultrasound, birth control, specialty gynecological care, and referrals for mammograms. It is located at 3855 S. US 1 in Fort Pierce. For more information, contact the HANDS Clinic at 772-462-5646, at www.handsofslc.org, or info@HANDSofSLC.org.

Feb. 2, 2023|

Manufacturer Relocates to Indian River County

Board of County Commissioners Approve Jobs Grant Incentive

The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Office is pleased to announce that Kessel Medical, Inc. was approved for the county’s Local Jobs Grant incentive. Kessel Medical is a medical device manufacturer that relocated to Vero Beach from Atlanta in late 2021.

In a unanimous decision, the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners approved Kessel Medical’s request for a Local Jobs Grant. The company anticipates

hiring 20 new employees over the next three years, at salary levels at or above the county’s average annual wage of $51,000. Using these figures, county staff calculated that Kessel Medical is eligible for a Local Jobs Grant in the amount of up to $106,000, with payments to begin a year after the jobs are filled, paid over a 5-year period. Based on earnings, the Chamber’s Economic Development Office estimated the company’s economic impact at nearly $1.8 million, using a 1.45 multiplier for the manufacturing industry. Medical manufacturing is a targeted industry for Indian River County and the State of Florida.

Kessel Medical produces FDA-approved in-vitro diagnostics and neurosurgical implants for home and hospital use, contracting with other small medical device companies along the U.S. east coast. With 60 years combined experience in the medical industry, over 56 patents issued through the U.S. patent office, numerous national design excellence awards and a generous exit from a prior medical device start-up, the founders “felt that the next phase of their entrepreneurial journey would be best undertaken in the small slice of paradise that is Vero Beach”, explains Jack Griffis, the company’s co-founder and CTO.

“Kessel Medical is extremely pleased with the Commission’s unanimous decision to approve the jobs grant application” continues Mr. Griffis. “Since starting operations in Indian River County earlier this year, Kessel has been able to grow at a much faster rate than originally anticipated. In combination with this accelerated growth, the Jobs Grant will permit Kessel to recruit and retain high quality talent for production, operations engineering, and quality assurance support. We look forward to our upcoming facility expansion as well as bringing to Indian River County more high paying job opportunities for the population at large.”

The Chamber’s Economic Development Office is working with the owners to help them find larger space as they grow their operations.

“We are excited to have Kessel Medical a part of our growing medical community,” notes Helene Caseltine, the Chamber’s Economic Development Director. “With annual salaries paying at or above the county’s average annual wage, this calculates to approximately $1.2 million in new paychecks circulating in our local economy each year, once the company is in full operation.” The company also plans to offer competitive internships and co-operative education employment to local college and university students.

For more information on locating or expanding a business in Indian River County, call Helene Caseltine at the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, 772-567-3491 or visit www.indianrivered.com.

Dec. 9, 2022|

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