Florida Trend Exclusive
Fostering heart health
Rural Florida has higher rates of heart disease than their urban counterparts. Changing that means meeting people where they live. It’s simple, but not always easy, especially in rural Florida communities that have long had higher rates of heart disease than their urban counterparts. Contributing factors to the disparity include a lack of access to health care and to healthy, affordable ingredients for meals for a variety of geographic and social reasons. [Source: Florida Trend]
Rehab hospitals expand in Central Florida as demand grows
PAM Health will expand in Central Florida by building a 42-bed rehabilitation hospital in Minneola, creating 80 jobs. This is part of a trend, with other health care companies also increasing facilities in Florida to meet rising demand for that type of care. The PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Minneola's services will include physical, occupational and speech therapy for conditions like strokes, brain and spinal cord injuries, and more. [Source: Orlando Business Journal]
Florida VA hospitals don’t have to report use of Baker Act on patients
When it comes to reporting how often VA hospitals use the Baker Act on patients in Florida, the VA doesn’t have to report share that information — not Florida’s Health Department or Florida’s Baker Act Reporting Center, whose sole mission is to analyze who gets Baker Acted in Florida and why. [Source: WPTV]
Florida lawmakers could open door for ‘granny cams' in nursing homes
Amid debate about issues such as privacy and protecting vulnerable seniors, a House panel approved a proposal that would require nursing homes and assisted living facilities to allow video cameras and other electronic monitoring devices in residents’ rooms. Some nursing homes and assisted living facilities already allow family members and other representatives of residents to install what are often known as “granny cams” in rooms. [Source: NBC Miami]
‘Everybody is getting sick.’ Flu is on the rise in Florida — and here’s what doctors say
We’re feeling it in Florida. Feeling the fever. The chills. The fatigue. People with flu-like symptoms are pouring into urgent care and ERs as infections across the country reach levels not seen in a decade. And for the first time since the start of the pandemic in 2020, flu-related hospitalizations and deaths have outpaced COVID. [Source: Miami Herald]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Tallahassee State College gets donation from HCA Florida Healthcare to train nurses
Tallahassee State College will receive a $500,000 donation from HCA Florida Healthcare in an effort to support the next generation of health care professionals. A ceremonial check was presented at TSC's District Board of Trustees meeting. In recognition of the donation, the Simulation Lab at the Ghazvini Center for Healthcare Education will be named the HCA Florida Healthcare Simulation Lab.
› Orlando Health to close derelict Florida hospital, citing ‘years of neglect’ under Steward
Orlando Health will close Rockledge Hospital and four outpatient facilities in Brevard, Florida on April 22, just months after buying the 298-bed facility from bankrupt Steward Health Care. The health system blamed the closure on Steward, saying in a statement that “years of neglect” had left the Rockledge’s electrical, plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems failing.
› Tampa Bay area doctors use advanced technology to detect and cure lung cancer
Major milestones in lung cancer treatment are happening throughout the Tampa Bay area. Doctors at Lakeland Regional Health are now equipped with cutting-edge robotic technology to better detect lung cancer. The Intuitive Ion Robotic Navigational Bronchoscopy gives doctors easier access to lesions and collects tissue samples for biopsy in places they could not reach before. The procedure reduces complications in patients and improves early detection.
› South Florida nonprofit Beyond Grey provides free therapy to college students
College can be an exciting yet challenging time for many students. With academic pressures, social changes and financial burdens, mental health can take a hit—especially for those without access to healthcare. That’s where Beyond Grey, a local nonprofit, is stepping in to provide support. Founded in 2020 by Bianca Natali, Beyond Grey was created to help young adults navigate the stressors of college life.