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Friday, September 01, 2023
Destin Chamber Trustees Invite Local First Responders to Appreciation Cookout
The Destin Chamber Trustee members are celebrating and thanking local first responders with a free cookout on Monday, Sept. 11. They will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and serving BBQ sliders and brisket at Destin Fire Station #9 at 848 Airport Road, in Destin, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. All police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, beach safety, EMS and military are invited. Trustee membership is the highest membership level in the Destin Chamber, and it shows a significant commitment to and
Thursday, August 10, 2023HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital Collect More than 3,000 School Supplies
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital joined HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals across the state throughout July to participate in the organization’s first statewide We Show Up for Our Schools month of service. In partnership with the Okaloosa County School District and United Way Emerald Coast, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital collected more than 3,000 supplies for students and teachers in our community ahead of the new
Tuesday, August 01, 2023HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Nationally Recognized for Commitment to Providing High-Quality Stroke Care
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin 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
Wednesday, May 03, 2023HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Awarded Spring 2023 ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from Leapfrog Group
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit upholding the standard of patient safety in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. This national distinction celebrates HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital’s achievements in prioritizing patient safety by protecting patients from preventable harm and errors. The new grades reflect performance primarily during the height of the pandemic. This is the third consecutive “A”
Friday, April 21, 2023HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Encourages Organ Donation During National Donate Life Month
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital will join Donate Life Florida to celebrate National Donate Life Month with a special flag-raising ceremony in honor of the hundreds of thousands of donors and recipients whose lives have been touched by organ donation. This year’s guest speaker is Kim McMahon, of Pensacola, whose 16-year-old son, William, died while waiting for his second liver transplant. McMahon later became a tissue recipient herself – receiving donor bone during a spinal fusion surgery to repair
Wednesday, March 22, 2023Healthgrades names HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital a 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award™
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital today announced that it has been recognized by Healthgrades as a 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ recipient. This is the second year in a row that HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has received this honor, which places the facility among the top 5% of all short-term acute care hospitals as evaluated by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting patients and providers. HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has a robust Infection Prevention program,
Wednesday, March 08, 2023HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital Join HCA Florida Healthcare’s Second Statewide Service Week
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital Join HCA Florida Healthcare’s Second Statewide Service Week Hospital colleagues to volunteer at two local non-profit organizations in recognition of first anniversary of HCA Florida Healthcare WHAT: HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital are among many HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals across Florida participating in the organization’s second statewide We Show Up for Our Communities service
Friday, February 24, 2023HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Launches Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has launched its first adolescent intensive outpatient program (IOP) offering behavioral health services to teens between the ages of 12 and 17. The S.A.I.L. (Seeking an Incredible Life) adolescent IOP provides evidence-based treatment consisting of group therapy sessions as well as individual visits with a therapist and psychiatrist. Group sessions are led by a licensed therapist trained in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and
Tuesday, January 17, 2023Destin Chamber Presents Special Recognitions & Installs 2023 Board During January Breakfast
During its Jan. 13 Business Before Hours and Annual Membership Meeting at LuLu’s Destin, the Destin Chamber honored some of its most outstanding volunteers and installed its 2023 Chairman and Board of Directors. Before passing the gavel to 2023 Chairman of the Board Jason Belcher of FNBT Bank, 2022 Chairman Jennifer Gutai Comella of Hand Arendall Harrison Sale presented the James D. Neilson, Sr., Chairman’s Award for Volunteer Service and the Paul Woolman Ambassador of the Year Award. These awards are
Wednesday, January 04, 2023HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Opens Expanded Cardiac Rehabilitation Center
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital recently celebrated the grand opening of its expanded Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, which has moved into a newly-renovated building. Within walking distance of the former Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, the new facility is located at 1020 Titan Court Suite 101 – and more than doubled its space from 992 square feet to 2,300 square feet – including a gym with upgraded equipment, exam room, two patient treatment rooms and two changing rooms. Cardiac rehabilitation at
Monday, December 19, 2022HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Awards $15,000 Scholarship to Okaloosa Technical College
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Thursday awarded a $15,000 scholarship to Okaloosa Technical College to support efforts to strengthen and expand the state’s healthcare workforce. The funding is part of HCA Healthcare’s ongoing commitment to partnering with organizations to help develop a diverse pool of future healthcare leaders and is designed to ensure that every student has the same opportunity to graduate and attain a high-quality degree or industry certification. “The ability to provide
Wednesday, November 16, 2022HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Awarded Second ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from Leapfrog Group
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group. This national distinction celebrates HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital’s achievements in protecting hospital patients from preventable harm and errors. “We are honored to once again be recognized for our commitment to patient safety,” said HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Chief Executive Officer Zach McCluskey. “Our teams continue to prove that they are dedicated to providing the highest
Monday, November 07, 2022HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Receives 30 Healthgrades Quality Awards
HCA Florida Healthcare announced today its hospitals are the recipient of more than 650 quality awards from Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting doctors and patients. Healthgrades recognizes high-performing hospitals for their commitment to delivering excellence in patient care and outcomes through three distinct programs, including the five-star recipient rating, America’s Best Specialty Care Awards and Specialty Excellence Award. Healthgrades evaluated patient mortality and complication rates
Tuesday, October 18, 2022HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Launches Tri-County Area's Only Hospital-Based Midwifery Pro
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has launched a new midwifery program – the only one of its kind across Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties in which midwives deliver in the hospital. The program helps to meet the growing healthcare needs of our community, as an increased number of women seek low-intervention options for a more natural birthing experience. Our certified nurse midwives (CNMs) have extensive nursing and midwifery experience and provide a wide range of women’s health services –
Tuesday, October 11, 2022HCA Healthcare to Donate up to $1.5 Million Towards hurricane Ian Disaster Relief Efforts in Florida
HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: HCA), one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers, today announced that it will contribute up to $1.5 million through community organizations and colleague matching to aid in Hurricane Ian relief efforts in Florida. HCA Healthcare will contribute to the following organizations:•$1 million to the Governor’s Florida Disaster Fund •$250,000 to the American Red Cross•Up to $250,000 in colleague matching gifts to the American Red Cross On Wednesday, September 28, Hurricane Ian
Wednesday, August 31, 2022HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Celebrates $100 Million Expansion
In response to Northwest Florida’s growing healthcare needs, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital celebrated today the completion of the first phase of its $100 million expansion, which includes a new four-story, 95,000-square-foot patient tower and 10,000-square-foot renovated dietary space. This phase of the expansion adds 10 ICU beds, eight cardiovascular ICU beds and 24 surgical care beds – increasing the hospital’s capacity from 267 to 309 beds – and enhancing the array of high-quality services
Monday, August 29, 2022Destin Chamber Trustees Invite Local First Responders to Free Cookout on September 9
The Destin Chamber Trustee members are celebrating and thanking local first responders with a free cookout on Friday, Sept. 9. They will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and serving BBQ sliders at Destin Fire Station #9 at 848 Airport Road, in Destin, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. All police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, beach safety, EMS and military are invited. Trustee membership is the highest membership level in the Destin Chamber, and it shows a significant commitment to and investment in the
Thursday, August 25, 2022HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Announces Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
On Tuesday, August 30, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Destin Chamber of Commerce and the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the first phase of our new $100 million, four-story, 95,000-square-foot patient tower and 10,000-square-foot renovated dietary space, which includes a kitchen and café. This phase of the expansion will add 10 ICU beds, eight cardiovascular ICU beds and 24 surgical care
Monday, August 22, 2022HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Announces Matt King as CFO
Matt King has been appointed chief financial officer (CFO) of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, effective August 22. “Matt brings with him extensive experience and an impressive financial background,” said Zach McCluskey, CEO of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to our team as we continue to grow and expand the services we offer in the Tri-County area.” King has more than nine years of healthcare experience – six with HCA Healthcare. He joins HCA Florida Fort
Tuesday, August 09, 2022HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and Okaloosa County School District Announce Health Academy
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) announced today the launch of the Health Academy of Northwest Florida. A joint partnership between HCA Florida Fort-Walton Destin Hospital and OCSD, the Health Academy of Northwest Florida is a program of the Career and Technical Education Department of OCSD, which provides high school juniors and seniors interested in healthcare careers the opportunity to earn industry certifications. The Health Academy of Northwest
Thursday, July 07, 2022HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Nationally Recognized for Cardiovascular Care
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has received two American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of stroke, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke or heart attack, and heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively.
Thursday, June 02, 2022HCA Florida Hospitals Announce Dr. Eric Schuck as Chief Medical Officer
Eric Schuck, M.D., has been appointed chief medical officer (CMO), of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital, effective June 1. In this role, Dr. Schuck will lead the clinical and quality initiatives that support consistent clinical performance and practice standards across HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital. Dr. Schuck brings more than 25 years of experience, with a proven track record of improving quality and patient safety,
Tuesday, May 10, 2022HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Nationally Recognized with an ‘A’ Leapfrog Hospital Safety
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for spring 2022. This national distinction recognizes HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error in the hospital. “The safety of our patients has always been and remains our top priority,” said HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital CEO Zach McCluskey. “We are so proud of our teams, who are consistently committed to providing the quality, compassionate
Tuesday, May 03, 2022HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Announces Karim Ghanem as Vice President of Operations
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital announced today the appointment of Karim Ghanem as vice president of operations, effective today, May 2, 2022. Ghanem has six years of experience in the healthcare industry, and brings a strong clinical performance background to this role after serving as the director of performance improvement and a regional lead advanced practice clinician in HCA Healthcare’s Capital Division. “In his new role, Ghanem will help support the day-to-day operations of HCA Florida
Thursday, April 28, 2022Three Tri-County HCA Florida Healthcare Teams Receive Nationwide Unit of Distinction Award
Three Tri-County HCA Florida Healthcare teams have received HCA Healthcare’s nationwide Unit of Distinction (UOD) award for exemplary nursing. The following medical teams were recognized during a virtual ceremony Tuesday as the top-ranking nursing units across HCA Healthcare: •HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital: Cardiovascular intensive care unit; women’s and children’s services •HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital: Medical-surgical unit “Our nurses are on the frontline every day, providing exceptional
Thursday, April 14, 2022HCA Healthcare Releases 2022 Annual Impact Report
HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: HCA), one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers, today released its annual Impact Report that reflects on the past year and highlights HCA Healthcare’s positive impact throughout the country. “This annual Impact Report highlights the teamwork and commitment of our physicians, nurses and other colleagues, and I am grateful for their dedication and the positive impact they have on others,” said Sam Hazen, chief executive officer of HCA Healthcare. “The report demonstrates
Wednesday, April 13, 2022Neko Stubblefield Honored as Destin Chamber’s Business Person of the Month
During the Destin Chamber’s April 8 Business Before Hours Sponsored by HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, Neko Stubblefield, Vice President of Membership and Community Development at Eglin Federal Credit Union, was honored with the Chamber’s Business Person of the Month Award. This award is presented directly from the Chamber’s Board of Directors to a Destin area businessperson showing vision for his or her business and leadership in our community. Stubblefield has been in the area for more than
Tuesday, April 12, 2022HCA Healthcare Named a Top Company by LinkedIn
HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: HCA), one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers, today announced that it has been recognized for the second consecutive year on the 2022 LinkedIn Top Companies ranking, an annual list that helps professionals identify the top workplaces to grow their careers. The list recognizes the top 50 organizations in the U.S. using LinkedIn data to rank companies based on seven pillars that have been shown to lead to career progression: Ability to advance; skills growth; external
Monday, April 11, 2022HCA Florida Healthcare Shows Up for Floridians by Offering New Statewide Nurse Consultation Line
HCA Florida Healthcare announces a new, statewide Consult-A-Nurse® line. By calling the free 24/7 line, consumers will speak with nurses ready to provide quick, convenient expert care advice and support. When dialing (844) 70-NURSE (6-8773), consumers, including those recently discharged from the hospital, can ask questions or speak with a nurse about any symptoms or illnesses they or someone in their family may be experiencing. From burns, rashes, sprains, GI concerns and migraines to neurology and heart
Monday, April 04, 2022Hospital Graduation Fulfills Dying Mom's Last Wish
After an eight-month battle with amyloidosis, a rare disease that can lead to life-threatening organ failure, 48-year-old Jennifer Reckner’s final wish was to see her twin sons graduate from high school in May. But as her condition deteriorated and it became clearer she may not live to see that day, loved ones worked with her hospice care team, school officials and HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital’s medical staff to arrange an impromptu commencement ceremony in the halls of our ICU. Dozens of
Monday, March 28, 2022HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Announces Caroline Burris as Chief Operating Officer
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has announced the appointment of Caroline Burris as Chief Operating Officer, effective today, March 21, 2022. Burris will oversee the growing 267-bed hospital which has served Okaloosa County for nearly 50 years. Burris has more than 12 years of experience in the healthcare industry. “In her new role, Caroline will support our culture by leading multiple clinical service lines, ancillary departments and growth agendas,” said Zach McCluskey, CEO, HCA Florida Fort
Monday, March 28, 2022HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Named Among Top 10% in U.S. for Patient Safety
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital today announced that it has been recognized by Healthgrades as a 2022 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ recipient. This distinction places HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital among the top 10% of all short-term acute care hospitals as evaluated by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting patients and providers. “We remain committed to the care and improvement of human life, and are proud of the tremendous work our dedicated team puts in every single day –
Monday, March 07, 2022Local Newborns Add Joy as Facility Celebrates Transition to HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital
What: Babies born at HCA Florida Healthcare facilities across the state on March 3, helped celebrate the launch of the new statewide brand in style. Dressed in its signature orange, 106 Florida babies now share a birthday with HCA Florida Healthcare, a leading collaborative healthcare network in the state. HCA Florida Healthcare united approximately 11,000 physicians, 77,000 colleagues, 49 hospitals and more than 350 physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and other sites of care on March 3,
Wednesday, March 02, 2022HCA Florida Healthcare Introduces a Whole New State of Healthcare and Unites More Than 450 Affiliated Sites of Care Across Florida
For the first time in Florida’s history, more than 450 HCA Florida Healthcare affiliated sites of care across the state will unite under a shared brand on March 3. This transformation will create a leading collaborative healthcare network in the state, united through a shared dedication to improve more lives in more ways. With one baby born every 17 minutes at an HCA Florida Healthcare hospital and trauma outcomes better than the national average, we believe the future for Floridians is bright.
Friday, October 29, 2021HCA Healthcare North Florida Division Announces Zach McCluskey as Chief Executive Officer of Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
HCA Healthcare North Florida Division announced today the appointment of Zach McCluskey, as Chief Executive Officer of Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, effective Dec. 6, 2021. In his new role, McCluskey will oversee the growing 267-bed hospital which has served the Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties for more than 45 years. McCluskey will assume leadership from Mitch Mongell, a 25-year veteran of HCA Healthcare. A nationwide search commenced for the new CEO after Mongell announced his retirement
Monday, September 13, 2021Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Earns National Recognition for Efforts to Improve Stroke Treatment
Fort Walton Beach Medical Center has received the American Heart GoldPlus Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Quality Achievement Award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines. Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the U.S. On average, someone in the US suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. Early
Monday, September 28, 2020Fort Walton Beach Medical Center Announces Update on New Expansion Project
Today, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center (FWBMC) announced construction for the hospital’s $80 million expansion and renovation project is slated to begin January 2021. FWBMC released final renderings showcasing the multi-phased expansion project, which will provide many benefits to the community including the addition of 42 licensed beds, bringing the total bed count to 309. FWBMC announced initial plans for the expansion in late December 2019; the project will be completed in three phases: •Phase 1:
Friday, September 04, 2020Named Best Employer for Veterans by Military Times
HCA Healthcare (NYSE: HCA), one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers and parent company of local healthcare facilities Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and Twin Cities Hospital, today announced that it has been recognized by Military Times as one of the country's best employers based on the organization’s military-connected employment programs, benefits and support efforts. Since 2012, HCA Healthcare has hired more than 39,000 veterans, active-duty personnel and military spouses. “HCA Healthcare
