Posts filed under 'Health Care'
Posted: June 30, 2010: 2:26 pm
Citing continued transit service in Polk County as a business, employment and economic issue, the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors have unanimously approved a resolution of support urging voters to approve a charter county transportation surtax of one-half percent (1/2 percent) to be considered on our November 2, 2010 ballot. You can read the full text of the resolution here.
The Board discussion noted that our transit system allows our citizens to work, shop, and seek healthcare and other pursuits through transportation that would not otherwise be available. These are the people who take care of our loved ones in clinics and hospitals, serve us in retail stores, scan our groceries, attend our colleges and universities as well as some who, due to physical limitations, have no other transportation available to help meet their needs.
Chamber President, Howard King noted, “Polk’s citizens have acted collectively to fund indigent healthcare needs as well as endangered land preservation. We believe public transit helps our citizens live with dignity and stay gainfully employed — and we believe our voters need to consider this investment a key element in taking care of one another. We urge our citizens to vote for the transit referendum.”
| See other posts filed in: Economic Development, Health Care, Perspective, Political Scene, Transportation
Posted: June 18, 2010: 11:35 am
One of the most popular rock groups of the ‘70s and ‘80s, Australia’s Little River Band will provide the featured entertainment at the annual Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Gala on November 4 at Nora Mayo Hall. The group achieved world-wide fame for hits such as ‘Reminiscing,’ ‘Lady,’ ‘Lonesome Loser,’ ‘Cool Change,’ and ‘Help is on the Way.’ They first achieved fame in 1976, after the release of their self-titled debut album. Over the following decade, the group sold more than 25 million records and had 13 American Top 10 hits.
The gala is held annually to help support the Foundation’s fundraising programs and services at Winter Haven Hospital, Regency Center for Women and Infants; seven Family Health Centers and a variety of additional healthcare facilities. Winter Haven Hospital is a community-owned, not-for-profit major medical center.
Last year’s Gala raised more than $500,000 in philanthropic contributions.
Note: Admission to the Gala is primarily through sponsorships. Individual tickets, if available, are sold shortly before the event.
| See other posts filed in: General Announcements, Health Care
Posted: April 2, 2010: 10:11 am
Other than reporting that Cypress Gardens is in Winter Park (!?) the March/April Issue of Tampa’s Maddux Report contains a Polk County Corporate Report that touts projects far and wide. In the Winter Haven area, mention was made of the CSX Intermodal Rail Terminal, LEGOLAND Florida, The East Polk Committee of 100, Winter Haven’s high tech downtown “Inland Fiber and Data Park” as well as the USF Polytechnic Business Accelerator located in 610 Plaza. The article goes on to note Winter Haven Hospital’s $40 million expansion and Polk State College’s inaugural bachelor’s degree program with 169 students enrolled. With other great projects noted throughout Polk you can’t help but feel there’s a lot going on … just not in Winter Park! Don’t let the cover fool you … “The End?” pertains to the future of Florida’s film industry.
You can read for yourself here beginning on Page 24.
It provides a much more comprehensive look than Florida Trend’s April Economic Yearbook.
| See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Cypress Gardens, Economic Development, Employment Opportunity, Health Care, High Speed Rail, Merlin Entertainments, Real Estate, Tourism, Transportation
Posted: November 13, 2009: 11:56 am
The next Business Women’s Luncheon will feature Polk County Health Department Director Daniel Haight, MD (left) “The Quest for Healthy Holidays: What’s New with the Flu?”
Dr. Daniel Haight is the Director of the Polk County Health Department. Learn Polk County’s current flu situation, the latest developments and practical information to minimize your families risk and exposure.
Enjoy a wonderful holiday luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium. Advance registration is required. $25 for Chamber members and $40 for non-members. Convenient payment here.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, Health Care
Posted: November 5, 2009: 3:31 pm
In response to concerns about the spread of H1N1 flu, Winter Haven Hospital today announced that it has implemented the following
measures:
- Beginning immediately, the hospital asks all members of the public who are sick not to visit patients at the hospital. This includes individuals who have symptoms such as fever, cough and/or sore throat.
- Children under the age of 16 are welcome to visit patients in the hospital, but they should be well and not suffering from a fever, cough and/or sore throat.
- The hospital encourages all visitors to wash their hands thoroughly before visiting patients. Additionally, at all hospital entryways, hand sanitizer stations and face masks have been made available for extra precaution.
- The hospital asks the public to be aware that special precautions for visitors have been implemented at the Regency Center for Women and Infants. The federal Centers for Disease Control has identified pregnant women and infants as two groups facing increased risks from H1N1 infection.
- Winter Haven Hospital staffers are being vaccinated against the seasonal flu virus and will receive the H1N1 vaccination as soon as it becomes available.
Kaye Hixon, Phd, RN, Administrative Vice President at Winter Haven Hospital, said the hospital is seeking to “strike the proper balance between the medical priorities of our patients and the role families play in our patients’ recovery.”
“We know that family visits play a very important role for our patients in terms of emotional support and motivating them to get better,” Hixon said. “At the same time, we have to take appropriates steps to ensure that we discourage the spread of the virus to the greatest extent possible.”
Hixon added that Winter Haven Hospital’s H1N1 task is working with the Polk County Health Department and the federal CDC to address the public health needs of the community. She said the hospital is delivering educational materials about the virus to patients and their families. She also said the hospital will make available public speakers who can address community groups and deliver accurate and timely information about the H1N1 virus.
The Chamber’s next Business Women’s Luncheon on December 1 will feature Polk County Health Department Director Dr. Daniel Haight addressing both the status of and precautions for this extraordinary flu season.
| See other posts filed in: General Announcements, Health Care
Posted: August 6, 2009: 11:47 am
A new facility, offering urgent care for non-life or limb-threatening medical problems is now open at 7375 Cypress Gardens Blvd.
Urgent Care Cypress is staffed with a physician, nurse and imaging technologist onsite and no appointment is needed. Currently patients are seen from noon – 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Additional hours of operation, as well as Sunday hours are planned for the near future. (Plan to join us as Urgent Care Cypress hosts the August 27 Networking Showcase from 5:30 to 7 p.m.)
Michael Kerkes, M.D., Board certified Family Practitioner and Urgent Care Cypress medical director explains, “We’ll treat non-emergency conditions such as minor cuts, strains, fevers, fractures and burns, flu-like symptoms, gastrointestinal distress, respiratory problems such as asthma, ear aches and other acute conditions. We’re also a cost-effective and timely resource for school physicals.
Urgent Care Cypress is not intended for use in major medical emergencies such as chest pain, loss of consciousness, severe bleeding or other possibly life-threatening situations. In these cases call 911 or proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Medicare and most major insurances are accepted. For more information about Urgent Care Cypress call 863-325-8185.
| See other posts filed in: Health Care
Posted: January 14, 2009: 9:27 am
Bond Clinic has opened its new Women’s Health Center – a comprehensive all inclusive location for women’s health including obstetrics and gynecology, women’s diagnostic services and a medical spa. It is located at the Bond Clinic satellite office at 199 Ave B N.W (Verizon building).
The Women’s Health Center is home to four physicians who are board certified in obstetrics and gynecology: Carlos Gabriel, M.D.; Vincent Gatto, M.D.; Jana Kenaan, M.D. and Dr. Eva Salamon, M.D. The center has a clinical and clerical support staff of thirteen.
Advanced imaging and diagnostic services located at the center include 3 and 4-D ultrasound, urinary incontinence evaluation, digital mammography and coming soon, a Dexa scan for bone density screening.
In addition to comprehensive gynecological services and personalized pre-natal care, the Women’s Health Center offers Bond Aesthetics, a division that includes a medical spa and cosmetic laser therapy. The spa includes a licensed massage therapist and facial specialist who offers a wide range of services from a relaxing hot stone massage to variety of facial treatments. The board-certified physicians perform cosmetic laser treatments for facial rejuvenation, hair removal, spider veins and broken capillaries, acne, Rosacea and age spot removal. Botox and other cosmetic injections for the treatment of facial lines and winkles are also available.
Bond Clinic will hold a ribbon cutting and open house at the new center on January 27 from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. open to the general public.
The new Women’s Health Center offers women a state of the art, one-stop location they may go for both their medical and cosmetic needs. For more information, or to schedule an appointment please call 863-293-1191 ext. 3573. (Photography courtesy of Sean O’Shaughnessy, cnp_studio.)
| See other posts filed in: Downtown, General Announcements, Health Care
Posted: December 31, 2008: 11:40 am
As 2008 comes to an end we offer our list of ten significant Winter Haven developments from the past twelve months. While the economy has slowed, there is still much positive local activity. A great many developments hold promise for the future. Here’s our selection – each is linked to the original blog post. What would you add?
10. DCA approval of the CSX intermodal rail facility
9. Winter Haven Hospital completes $40 million addition.
8. PCC one of nine community colleges to offer four-year degrees
7. Ledger New York Times buys News Chief
6. Winter Haven opens new airport terminal
5. City plans for Chain of Lakes property
4. Winter Haven Hospital attains Magnet status
3. Six Ten Corporation/T3 Communications “Inland Fiber and Data Technology Park” downtown
2. Winter Haven Parks Grow by 250 acres since 2000
1. Cypress Gardens closes … to reopen in March 2009
What would you add to this list?
The Chamber extends our best wishes for a bright and prosperous 2009. And remember … buy from local merchants, the job you save may be your own!
| See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Cypress Gardens, Downtown, Economic Development, Health Care, News Media, Parks and Green Space, Perspective, Real Estate, Technology, Tourism, Transportation
Posted: December 15, 2008: 4:11 pm
Winter Haven Hospital is awarded prestigious nursing Magnet designation
As Polk County’s first healthcare organization to achieve Magnet status, Winter Haven Hospital joins 305 hospitals across the country – about 5 percent of the nation’s total – to be recognized for excellence in patient care. Hospital staffers have worked for more than five years to meet the program’s rigorous requirements.
Winter Haven Hospital has been recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) with the prestigious designation of Magnet status for its nursing program. The Hospital is the first in Polk County to achieve Magnet status, which has been granted to about 5 percent of the nation’s hospitals.
According to the ANCC, the “Magnet Recognition Program® recognizes healthcare organizations that provide the very best in nursing care and professionalism in nursing practice … Recognizing quality patient care, nursing excellence, and innovations in professional nursing practice, the Magnet Recognition Program provides consumers with the ultimate benchmark to measure the quality of care that they can expect to receive.”
“All of our nurses and staff at Winter Haven Hospital have been working hard toward this day for more than five years,” said Mary Jo Schreiber, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer. “We are, of course, very proud of our nurses and of the outstanding level of care that they provide to our patients.”
Although the designation is an American Nursing Association standard, it is awarded to the hospital organization as a whole because the excellence in patient care outcomes that the award represents is achieved through the efforts of every staff member, volunteer, and physician on staff at Winter Haven Hospital, Schreiber said.
She noted that an ANCC credentialing team visited Winter Haven Hospital in September and solicited public commentary on the Hospital’s application for Magnet status.
Schreiber said: “On behalf of everyone at Winter Haven Hospital, I would like to express my thanks to the east Polk County community, which so strongly supports our not-for-profit healthcare mission. We are aware of that support on a daily basis, which contributes to the morale and the dedication that our nursing staff have for their profession.”
Lance Anastasio, president and CEO of Winter Haven Hospital, said: “I want to offer my congratulations to our nursing organization for achieving this distinguished national recognition. And I want to emphasize that as an institution, we have made a commitment to remaining on the Magnet journey. We think it’s a vital commitment to our patients from throughout the region.”
A formal award ceremony will be announced in the near future. Representatives from the Commission on Magnet Recognition will travel to Winter Haven to officially present the designation certificate to Hospital officials.
Charles McPherson, chairman of the Winter Haven Hospital Board of Trustees, said: “Everyone in east Polk County should take a measure of pride in the awarding of Magnet status to Winter Haven Hospital. Our commitment to serving our patients with the highest standard of nursing care has been certified to be among the very best in the nation. There simply are not many communities who can say that.”
The Chamber adds it congratulations to the staff and management of Winter Haven Hospital.
| See other posts filed in: Health Care, Success Stories
Posted: August 26, 2008: 2:28 pm
Healthy Business and Healthy Breakfast on September 23 – Chamber Sneak Preview
Winter Haven Hospital will present a special Chamber sneak preview of its new $40 million 60,000 sq. ft. addition on Tuesday, September 23 beginning at 8 a.m. in the medical center’s new lobby. This event is open to Winter Haven Chamber members and features a free breakfast with your RSVP by September 16.
The healthy breakfast start to your day will take place in the new lobby area and tours of other new areas will be offered. Enter the hospital from Avenue F, NW and follow the signs to parking and then to the new lobby.
You can RSVP here.
Winter Haven Hospital adopts Smoke- and Tobacco-free Policy for All Campuses
Nationwide, more than 450,000 deaths a year are attributable to smoking. Tobacco use is the No. 1 cause of preventable death. More than 500 hospitals across the country have adopted tobacco-free policies.
Winter Haven Hospital will join many Florida hospitals and more than 500 across the country in having a smoke- and tobacco-free campus beginning Oct. 1, 2008. The policy will apply to patients, employees, physicians, volunteers and visitors. This effort is being undertaken to ensure a healthy environment at all hospital facilities.
Lance Anastasio, president and CEO of Winter Haven Hospital, explained: “Our mission statement begins: ‘To improve the health of the communities we serve…’ There is sufficient research regarding the harmful effects of smoking and inhaling second-hand smoke. Tobacco use is the No. 1 cause of preventable death in the United States. One in every five deaths is attributable to cigarette smoking. More than 450,000 deaths are attributable to smoking. Knowing these facts, the Board of Trustees and medical staff members are in agreement that becoming a smoke- and tobacco-free campus is the appropriate thing to do.”
Bob Carter, chairman of the Board of Trustees, said: “As a healthcare organization committed to the health and safety of our patients and the community we serve, we have a responsibility to lead by example and provide a safe, clean and healthy environment. The U.S. Surgeon General has made us aware that even second-hand smoke is a contributing factor to respiratory infections, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, lung cancer and coronary heart disease in non-smokers. This new policy to have no smoking inside the hospital buildings, or outside on hospital property, eliminates the potential dangers of second-hand smoke.”
| See other posts filed in: Health Care
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