HCA Healthcare Broward County facilities honored for clinical excellence in recent Healthgrades analysis 
 
March 29, 2021 – HCA Healthcare’s Broward County Hospitals, Northwest Medical Center in Margate, University Hospital and Medical Center in Tamarac and Westside Regional Medical Center in Plantation – are proud to announce that they have received national recognition for demonstrating exceptional quality of care, according to research released by Healthgrades, a leading online resource connecting patients to information about physicians and hospitals. The three facilities cumulatively amassed more than 20 awards across various clinical service lines.
 
Healthgrades annually evaluates hospital performance at nearly 4,500 hospitals across the country for 32 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions using Medicare data. Healthgrades awards are the result of rigorous analysis and have far-reaching impacts for patients. Evidence shows that patients treated at hospitals with 5-star ratings have a lower risk of dying and a lower risk of experiencing one or more complications during a hospital stay than if they were treated at hospitals receiving a 1-star rating in that procedure or condition.
 
These recognitions are a testament to the high quality of care available to patients through this connected network of hospitals across the Broward community.
 
Northwest Medical Center was recognized for clinical achievements including but not limited to: 
•One of Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention™ for 6 Years in a Row (2016-2021)
•Recipient of the Healthgrades Bariatric Surgery Excellence Award™ and among the top 10% of hospitals evaluated for Bariatric Surgery for 3 Years in a Row (2019-2021)
•Five-Star Recipient for Coronary Bypass Surgery for 2 Years in a Row (2020-2021)
•Five-Star Recipient for Pacemaker Procedures for 3 Years in a Row (2019-2021)
•Five-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment for 2 Years in a Row (2020-2021)
“We are honored to be recognized by Healthgrades and proud to continue building upon Northwest’s legacy of clinical excellence and delivering high-quality care to the communities we serve,” said Kenneth Jones, chief executive officer (CEO) of Northwest Medical Center. “These awards shine a light on just a few examples of our team’s deep and ongoing commitment to the care and improvement of human life.” 
 
University Hospital and Medical Center was recognized for clinical achievements including but not limited to: 
•Five-Star Recipient for Total Knee Replacement in 2021
•Five-Star Recipient for Total Hip Replacement in 2021
•Five-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment for 6 Years in a Row (2016-2021)
•Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Stroke for 2 Years in a Row (2020-2021)
•Five-Star Recipient for Gallbladder Removal Surgery for 3 Years in a Row (2019-2021)
•Five-Star Recipient for Appendectomy for 2 Years in a Row (2020-2021)
“For more than 40 years, the University Team has provided integral comprehensive quality care to Tamarac and surrounding communities,” said Ben Harris, CEO of University Hospital and Medical Center. “We are proud to receive such high distinctions from Healthgrades as these awards further demonstrate our commitment to excellent patient care.”
Westside Regional Medical Center was recognized for clinical achievements including but not limited to: 
•Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Heart Failure for 4 Years in a Row (2018-2021)
•Five-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment for 2 Years in a Row (2020-2021)
•Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Overall GI Services in 2021
•Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Stroke for 2 Years in a Row (2020-2021)
•Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Treatment of Stroke in 2021
“Westside is proud to offer our community with 24-hour comprehensive medical, surgical and diagnostic services, including cardiology, stroke and orthopedic care,” said Barbara J. Simmons, RN, CEO of Westside Regional. “We are committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care, starting with rapid diagnosis and treatment and continuing through rehabilitation and recovery.”
 
The complete Healthgrades 2021 Report to the Nation and detailed study methodology, can be found at https://partners.healthgrades.com/healthgrades-quality-solutions/healthgrades-quality-awards/ .
 
 
 
 
 
About HCA East Florida Broward Market Hospitals:
Northwest Medical Center, Plantation General Hospital, University Hospital and Medical Center and Westside Regional Medical Center are facilities of HCA East Florida. HCA East Florida is the largest healthcare system in Eastern Florida and an affiliate of Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). HCA East Florida has 14 hospitals, multiple ambulatory surgery centers, physician practices, and free standing emergency care facilities, as well as a supply chain center and an integrated regional lab. Together, HCA East Florida employs more than 18,000 employees and has nearly 7,000 physicians on staff. For more information, visit HCAEastFlorida.com.
 
HCA EAST FLORIDA
Aventura Hospital and Medical Center + Highlands Regional Medical Center + JFK Medical Center + JFK Medical Center North Campus + Kendall Regional Medical Center + Lawnwood Regional Medical Center + Mercy Hospital + Northwest Medical Center + Palms West Hospital + Plantation General Hospital + Raulerson Hospital + St. Lucie Medical Center + University Hospital and Medical Center + Westside Regional Medical Center
 


When a new bundle of joy requires extra special medical care in the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, parents and extended family might feel overwhelmed. At West Boca Medical Center, the medical staff works hard to relieve those fears, by caring for any premature or at-risk baby.

Further enhancing this care, the hospital is now the only one in Palm Beach and North Broward County, to have installed the NICVIEW 2™ Live Streaming Camera Systems in its Level III NICU, the highest level of care available. Parents and their family members can now see their baby at all times, even when they cannot be there in person. The password-protected camera provides parents and their family members a secure virtual window to their newborn in the NICU.
 
“This new and protected technology is giving families and loved ones another way to connect with their baby even when they can’t be present all of the time in our Level III NICU,” said George Rizzuto, chief executive officer of West Boca Medical Center. “We understand the challenges families face when their child is in the NICU, often unexpectedly, so we are trying to take concerns about separation out of the equation. Families can see their baby at any time, and feel secure knowing they are getting the very best care possible at our hospital.” 


For the past two months, Kelly Skidmore has been serving as the CEO of the Palm Beach County Medical Society (PBCMS), a position previously held by Tenna Wiles for the past 22 years. She brings a wealth of healthcare experience to this role, as well as advocacy and legislative expertise as a former and current member of the Florida House of Representatives.

“I was delighted to be offered the position,” said Skidmore, who most recently served as the public relations specialist for the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, the largest trade association in the southeastern United States. Her healthcare experience has included serving as the vice-president of community relations for UnitedHealth Group and as the vice-president of advocacy and public policy for The Arthritis Foundation.
 
In her new role, Skidmore is responsible for the two different branches of the organization, which include the Palm Beach County Medical Society, a traditional physicians’ trade association, and Palm Beach County Medical Society Services, a grant-driven, community-based organization that improves patients’ access to healthcare and educates the public on healthcare issues.
 
Skidmore is excited about the many programs she will oversee, including Project Access, which pairs uninsured or underinsured patients with volunteer physicians and facilities, and the Physician Leadership Academy, which provides physicians with advocacy, legislative and media training to help them become leaders in local, regional and national organizations. PBMCS also includes a Medical Reserve Corps component, in which physicians volunteer to help in emergencies such as recent COVID-19 vaccine distribution events.
 
“This job is really unique; not only am I working with two different boards of directors and a MEDPAC board as well, but there is always something going on to engage our physicians and the community,” said Skidmore.
 
One of PBCMS’ latest initiatives is the establishment of a new Council on Physician Inclusiveness, created by new president Dr. Roger Duncan. “Through this council, we will be engaging with sister societies such as the T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society, and Indian and Haitian physicians, among others,” said Skidmore. “We’re working to find synergies and establish relationships that will allow us to provide the best services to these physicians so that they can provide the best care to patients.”
 
Believing that the PBCMS is one of the best-kept secrets in the area, Skidmore is also creating a social media campaign to provide physicians and the community at large with information about all of the benefits the organization provides.
 
“Every month, we will feature one to four health-related focuses,” said Skidmore, giving the example of providing heart-healthy tips during American Heart Month in February. “Our goal is to build a following so that we can expand our message to the broader community.”
 
With the pandemic showing no signs of slowing, Skidmore has also been working with PBCMS staff to research current COVID vaccination regulations to determine when its member physicians and their staffs will be able to get vaccinated, and to try to get the vaccine available in physicians’ offices.
 
“This is where people tend to feel the most comfortable getting a vaccine,” said Skidmore, adding that they are currently battling an inventory shortage. “We’re talking with different government entities to let them know that we are an available resource to help offset some of the strain facing local departments of health. Our physicians are ready, willing and able to help.”
 
As a state representative, Skidmore is naturally drawn to the PBCMS’s advocacy role. “One of my strengths is that I am able to share insight into the legislative process and healthcare bills coming forward,” she said. “I will be getting more proactive in that regard, bringing real-time information to physicians who are asking questions about what bills we want to engage with and how to best advocate for our interests.”
 
In addition to her role at UnitedHealth Group and at The Arthritis Foundation, Skidmore’s health care background also includes her own experiences as a patient, having dealt with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since she was four years old.
 
“I am very defensive of physicians and their role in healthcare because it’s been a big part of my life,” she said. “I think that all of my diverse experiences give me a well-rounded perspective that will be a benefit to PBCMS members, our staff and community.”


March 29, 2021 – While some students spent spring break at the beach or relaxing at home, a group of dedicated nursing students volunteered their time to assist patients at Broward Health vaccine sites. 
 
Through a community partnership with Broward College, Nova Southeastern University and Keiser University, Broward Health is leading a coordinated effort to combat COVID-19 and help train the next generation of nurses. 
 
“Our partnership with these three prominent nursing programs has been a tremendous success,” said Charese Crawford, RN, regional manager of clinical education & support services at Broward Health. “I have been very impressed with the caliber of the nursing students. They are not only highly skilled and helpful, but they’ve also shown an incredible amount of dedication and professionalism.” 
 
Nearly 150 nursing students were granted a unique learning opportunity and have been receiving hands-on experience, along with invaluable mentorship and training, while fulfilling clinical training hours necessary to graduate. 
 
Jade Stone NSU Nursing Student working at Broward Health North’s vaccination site
 
Jade Stone, from NSU, is among the nursing students on the frontline of vaccine distribution. “It’s so important for us as nursing students to do our part, even during spring break,” said Stone. “I enjoy meeting the patients and hearing their stories. This is an amazing learning opportunity and so gratifying and fulfilling. I grew up with the healthcare industry with my grandparents and mom so for me this is a calling.”
 
The dedicated nursing students have been in rotation at three of Broward Health’s vaccination sites, one of which includes Inter Miami CF Stadium at Lockhart Park in Fort Lauderdale.
 
Cheryl Wild-Norvell RN, MSN, MBA Chief Nursing Officer Broward Health North
 
“We are so privileged to be working with these respected nursing programs,” said Cheryl Wild, RN, chief nursing officer, Broward Health North. “When we opened our vaccination sites, we saw a huge opportunity for the nursing students to come in and not only obtain their clinical hours but also assist us in our mission to serve the community.” 
 
At the vaccination sites, students rotate through various stations, from signing patients in, escorting them to the seating areas, administering the vaccine and observing them post-vaccine. 
 
Alexandra Ruiz NSU Nursing Student working at Broward Health North’s vaccination site
 
“I love the contact we have with patients and am proud to be part of Broward Health, helping the community receive the vaccine,” said NSU nursing student Alexandra Ruiz. “We are learning so much working closely with physicians and nurses. To think that every vaccine is saving a life is huge. I am so happy to see so many in our community getting the vaccine.”
 
 

 



Holy Cross Health is one of the first in South Florida to offer a new lung valve treatment for patients with severe COPD/emphysema. 

Recently approved by the FDA under its “Breakthrough Devices” status, the Zephyr® Endobronchial Valve treatment is a major advancement because it is the first minimally invasive procedure to help emphysema sufferers breathe easier without major surgery. Through a simple bronchoscopy, the valves improve a patient’s quality of life by allowing them to breathe easier, reducing the shortness of breath, while promoting a more active and energetic lifestyle. 
 
“We are very excited to have this new treatment option because emphysema patients are often in poor physical condition, struggling with each breath despite medication therapy. Before the Zephyr Valves, the only options for relief were highly invasive treatments including lung surgeries,” said Sam G. Kosseifi, M.D., DABSM, lead pulmonologist at Holy Cross Health. “Being able to offer this minimally invasive procedure has the potential to improve the quality of life for many emphysema sufferers in Florida and beyond.”
 
The one-time procedure is done during a simple bronchoscopy that requires no cutting or incisions. During the procedure, an average of four tiny valves are placed in the airways to block off the diseased parts of the lungs where air gets trapped. Keeping air from getting trapped in the diseased parts of the lung allows the healthier parts of the lungs to expand and take in more air. This results in patients being able to breathe easier and have less shortness of breath.