HCA East Florida Home to One of the Largest Robotic Fleets in the Region  
 
June 8, 2021– HCA East Florida, an affiliate of HCA Healthcare, announced today that it has acquired 13 new surgical robots that include da Vinci Xi, Mako, CORI, Ion, Rosa and Monarch systems. The health system is now home to 42 total surgical robots, one of the largest robotic fleets in the region. This state-of-the art technology will further expand HCA East Florida’s robotics program while making surgical procedures more precise with shorter recovery periods.   
 
The new robotic systems have been implemented across the following HCA East Florida facilities: 
•Highlands Regional Medical Center in Highlands County 
•JFK Medical Center North Campus in Palm Beach County
•Kendall Regional Medical Center in Miami-Dade County
•Mercy Hospital in Miami-Dade County
•Northwest Medical Center in Broward County
•Palms West Hospital in Palm Beach County 
•Plantation General Hospital in Broward County 
•St. Lucie Medical Center in St. Lucie County
•Raulerson Hospital in Okeechobee County
•University Hospital and Medical Center in Broward County
•Westside Regional Medical Center in Broward County
 
As a leader in robotic-assisted, minimally invasive surgery, HCA East Florida performs more than 6,000 robotic procedures annually. This includes specialties such as general surgery, surgical oncology, bariatric surgery, colorectal, pulmonary, gynecological, thoracic, urology and more.
 
Robotic surgery combines the human touch of highly trained surgeons with the precision of today’s most advanced technology. HCA East Florida’s focus on minimally invasive surgical offerings means that patients can experience less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, a faster recovery and less scarring.
 
"This robotics acquisition speaks to the scale and strength of our HCA East Florida network as well as our commitment to driving innovation and safety across our hospitals," said Charles Gressle, HCA East Florida Division President. "We are committed to offering our patients the most sophisticated, industry-leading surgical procedures."
 
To learn more about robotic-assisted surgery at HCA East Florida, visit: https://hcaeastflorida.com/service/robotic-surgery
 
About HCA East Florida
HCA East Florida is the largest healthcare system in Eastern Florida and an affiliate of HCA Healthcare. Serving residents throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties and the Treasure Coast,  HCA East Florida encompasses Aventura Hospital and Medical Center, Highlands Regional Medical Center, JFK Medical Center-Main Campus, JFK Medical Center-North Campus, Kendall Regional Medical Center, Longwood Regional Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, Northwest Medical Center, Palms West Hospital, Plantation General Hospital, Raulerson Hospital, St. Lucie Medical Center, University Hospital and Westside Regional Medical Center. HCA East Florida offers multiple ambulatory surgery centers, physician practices, urgent care 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 18,800 employees and has more than 6,900 physicians on staff. For more information, visit HCAEastFlorida.com.
 


Database to provide Floridians access to high-quality addiction care information 
 
June 8, 2021 – Florida Blue, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan of Florida, and New Directions Behavioral Health, a leading coordinated behavioral health care organization, announced a collaboration with Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the devastation addiction causes families.  Through their collaboration, the companies will offer Floridians access to ATLAS®, an easy-to-use database that highlights high-quality addiction treatment options available in the state. 
 
ATLAS® evaluates addiction treatment providers’ use of evidence-based best practices, and publicly displays this information to support those in need and their loved ones in navigating to appropriate, quality care. Individuals can search for and compare treatment options using criteria that are important to them – such as location, particular services offered, and insurance accepted. ATLAS® also allows patients to provide feedback on their treatment experience. The platform displays information on all   treatment providers for any substance use disorder in a state, including opioid use disorder. 
 
In addition to including a public search function, the platform also offers secure access to critical data for state policymakers, providers, and insurance payers to further drive improvements to the addiction treatment space, fueled by increased accountability and transparency.
 
Drug overdoses have reached an all-time high in the U.S. Provisional data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows overdose deaths rising during the pandemic. According to the data, 81,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the U.S. in the 12 months ending in May 2020, the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period. These staggering statistics further emphasize why individuals and families need a trusted resource to locate quality addiction treatment and care. 
“The overlap of the pandemic and the opioid crisis has caused unprecedented challenges for families and communities across our state,” said Dr. Nick Dewan, vice president of behavioral health for Florida Blue. “We are committed to transforming the quality of addiction treatment, improving transparency for health care consumers and ensuring Floridians have access to the type of care they need.”
 
“It is now more critical than ever, given the profound uptick in overdoses and the impact that COVID-19 has had on addiction and mental health, that people are able to access a trusted, free resource when in search of quality substance use disorder treatment for themselves or a loved one,” says Jen Velez, Chief Impact Officer, Shatterproof. “Trust is everything.  We know that it can be a confusing, scary time when someone is seeking help, and we want to ensure that the information available to find quality care is trusted, unbiased, and meets the person’s needs.” 
 
Currently, ATLAS® uses facility-level data. During the 12-month implementation period in Florida, Shatterproof will inform stakeholders and the general community of the ATLAS® platform and will host workgroups to solicit feedback from providers and other interested parties. Shatterproof will also work with Florida Blue, New Directions, and other groups throughout the state to encourage treatment facilities to submit data to ATLAS®. 
 
“The addiction crisis isn’t going away anytime soon without serious intervention,” said Ann O’Grady, Chief Clinical Officer, New Directions. “One of the most significant roadblocks people struggling with substance use disorders are facing right now is simply access to quality care. If we can get an easy-to-use, trustworthy platform in front of people, we’re taking a big step toward addressing that barrier and connecting people to the treatment they need.”
 
The collaboration with Shatterproof is just one of many initiatives that demonstrates Florida Blue’s commitment to fighting the opioid crisis. In 2017, Florida Blue became the first insurer in the state and one of only a few insurers nationwide to remove OxyContin from its formulary.
 
Florida Blue and its Foundation are among the largest financial contributors to the fight against the opioid crisis in Florida.  Since 2018, the Florida Blue Foundation has provided nearly $7.5 million in funding to organizations on the front lines, working across the state to give aid and support to impacted individuals and families.
 
In addition, Florida Blue worked with several leaders and organizations to help launch and expand Project Opioid, a statewide effort to systematically confront the problem of opioid abuse.
 
Florida is one of four new states partnering with Shatterproof on the implementation of the addiction treatment quality measurement and locator platform, ATLAS®.  ATLAS® is available in six states already and aims to expand nationwide in the coming years. 
 
About Florida Blue
Florida Blue, the leading health insurer in Florida, has been providing health insurance to residents of Florida for nearly 75 years. Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, the company serves more than 5 million health care members across the state. In total, Florida Blue and its affiliated companies serve 16 million people in 29 states. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., it is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 
 
About New Directions Behavioral Health
New Directions improves access to quality behavioral healthcare through a comprehensive suite of coordinated behavioral health services. The company reaches over 15 million individuals across the nation, in partnership with health plans, employers and higher education institutions. Leveraging more than 25 years of experience, New Directions delivers an integrated approach to whole-person care with a commitment to innovation that puts the member first. Learn more at ndbh.com. 
 
About Shatterproof
Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States. Shatterproof harnesses the models of business, the rigor of science and the power of a national movement to create change and save lives through three pillars of work: revolutionizing the addiction treatment system, breaking down addiction-related stigmas and supporting and empowering our communities. To learn more visit www.Shatterproof.org
 
 
 


June 8 2021 – Wellington Regional Medical Center has been named a Comprehensive Stroke Center by DNV, reflecting the highest level of accreditation for treatment of serious stroke events.
 
“With stroke care, you must have the best clinicians and resources, but also the ability to act with extreme efficiency because of the time-critical nature of these events,” said Pam Tahan, Wellington Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Officer.  “This certification is an indication of the hospital’s commitment to ensuring the health, safety and outcomes of our patients who might be experiencing stroke symptoms.”
 
The DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, and affirms that Wellington Regional addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.  A Comprehensive Stroke Center can typically treat any kind of stroke or stroke complication and has a team ready to rapidly provide care.  It is estimated that 1.9 million neurons can die per minute when a stroke is left untreated.  That is 32,000 brain cells per second.  Speed is the key to effective stroke treatment since cells and tissue lost during a stroke do not recover.
 
“Wellington Regional cares for stroke patients with a team approach,” said Adam Bromberg, MD, Wellington Regional Emergency Department Medical Director.  “It begins with the EMS team notifying the hospital of a possible stroke patient so our multidisciplinary stroke team can assemble and be ready from the moment the patient enters the ER.  Working collaboratively allows our medical team to be prepared for any circumstance and react rapidly to provide appropriate care for the patient.  The faster we can begin appropriate treatment, the better the outcome for stroke patients.”
 
“Achieving certification shows commitment to excellence,” said Patrick Horine, President of   DNV Healthcare USA Inc. “It helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”
 
About Wellington Regional Medical Center
Wellington Regional Medical Center is a 235-bed acute care hospital accredited by The Joint Commission. Celebrating more than 30 years of treating residents in Wellington and the surrounding community, the hospital offers a wide range of services, including comprehensive stroke care, comprehensive lung program, minimally invasive services, cardiac services, a birthing center and level III NICU, comprehensive women’s center, hepatobiliary surgical procedures, intraoperative radiation therapy, interventional procedures and a wellness and weight loss center. To learn more about the hospital, please visit www.wellingtonregional.com.
 
 
About DNV
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. 
 
 
 


June 7 2021 – Dr. Jennifer McCafferty-Fernandez has been promoted to vice president of strategy and external affairs, chief of staff at Nicklaus Children’s Health System. In this role, she oversees the Office of the CEO, encompassing government and community affairs, corporate responsibility, innovation, strategy, and marketing and corporate communications. 
 
Dr. McCafferty-Fernandez joined Nicklaus Children’s in 2016 as chief research officer. Under her leadership, Nicklaus Children’s Research Institute tripled its research portfolio and, together with national collaborators, established its Personalized Medicine Initiative, dedicated to tailoring medical management to each child’s individual characteristics, needs and preferences.  
 
In 2019, Dr. McCafferty-Fernandez was promoted to vice president and chief of staff for the health system, a role in which she supported the realignment of organizational priorities, led creation of a three-year strategic plan, and provided leadership to teams responsible for government and community affairs, innovation, strategy, and marketing and corporate communications.
 
“Jennifer is an inspirational leader who has been instrumental in galvanizing our organization to embrace a new vision for the future, leading key teams that are integral to our essential role and voice within our community,” said Matthew A. Love, president and CEO of the health system. “We look forward to her continued leadership within our health system.”  
 
Dr. McCafferty-Fernandez earned her doctorate in molecular and cellular pharmacology from the University of Miami. Prior to joining Nicklaus Children’s, she held key appointments at the University of Miami, and University of Miami Health System and Miller School of Medicine.
 
 
About Nicklaus Children’s Health System
Nicklaus Children’s Health System (NCHS) is the parent organization of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, South Florida’s only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children. The 309-bed nonprofit hospital, known as Miami Children’s Hospital from 1983 through 2014, was founded in 1950 by Variety Clubs International and is renowned for excellence in all aspects of pediatric medicine, with many programs routinely ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. The health system also includes Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation, the organization’s 501c3 fundraising arm; a network of nonprofit outpatient and urgent care centers situated in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties; a nonprofit physician practice subsidiary; and an ambulatory surgery center. NCHS is the region’s only healthcare system exclusively for children. 
 


Part IV: Complementary Approaches to the Opioid Epidemic
Palm Beach County Medical Society Services
2021 Opioid Educational Series for Physicians & Healthcare Providers
 
Friday, June 25th, 12-1 p.m. (Online Event)
 
June 7 2021 – In November of 2019 the Palm Beach County Medical Society hosted a multidisciplinary summit on alternative and complementary approaches to dealing with the opioid epidemic. Since that time, the world has witnessed another public health crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic. While the pandemic appears to be winding down, the opioid epidemic continues to rage on in full force. In Part IV of the Palm Beach County Medical Society’s Opioid Education Series, we revisit some of those complementary perspectives and techniques through the work being done by several non-physician experts.
 
•Erin Dorval, PharmD, director of Community Pharmacy Residency Program and assistant professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy in West Palm Beach, Florida;  
•Paul Pellinger, Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), president and founder of Face The Music Foundation; and
•Lizabeth Olszewski, founder and executive director of Horses Healing Hearts (HHH) in Southeast Florida.
 
The goal of this online event will be to identify and understand the potential upside as well as limitations to complementary approaches in the opioid use disorder arena. This will be an opportunity to explore collaborative efforts amongst physicians, pharmacists, and other health care experts to improve the effectiveness of care in this challenging space.
 
To register for this free event:
 
Training ID: 454-369-100
 
THE EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, ALTHOUGH DIRECTED AT PHYSICIANS AND OTHER HEALTH CARE WORKERS.
 
 
About the Speakers:
Erin Dorval, PharmD
Dr. Dorval teaches over-the-counter medications, self-care, disease prevention, and compounding, is an advisor of the student chapter for the American Pharmacists Association, and a preceptor in an independent community pharmacy, Atlantis Pharmacy. Her current research interests include expanding community pharmacy practice through enhanced services, opioid use disorder screening, and pain management.
 
Paul Pellinger, CAC
Mr. Pellinger literally wrote the book on music-based addiction care. He is a bestselling author, a veteran of the addiction treatment industry, a genuine music lover, and one of the most sought-after speakers in the field. Under his leadership and guidance, Face The Music Foundation has been able to help thousands of people across the country overcome their addiction and experience the power of music in addiction recovery.
 
Lizabeth Olszewski
A speaker, subject matter expert, and author, Olszewski heads the only program of its kind that helps children from families affected by substance use disorder. HHH has helped more than 600 families and 5,000 individuals in the last decade.  
 
 
ABOUT PALM BEACH COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY SERIVCES
The nonprofit arm of the Palm Beach County Medical Society provides and coordinates continuing medical education for physicians and allied health professionals. PBCMS Services also works to inform and educate the public about health care issues, strives to find ways to improve patient access to health care, and collects and studies information on the health care delivery system.
 
The overarching goal of the Opioid Healthcare Response program is to reduce opioid deaths in Palm Beach County through an evidenced-based comprehensive strategy that recognizes addiction as a medical illness. The key elements of the initiative are prevention, treatment, rescue, and recovery, all tied to specific outcome metrics.
 
For more information, visit https://www.pbcms.org/opioid-addiction-treatment-resources.