St. Joseph’s Hospital-North wins award
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North was one of eight hospitals nationally to receive a 2025 Press Ganey Human Experience Award titled “Pinnacle of Excellence – Physician Experience Award.”
Press Ganey surveys patients from more than 41,000 healthcare facilities asking about safety, quality and overall care experience.
The award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the top hospitals and health systems in the United States. The Pinnacle of Excellence award, won by St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, honors locations that rank in the top 5% nationally for three consecutive years in delivering exceptional experiences.
“We are deeply committed to supporting our physicians and ensuring that our community receives the highest standard of care,” said Sara Dodds, president at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. “This recognition inspires us to continue striving for excellence and compassion in everything we do.”
BayCare appoints a new VP
CLEARWATER – BayCare has named Deirdre Franzese the vice president of system financial shared services.
Franzese will lead net revenue management, financial reporting and finance-related technology platforms, while overseeing core shared services functions such as accounts payable and payroll.
“Deirdre brings strong leadership in fast-growing, complex environments,” Chief Financial Officer Janice Polo said. “Her skills will take our shared services team to the next level,”
Franzese has served as director of finance for BayCare Medical Group since 2017.
She led financial operations for the $750 million multispecialty physician enterprise. She also spearheaded automation initiatives across provider compensation, budgeting and reporting, achieving a 20% reduction in manual processes and $80,000 in annual cost avoidance.
“By strengthening shared financial services across net revenue, reporting and core operations, we’ll enhance consistency and transparency systemwide, allowing our teams to focus on advancing BayCare’s mission,” Franzese said.
Wellness trail opens on AdventHealth campus
SEBRING – Patients, caregivers and community members have a new place to find comfort and calm on the AdventHealth Sebring campus with the opening of a wellness trail.
The outdoor walking path, dedicated Jan. 29 during a ribbon cutting hosted by AdventHealth Sebring Foundation, allows people to step outside, breathe deeply and reconnect with nature, whether they are supporting a loved one, taking a break from treatment or looking for a quiet moment of clarity.
The wellness trail spans about a quarter of a mile and is five feet wide. The landscaped path is in the shape of a cancer ribbon.
The project was made possible through gifts from AdventHealth staff and community members including longtime AdventHealth supporters Lisa and Bill Jarrett.
Get answers on Medicare in February
- PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas.
Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.
They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare programs:
- Medicare Basics: Feb. 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576
- Medicare Basics: Feb. 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375
- Medicare Basics: Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214
- Medicare 101: Feb. 18, 11 a.m. at the Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669
- Medicare 101: Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073
- Medicare Fraud & Prevention Presentation: Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. at the Safety Harbor Public Library, 101 2nd St. N., Safety Harbor. 727-724-1525
SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.
Quick Hits
- AdventHealth Sebring organized a free community heart symposium for Feb. 3 to help families understand heart disease risks, warning signs and care options available close to home.
- Who We Play For, a nonprofit founded by parents and doctors, organized heart screenings Feb. 7 in St. Petersburg for anyone ages 10 to 25.
