Hospital wins 45 awards from Healthgrades
HUDSON – HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital has been recognized as America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Care and Surgical Care and as America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Surgery, Gastrointestinal Care and Gastrointestinal Surgery.
These are among the 45 clinic excellence awards for 2025 the hospital earned from Healthgrades.
Bayonet Point Hospital was also ranked No. 5 in the state for Vascular Surgery.
Earlier this year, Bayonet Point Hospital received the 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award, which recognizes hospitals in the top 10% in the nation for patient safety.
“Our team is absolutely committed to providing the highest quality of care to our patients through adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and protocols, while providing personalized, compassionate care,” CEO Sally Seymour said.
Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for over 30 common conditions and procedures at 4,500 hospitals to determine the top performers in specialty care.
On the web: healthgrades.com
VA reaching out to women veterans
TAMPA – The VA has launched a digital ad campaign in major airports across the Southeast, including Tampa International Airport and Southwest Florida International Airport, to reach more women veterans, their families and caregivers.
The campaigns will run through Nov. 30 and Dec. 31, 2024, respectively.
Using QR code technology, veterans and their loved ones can learn more about VA health care services, enrollment processes and resources specifically designed for women veterans.
“Bay Pines VA remains committed to transforming the entire health care experience to be more inclusive, responsive, and specific to the health care concerns and preferences of the women veterans of today and tomorrow,” said Kristine Brown, interim director of Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. “Throughout our catchment area, we are proud to provide high-quality care to more than 10,000 women veterans annually at one of our nine sites of care in southwest Florida.”
On the web: va.gov/bay-pines-health-care/health-services/women-veteran-care/
SHINE volunteers needed for Medicare education
NEW PORT RICHEY – The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas is seeking volunteers with the SHINE program (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders).
A volunteer orientation will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 11 at the Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road. Stop by to see how you can help Medicare beneficiaries.
SHINE is a statewide volunteer program offering seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers free, unbiased counseling on Medicare and health insurance.
SHINE volunteers are not affiliated with any insurance and do not sell anything.
Call 727-570-9696, ext. 234, or visit floridashine.org/jointhe-team.aspx to complete an application or learn more.
Researcher earns American Lung Association grant
TAMPA – The American Lung Association recognized Alex Jaeger, assistant member of the Molecular Oncology Department at Moffitt Cancer Center, with the Lung Cancer Discovery Award for his research on lung cancer.
Around 25% of people with lung cancer have a KRAS gene mutation, which is associated with accelerated cell growth that can lead to cancer. A new class of drugs targeting KRAS mutations has emerged, but many patients experience drug resistance. Jaeger’s research seeks to advance lung cancer treatment by studying KRAS inhibition and the immune system.
“KRAS inhibitors are poised to become a mainstay in lung cancer treatment for years to come, but much work is needed to identify therapeutic combinations that will improve durable responses in patients,” Jaeger said. “In this work, we aim to identify how KRAS inhibitors alter antigen presentation in lung cancer to identify rationally designed, next generation immunotherapies to improve responses to KRAS inhibitors.”
Hospital offers breastfeeding support group
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers a free in-person breastfeeding support group and class during November.
Events are held in classrooms at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211 Van Dyke Road.
- Breastfeeding Support Group: The group provides a place where breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and certified breastfeeding consultants. Offered 12:30 to 2 p.m. Nov. 14 or Dec. 12.
- Understanding Breastfeeding: Provides information to the expectant mom and her support person about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, tips for returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. Offered 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 14 or Dec. 12.
Register in advance for the free events by visiting BayCareEvents.org or calling 855-314-8352.
Beat holiday stress from Flow & Glow
- LEO – The Saint Leo University Wellness Center, in conjunction with Magnolia + Ash and Community Yoga Dade City, will host Flow & Glow, designed to support the body and soul ahead of the holidays.
Flow & Glow will leave the participant with a sense of ease, glowing from the inside out. The day begins with an immersive DIY facial experience, followed by a gentle yoga flow and finished with a yoga nidra practice.
The event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 17 in the wellness center. Registration costs $45 per person plus tax and includes products and a take-home gift. Register at https://wellness.saintleo.edu/.
Saint Leo University is at 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo. The wellness center is on the west side of campus, behind Benedictine Hall. Email for more details.
