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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mike Schultz

AdventHealth Center Ice is site for free COVID-19 testing

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UPDATE: AdventHealth has discontinued testing at this site.

AdventHealth is offering free coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing at AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

It began on April 29, and will be offered each weekday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for 30 days.

A doctor’s order is not required, but  AdventHealth is encouraging pre-registration at AdventHealthCoronavirusTesting.com or (866) 694-5503 prior to arrival, according to an AdventHealth news release.

There are no out-of-pocket costs for the test, regardless of insurance status. AdventHealth will cover the cost of those who are uninsured, the release says.

The test consists of coughing and spitting into a cup, the release adds.

“Expanding testing is an important and necessary step to help flatten the curve and keep our community safe,” Mike Schultz, president and CEO of AdventHealth West Florida Division, said in the release. “We are investing in these testing sites in strategic community locations to make it convenient and affordable for as many people as possible.”

“Additional testing for COVID-19 is an important part of the plan to reopen our community,”  Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, added in the news release. “AdventHealth has always been a good community partner, and I appreciate them working closely with Pasco County and the Florida Department of Health on this drive-through COVID-19 testing site for our citizens.”

Anyone who pre-registers will be assigned a designated appointment time. First responders and health care workers who show proper workplace identification will have a designated lane at the test site to shorten wait times for those groups. Test results are available in approximately two days to three days, and will be delivered through the AdventHealth app and the AdventHealth website.

Anyone who is tested will receive a call from an AdventHealth physician or nurse practitioner with their results and any next steps in care, if necessary.

Published May 06, 2020

Hospital visitation limited, elective surgeries canceled

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Hospitals across the region are limiting visitors and canceling elective surgeries, as they ramp up preparations to treat increasing cases of people infected by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

As of 11 a.m. on March 23, The Florida Department of Health reported 1,096 confirmed cases of Florida residents and 75 cases of non-Florida residents, for a total of 1,171.

Of those, 73 involved Hillsborough cases and 13 cases in Pasco.

Statewide, there have been 14 deaths.

In response to the evolving threat, BayCare Health System, AdventHealth West Florida Division, and HCA Healthcare West Florida have announced changes in their visitation policies.

BayCare Health System said its changes would take effect on March 21.

“Only in certain, specific instances, will visitors be allowed into facilities,” according to a BayCare news release, issued on March 20.

“We regret this is necessary, but for the protection of our patients, team members, physicians and our community, it is imperative that we limit the number of people in our facilities,” said Dr. Nishant Anand, chief medical officer for BayCare Health System.

“The few visitors who will be allowed into hospitals will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, the disease resulting from novel coronavirus. Those who are deemed a risk will be restricted from entering the facility and may be referred to an Emergency Department.”

Visitors may still be allowed, if approved by the hospital administrator on duty, in these circumstances:

  • Inpatient: Labor and delivery, postpartum, pediatrics and Neonatal Intensive Care
  • End of life situations
  • Behavioral Health Unit
  • Emergency Room: Waiting room only
  • Outpatient procedures: Waiting room only when accompanying a patient receiving sedation

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz and Morton B. Plant North Bay in New Port Richey are BayCare hospitals within or near The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

AdventHealth hospitals in and near The Laker/Lutz coverage area are AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills.

“This is an unprecedented time in health care, and our priority is to keep our patients, team members and ultimately our greater community safe, while we continue to treat those who need our care,” Mike Schultz, president and CEO, of AdventHealth West Florida Division, said in a news release.

Hospitals across the region are limiting visitors. To be sure you have the latest information, check the website.

Before allowing a visitor to enter, according to a news release, HCA Healthcare West Florida said its staff will be asking these questions:

  • Have you had a fever and signs/symptoms of respiratory illness (cough, flu-like symptoms or shortness of breath)?
  • Have you traveled outside the country within the last 14 days (including a cruise)?
  • Have you been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 without wearing the proper protective equipment?
  • Are you currently being tested for COVID-19?

If a potential visitor answers yes to any question, he or she will not be allowed to enter the facility, except to seek emergency medical assistance.

Medical Center of Trinity and Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point are both HCA Healthcare West Florida hospitals.

On another front, hospitals are holding off on elective surgeries, as per an order by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

AdventHealth West Florida Division announced in a March 20 news release, that it will immediately:

  • Postpone all inpatient surgeries that are not time-sensitive
  • Postpone outpatient surgeries that are not time-sensitive
  • Postpone all outpatient procedures in diagnostic centers that are not time-sensitive

“AdventHealth will provide surgery only to patients whose needs are imminently life-threatening, with malignance that could progress, or with active symptoms that require urgent and immediate care” the release says. “This decision allows us to further plan for the increased need for hospital beds, resources, and advocate for patient and team safety.”

Similar policies are in effect at other hospitals in the region.

Also, efforts continue to expand testing for COVID-19.

BayCare Health System, which initially operated seven testing sites, announced it had screened more than 6,100 people and collected specimens for testing from nearly 3,500 during five days of testing.

The hospital chain recently announced that on March 23 it would be consolidating its COVID-19 test collection sites to high volume locations and to provide geographic access.

It now is operating its testing sites at one location each in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties.

The Hillsborough location is at BayCare Urgent Care, 3440 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 100, in Tampa. The Pasco location is at BayCare Urgent Care, 4821 U.S. 19, in New Port Richey.

BayCare is concentrating on using its limited test supplies to identify patients who have the virus. Patients should be referred by a physician and should have current symptoms — cough, fever, shortness of breath — and meet other criteria recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, according to a BayCare news release.

Patients should bring documentation from a physician that they have been referred for testing.

Tips for helping to prevent COVID-19:

  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Keep frequently touched surfaces and objects clean.

Source: Florida Department of Health

Published March 25, 2020

Adventist Health System to buy Bayfront Health in Dade City

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Adventist Health System, which is the parent company of Florida Hospital, signed an agreement to buy the 120-bed Bayfront Health Dade City Hospital, according to a news release from Adventist Health System.

The deal is expected to close in early 2018.

Details on the sales price weren’t disclosed.

The sale will include the hospital, at 13100 Fort King Road, as well as physician clinic operations and outpatient services.

“Finding a partner to allow a seamless medical care experience for our patients is important,” said Linda Stockton, in the news release. “Florida Hospital can bring their experience to build on our history of service and success.”

Bayfront is owned by Community Health Systems.

The sale is the “best plan for the future of Bayfront Health Dade City, according to the news release.

“Bayfront Health is a valuable asset to Dade City and its residents, and we want to continue the long history of providing essential care in that facility,” Mike Schultz, chief executive officer of the Adventist Health System West Florida Division, said in the release.

In recent years, Community Health Systems has struggled financially, and has been selling its hospitals.

A new release from Community Health System issued in November previewed “additional planned divestures,” based on $110 million loss in the third quarter of 2017. That was an increase over losses last year.

According to a news release, Bayfront Health in Dade City was one of those divestures.

About $40 million in losses for 2017 resulted from complete or partial shutdowns of some hospitals in Texas and Florida during Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, according to the company press release.

Published December 20, 2017

Lightning strikes again in Florida Hospital partnership

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Florida Hospital and the Tampa Bay Lightning are extending their partnership agreement through the 2015-16 hockey season.

As a presenting sponsor, Florida Hospital will receive a logo and name inclusion on all Lightning advertising campaigns and materials throughout the next two seasons. This continues the partnership that started in 2011, and includes being the official healthcare provider of the Arena Football League Tampa Bay Storm.

“We are proud to partner with the Tampa Bay Lightning, a world-class organization that is dedicated to giving back to the Tampa Bay community,” said Mike Schultz, president and chief executive of Florida Hospital West Florida Region, in a release. “We are proud to be associated with this champion organization who shares our core values of integrity, compassion, excellence and teamwork. Together, we are committed to improving the health of our community.”

During six Lightning home games this season, the team will feature a series called “Celebrate Life” that highlights special members of the community who have been positively impacted by the care received at Florida Hospital. The chain also will be the presenting sponsor of the annual Tampa Bay Lightning Fan Fest, scheduled for Amalie Arena on Sept. 27. There, fans will be able to watch a scrimmage, sled hockey, get autographs, and participate in a hockey class.

Doors open for that event at 10 a.m., and it’s free to the public.

Florida Hospital also will host two health awareness nights during the year featuring Breast Cancer Awareness Night on Nov. 1. That will be the culmination of a month-long awareness campaign encouraging women to get screened and join the Pink Army.

The Heart Health Awareness Night will be featured when the Lightning take on the Los Angeles Kings Feb. 7. The hospital also will be the associate sponsor of the Lightning’s annual Bolt Run.

Florida Hospital West Region consists of nine hospitals and 1,257 beds, including Florida Hospital at Connerton Long Term Acute Care, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

Florida Hospital stirring up ‘Bucs Fever’ across bay area

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Florida Hospital and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are spreading “Bucs Fever” across the Tampa Bay region with a series of community health events and a new television commercial featuring Bucs head coach Lovie Smith.

“We believe that Florida Hospital has an important role to play in creating a healthier community,” said Mike Schultz, president and chief executive of Florida Hospital West Florida Region, in a release. “We are excited to build on this partnership with the Bucs, and add new initiatives that will benefit communities that we serve.”

Florida Hospital officially launched its Bucs Babies program during the NFL draft in May, giving new moms and dads a “training camp” health and wellness package for their new little rookies, the hospital said. That program will continue on through the regular season as well, with all babies born at Florida Hospital campuses receiving a Bucs Babies T-shirt.

Florida Hospital will give away free Bucs bandanas at four locations outside of Raymond James Stadium on Sept. 14 when the Bucs take on the St. Louis Rams. In October, Florida Hospital will be one of the sponsors for the Buccaneers Treasure Chests 5k Run/Walk, which helps raise awareness and support patient treatment and research for breast cancer. This will be the first year where the Florida Hospital Foundation is a beneficiary of the proceeds raised at this event, which is expected to attract several thousand participants.

Florida Hospital also will be the presenting sponsor of the fitness challenge prior to the Nov. 9 game between the Bucs and the Atlanta Falcons.

To see the new commercial with Smith, visit CatchBucsFever.com.

Florida Hospital West Florida Region includes nine hospitals and 1,257 beds. That includes Florida Hospital at Connerton Long Term Acute Care, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. It’s part of the Adventist Health System, a network of 23 hospitals throughout Florida.

MOSI gives health screenings new meaning with theater upgrades

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When the Imax theater first opened at Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa in 1995, the technology behind the larger-than-life films was still quite revolutionary.

Lines to see Imax movies at the Museum of Science & Industry could be a lot longer in the near future once planned upgrades to the theater are complete, thanks in part to a $2 million donation from Florida Hospital. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)
Lines to see Imax movies at the Museum of Science & Industry could be a lot longer in the near future once planned upgrades to the theater are complete, thanks in part to a $2 million donation from Florida Hospital.
(Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

Today, however, it’s hard to find a movie complex without an Imax screen, and nearly all of them are digital — leaps and bounds beyond MOSI’s now almost antiquated film-based system.

But that’s changing after a $2 million donation from Florida Hospital that will not only rename the dome theater after the hospital chain, it will bring science to the masses in ways that were never imagined 20 years ago. Called “Florida Hospital Presents Live SX,” surgeons at local hospitals will perform routine surgeries, which will be broadcast live to MOSI’s Coleman Science Works Theater for middle school, high school and college students.

“Live SX” will be a lot like the more traditional surgery amphitheaters, except without the need to travel to a hospital. Surgeons will answer questions from the audience, and provide a glimpse into surgery many may not have had otherwise.

“We believe that investing in MOSI is important for the community,” said Mike Schultz, president and chief executive of Florida Hospital West Florida Region, during a check presentation at the Fowler Avenue museum last week. We believe our investment will help support MOSI as it moves forward, to create long-term sustainability of the museum, and further (develop) future scientists and health care professionals while helping develop the work force in the greater Tampa Bay area.

“We want to make a difference.”

Access to medical professionals in this way is something many don’t get to experience otherwise, especially in suburban areas like northern Hillsborough and southern Pasco counties, said Molly Demeulenaere, MOSI’s vice president of growth.

“A lot of hospitals don’t open their operating rooms, and we’ll be working with families in Pasco County to help make that possible,” she said. “Younger kids especially are going to have access to this information before they start to figure out what they want to do for a living, and (it) allows them to spark that interest at a much earlier age.”

Where the surgeries will take place depends on Florida Hospital itself, Demeulenaere said. They could be hosted from Tampa, Wesley Chapel, even Zephyrhills.

The Imax dome image is 10 times larger than a conventional 35mm frame, and three times larger than a standard 70mm frame, museum officials said. The dome theater offers a six-channel, high-fidelity motion picture sound system manufactured by Sonics Associates Inc., as well as a projector, which when it was installed, was one of the most advanced, using technology to keep the picture steady and prevent film hiccups.

MOSI always has prided itself as a hands-on museum, bringing science directly to people who visit.

“When people think of a museum, they normally think of these big open spaces where you don’t touch anything,” Demeulenaere said. “But museums are a true lab of creativity and education, and play a vital role in the community as a whole.”
MOSI did not say when work would begin on the theater, and it may have to wait its turn in line as other science centers are undergoing similar transitions and there are few companies qualified to do the work. Most of the money donated by Florida Hospital will go into the “transformation,” as MOSI is calling it, although remaining funds can be used to help supplement other programs at the museum.

“Florida Hospital is demonstrating true community leadership, and I think we should really thank our lucky stars for Florida Hospital and all the work that they do in our communities throughout Florida,” MOSI board chair Robert Thomas said. “I just can’t begin to tell you how important this is, and how thrilled we are to have them as a partner in the future of this organization.”

Published July 30, 2014

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Florida Hospital contributes $2M to MOSI theater

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It’s been a while since the Imax theater at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa had an overhaul. But with a $2 million check from Florida Hospital’s West Florida Region, visitors are expecting a “transformational” experience.

The investment, which was announced Friday at the Fowler Avenue museum, will allow MOSI to transform the Imax Dome Theatre from film to a state-of-the-art digital 3-D projection system.

With it, the name of the theater will change to the Florida Hospital Imax Dome Theatre, and will be one of the first science centers in the nation to convert its dome theater from film to digital.

“By moving to a digital 3-D format, we will be able to offer more movies that will attract additional and new visitors to MOSI, which is an important revenue source that will help with the long-term sustainability of the museum,” said Molly Demeulenaere, MOSI’s vice president of growth, in a release.

Both MOSI and Florida Hospital have created a program called “Florida Hospital Presents Live SX,” producing an interactive experience where Florida Hospital surgeons will perform routine surgeries that will be broadcast live in MOSI’s Coleman Science Works Theater for middle school, high school and college students. The program is designed to create interest in students, and help guide them toward healthcare careers.

“As a museum of science and industry, MOSI has the potential to be a model of new technology and innovation, and we believe this is the perfect investment in a highly valued community asset,” said Mike Schultz, president and chief executive of Florida Hospital’s west region, in a release. “Our hospitals use technology and innovation every day to elevate healthcare in the communities that we serve, and we are committed to giving back to the Tampa Bay community. Our goal is to work together with MOSI so we can ultimately help inspire the next generation of healthcare providers.”

The Imax dome image is 10 times larger than a conventional 35mm frame, and three times larger than a standard 70mm frame.

“We are so excited to be partnering with Florida Hospital to continue bringing amazing Imax experiences to the Tampa Bay community,” said Wit Ostrenko, MOSI’s president and chief executive, in a release.

The new partnership will focus on creating new programs, enhancing existing science education, and advancing public interest, knowledge and understanding of science, industry and technology. Florida Hospital officials say it will provide life-changing experiences for families, and support young men and women considering careers in the fields of medicine.

Florida Hospital West Florida Region, part of Adventist Health System, is a 1,257-bed hospital system composed of nine hospitals, including Florida Hospital at Connerton Long Term Acute Care, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

MOSI is the largest science center in the Southeast with 400,000 square feet of exhibits. For more information on the museum, visit MOSI.org.