HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital

Are you expecting a baby or planning a pregnancy?

You might consider taking a prenatal vitamin as part of pre-pregnancy care — even before you conceive. But certainly, it’s important to start taking one as soon as you realize you’re pregnant.

Read our blog to learn more about prenatal vitamins with ingredients that support you and your baby before, during and after pregnancy: https://bit.ly/4fk7NUk

“At HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, we continue to look for ways to further improve our care delivery to the local community,” says Jeff Taylor, chief executive officer at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital. “The new interfacility transport service will extend the reach of emergency services at our facilities and help our care teams provide timely, high-quality care to community members in their time of need.”

Annually, HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals care for more than 11.6 million patients. Our emergency room (ER) colleagues care for patients who are facing traumatic or severe, often life-threatening medical emergencies, ranging from car accidents to strokes and heart attacks.

We are committed to creating healthier tomorrows for every patient we serve. Thank you to all our ER and EMS first responders for their important community role in saving lives.

We are pleased to announce the addition of HCA Florida Maitland Emergency (ER) to our expansive network of more than 652 affiliated sites of care, which includes hospitals, physician practices and freestanding emergency rooms. With over 84,000 colleagues and 11,100 physicians, we are committed to providing high-quality care to patients across the Sunshine State.

HCA Florida Maitland Emergency is a full-service, state-of-the-art emergency room with board certified emergency medicine physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals ready to service the needs of the community with the same capabilities as a main hospital emergency room. It features 11 emergency exam rooms, CT scan, digital X-ray, ultrasound and laboratory services, and is capable of caring for all ages, including pediatrics. The 11,000-square-foot facility is expected to serve more than 100,000 local residents and employs approximately 22 full-time healthcare professionals

We are committed to creating healthier tomorrows for every patient we serve. Learn more about our emergency care expansion: https://bit.ly/3ykdQY9

As the temperatures rise in Florida, it's important to stay hydrated.

Staying hydrated can improve brain performance and cognitive function. It can also help regulate your emotions and fight feelings of anxiety. Proper hydration can even help you lose weight or manage your weight and prevent kidney stones.

Check out these four refreshing recipes to keep you hydrated this summer: https://bit.ly/4dbmK9b

“Every birth is unique, and as a midwife, my goal is to support and empower each parent through their journey. I am honored to be a part of such a significant moment in their lives,” said Lynn-Della Trotter, MSN, APRN, nurse midwife at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital.

As one of the largest healthcare providers in the state, we've welcomed over 32,000 newborns in the past year. That's a birth every 17 minutes. Whether you're looking for holistic birthing assistance or the latest technology and the assurance of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), we're committed to providing you with the specialized care you want when you need it.

Learn how we help expectant families become confident through tours, classes and events at your local hospital: https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/specialties/womens-care/labor-and-delivery

We are excited to announce that HCA Florida North Florida Hospital has completed its first robotic Whipple procedure. This new minimally invasive surgical option will treat gastrointestinal cancers.

“Offering this new procedure here at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital is a game-changer for our patients, who previously would have to travel to other areas of the state for such advanced care,” said Dr. Francisco Macedo, surgical oncologist at North Florida Hospital.

If you or a loved one are at risk for gastrointestinal cancer, screenings are key tools for detecting early warning signs and maintaining overall good health. Schedule your screening: https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/campaigns/screenings

"The thought of being a first-time mom with a NICU baby was scary, but the HCA Florida Kendall Hospital nurses were very patient and explained the process and everything they would do. I am forever grateful to the doctors and the NICU nurses for caring for Annabelle and me," said Anjali Ferrer. Baby Annabelle was born prematurely at 30 weeks, weighing 2 lbs., 13 oz, due to her mother, Anjali, experiencing severe preeclampsia.

We understand that every labor and delivery experience is unique. As a part of our extended network of care, we're able to bring together top-notch teams of neonatal specialists who work collaboratively, sharing insights and expertise, to make sure your child receives the highest possible care.

Learn how we help expectant parents become confident parents through tours, classes and events at your local hospital: https://bit.ly/3LraANC

Please join us in congratulating Allyssa Tobitt on her new position as the youngest CEO in HCA Florida Healthcare history — leading a team of more than 2,000 at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital in Miami.

At HCA Florida Healthcare, we have more than 650 sites of care throughout the state, employing more than 84,000 colleagues and 11,100 physicians. As a part of HCA Healthcare, we are committed to creating a connected and collaborative healthcare experience for our colleagues, patients and communities.

Learn more about Allysa's 12-year journey in healthcare, what helped her along the way and her guidance for young women: https://bit.ly/465ZUgY

Today, we celebrate with HCA Florida Citrus Hospital 67 years of high-quality care to patients in our Citrus County communities.

At HCA Florida Healthcare, our colleagues are committed to creating a nurturing and safe environment for every precious arrival. As one of the largest healthcare providers in the state, we’ve welcomed over 32,000 newborns in the past year.

Learn more about our comprehensive women's health services, including prenatal care, labor and delivery services and postpartum care: https://bit.ly/4cUqMCF

"After spending five months in the NICU, these nurses have become like family. They took care of my baby as if he was theirs. I am forever grateful to all the hospital staff who fought to keep my baby alive and well," said Lizy Morejon after giving birth to her first baby at 25 weeks, weighing 0.86 lbs. at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital.

We understand that every labor and delivery experience is unique. As one of the largest healthcare providers in the state, we've welcomed over 32,000 newborns in the past year—a birth every 17 minutes.

We are grateful to all of our colleagues who care for our tiniest patients. Learn more about our labor and delivery services: https://bit.ly/4eYJ7AA

? Pickleball is the nation's fastest-growing sport. All that exercise and fun also brings the chance of getting hurt on the court. Here's how to prevent and treat the most common pickleball injuries: https://bit.ly/3VXhNdd

“My colleagues encouraged me to go to nursing school… and stick with it. So, it’s important to me that I pay it back, not just to them but to the hospital, too. Because it feels like home here,” says Camilla Inzerilli, a nurse at HCA Florida Healthcare. “They always ask you why: ‘Why do you want to be a nurse?’ I want to be a good nurse and be good to people.”

At HCA Florida Healthcare, we are passionate about investing in the communities we serve and developing the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Learn more about nursing education and training opportunities and hear from HCA Florida Healthcare nurses who are making their dreams come true—and changing the face of healthcare in communities across the Sunshine State: https://bit.ly/3zJiuPH

On Friday, June 28, HCA Florida Healthcare and the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Consortium hosted an orientation for 336 incoming resident and fellow physicians. This consortium hosts 55 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited residency and fellowship programs at 10 teaching hospitals in the greater Tampa Bay area.

The event included various speakers, including Eric Walker, vice president of Graduate Medical Education for HCA Healthcare West Florida Division.

“I am so proud to be part of the largest presence of graduate medical education in the state,” said Walker. “My team and I are excited to support this next generation of physicians, as they embark on their residency and fellowship training.”

HCA Healthcare is the leader in graduate medical education. In Florida, HCA Healthcare is also home to the largest teaching hospital system. With more than 2,326 residents and fellows in 153 programs at 26 hospitals, HCA Florida Healthcare trains the most new doctors in the state.

At HCA Florida Healthcare, we are proud to invest in efforts to further healthcare education and address the national nursing and caregiver shortage across the Sunshine State.

Our impact is made possible by our incredible colleagues, communities and strategic partners, such as the Florida Department of Education and their amazing teachers.

Our partnership provides opportunities to support programming for youth development, promote healthcare careers, improve student retention and advancement and inspire the next generation of leaders.

We are keenly aware of the role our educators play in this process and are pleased to be a sponsor of the 2025 Teacher of the Year.

Congratulations to all the nominees!

Learn more about our support of healthcare education in Florida: https://bit.ly/3RYiiCw

When it’s time to grow your family, we are there for you with our childbirth education classes, expert care and compassionate support before, during and after you bring your little one into the world.

Start your journey with us. Find the class that's right for you and register today: https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/locations/st-petersburg-hospital/calendar #/ce-landing-page/search

? Adults need 9 to 12 cups of water daily, and you can be creative with the way you hydrate. This summer, try adding water-rich foods to your meals.

Need some inspiration? Check out these four refreshing recipes: https://bit.ly/3XUo5gs

"We prefer coming to HCA Florida Lakeland Emergency because they are quick, attentive, and compassionate. They always take the time to listen, and you never feel rushed. Nurse Richard Pass explains everything that's going on, and my daughter, Kennedy, has felt more comfortable. He is always kind."

To all of our HCA Florida Healthcare colleagues, like Richard, and the more than 93,000 nurses across our larger HCA Healthcare network: Thank you for showing up in ways that make our patients feel special. You show up every day to drive nursing forward at HCA Healthcare and beyond.

We are lighting up with joy this Fourth of July as we welcome these adorable babies born at our HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals across the Sunshine State.

At HCA Florida Healthcare, we prioritize compassionate care. Our dedicated colleagues ensure a nurturing and safe environment for every precious arrival. From the first moments to ongoing support, we are here to provide exceptional care.

Learn more about our labor and delivery services and scheduling a maternity tour: https://bit.ly/3XPXFMM

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"At HCA Florida Healthcare, we're dedicated to providing exceptional care to every patient, every time," says Walker Johnson, RN at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital. "I've witnessed firsthand the commitment of our nursing staff to advocate for patients and ensure their voices are heard. Our nurses go above and beyond, making a difference in the lives of those we serve. I can absolutely attest to the quality of care and the sense of belonging that permeates throughout our hospitals."

Our knowledgeable and compassionate nurses, like Walker, across HCA Florida Healthcare, positively impact patients' lives daily. If you or a loved one experiences an emergency during this holiday weekend, our skilled doctors and nurses are available 24/7 to provide the care you need when you need it the most.

Excited to celebrate the ?

If fireworks are legal where you live, remember to prioritize safety. Follow these tips for a fun and injury-free celebration.

If there's an accident, know where to find emergency care: https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/specialties/emergency-care

Congratulations to Steven Carper of St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Station #7 on being named HCA Florida Healthcare Pinellas Market's newest EMS All-Star!

Each quarter, the four HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals in Pinellas County - HCA Florida Largo Hospital, HCA Florida Northside Hospital, HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital, and HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital - recognize emergency medical services (EMS) professionals who go above and beyond to serve their community. This quarter, Steven Carper has been distinguished with this prestigious honor.

Carper is a seasoned paramedic, who has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, compassion, and skill in providing emergency medical care to those in need.

Said Steven’s nominator, Captain David Schaefer, “I have had the pleasure of working alongside Steven, and I have witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment to excellence in the field of emergency medical services. He approaches each call with a sense of urgency and professionalism, always putting the needs of the patient first. Steven’s clinical skills are exemplary, and he has a keen ability to quickly assess and treat patients in high-pressure situations. His calm demeanor and strong communication skills make him an asset to our team, and his colleagues and patients alike hold him in high regard.”

Steven’s commitment to excellence and willingness to mentor others has served as an inspiration to others on St. Petersburg Fire/Rescue team. His leadership, expertise, and strong work ethic make him an outstanding paramedic.

The HCA Florida Pinellas Market's EMS All-Star program aims to highlight the exceptional contributions of EMS workers who demonstrate unparalleled commitment to their profession and their community. Carper’s recognition is a testament to his hard work, compassion, and positive influence on his colleagues and the citizens he serves.

"From the time we arrived, the team at UCF Lake Nona Hospital truly upheld the mission. I have never experienced such love and positivity as a patient or family member. Thank you, UCF Lake Nona, for taking such good care of my person, my wife, and mother to my children, Sheree!" said Brian Halterman.

Thank you to the more than 84,000 dedicated colleagues across HCA Florida Healthcare who care like family for patients like Sheree through every step of their care journey.

Ready to make a splash this summer? If you’re an avid swimmer, you’re boosting your health in more ways than one!

Find out how swimming helps your physical and mental health, and get water safety tips for all swimmers, from beginners to pros: https://bit.ly/4cJPhm3

We love our St. Petersburg and Pinellas County community!

We want to offer sincere thanks to our friends at Wawa for bringing sandwiches to St. Petersburg Hospital nurses and team. Thank you for thinking of us, and thank you for make our team's day brighter.

We are grateful for you!

"When you are having a stroke, every minute matters. Because I received the care I needed quickly, I was back to normal activities and cleared to return to work within a month," said Lieutenant Greg McGann. "I was fortunate my stroke happened where it did, but I know my colleagues would respond the same for anyone else as they did for me."

When Sanford Fire Department Lieutenant Greg McGann collapsed during his shift, crew members knew what to do. Recognizing signs of a stroke, the team immediately transported Lt. McGann to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital.

"We know when someone is having a stroke, fast response can mean the difference between life and death," said Dr. Ajeet S. Sodhi, an interventional neurologist at HCA Florida Healthcare. "The fast response of his crew in recognizing the symptoms and transporting him immediately to a hospital with advanced stroke treatment capabilities resulted in an excellent outcome."

At HCA Florida Healthcare, our comprehensive stroke centers have emergency stroke care teams available around the clock to provide lifesaving diagnosis and treatment and rehabilitation services and specialists to help with your recovery.

Excited to celebrate the ? Remember to prioritize safety before you light up the sky. Watch our video for tips to make your celebration memorable for all the right reasons!

In the event of an accident, seek medical help immediately. Remember our emergency room at St. Petersburg Hospital is open 24/7. Learn more here: https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/locations/st-petersburg-hospital/specialties/emergency-care

Compassion is a critical part of patient care. A smile, a kind word, a listening ear, genuine acts of caring – all have the power to make a difference in the lives of our patients. In February, caregivers at HCA Healthcare’s UCF Lake Nona Hospital demonstrated a powerful act of compassion.

After experiencing abdominal pain in February, Martha Ines Perez Bermudez sought emergency care at the Orlando, Florida hospital. Following a series of tests, Martha was diagnosed with clear cell carcinoma (CCC) of the endometrium, a rare and aggressive form of endometrial cancer. Gynecologic oncologist Dr. Maria Ruiz performed a hysterectomy to remove as much of Martha’s tumor as possible. While her surgery was successful, her cancer didn’t respond to treatment, and this spring, she began palliative care. In a recent return to the Orlando, Florida hospital for worsening symptoms, Martha learned that the cancer had rapidly progressed, and hospice care was recommended.

In the following days, Martha shared with her care team, “I just want to go to the beach.”

Lissette Francis, a case manager at UCF Lake Nona Hospital, wanted to help make Martha’s dream a reality and coordinated a plan with the National Health Transport, Inc.. Martha’s transport was arranged, and two local EMS crew members volunteered to take Martha to the beach on their day off. In collaboration with Canaveral Fire Rescue City/Port, they arranged an ATV buggy to accommodate Martha and bring her to the beach to walk on the sandy shore.

As Martha was prepared to be discharged home from the hospital the following day, Lissette shared the wonderful surprise. Later, Lissette said being able to make Martha’s final wish come true is what her job is all about. “This is what it means to care like family and something I will never forget,” she said.

When asked about this experience, Dr. Ruiz said, “It’s why I do what I do—to make our patients’ reality as beautiful as possible.”

Thank you to our HCA Florida Healthcare colleagues and EMS partners for providing our patients with physical, emotional and spiritual support – and treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve.

This week, we welcomed Kerin Grant, RN, to our team as the new Director of Women’s Services for HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital!

Kerin comes to us from the Chicago, Illinois area. She served as a Labor & Delivery nurse for Carle Hospital in Peoria, IL from 2010 to 2014. From 2014 to 2019, she was the Women’s Health Director of Nursing at St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, IL. While there, the Women’s Center was awarded the Women’s Choice Award for Obstetrics, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care award, and the hospital received an “A” rating for safety from the Leapfrog group.

Licensed in Illinois and Florida, she earned her Degree in Nursing from Methodist College of Nursing in 2010, and a Master of Science in Nursing in 2015. We are confident that Kerin will be an invaluable asset to the service line and our facility.

Welcome to the HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital team, Kerin!

Interested in joining our team? Learn how here: https://bit.ly/3zlKVmZ

"I can't remember a time in my life when I didn't shake," said Roy Narunsky.

Roy Narunsky has battled essential tremors since his teens, making simple tasks like pouring coffee a challenge.

Thanks to focused ultrasound technology, he's found new hope. This innovative, scalpel-free procedure offers immediate relief without invasive surgery. "I'm excited to finally do the things I've struggled with," Roy shared.

We are grateful for our colleagues across HCA Florida Healthcare and our larger network HCA Healthcare, who continually advance their knowledge and skill to provide the highest level of care to patients like Roy.

This week, we celebrated several Nurse Residence anniversaries!

Congratulations to our Nurse Residents in Labor & Delivery on their two-year milestone: Allison Detores and Dominique Semsey. We also celebrated the one-year anniversary of our OR Nurse Residents Heather Hurley and George Youstra.

At HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital, and across our larger HCA Florida Healthcare community, nurses are the cornerstone of patient care, and we are committed to supporting our nurses and the nursing profession by actively investing in you.

Thank you for all you do for our hospital and our patients. Well done!

Ready to make a splash this summer? If you’re an avid swimmer, you’re boosting your health in more ways than one! Find out how swimming helps your physical and mental health, and get water safety tips for all swimmers, from beginners to pros: https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/healthy-living/blog/is-swimming-cardio-why-its-the-ultimate-low-impact-workout

This past weekend was St. Pete Pride. Some of our hospital colleagues volunteered alongside other HCA Florida Healthcare hospital colleagues from West Florida in the parade!

Many thanks to our colleagues who joined us last week for our new CT room "groundbreaking" event!

Every swing of the sledgehammer raised money for the HCA Healthcare Hope Fund. Thanks to the donations of HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital colleagues, as well as a generous donation from our construction partners at J2 Solutions, we raised more than $200 for the Hope Fund! The St. Petersburg Hospital team is always ready to step up for their fellow colleagues in a time of need.

Questions about the new CT Scanner construction project? Learn more: https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/locations/st-petersburg-hospital/about-us/newsroom/will-install-a-new-digital-x-ray-and-ct-scanner