HCA Florida Westside Hospital

09/30/2026

Today our colleagues came together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with incredible food, live music, laughter and the vibrant cultures and traditions that enrich our hospital and our community.

At HCA Florida Westside Hospital, excellence is more than the care we provide—it’s reflected in the connections we build, the cultures we celebrate and the people who make our community stronger. By celebrating the diverse backgrounds of our colleagues, we strengthen the sense of belonging and connection that helps us deliver exceptional care to the community we are privileged to serve.

Thank you to everyone who helped make today’s celebration so special. Here’s a look at some of the fun!

Celebrating culture. Strengthening community. Committed to excellence.

09/30/2026

At HCA Florida Healthcare, caring like family means showing up for our communities in meaningful ways. As part of HCA Healthcare, our colleagues support more than 10,000 organizations through volunteerism, charitable giving and community leadership.

Together, these efforts help expand access to resources and build healthier communities where we live and work.

See how HCA Healthcare is supporting communities across our organization: https://bit.ly/3Va6MZv.

09/29/2026

For many people with blood cancer or other serious blood disorders, a blood stem cell or bone marrow transplant can offer hope — and it often starts with a donor.

According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, most patients who need a transplant don’t have a fully matched donor in their family and rely on NMDP (formerly Be The Match) to help find one. NMDP ℠ is a global nonprofit leader in cell therapy that helps save the lives of patients with blood cancers and disorders.

As part of HCA Healthcare, we're proud to support this life-saving work through the Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Network — one of the nation's leading providers of unrelated bone marrow donor transplants in the U.S. Each year, this extensive network helps connect tens of thousands of patients with the care they need.

You could be someone’s match. Learn more and join the registry at https://bit.ly/4ymUxXY.

09/28/2026

After seeking care, Pala learned she had high-grade myelodysplastic syndrome, a condition that can progress to an aggressive blood cancer called acute leukemia. Her search for treatment options brought her to the Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, where she met Dr. Zeina Al-Mansour and team.

“I am so grateful that I was able to find this place and this team, because they saved my life,” Pala said. “They gave me a future. I’ll be able to see my grandchildren grow up. I’ll be able to see them graduate. I am just so grateful.”

During Blood Cancer Awareness Month, Pala’s story reflects the specialized expertise and advanced treatment options available through our transplant and cellular therapy team. Our colleagues are committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care with purpose and integrity.

09/25/2026

On Research Administrator Day, HCA Florida Healthcare celebrates our research administrators for their dedication to advancing innovation that improves care, quality access and outcomes.

Across our HCA Healthcare network, research spans clinical care, population health, trauma, nursing, graduate medical education and more — helping improve how we serve patients and communities.

Research administrators play a vital role in moving this work forward — supporting collaboration, enabling operations and helping bring meaningful innovations into practice across our system. Explore more at https://bit.ly/4xOoi34@.

09/24/2026

Big news for future nurses in Florida’s Panhandle! 🎉

Galen College of Nursing is expanding with a new campus in Panama City Beach — its sixth campus in Florida. Enrollment is now open for the Associate Degree in Nursing program, with the first term beginning in January 2027.

As part of HCA Healthcare, Galen is helping expand access to nursing education and create pathways for the next generation of nurses to build meaningful careers in healthcare.

Learn how you can start your nursing journey at Galen’s newest campus: https://bit.ly/4yTul7b.

09/24/2026

💓 Does your heart ever feel like it’s pounding, racing, fluttering or skipping a beat? These sensations can be signs of heart palpitations.

Heart palpitations are common, but some may need medical attention. Seek medical care if palpitations keep coming back or occur with symptoms of chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness or shortness of breath.

Triggers can be different for everyone. Stress, caffeine, poor sleep, dehydration, certain medications and other factors may play a role.

Know what heart palpitations can feel like, what may contribute to them and when to seek care for a racing heart or skipped heartbeat: https://bit.ly/4htFjt3.

📍Concerned about your heart rhythm or palpitations that keep coming back? For nonemergency concerns, talk with your doctor or find care near you: https://bit.ly/4hduqgg.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

09/23/2026

This National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, we’re celebrating the determination of patients— like Cierra Anderson — and the care teams who help make meaningful progress possible.

After experiencing an unexpected and severe stroke at just 25-years old, Cierra began her recovery journey by undergoing a month of intensive rehabilitation at HCA Florida Gainesville Hospital Inpatient Rehabilitation. The center, which opened to the community in May 2026, provides specialized inpatient rehabilitation to support patients working to regain function and independence after serious illness or injury.

With the support of her rehabilitation care team — and plenty of determination — Cierra made significant progress. Today, she is walking and talking again. She recently marked another milestone by ringing the Champion’s Bell and graduating from the rehabilitation program.

During National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, we celebrate Cierra’s progress and the dedicated rehabilitation colleagues who help patients work toward their individual recovery goals every day.

Learn more about inpatient rehabilitation at HCA Florida Healthcare: https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/specialties/outpatient-physical-rehabilitation.

09/22/2026

During Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Week, HCA Florida Healthcare recognizes our APPs and the important role they play across the HCA Healthcare network. From listening and assessing symptoms to helping guide treatment and follow-up care, APPs are there for patients every step of the way.

As highly trained clinicians with advanced degrees, APPs bring deep expertise to patient care. At HCA Healthcare, we’re committed to advancing that expertise by investing more than $50 million in education and professional development annually — because supporting our colleagues means supporting better outcomes for our patients.

To all our APPs, thank you for the compassionate care you provide every day.

09/22/2026

Music legend Lionel Richie is bringing attention to a heart condition that affects millions of Americans: atrial fibrillation, or AFib.

Recent reports that Richie has been treated for AFib serve as an important reminder that the most common type of irregular heart rhythm can affect people from all walks of life and some people may not experience symptoms at all.

"Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained heart rhythm disorder we treat as electrophysiologists, affecting nearly 11 million adults in the United States, and that number continues to grow. The good news is that our ability to treat AFib has improved dramatically over just the past few years, particularly with the introduction of pulsed field ablation. PFA has transformed AFib ablation by allowing us to treat patients safely and effectively, with a more targeted approach that minimizes injury to surrounding tissues. Most importantly, successful treatment can have a tremendous impact on how patients feel and their quality of life."

David N. Kenigsberg, MD, FACC, FHRS
Medical Director, Cardiac Electrophysiology
HCA Florida Westside Hospital

AFib symptoms can include a racing or irregular heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness and chest discomfort. But AFib doesn't always cause noticeable symptoms. Knowing the signs and talking with your healthcare provider about changes in your heart rhythm can make a difference.
Learn more about our cardiology services:

https://bit.ly/4Ay1B5Q

09/22/2026

At HCA Florida Healthcare, caring for one another is an important part of who we are. As part of HCA Healthcare, our colleagues have access to the HCA Healthcare Hope Fund — a colleague-led 501(c)(3) that provides financial assistance during times of unexpected hardship.

In 2025, the Hope Fund provided more than $9.5 million in assistance to over 3,000 colleagues and their families, reflecting the compassion and generosity of our teams.

See how the Hope Fund supports colleagues across HCA Healthcare: https://bit.ly/4rqI6Yr.

09/18/2026

During Environmental Services (EVS) Week, we’re proud to recognize team members like Kwame Avery, who demonstrate how every role can be an opportunity to lead, grow and contribute to our mission. 💙

As a newly promoted EVS supervisor at 🏥 HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, Kwame helps create a clean, safe environment for patients, visitors and colleagues while bringing a passion for empowering others to his work each day.

“My favorite part of my role is being a leader who has the ability to inspire, encourage and educate,” Kwame says. “What I appreciate about working for HCA Florida Healthcare is that it gives me the opportunity for continuous professional development and a steady, day-by-day approach to learning. It is an excellent foundation for a fulfilling career.”

That drive to inspire others extends beyond the hospital. Outside of work, Kwame enjoys writing inspirational books and mentoring children through his church.

After three and a half years with HCA Healthcare, Kwame continues to grow his career while making a difference for those around him — showing how EVS can be a place to serve others, develop as a leader and build a meaningful career.

09/16/2026

HCA Florida Westside Hospital was proud to join the American Heart Association Circle of Red gathering for an important conversation on women’s cardiovascular health, prevention and healthy aging. ❤️

We were honored to have Dr. Veronica McCloskey, our Chief Medical Officer, cardiologist and American Heart Association board member, represent HCA Florida Westside Hospital and take part in this meaningful evening.

Thank you to the American Heart Association for bringing community leaders together and continuing to champion healthier futures for women and families across South Florida.

To learn more please visit: https://bit.ly/3VeXwDa

09/14/2026

At HCA Florida Westside Hospital, excellence is more than what we do—it’s how we serve others. We are proud to recognize Cynthia Shaw, RN, BSN, CIC, Director of Infection Prevention, as our Frist Humanitarian Colleague Award recipient!

Cynthia exemplifies excellence through her compassion, leadership and commitment to making a difference. For several years, she has participated in humanitarian mission work in The Gambia, West Africa, supporting education and community development and helping with the construction of a new school.

Through the “Book Bag” program, Cynthia, her family and church group provide essential school supplies to more than 800 students each year. Her service also extends to providing nutritional support for a local family—demonstrating the extraordinary impact one person can make through a commitment to serving others.

Congratulations, Cynthia! Thank you for setting an example of excellence in action and for inspiring us through your dedication to caring for others—both at home and around the world.

09/11/2026

We climb to remember.

Twenty-five years after Sept. 11, 2001, colleagues from our emergency rooms joined local fire rescue teams for the second annual Rock the Climb 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the iconic Guitar Hotel at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. HCA Florida Healthcare was proud to sponsor this meaningful event, hosted by the Firefighters Benevolent of Davie.

Each year, climbers ascend 110 stories — the height of the Twin Towers — in remembrance of those who gave everything.

Our hospital is prepared to provide advanced care when every moment matters. That readiness is strengthened by the teamwork, training and expertise of colleagues who serve our community every day.

We are honored to stand alongside our first-responder partners as we remember the lives lost, recognize the courage shown and carry forward a shared commitment to service.

Learn more about our emergency and stroke care services: https://bit.ly/4y9Holf

09/10/2026

Caregiving deserves care, too. 💙

In 2025, HCA Florida Westside Hospital began Appetizers & Affirmations for Caregivers in partnership with Catholic Hospice and Catholic Palliative Care, creating a welcoming space where caregivers can connect, learn, recharge and be reminded that their well-being matters, too.

At our latest gathering, 25 caregivers came together for an evening filled with education, creativity and genuine connection. Participants discovered just how much they had in common—from music, dance and crochet to the fun coincidence of having five Susans and two Denises in the room!

The evening also included an educational presentation on the GUIDE Model, highlighting team-based support and respite-care resources available to eligible Medicare and Medicaid patients and their caregivers.

A low-pressure gratitude activity gave everyone the opportunity to reflect and share at their own comfort level, while painting inspirational river rocks offered a creative way to practice self-care—and something meaningful to take home as a reminder.

Perhaps the most encouraging feedback came afterward: participants overwhelmingly asked for more opportunities like this.

Supporting caregivers means more than providing information. It means creating spaces where people can learn, laugh, connect and feel supported by others who understand the caregiving journey.

We’re grateful to our partners at Catholic Hospice and Catholic Palliative Care—and especially to every caregiver who joined us and helped make the evening so meaningful. 🧡

Because caregivers need support, too.

08/13/2026

👟 Walking in their world. Listening. Learning. Leading. 🧡

Our Administration team recently participated in Walk in Your World, spending time alongside our colleagues to experience firsthand the incredible work they do every day and identify opportunities to make the experience even better.

Thank you to our team members for sharing your world with us! Together, we’re building stronger connections and better care. 🧡💙

08/06/2026

Small health changes can be easy to miss, especially in older adults. Wellness screenings can help uncover concerns early, giving your loved ones more options and more confidence in their care.​

Help protect their health. Review recommended wellness screenings today: https://bit.ly/3SfqQbC.

06/29/2026

Same campus. New facility now open!

Our new HCA Florida Plantation Emergency facility is open 24/7 for all your emergency needs.

We are part of the HCA Florida Healthcare family, Florida’s largest ER network. Our board certified physicians and highly-trained nurses specialize in emergency medicine, diagnosing and treating all emergency conditions.

Learn more about our services here: https://bit.ly/3SxhNmd

At HCA Florida Plantation Emergency, our team of doctors and nurses is specially trained to deliver rapid treatment for a range of emergency conditions. We are committed to providing convenient, close-by emergency care when you need it. For this reason, we aim to reduce wait times and give you the m...

06/24/2026

Heart health is easier to talk about when you don’t have to talk about it alone.

Checking in on a friend, sharing family health history or encouraging someone to make an appointment can make a real difference. If someone you love is experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, swelling in the legs or a racing heartbeat, encourage them to talk to a doctor. If symptoms are severe or sudden, call 911.

Our cardiovascular teams provide high-quality, patient-centered care focused on clinical excellence, prevention, diagnosis and treatment — helping people take the next step for their heart health with confidence.

Find cardiovascular care close to home: https://bit.ly/4xP9vWV