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2002 Press Releases

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Florida Hospital Cancer Institute Shares Research With the World

Orlando, FL-June 25, 2002--Researchers at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute recently had their work published in the June issue of the prestigious Journal of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. The paper was entitled "Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor reduces experimental lung metastasis of B16 melanoma."

Florida Hospital Cancer Institute researchers have previously shown that the ability of cancer cells to cause blood clotting is important in their ability to spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body. Their latest research, described in the published paper, shows that a protein called Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI), which is normally produced by the body to prevent unnecessary clotting, can prevent cancer from spreading in an experimental system.

More significantly, their paper was chosen by the journal's editor to be the "In Focus" article in this issue of the journal and was accompanied by a specially commissioned commentary on the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute work from another well respected group of researchers in this field. This will ensure that other researchers cite the paper in the future. Most importantly, this enhanced recognition may attract more collaborative research with pharmaceutical companies. Eventually this could translate into new treatments for patients at Florida Hospital.

"Our research published in this paper provides proof that blocking the function of the Tissue Factor protein can reduce or prevent cancer spread. This paves the way for further development of this approach as a potential human therapy. It is my hope that clinical trials for patients with cancer will begin at Florida Hospital sometime in 2003," said Dr. John Francis, Director of Clinical and Research Laboratories of Florida Hospital Cancer Institute.

The paper was written by: Ali Amirkhosravi, PhD; Todd Meyer, PhD; Millie Amaya, MS; Farooq Siddiqui, PhD; Hina Desai, MS; John Francis, PhD; and J-Y Chang, PhD from the University of North Carolina.

For more information, contact Florida Hospital Media Relations at (407) 303-1917.

Florida Hospital Gets Green Light for More Beds

June 14, 2002 - Kissimmee, FL - The Agency for Healthcare Administration has published an intent to issue a Certificate Of Need (CON) for 40 new beds at Florida Hospital Celebration Health bringing the total number of beds to 100.

"This is very encouraging for the community. With Osceola County's exploding population, this decision by the state will allow us to meet the area's growing healthcare needs," said David Banks, COO of Florida Hospital Osceola Division.

Banks adds, the impact will be tremendous because many of the county's hospitals are currently operating over 100% capacity.

Last month AHCA approved the addition of 10 new beds at Florida Hospital Kissimmee, bringing Florida Hospital's total bed count serving Osceola County to 150 if the CON is granted.

AHCA also published an intent to issue a CON to establish a 20-bed rehabilitation unit at Winter Park Memorial Hospital, A Division of Florida Hospital to support the Florida Hospital Orthopaedic Institute.

For more information, contact Florida Hospital Media Relations at (407) 303-1917.

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Central Floridians raise more than $300,000 for Women and Girls with Cancer

June 5, 2002 Orlando, FL. - Celebrity Stroll 2002 was the place to be on June 2. The combination of fun and fashion, paired with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Central Florida women and girls with cancer, made the third annual event a huge success, raising more than $300,000 net! Celebrity Stroll  model photo

Famous faces who joined models from the Christensen Group on the runway included, Kenny McEntyre, Orlando Predators; Troy Hudson, Orlando Magic and Corey Maggette of the LA Clippers. Nordstrom presented fabulous fashions for an unbelievable show.

Highlights of the evening included the presentation of the second annual Mary J. Brogan Celebration of Life Award to Bonnie Donihi. Lt. Governor Frank Brogan introduced Ms. Donihi, and thanked guests for helping in the terrible battle against cancer. He reminded everyone, that we must continue to fight, until a cure is found.

Proceeds of Celebrity Stroll benefit special programs for Central Florida women and girls with cancer. Support of Celebrity Stroll 2002 funds the Health and Cancer Risk Assessment Counseling Center at Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, the Special Cancer Care Program for the under-served at Florida Hospital Altamonte and the Miracle Makers.

An event of Florida Hospital Foundation and Miracle Makers, a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation.

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Florida Hospital Kissimmee is Growing To Meet The Demands of an Exploding Population

May 30, 2002 - Kissimmee, Florida - The Agency for Health Care Administration (ACHA) and Columbia/HCA have agreed to allow Florida Hospital Kissimmee to add 10 inpatient beds.

"This is an excellent outcome for the residents of Osceola County," said Rob Fulbright, Florida Hospital Kissimmee Administrator, " The additional new beds will help us accommodate the growing healthcare needs in the community," said Fulbright.

Florida Hospital Kissimmee has seen a growing number of people coming through their doors over the last couple of years. In fact, this year the 40-bed facility has been running at 130% capacity. Through April of this year, the hospital has seen 1,359 inpatients."

"This area is booming with growth and we expect that to continue, said Fulbright. "Our staff has been truly wonderful during this very busy time and I want to thank them for their hard work and continued commitment to providing exceptional care to our patients."

The 10 additional beds will bring the bed count at Florida Hospital Kissimmee to 50.

For more information, please contact Florida Hospital's Media Relations Team at 407-303-1917.

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Florida Hospital Takes First Steps Towards HIPAA Compliance

May 20, 2002 - Orlando, Florida - Florida Hospital's Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) group recently announced the first major accomplishment in achieving EDI HIPAA compliance at Florida Hospital. Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a 1996 law, that in part, mandates the use of standard EDI transactions for the electronic sending/receiving of healthcare information. All payers and providers must comply with HIPAA by October 15, 2003.

On May 7, 2002, FH received Institutional and Professional claim transaction certification from ClarEDI, a national independent HIPAA certification organization being used by many providers and payers. The claim transaction certification from ClarEDI certifies that Florida Hospital can send HIPAA compliant electronic bills to our payers. Bills sent electronically improve the availability and portability of health coverage as well as help to reduce the cost and administration burdens of healthcare.

"Using EDI transactions helps expedite the turn around time of health care claims and electronic payment of these claims from the payer," said Amy Velazquez, member of Florida Hospital's EDI group. "Sending paper claims and payments is a timely process which can take weeks, but electronic claims can take less than 24 hours."

For more information, please contact Florida Hospital Media Relations at 407/303-1917.

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Parents can now see a real-time picture of their unborn baby before birth
Florida Hospital is the only Central Florida Hospital with 4D Ultrasound capabilities

Orlando, FL - May 20, 2002 - Terri Burklew never imagined she would be able to see her unborn baby smile, but revolutionary new imaging technology only available at Florida Hospital Celebration is making that reality.

"Wow the pictures are absolutely incredible. I was able to see her smile and move her tiny hands…it's truly a miracle. The images made me feel close to my baby. It made me cry" said Burklew.

The images are created by the Voluson 730 from GE Medical Systems. Florida Hospital Celebration Health is one of the first facilities in the country and the first in Central Florida to install the 4D imaging technology.

With 4D imaging, patients and physicians can view real-time 3D images of anatomy in motion, including unborn children. By obtaining up to 16 scan volumes per second, images are displayed on a monitor in real time, going far beyond the boundaries of traditional ultrasound imaging.

"The images are spectacular," said Sally Grady, Director of Imaging at Florida Hospital Celebration Health "The new 4D images will eliminate any confusion patients sometimes have with viewing traditional ultrasound images, the images are that good."

4D imaging enables new and unique methods of displaying the anatomy and increasing diagnostic confidence. Patients are the biggest benefactors of this exciting new technology, because it opens up a variety of new evaluation opportunities to the physician in both, diagnosis and therapy planning, as well as in ultrasound guided minimum invasive procedures such as biopsies.

For photos or more information, please call Florida Hospital Media Relations at (407) 303-1917 or visit the GE website devoted to 4D Ultrasound technology at: http://www.gemedicalsystems.com/rad/us/4d/about.html. For virtual 4D scan http://www.gemedicalsystems.com/rad/us/4d/virtual.html

For more information, please contact Florida Hospital Media Relations at 407/303-1917.

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Hospital To Integrate Hospitality Industry Standards Into Healthcare Setting

May 6, 2002 - Winter Park, FL - Winter Park Memorial Hospital, a division of Florida Hospital, is joining forces with the University of Central Florida's Rosen School of Hospitality Management and College of Health & Public Affairs to help bring proven customer satisfaction practices from the hospitality industry to the hospital setting.

The study, which will be conducted this spring, will create a new service model for quality customer service in the healthcare setting which will be first implemented in the hospital's Orthopaedic Institute and later throughout the hospital and ultimately serve as a national model.

"We already have a nationally known Orthopedics program," said Kenneth W. Bradley, Senior Vice President and Hospital Administrator. "Our clinical outcomes are excellent, and we want to continue to make sure the patient and family experience is just as good. In addition, we'd like to understand the impact of patient satisfaction on clinical outcomes."

Specifically, the UCF study will look at issues related to the patient experience, with the intention of developing new ways to manage them. Planned outcomes include:

1. A tangible definition of service quality leading to the development of a best practice model that can be replicated throughout the hospital.

2. Determination of specific outcomes for the new customer service model, and the most effective measurements over time.

3. The impact of patient perception on a positive hospital experience, such as:

      • The value of coaching out perceptions and expectations of how the healthcare system "should" work - before and during the hospital stay.
      • Identifying expectations and/or "baggage" from other hospital experiences or those of friends and family.
      • The potential impact of pre-hospital interviews and coaching before the hospital stay.
      • Dispelling potential misunderstandings before they occur.
      • Enhancing staff communication to patients around items delays in movement or procedures (Are patients afraid something is wrong?), delays in requests for clinical services (Does the patients think the nurse should come right away? And what does "right away" mean?), or delays in environmental services (Why is the room cold again?).

    4. Identification of corrective measures to meet above issues.

    5. Recommendations for implementation of new model of service delivery.

    6. Increased and demonstrable employee satisfaction.

    7. The impact of demonstrable employee satisfaction on the patient's perception of quality care.

    8. A paradigm shift (as necessary) within the employee culture:

      • Scripting for difficult situations
      • Recruitment of employees with the personality traits key to success.
      • Enhanced employee training in problem-solving, conflict management, etc.

The study will be directed by Myron Fottler, PhD, who has an extensive hospitality industry background. The Florida Hospital Orthopaedic Institute at Winter Park Memorial Hospital is headed by Lee Johnson, Administrative Director.

Florida Hospital currently performs more than 5,500 orthopedic surgical cases annually, making it number one in the state of Florida for all orthopedic surgical cases. Additionally, it was recently selected as one of the top 10 hip-knee orthopaedic hospitals in the nation by AARP Modern Maturity Magazine. (see related story)

Winter Park Memorial Hospital is a 334-bed, full-service facility that opened to the public in 1955. Florida Hospital fully acquired Winter Park Memorial in July 2000 and today operates it as a not-for-profit, community-based hospital.

For more information, please contact Florida Hospital Media Relations at 407/303-1917.


Florida Agency of Health Care Administration (AHCA) decision
on the proposed new hospital in Oviedo.

December 14, 2001—Orlando. This afternoon, the Florida Agency of Health Care Administration (AHCA) notified Florida Hospital and Orlando Regional Healthcare that their applications for a 60-bed hospital in Oviedo were denied.

"Florida Hospital is not too surprised by the state's decision", said Rich Morrison, Florida Hospital Regional Vice-President. "Very often a request for a new hospital is denied the first time it is submitted."

Morrison added, Florida Hospital will now review the state's decision and its reason for the denial. After the review is complete, Florida Hospital will determine its next steps.

Florida Hospital applied to build an acute-care, community-based hospital on 22.5 acres of their property next to the Oviedo Marketplace Mall. The hospital would serve the residents of Oviedo, Winter Springs, Geneva, Chuluota and the UCF area.

"Regardless of today's announcement, our commitment remains strong to this community. We will continue to provide excellent care to patients with our outpatient facility in Oviedo as well as our hospital campuses in Orlando, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs and east Orange County," said Morrison.

" We will continue to work hard to maintain the trust the community has in our healthcare services said Morrison. We will look at how to make healthcare more accessible to the Oviedo community. We want to thank the numerous residents, community leaders and physicians for their support and loyalty to Florida Hospital through this process," Morrison added.


Florida Hospital Takes Another Step in Making
Florida Hospital Oviedo a Reality

WHAT: The Oviedo community will soon have an opportunity to hear Florida Hospital's plan for a new 60-bed hospital in the Greater Oviedo area first hand.

At the first of two town hall meetings, hospital officials will share details for the proposed facility and outline steps that need to be taken to make the hospital a reality. In addition, hospital officials want to open up dialogue with the community residents to hear about their healthcare needs, suggestions and concerns.

Florida Hospital wants to build the 60-bed hospital in Oviedo. The proposed site is located on 22.5 acres of land, already owned by Florida Hospital, on Red Bug Lake Road, adjacent to the Oviedo Marketplace. The new hospital would include a full-service emergency department, intensive and progressive care beds, full surgical and diagnostic imaging services, and possibly obstetrics in the future.

In May of this year, Florida Hospital filed a Certificate of Need (CON) to build the multi-million dollar facility. Now, it's up to state regulators to decide if the growing community needs a hospital and if Florida Hospital can build in Oviedo. The state is expected to make their decision this December. Florida Hospital has long history serving the healthcare needs of Oviedo residents and looks forward to continuing to do so.

The second town hall meeting will be held October 9, 2001 at the Tuscawilla Country Club.

WHEN: Thursday, October 4-th at 6:30p.m.

WHERE: Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center
1601 Alafaya Trail (S.R. 434),Oviedo

VISUALS/I-VIEWS:
  • 3D Model of the proposed hospital.
  • Interview with Florida Hospital Administrators
  • Learn about the hospital building process
  • Hear from Oviedo residents and community members
  • Hospital will be built on vacant land at 8000 Red Bug Lake Road

Florida Hospital Recognized as Consumer Choice Winner

September 26, 2001 - Orlando - The people of Orlando have spoken, Florida Hospital has been named a 2001 Consumer Choice Award winner by the National Research Corporation (NRC). This is the 6th consecutive year Florida Hospital has been recognized by NRC.

Each year, NRC, a recognized innovator and leader in healthcare performance measurement, honors hospitals that were rated by consumers as having the best quality and image. Specifically, the criteria considered in the composite score included best doctors, best nurses, best overall quality and image and reputation. The research is based on their nationally syndicated Healthcare Market Guide study, which surveys more than 150,000 households.

"Caring for the people in our community is our mission and it is always gratifying to be recognized by the people we serve for doing our job well," said Florida Hospital President Don Jernigan.

With seven hospitals and 13 Centra Care walk-in medical centers, Florida Hospital is one of the largest not-for-profit hospitals in the country. This year, hospital staff members will care for almost one million people in our community. Florida Hospital provides a wide range of health services for the entire family, including many nationally and internationally recognized programs in cardiology, cancer, women's medicine, neurology, diabetes and rehabilitation. In addition to serving Central Florida residents, Florida Hospital serves as a major tertiary referral hospital throughout the Southeastern United States, the Caribbean and South America.

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US News & World Report recognizes Florida Hospital as one of "America's Best Hospitals" for Heart, Digestive Disorders and Hormonal Disorders. More Inside.

Orlando July 13, 2001— Florida Hospital is honored to be named as one of the 2001 US News & World Report's America's Best Hospitals for Heart (Cardiology), Digestive Disorders (which includes the diagnoses and treatment of ulcers, colitis and colon cancer) and Hormonal Disorders (Diabetes and Thyroid Conditions). The July 23rd issue will be on newsstands July 16, 2001.


Florida Hospital's cardiovascular program ranked 32nd out of 50 hospitals. This is the second consecutive year, the cardiology program has been recognized for its excellence in cardiac care. Plus, Florida Hospital leads the nation in the number of complex cardiac procedures with almost 11,000 cases each year.
According to a 1998 study, published in Journal of the American Medical Association, studies show that patients have a greater chance of surviving a heart attack, if they are treated at a hospital that performs a higher volume of cardiac procedures. Because of the sheer number of cardiac patients treated on an annual basis, Florida Hospital stands at the forefront of improving methods for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. In addition, many of the FDA trials and latest procedures undergo Phase I, II and III testing at Florida Hospital on a regular basis.

Florida Hospital is also being highlighted for its superior work in Hormonal Disorders/Endocrinology (hormonal/glandular imbalances that can produce conditions such as diabetes.) Specially, the hospital is ranked 34-th out of 50. Florida Hospital's Diabetes Center is the largest comprehensive Center in Central Florida with an acute care dedicated diabetes unit, Research Program and Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic. In addition, the Center's Education Program is accredited by the American Diabetes Association- recognition that validates adherence with national standards for diabetes education. The Center handles more than 10,000 visits per year.

Finally, Florida Hospital ranked 49th for Digestive Disorders which includes the diagnosis and treatment of ulcers, colitis and colon cancer. A steller partnership between the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute and the Florida Hospital Center for Digestive Health offers diagnosis and treatment for colon cancer, digestive problems and teaches skills of prevention and total body wellness.

Methodology


America's Best Hospitals is a resource for consumers who are seeking maximum care in the diagnosis, treatment and management of a difficult medical problem. This year, US News & World Report analyzed 6,116 hospitals to arrive at 168 steller centers in 17 specialties. To be ranked, a hospital first must either belong to the Council of Teaching Hospital (COTH), be affiliated with a medical school or have at least nine technology services out of a prescribed list of 17. These specialties were assessed using a three-part model that combines quality of care, reputation, mortality and various factors such as technology, procedure volume and nursing care. The specialties include: cancer; digestive disorders; ear, nose and throat; geriatrics; gynecology; heart (cardiology); hormonal disorders; kidney disease; neurology; orthopedics; respiratory disorders; rheumatology; urology. Hospitals were ranked in four other specialties - eyes, pediatrics, psychiatry and rehabilitation - by reputation alone.


For a complete list of the rankings, go to www.usnews.com or call Florida Hospital Media Relations at 407/303-1917

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Florida Hospital Launches Orthopaedic Program
at Winter Park Memorial Hospital

July 5, 2001—Florida Hospital announced the addition of a comprehensive Orthopaedic Center of Excellence to be located at Winter Park Memorial Hospital, a Division of Florida Hospital.

"It is our intention that the Center become a national model for orthopaedic services," said Senior Vice President and Administrator Kenneth W. Bradley. "We believe this will be an important addition to what we now offer at Winter Park Memorial."

The initial nine million-dollar investment, now in the building process, will include five state-of-the-art orthopedic surgery suites; 73 dedicated inpatient beds including a new 19-bed Transitional Care Facility for those patients needing extended post-surgical care; increased inpatient rehabilitation services; telemedicine capabilities for physician education; and future orthopaedic research. In addition, with the support of a physician task force led by John W. McCutchen, M.D., the majority of orthopaedic surgical cases now being performed at Florida Hospital Orlando will be moved to Winter Park Memorial to take advantage of the hospital's expanded capabilities and convenient access.

Most components of the orthopaedic program will be operational by this December. The addition of an Orthopaedic Center of Excellence at Winter Park Memorial will not affect or change any of the existing services provided to the community by the hospital.

"Florida Hospital anticipates a tremendous growth in patients over the next few years and the creation of this orthopaedic Center will allow us to better serve the needs of patients in Central Florida's 10-county area and beyond," Bradley added. "Orthopaedic patients will continue to be seen at our other hospitals throughout the area, but Winter Park Memorial will become a regional center of orthopaedic activity for the Florida Hospital system."

Lee Johnson, Administrative Director of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, said, "Winter Park Memorial has a rich and long history of caring for orthopaedic patients and Florida Hospital is excited to begin building on that tradition and elevate what already exists into a cutting-edge program." Johnson added, "Our Orthopaedic Center will benefit patients by providing a full continuum of care in a focused setting matched with the expertise of specialized orthopaedic surgeons."

Florida Hospital currently performs over 5,500 orthopedic surgical cases annually making it one of the country's top hospitals for orthopedic patients.

Winter Park Memorial Hospital is a 334-bed, full-service facility that opened to the public in 1955. Florida Hospital fully acquired Winter Park Memorial in July 2000 and today operates it as a not-for-profit, community-based hospital.

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The Florida Hospital Cancer Institute
Cancer Survivor Kicks
Off Trading on the NASDAQ

Two-time cancer survivor and a Florida Hospital Cancer Institute board member will experience what most professionals only dream of. Gerry Mastrianni, President of GMST World Markets, an international stock-trading firm, will join NASDAQ officials on Monday, March 26, 2001 at 9:30 AM to kick off trading for the day in New York City.

Mastrianni, a 34-year-old Lake Mary resident - treated at Florida Hospital spends the majority of his spare time serving on WDMCI’s Foundation Board of Directors. His personal goal is to raise funds for Florida Hospital’s Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. In addition, he hopes to generate additional funding for research that will lead to better treatment options for cancer patients. His dedication to the cause is bringing him to New York City’s NASDAQ to raise awareness about these issues and to encourage others to join the fight against this deadly disease.

During his stay at Florida Hospital, Mastrianni wrote a letter to Michael Bloomberg asking about the cost of installing a Bloomberg feed into his hospital room. However, instead of a bill, Bloomberg provided unlimited, free access to the world’s foremost financial information service with a personal message, “Get well soon! Watch Bloomberg!”

Since Mastrianni’s remarkable recovery last year, he decided to take up the cause and help others fighting cancer. “The doctors, nurses and the lab technicians at Florida Hospital are the people who made all the difference in my world.” He continued, “What do I do? I’m just a trader who moves money around. Now, my focus is to move money into Florida Hospital to help others facing this battle.”

For more information, or if you would like to contact Gerry Mastrianni before March 26, please call Kimberlee Strong, Florida Hospital Media Relations at (407) 303-1917 or pager
(407) 303-5599 #4701.

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Ukrainian Students and Faculty Travel 4,500
Miles to Learn From the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute

Orlando, FL—March 20, 200—A 21 member delegation of Ukrainian students and faculty advisors will be touring the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute at Florida Hospital on Tuesday, March 20, 2001, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. The focus of the tour is to enhance global science and technology education through "real world" science applications.

"As leaders in cancer treatment and research, it is our responsibility and privilege to showcase the standards of excellence offered at Florida Hospital to our international visitors," says John Francis, Ph.D., Director of the Clinical and Research Laboratories at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute. "We are delighted that these students and their advisors will be able to educate fellow Ukrainians about the technology used and the outcomes obtained by our devotion to healthcare."

The tour will include a thorough examination of the clinical blood coagulation laboratory, stem cell laboratory and the molecular diagnostic laboratory. Dr. Francis will detail the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute research programs in blood coagulation studies and the relationships between tumor spread (metastasis) and blood coagulation.

This tour is part of a joint agreement between The United States of America and Ukraine called STEPSS (Student/Teacher Exchange Program in Space Sciences). Locally, Lake Brantley High School has partnered with the Ukrainian Junior Academy of Sciences to exchange students and to learn about advancements in science.

For more information regarding The Ukrainian Student and Faculty tour of the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, please contact the Florida Hospital Media Team at 407/303-1917.

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Florida Hospital Kissimmee Opens Its
New Doors to Holiday Cheer

Florida Hospital Kissimmee is hosting a grand opening for its new entrance. The hospital is combining a celebration of the holidays with the grand opening as well. The celebration will be a full day of family fun that includes Christmas carolers, a visit from Santa Claus for the children, door prizes, which include a drawing for a DVD player, refreshments, health screenings, and more.

COST: Free Admission

WHEN: Sunday, December 10, 2000, 1 pm - 4 pm

WHERE: Florida Hospital Kissimmee
2540 North Orange Blossom Trail
Kissimmee, FL 34744

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Florida Hospital Is Voted Number One by the People of Orlando

November 14, 2000—Orlando. The people of Orlando have spoken, Florida Hospital is considered Orlando's most preferred hospital. Florida hospital has been selected as one of the 2000 Consumer Choice Winners by the National Research Corporation (NRC).

Each year, NRC, a recognized innovator and leader in healthcare performance measurement, honors the most preferred hospitals for overall healthcare services in a nationally syndicated study of more than 170,000 households. The criteria considered in the composite score were: best doctors; best nurses; best overall quality and image and reputation.

This is the fifth consecutive year Florida Hospital has been recognized by the NRC. "Caring for the people in our community is our mission and it is always gratifying to be recognized by the people we serve for doing our job well," said Florida Hospital President/CEO Don Jernigan.

Florida Hospital's parent company, Adventist Health System, owns and operates 36 hospitals in nine states and Puerto Rico, making it one of the largest Protestant not-for-profit healthcare systems in the nation. Each year, hospital staff members throughout the system care for more than two-million people in their communities.

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News Clips

  • Physicians at Florida Hospital have just performed its first minimally invasive treatment for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA). This is the newest breakthrough for AAA treatment in 40 years, and could help more than 1.5 million people in the United States avoid grueling open abdominal surgery.
  • A new technique is providing relief for people who suffer from severe chest pain also known as angina. Florida Hospital offers a rare new type of treatment... that's surgery free. See how it works and hear how patients are benefiting from the treatment.
  • Did you know that you can watch a movie or view a video while getting an MRI done at the same time? Florida Hospital Celebration Health is using a new prototype called Silent Vision that is helping patients relax during their test. Come slide on a pair or glasses and see how this state of the art system works.
  • While the nasty flu bug runs it's course across Central Florida, let Florida Hospital be your flu expert. We can provide you with live shot locations as well as doctors and nurses to answer any of your flu questions. We also have Florida Hospital Ask-A-Nurse which is a 24-hour hot line that your viewers can call for information regarding influenza. Give us a call for more details.

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The Florida Hospital Media Relations Team

 Samantha O'Lenick, Executive Director
 Phone: 407/303-8212
 Pager: 407/899-7266
 Samantha.OLenick@flhosp.org

Contact Information

To contact the Florida Hospital Media Relations staff during business hours:
Phone: 407/303-8217
Fax: 407/303-8225

To contact the after-hours
on-call Public Relations Professional, call
407/303-6611 and ask to have the media on-call representative paged.

 

 Melanie Trivento
 Senior Media Relations Manager
 Phone: 407/303-8228
 Pager: 407/236-3748
 Melanie.Trivento@flhosp.org

 Jacqueline Lorenzetti
 Media Relations Specialist
 Phone: 407/303-8231
 Pager: 407/899-8228
 Jacqueline.Lorenzetti@flhosp.org
 

 Cassandra Lafser
 Media Relations Specialist
 Phone: 407/303-8214
 Pager: 407/651-4891
 Cassandra.Lafser@flhosp.org
 Kimberlee Strong
 Media Relations, Foundation
 Phone: 407/894-4034
 Pager: 407/303-5599 #4701
 Kimberlee.Strong@flhosp.org

Last Updated: 24-Jul-2007

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