For more information about the author, click to view their website: NCH Wingard Stroke Institute
The NCH Wingard Stroke Institute has
earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Comprehensive Stroke
Center Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its
performance standards. There are only 4 designated Comprehensive Stroke Centers
in Florida accredited by The Joint Commission and NCH Wingard Stroke Center
will become the 5th and only center on the West coast of Florida to achieve
this designation.
For more than 70 years, The Joint
Commission has been a global driver of quality improvement and patient safety
in health care. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare
organization’s highest commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.
Proper accreditation is now more
important than ever for a hospital to display its commitment to high-quality,
comprehensive patient care. That’s why The Joint Commission focuses on quality
care with the goal of helping hospitals become “high reliability” organizations
for delivering safe, effective care. Achieving Joint Commission Comprehensive
Stroke Certification is the benchmark for delivering the highest level of care
in the healthcare industry. No other certifications are as comprehensive,
respected, and as widely recognized as the Joint Commission.
“We could not be more proud of this
amazing accreditation we receive today,” said Mazen AbuAwad, MD, Medical
Director for the NCH Wingard Stroke Institute. “This accomplishment as the only
Joint Commission designated Comprehensive Stroke Center in SW Florida is the
culmination of years of teamwork. It represents a commitment to quality process
improvements that are ultimately reflected in the higher-than-average outcomes
and care we provide to stroke patients who come to NCH as opposed to going to a
non-accredited hospital.”
NCH had already received certification
as a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center from The Joint Commission in
coordination with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.
This designation makes NCH the one and only certified Joint Commission
Comprehensive Stroke Center in Southwest Florida.
“Today’s designation from The Joint
Commission further confirms that NCH is the best place to go in a stroke
event,” said NCH President and CEO, Paul Hiltz. “Our community should feel
confident in choosing the best quality in SWFL, right here at NCH. We are
always doing more to strive for excellence for our patients.”
“As a healthcare accreditor, The Joint
Commission works with healthcare organizations across care settings to inspire
a safer and higher quality of care that is more equitable and compassionate,”
says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and
Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission.
“Through collaborating on innovative solutions and evidence-based resources and
tools, The Joint Commission helps drive improvement while maintaining
accountability through our leading survey methods and standards. We commend NCH
for its commitment to advancing safety, quality, equity, and compassion for all
patients.”
Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) continues to proactively negotiate with Florida Blue Cross Blue Shield (Florida Blue) in an effort to come to a resolution regarding contract terms with the insurance company. Following on-going financial challenges stemming from inflation and external economic factors, the system is seeking fair payment from the insurance company to cover the rising cost of patient care and preserve local access to doctors and vital services for families across Southwest Florida. Florida Blue is the third most profitable Blue Cross program in the nation yet pays NCH a lower rate than other insurers that the community hospital is contracted with, meaning NCH is reimbursed less than other hospitals in the region for the exact same services, even though the cost to provide patient care is similar. NCH is asking Florida Blue to be accountable partners and pay fair rates that keep pace with inflation and prioritize the best interests of patients. If Florida Blue forces NCH out of network and refuses to pay our community hospital fairly, thousands of patients will be without access to local doctors and specialists, said Betsy Brothers, MD, NCH North Hospital Chief Medical Officer and Section Chair for OB/GYN. As the only birthing center in Collier County and the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in Southwest Florida, its critical that Florida Blue recognizes the role NCH plays in community health, and listens to the patients and their customers, who depend on us when they say they want and need to keep their doctors in-network. We hope Florida Blue recognizes that and does the right thing. NCH reached out to Florida Blue months ago to begin negotiations with the goal of coming to a resolution without having to cause concern for, or impact patients. Florida Blue took over three months to respond to NCHs initial proposal. Were disappointed Florida Blue has not shown they share our sense of urgency in reaching a resolution said Jon Kling, Chief Operating Officer for NCH. Were also disappointed they continue to prolong the negotiation and choose to prioritize profit over their members. Florida Blue reported over $14 billion in revenue in the first half of 2023 alone. We know the company can afford to pay our non-profit healthcare system fairly without passing costs to patients. For us, this is about ensuring the health of our organization so we can continue to serve our community and take care of people. If an agreement is not made by September 30, 2024, NCH will be considered out of network for individuals and families with Florida Blue insurance plans. During the negotiation, patients with Florida Blue insurance coverage should continue to access their NCH doctors and services as usual. Community members can learn more at www.standwithnch.com.
Naples, FL., March 21, 2024 NCH Rooney Heart Institute announces a groundbreaking procedure for patients with valvular heart disease. The operation performed by a highly specialized team led by Robert J. Cubeddu, MD, Harvard-trained interventional cardiologist and President of the NCH Rooney Heart Institute, represents the first-ever transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement performed in the State of Florida and one of the first few in the country, after its recent approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Tricuspid valve disease is highly prevalent and affects thousands of Americans with heart disease. The condition typically manifests as a malfunctioning leaky valve that when severe, often results in congestive heart failure and is associated with poor prognosis. Until recently, treatment options for tricuspid valve disease have been limited to drugs aimed at providing symptom relief only. The introduction of a minimally invasive transcatheter approach to replace the tricuspid valve represents a major breakthrough for the thousands of patients affected by this adverse condition.The new tricuspid valve is known as the Evoque valve and is manufactured by Edwards Lifescience, Inc. The self-expanding valve prosthesis is engineered from bovine pericardial tissue and is effectively delivered through a catheter inserted in the groin and maneuvered antegrade into the heart across the venous circulation. Once in position, the valve is carefully deployed replacing the function of the damaged tricuspid valve. The procedure takes approximately two hours, and most patients recover quickly and are discharged home within two to three days.This major achievement represents not only an important milestone for our patients and our organization but underscores our overarching commitment to innovation and clinical excellence, said Dr. Cubeddu. As a center of excellence in valvular heart disease, we are most proud and committed in providing patients a breadth of innovative solutions with early access to breakthrough therapies. The Evoque system is no different and will enable us to evaluate and treat for many more patients with valvular heart disease.Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) remains at the forefront of cardiac care through innovation and research, continuously striving to provide patients with access to the latest advancements. The successful completion of the first transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement in Florida further solidifies NCHs position as a leader in cardiovascular care nationwide.NCH is one of Americas 100 Best Hospitals for the third year in a row according to Healthgrades. This achievement puts NCH in the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance along with being named one of Americas Top 50 Hospitals for Surgical Care in 2024.For more information about transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement and other cardiovascular services offered at NCH Rooney Heart Institute, please visit www.nchmd.org.
NCHs downtown Baker Hospital will host a new 189,000-square-foot heart center, approved by the city council after nearly three years of discussions. Plans involve replacing the Telford Building at NCH Baker Hospital to expand cardiac care services in Southwest Florida. Concerns about the facilitys height and parking garage were addressed, with NCH agreeing to lower the garage by 10 feet. Despite initial skepticism, residents like Joe Frick believe the institute will be crucial for saving lives in the thriving community. NCH's CEO Paul Hiltz said the organization needed the space to keep up with the growth of Collier County and a facility upgrade to keep attracting top doctors to save lives."Stroke and heart attack continue to be the number 1 cause of death in the United States," Hiltz said. "This area, because of an older population, is in even more need of heart and stroke care." The money for the facility has been fundraised by the health care system. Hospital leaders are currently working to secure final funding, aiming to open the new cardiac center by 2026.
NCH (Naples Comprehensive Health) is a locally governed non-profit and an Advanced Community Health System located in Naples, Florida. Our mission is to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. The System is more than just two hospitals referred to as the NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Hospital) with a total of 713 beds. NCH is an alliance of more than 1,100 physicians and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida that offers nationally recognized, quality health care to our community.NCH was named one of Americas 100 Best Hospitals for 2024 by Healthgrades, the leading resource consumers use to find a hospital or doctor. This achievement puts NCH in the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance and, along with being named one of Americas Top 50 Hospitals for Surgical Care, reflects our commitment to exceptional patient care.THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE CARENCH offers a wide range of choices in advanced services, providers, and locations. The NCH Rooney Heart Institute has been a pioneer in the cardiac arena for nearly 25 years and is committed to providing the highest quality of cardiovascular care in Southwest Florida. The cardiology team of accredited physicians and staff is unmatched and responds to cardiac emergencies in record time beyond the national standard. The NCH Rooney Heart Institute is at the heart of what matters most.The NCH Wingard Stroke Institute is a designated Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) by the Joint Commission. The Joint Commission is a global driver of quality improvement and patient safety in health care and there are only four designated Comprehensive Stroke Centers in Florida, making NCH Wingard Stroke Center the fifth center through the Joint Commission.HSS at NCH brings high-quality orthopedic care, including best practices, top surgeons and physicians, and imaging services, closer to home for Southwest Florida residents. The pioneering collaboration is part of the transformation of NCH to become an Advanced Community Healthcare System.The NCH and Nicklaus Childrens Hospital collaboration enhances care to our communitys youngest members and their families by providing inpatient services for NICU and PICU patients as well as Newborn Routine Screenings. NCH also houses the only 24/7 pediatric ER In Collier County.
Marco Urgent Care is convenient and close to home. Our center is available everyday from 8:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m. to keep you and your family safe and healthy. Our urgent care welcomes walk-in; no appointment is needed.As the first urgent care center on the island, Marco Urgent Care has been serving Marco and surrounding communities for more than 30 years. We can treat minor illnesses, stings, sports injuries, minor injuries or burns, colds, the flu and more. Our center also includes an onsite lab and radiology services.Our center is staffed by board certified emergency medicine physicians, is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, and as a part of NCH, Marco Urgent Care physicians have access to Mayo Clinic experts.When minor bumps, bruises and illnesses affect you or your family, the dedicated staff and physicians at Marco Urgent Care are here for you, close to home.If you have a problem that requires immediate attention please call the NCH Healthcare System switchboard: 239-624-5000. Please note: NCH cannot provide medical advice over the phone. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical help.
NCH (Naples Comprehensive Health) is a locally governed non-profit and an Advanced Community Health System located in Naples, Florida. Our mission is to help everyone live a longer, happier, healthier life. The System is more than just two hospitals referred to as the NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Hospital) with a total of 713 beds. NCH is an alliance of more than 1,100 physicians and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida that offers nationally recognized, quality health care to our community.NCH was named one of Americas 100 Best Hospitals for 2024 by Healthgrades, the leading resource consumers use to find a hospital or doctor. This achievement puts NCH in the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance and, along with being named one of Americas Top 50 Hospitals for Surgical Care, reflects our commitment to exceptional patient care.Since early 2010, NCH Medical Group has grown its multi-specialty practice to more than 250 board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. As the largest physician group in Collier County with more than 40 locations and 15 different specialties, spanning from Marco Island to Bonita Springs, we are able to provide quality care close to your home.