500th Robotic Bronchoscopy Procedure Performed at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital
FORT WALTON BEACH, Florida (April 24, 2025)- HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital (FWDH) announced that it performed it’s 500th robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedure. The robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system is a minimally invasive method used to biopsy lung nodules so that lung cancer can be caught in earlier stages and more successfully treated. “In using robotic bronchoscopy, we've been able to diagnose patients’ lung cancer much earlier than what we would've have been able to in the past. We've
HCA Florida Healthcare Announces KC Donahey as Chief Executive Officer of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital
HCA Florida Healthcare announced today the appointment of Kenneth ‘KC’ Donahey as chief executive officer of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, effective Feb. 1, 2025. In his new role, Donahey will oversee the 331-bed hospital in Fort Walton Beach, which has served the community for over 50 years. He will also oversee the hospital’s freestanding emergency rooms in Destin and Navarre. “KC brings a wealth of leadership experience as well as a proven track record of operational excellence and
Innovative Cardiac Procedure Debuts at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital
From L to R: Matthew Stokes, RN, Kurt Hudson, RN, Dr. Farhat Khairallah, Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Joyce Collier, Cath Lab Director, Teri Park, Lead EP Tech, and Audrey Thomas, RN. HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has made significant advancements in cardiac care by successfully performing its first cardiac ablation procedure using the innovative Boston Scientific FARAPULSE™ Pulsed Field Ablation System. HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is the only HCA Florida Healthcare facility
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Earns A for Hospital Safety; Recognized as One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery™
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is honored to announce several national recognitions that underscore the hospital’s commitment to high-quality patient care. HCA Florida Fort-Walton Destin Hospital was recently ranked among the top 100 hospitals in the nation for orthopedic surgery by Healthgrades, the No. 1 online resource Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital. The hospital received the 2025 Healthgrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award™, ranking it among the top 5% of hospitals
HCA Florida Healthcare Hospitals Prepare for Cold and Flu Season
As we head into fall and winter, the rise of cold and flu viruses become a big concern. Each year, approximately eight percent of Americans are sickened by influenza. HCA Florida Healthcare providers urge everyone to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones during this season. "The flu is more than just a cold; it can strike suddenly and lead to serious complications like pneumonia, dehydration and even death,” said Dr. John Krause, internal medicine physician at HCA Florida Twin
Community Comes Together for Students: Nine Schools, 90 Volunteers, and 540 Volunteer Hours
In a display of community spirit, 90 dedicated volunteers successfully prepared nine schools in the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) for the 2024-2025 academic year. The collective effort, totaling 540 volunteer hours, underscores a strong partnership between the district and local organizations, ensuring an enriched educational environment for students. Volunteers from HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, Eglin Federal Credit Union, Florida Power and Light, and Hurlburt Field Air Force Base were
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Announces Patrick McVey as Chief Operating Officer
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has announced the appointment of Patrick C. McVey, MBA, BSN, RN, as chief operating officer. McVey, whose new role was effective June 24, comes to the hospital with a distinguished background in healthcare management. Most recently, he served as regional vice president for HCA Healthcare's North Florida and South Atlantic divisions, where he oversaw patient logistics including behavioral health, centralized patient placement, transfer center operations, and
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital was honored with the 2022 Excellence for Maternal Care Award
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has been presented the 2022 Excellence for Maternal Care Awards from the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. This award, given to 31 hospitals across the state, recognizes those facilities demonstrating a commitment to maternal health care and supporting health outcomes for mothers and newborns. These awards recognize hospitals surpassing the Healthy People 2030 target goal of 23.6% for optimizing cesarean section
Destin Chamber Trustees Invite Local First Responders to Appreciation Cookout on Sept. 11, 2024
The Destin Chamber Trustee members are celebrating and thanking local first responders with a free cookout on Wednesday, Sept. 11. They will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs at Destin Fire Station #9 at 848 Airport Road, in Destin, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. All police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, beach safety, EMS and military are invited. Trustee membership is the highest membership level in the Destin Chamber, and it shows a significant commitment to and investment in the Chamber and in
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Celebrates 50 Years of Caring for the Community
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital commemorated a half-century of service to the community with a grand celebration marking its 50th anniversary. Since its founding in 1974, the hospital has stood as a pillar of healthcare excellence, evolving alongside the vibrant community it serves. Zach McCluskey, chief executive officer at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, welcomed hospital and community leaders, care team members and other guests to the milestone event. McCluskey expressed gratitude to
First High School Health Academy on HCA Healthcare Campus Now Open in Fort Walton Beach
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) announced the opening today of the Health Academy of Northwest Florida on the hospital’s campus. The Health Academy of Northwest Florida is the first high school health academy to be housed on an HCA Healthcare hospital campus anywhere in the country. A joint partnership between HCA Florida Fort-Walton Destin Hospital and OCSD, the Health Academy of Northwest Florida provides high school students interested in healthcare
HCA Florida Hospitals Announce Dr. Dan Hagler as Chief Medical Officer
Dan Hagler, M.D., has been appointed chief medical officer (CMO) of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital, as of March 4. In this role, Dr. Hagler will lead the clinical and quality initiatives that support consistent clinical performance and practice standards across HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital. Dr. Hagler brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience with a proven track record of improving quality and
NWFSC Radiography Program Receives $10,000 Check from HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital
Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is thrilled to announce a significant boost to its Radiography Program, thanks to a generous donation of $10,000 from HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. This contribution marks a transformative moment for the program, renowned for its commitment to cultivating highly skilled professionals in the healthcare sector. The donation from HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is set to play a crucial role in the advancement of the NWFSC Radiography Program. It
First ''Thank a Teacher'' Recipient in Partnership with Okaloosa County School District
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and Okaloosa County School District celebrated the first “Thank A Teacher” recipient, Robert Roeckers, Okaloosa STEMM Academy. Roeckers joined Okaloosa STEMM Academy for his first year of teaching with an undeniable enthusiasm and a commitment to fostering a love for learning among his students. His innovative approach to education, combined with his dedication to student success, has quickly made him a standout educator with his students and amongst peers. “This
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and Okaloosa County School District Partner to Rollout Thank a Teacher Program
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) announced today the launch of a Thank a Teacher—a joint partnership between HCA Florida Fort-Walton Destin Hospital and OCSD. Thank a Teacher is a program celebrating the Okaloosa County School District's dedicated educators. Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, students, families, and staff members are encouraged to share their stories about a particular teacher's inspiring actions, supportive words, creative lessons,
Okaloosa Technical College Practical Nursing Program Announces 100% Pass Rate
Okaloosa Technical College's (OTC) Practical Nursing Program proudly announces that the 2022-2023 Class had a 100% pass rate for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), earning their licensed practical nurse certification (LPN). The fourteen-month-long program, approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing, prepares students to become quality, safe, practical nurses in all areas of the medical field. Nineteen students underwent the rigorous course of study split between 675 hours of classroom
Destin Chamber Trustees Invite Local First Responders to Appreciation Cookout
The Destin Chamber Trustee members are celebrating and thanking local first responders with a free cookout on Monday, Sept. 11. They will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and serving BBQ sliders and brisket at Destin Fire Station #9 at 848 Airport Road, in Destin, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. All police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, beach safety, EMS and military are invited. Trustee membership is the highest membership level in the Destin Chamber, and it shows a significant commitment to and
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital Collect More than 3,000 School Supplies
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital joined HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals across the state throughout July to participate in the organization’s first statewide We Show Up for Our Schools month of service. In partnership with the Okaloosa County School District and United Way Emerald Coast, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital collected more than 3,000 supplies for students and teachers in our community ahead of the new
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Nationally Recognized for Commitment to Providing High-Quality Stroke Care
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability. Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and
