HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Among First in the Nation to Perform Robotic-Assisted Should
Today, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital became the first hospital along the Gulf Coast and one of the first in the nation to perform robotic-assisted shoulder replacement using an innovative new robotic platform designed to enhance surgical precision. The advanced system features enhanced imaging, real-time tracking capabilities, and new tools that support surgical planning and execution, including virtual screw-depth measurement. These advancements are intended to improve accuracy and efficiency
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Treats First Patient with Innovative Procedure to Control High Blood Pressure
On July 15, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital marked a significant milestone in cardiovascular care by performing the first renal denervation (RDN) procedure in the tri-county (Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa) area. The groundbreaking, minimally invasive treatment was performed by John Dudley, MD, an interventional cardiologist and the only physician in the area currently offering the procedure. High blood pressure continues to be one of the region's most significant health challenges. An estimated
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Welcomes Latest Class of Graduate Medical Education Resident
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is helping grow the region’s healthcare workforce as 25 new resident physicians begin the next phase of their medical training in Fort Walton Beach. “I’m so excited to be doing my residency in Internal medicine at HCA Florida Fort Walton Destin Hospital”, said Samantha Jacobsmeyer, MD, who is moving to the area from St. Louis, to begin her residency training. “I have chosen to specialize in internal medicine because I really enjoy how all of the organ systems
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital Earns Top Award from American College of Cardiology
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has been recognized with the American College of Cardiology's (ACC) 3-Star PCI Award, a prestigious national distinction recognizing hospitals that demonstrate excellence in the quality and safety of percutaneous coronary intervention, commonly known as coronary angioplasty. The ACC 3-Star PCI Award recognizes cardiovascular programs that consistently meet or exceed rigorous national standards for evidence-based care, patient safety and clinical outcomes. The
New Expanded Space for HCA Florida Healthcare's Graduate Medical Education and Clinic
We’re excited to share that our newly remodeled collaborative clinic space in partnership with White-Wilson Medical Center at 1005 Mar Walt Drive in Fort Walton Beach is ready to welcome patients, expanding access to high-quality care for patients across our community. This updated and expanded clinic features 12 exam rooms, increasing appointment availability for primary care and specialized outpatient services. The clinic will also play a vital role in supporting patients transitioning from hospital to
June is National Men’s Health Month - Men are Encouraged to Prioritize their Health
June is National Men’s Health Month, and HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is encouraging dads, grandpas, sons and the people who love them to make their health a priority. Taking steps such as scheduling cancer screenings and an annual checkup with a primary care doctor make a big difference in getting and staying healthier. Healthcare providers continue to be concerned that many men delay routine care or avoid medical appointments until symptoms become serious. National Men’s Health Month serves
3rd Annual Trauma Survivor Day Event
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital recently hosted its 3rd Annual Trauma Survivors Day Event, a powerful celebration that brought trauma survivors full circle in their healing journey. The emotional event reunited courageous trauma survivors with the local EMS crews who saved them in the field and the hospital physicians and caregivers who guided them through recovery. Driven by the mission to be committed to the care and improvement of human life, the annual gathering highlights the profound bond
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin and Twin Cities Hospitals Celebrate Local Providers on National Doctors’ Day
On March 30, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital will join the nation in celebrating National Doctors’ Day, a time-honored tradition dedicated to recognizing the physicians who work tirelessly to care for the Emerald Coast community. National Doctors’ Day traces its roots back to 1933, when the day was first observed to honor the dedication and the life-saving breakthroughs of physicians. In 1990, it was officially designated as a national day of recognition to
Local Hospital Among Nation’s Elite Hospitals for Open Heart Surgery
HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital announces the achievement of a fifth three-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for the hospital’s outstanding performance in isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) procedures. The three-star rating is the highest accolade bestowed by STS, and it solidifies HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital's position among the nation's elite institutions for open-heart surgery. “Our team earning the prestigious three-star STS rating for the fifth consecutive
HCA Florida Healthcare Facilities to Host Crush the Crisis Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Oct. 25
HCA Florida Healthcare locations in Northwest Florida are hosting Crush the Crisis prescription drug collections Saturday, Oct. 25, to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the importance of proper disposal of unused or expired medications. The annual event, which coincides with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, offers the community safe and anonymous disposal of medications that may be left over from previous procedures or
Check Out Heart-Healthy Habits with the Libraries with Heart Program
The Libraries with Heart program is making its way to Okaloosa County, bringing vital health resources directly into the hands of residents through a powerful partnership between the American Heart Association, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, and local libraries. As part of a growing statewide initiative, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and its Together to End Stroke sponsor, the HCA Healthcare Foundation, are teaming up with HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and
HCA Florida Healthcare Hosts Construction Ceremony for HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency
HCA Florida Healthcare has announced that it has begun construction on the new $19 million HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency as part of HCA Florida Healthcare’s continued expansion to serve the growing North Florida community. Slated to open in early 2026, the 11,000 square-foot facility will be located in DeFuniak Springs to serve Walton County and nearby communities. HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency will be a 24/7 full-service, state-of-the-art emergency room with board certified emergency
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 ''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
