North Okaloosa Medical Center Remains Steadfast in Service to Crestview and Surrounding Communities
5/3/2021
2020 Year in Review: An open letter from our Interim CEO, Joey Hester
I write today with hope for the future and gratitude for the resilience of our entire team at North Okaloosa Medical Center. The pandemic has demonstrated how interconnected we all are, the impact each one of us can have, and the benefit of working together for a common cause. We care deeply about our community and remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver safe, quality healthcare services.
The arc of life is always present in a hospital, but its frailty has been very clear this past year. Tens of thousands of patients received the medical care they needed thanks to our physicians, nurses, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, lab techs, housekeepers, food service workers and other providers who have worked tirelessly to maintain a safe environment. Our family of caregivers put aside their personal fears and concerns and came to help every single day, with bravery and courage.
More than 480 babies took their first breaths and we celebrated with their moms. Thousands upon thousands walked away in better shape than when they came in – with less pain following a joint replacement, a heart beating in rhythm after receiving a pacemaker or a smile of relief when their screening mammogram or colonoscopy was clear.
With pride and relief we cheered hundreds of patients who left for home after beating COVID-19. But there have been times of sadness too, as our caregivers helped patients transition at the end of life and comforted the loved ones who grieve for their loss.
Helping people get well and live healthier is rewarding work, and we are grateful for the trust every patient places in us. And we feel the support of the community as you’ve extended your thanks and encouragement through heartfelt signs, meals, gifts, prayers and more.
Led by a local administration and advisory board of community leaders and physicians, North Okaloosa Medical Center continues to grow and evolve as we put our resources toward increased medical services, facilities, and technologies that are important to our patients. To name a few, I’m excited to announce the upcoming renovation of our Emergency Department, along with the recently completed renovation of our Cardiac Cath Lab to include a new Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab. With the first EP study on May 6th, this state-of-the-art EP Lab will feature hi-tech equipment allowing doctors to diagnose and treat a number of heart rhythm disorders, and is an exciting addition to the growing suite of heart and vascular care options available here at NOMC.
Access has been enhanced with the recruitment of specialists in ophthalmology, orthopedics, pain management, pulmonology & urology - which means more specialty services here locally. Many of our physicians are now offering telemedicine, making it easier than ever to see the doctor when you’re in the comfort of home.
We value our relationship with the City of Crestview and Okaloosa County. The more than $700,000 in taxes we paid last year support critical infrastructure such as first responders, schools and roads. Wages and benefits for our entire system generate buying power for local goods and services and help drive the local economy. And we deliver care for our most vulnerable residents, providing more than $41 million dollars of charity and uncompensated care in 2019, which are the most recently reported figures to the state of Florida.
Hope is on the horizon as COVID-19 vaccinations are underway and we look forward to a time when we can all gather. Until then, keep up the safe practices – wear a mask or face covering, maintain social distancing and regularly wash your hands. By following these simple acts we can do extraordinary things.
You can view North Okaloosa Medical Center’s 2020 Community Benefit Report here. Joey Hester is the interim chief executive officer for North Okaloosa Medical Center.
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