Hospital fights disease

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

Flagler’s largest employer has named a new administrator and launched a campaign against cardiovascular disease.

The county’s largest employer, Florida Hospital Flagler, recently appointed JoAnne King as its new vice president of ancillary services. She will take the helm in the position Feb. 6.

Formerly the hospital’s hospice-care administrative director, King helped in expanding her unit into Orange and Osceola counties during her tenure.

The position, like the chief medical officer position recently given to surgeon John Walsh, is newly created. In it, King will oversee several hospital departments, including cancer, laboratory, imaging, cardiopulmonary, cardiovascular and rehabilitation. She will also continue to be the administrator of Florida Hospital HospiceCare, but her position will be replaced.

An Ormond Beach resident, King has about 20 years of hospice experience and currently serves on several hospice-related boards.

Combat cardiovascular disease
According to Media Manager Lindsay Rew, the hospital will kick off a new campaign this month to fight cardiovascular disease.

“There’s so much awareness about breast cancer, which is great,” she said, “but cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. It’s sad, but 60% more women die of cardiovascular disease than from all cancers combined.”

To raise awareness for the disease, the hospital will host, on the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Day, a free heart-healthy breakfast 7:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3, in its Education Center classrooms. In addition, free EKG screenings will be performed Feb. 16, as well as March 8. To reserve space, call 866-328-6417.

Every year since 1900 — except 1918, when influenza spread — cardiovascular disease has caused more deaths in the United States than any other cause.

Heart and head champs
Florida Hospital Flagler was also recently recognized with a Silver Plus Performance Achievement Award from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Foundation, for its evidence-based care guidelines.

The award, given through the association’s Get with the Guidelines program, will be featured in the America’s Best Hospitals issue of U.S. News & World Report, in August.

Cobblestone rising
Expected for completion January 2012, Florida Hospital Flagler’s currently under-construction satellite office in the Cobblestone Village, near Walmart, made big progress last month.

Throughout December, all structural steel columns, beams, roof steel and joists were set and placed. Concrete was poured at the canopy column pad. The column bases were grouted. The first floor framing was laid out. And the setting of electric wiring began, as well fire alarm installation.

For more information, call 847-2253.