Game-Changer for Walton County: New Emergency Center Delivers Faster, Stronger Care
In Brief:
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The new HCA Florida emergency center opens in DeFuniak Springs in early February.
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The facility offers trauma care, imaging services, laboratory services, and ambulance transport.
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Project honors the historic medical legacy of Dr. Edgar Myers.
Emergency Care is essential to any growing community, and having that care readily accessible is one of the ‘perks’ of the new HCA Florida – DeFuniak Springs Emergency, located at 160 Twins Springs Way in DeFuniak Springs. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the new state-of-the-art emergency care facility located “just north of the intersection of Interstate 10 and U.S. 331 at exit 85.”
Many locals are familiar with the new Cefco #446 gas station on Myers Farm Lane. The emergency facility is just south of there.
Victoria Heller, Director for Media Relations for HCA, told Mid Bay News that the official date for opening the emergency facility will most likely be the first week of February. She added that the team staffing the emergency facility will include board-certified emergency medicine physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
This new emergency facility is part of the HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital, according to Todd Jackson, CEO of HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital. Jackson shared that the emergency facility “marks an important milestone as we celebrate a new chapter of healthcare in Walton County.” Jackson shared a story about the land where the 12,000 square foot is located. He indicated that the property has great significance for DeFuniak Springs and for the historical medical care in Walton County. He shared that Dr. Edgar Myers, a founding physician for DeFuniak Springs and Walton County, was born here in 1918 and graduated from Walton County Senior High School. The prominent and beloved doctor owned the land where the new emergency facility will provide emergency care to residents in need of medical attention.
It is important to note that Dr. Myers opened Lakeside Hospital in Walton County in 1948, and he is now remembered for the care he provided to a growing community. Jackson said that Dr. Myers delivered more than 4000 babies during his years of medical practice, and it was said in his eulogy that “he was the personification of a country doctor, a man who, no doubt, cared for his patients like they were his own family.” Dr. Myers’ daughter, Sarah, was present for the ribbon cutting and expressed her desire for HCA to take good care of the land that is so dear to the Myers family.
Jackson added that the HCA building is a $19 million project with a footprint of approximately 12,000 square feet. Within the facility, there are 10 treatment rooms and a designated trauma room, a lab, imaging, and pharmacy services. In the future, plans call for the creation of a helipad to provide “flight for life” services to individuals requiring extreme critical care. With an HCA emphasis on treating patients and their families with the greatest care, the facility will be open for medical care 24/7.
Another significant offering at this emergency facility will be a fleet of ambulances providing transport to additional inpatient care facilities when needed. Jackson added that in-house ambulance service provided by HCA is another important “community investment” by the hospital [HCA DeFuniak Springs Emergency] because it allows Walton County to focus on its resources [and] on the needs of the community, be it 911 calls or other care transports.”
Also speaking at the ribbon cutting was DeFuniak Springs Mayor Bob Campbell. Campbell began his remarks by thanking Twin Cities HCA for the investment that they have made in the city. He expressed gratitude for the hospital’s commitment to emergency and triage care, which are essential to the community. The mayor mentioned his connection to the Myers family and reflected that he had grown up with Dr. Myers’ children. Campbell’s closing remarks reflected on the new facility, stating, “I have been inside. It is gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. It’s phenomenal.”
The team at HCA DeFuniak Springs Emergency wanted to express their desire to be a support and resource for healthcare in the community. They look forward to officially opening their doors for emergency care in early February…a little over two weeks away.
In the meantime, Victoria Heller wants to let residents know about a free medical hotline provided by HCA called“Consult a Nurse Line.” She indicated that residents may be unsure if a trip to the emergency room is needed, and getting speedy phone support and confirmation can provide direction for someone who is sick or in a medical crisis. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The call is free, and no insurance is required to speak to the HCA nurses. The number to call is 844-70-NURSE or 844-706-8773.
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