BayCare

BayCare, which broke ground on its unit this week, has an accelerated timeline for construction due to advanced technology that allows for a smaller footprint than traditional proton therapy machines.

The gift will help support the new pediatric facility at St. Joseph's Hospital that was first announced in October and scheduled to open in 2030.

BayCare is getting close to half of Pasco's initial share of opioid settlement dollars. Eight other groups will also receive money to combat drug addiction in the county.

BayCare has announced plans to build a new St. Joseph's Children's Hospital by 2030. Hospital officials say the new facility is needed to account for growth in the area and to keep up with the latest medical advances.

Wesley Chapel will soon have three general hospitals within a five-minute drive, part of a boom unleashed when the state dropped a requirement that companies obtain approval to open new hospitals. Where are they building? What are the effects?

The many options — particularly urgent care and free-standing ERs — can make the head spin. The wrong choice can mean big bills and even poor outcomes. Facilities have little incentive to clear up the confusion.

The nonprofit health system, which serves Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk and Pasco counties, has begun a national search for a successor who is expected to be named by years' end.

Prior to President Joe Biden's announcement that hospital workers must get a coronavirus vaccine, leaders of hospital systems in the region have been reluctant to make it a requirement.

USF College of Public Health professor Jason Salemi said an average of six children were hospitalized each day with COVID-19 in early June. But during the last week of August, that increased to an average of 66.

They're temporarily stopping elective procedures and limiting patient visits.

One doctor recommends to either wear a mask and goggles or go indoors to help with the symptoms of red tide, and he says the toxic blooms are driving more patients to seek medical help.

Getting sick with COVID-19 last March was only the beginning of Dr. Devandra Amin's experience with the virus. He and his colleagues have spent the last year caring for patients amid multiple surges in cases, and with no clear answers on treatment.