RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist). I began my career with BayCare at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital and was involved with the creation of the Breast Center at that facility. During my time at South Florida Baptist Hospital, we have trended to a digital environment and I have also co-managed the Heart and Vascular Center here.
ceiling, refurbished nurses’ station and lobby. The wood and glass enhancements have given the unit a more hotel-like feel. The medical/ surgical unit, 2-South, opened April 1, after renovations with similar touches, and a transformation from the former 18 semi-private rooms to today’s 16 private rooms. Each contains a family area, private bath and shower, 42-inch television and digital whiteboard.
Focus: What difference does having the latest technology mean to women who use the services of South Florida Baptist Hospital? Brightwell: The latest and most advanced technology at South Florida Baptist Hospital allows women the convenience of state-of-the-art examinations close to home. With updated digital mammography, the ability to manipulate the images has decreased the call back rate from the previous analog technology (film/screen). The addition of Ultrasound and biopsy offerings in the Breast Center creates a comprehensive approach to the patient’s breast care. Stereotactic Breast Biopsy with Mammography will be added to the center in the upcoming months. Our MRI Department is equipped with a large bore magnet, which decreases a patient’s claustrophobic feelings during the procedure. Additionally, there are dedicated coils and computer aided software to enhance the MRI imaging techniques. And it’s important to note that our Breast Center is also accredited by the American College of Radiology in Mammography, Ultrasound and MRI.
good news for our patients is that we also work with the other Breast Imaging Centers in our BayCare Network: BayCare Outpatient Imaging Centers, Hinks and Elaine Shimberg Breast Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North Breast Center, Susan Cheek Needler Breast Centers, and the Susan Sheppard McGillicuddy Breast Center. Focus: What services are provided at the Breast Center? Brightwell: We offer Digital Screening Mammogram and Digital Diagnostic Mammogram; Breast MRI and Breast Ultrasound; Ultrasound-guided Biopsy; and DEXA Scan for bone-density
Focus: So here’s your opportunity to compare the Breast Center to others in the area.
Focus: We understand the 2 South Medical/Surgical Unit and the Women’s Center Unit on 3 South were also recently renovated. What’s new?
Brightwell: There are no other Breast Centers in the Plant City community with comprehensive Breast Care. Those most near are in Lakeland and Brandon. The
Brightwell: Yes, approximately $3.9 million in renovations was planned. The obstetrics unit, also known as 3-South, received a facelift with new flooring,
In June, construction scheduled for completion in about 15 months will begin on two new operating rooms in the surgical unit. We also recently upgraded our lifesaving surgical equipment in our Cystoscopy operating room used for prostate surgeries and treating other urological conditions through the gift of donor monies. Focus: Plant City folks are excited about the updates in our hometown hospital, Debi. Any advice about what we can do to show our continued appreciation? Brightwell: I’m proud to work with the BayCare organization. The commitment of South Florida Baptist Hospital to develop and expand our comprehensive Breast Center services and other units is truly an asset to our patients and community. Please support the Foundation at South Florida Baptist Hospital to help fund additional new technologies that assist in early detection of disease. And, needless to say, we hope people will have their necessary imaging appointments scheduled here, too! To schedule an appointment, call (813) 757-8350.
foCUS Magazine Plant City MAY 2013
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