Tampa General Hospital and Palm Beach District Seek Community Input for Lakeside Medical Center Vision

Engaging the Community: Shaping the Future of Lakeside Medical Center

In a significant move to enhance healthcare access in Palm Beach County, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and the Health Care District of Palm Beach County convened residents of the Glades at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center. This event, marked by a strong community presence of nearly 200 attendees, served as a platform for open discussions about the future of Lakeside Medical Center.

A New Partnership with a Shared Vision

Tampa General's president and CEO, John Couris, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "Lakeside Medical Center represents a true partnership – one that combines the best of the Glades community with the expertise and quality care of one of the nation’s leading academic health systems." Attendees were encouraged to voice their thoughts on what improvements they would like to see in their local hospital. The plan includes an expansion of services and recruitment initiatives aimed at retaining a robust healthcare workforce.

Darcy J. Davis, president and CEO of the Health Care District, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the vital role of community engagement. He remarked on the success of the Town Hall and reiterated the commitment to keeping quality healthcare local, strong, and innovative for generations to come.

Community Impact: Keeping Care Local

"Lakeside doesn’t just serve patients—we serve neighbors, friends, and family," added Ron Doncaster, the vice president and administrator of Lakeside Medical Center. As he steps into his role, he recognizes the community’s unique spirit shaped by resilience and connection. Enhancing care while preserving this identity is a primary mission.

Moderated by community leader Tammy Jackson-Moore, the discussion provided a necessary platform for the residents to express their needs and aspirations in building a more robust healthcare framework at Lakeside. Jackson-Moore noted the meeting's significance, indicating that such direct conversations would pave the way for improved health and wellness in the area.

Strategic Management and Support

On February 1, TGH and the Health Care District signed a Management and Administrative Services Agreement. This partnership aims to enhance operational management and strategic support for Lakeside Medical Center, which stands as Florida's only rural teaching hospital. The collaboration's overarching mission encapsulates three vital objectives:
1. Advance access to high-quality healthcare: Ensuring residents receive world-class medical services within their community.
2. Improve community health: Focus on better health outcomes for local residents.
3. Augment clinical services and innovations: Keeping pace with technological advancements and healthcare research.

A Commitment to Excellence

As one of the largest nonprofit academic health systems in America, Tampa General Hospital is recognized for providing exceptional care across various medical specialties. Its accolades include top rankings in U.S. News & World Report and being named a model of excellence in the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. Tampa General also focuses on workforce development, having received recognition as one of the best employers in the country, highlighting its commitment to quality care and community service.

As the collaboration unfolds, both Tampa General Hospital and the Health Care District of Palm Beach County are poised to transform Lakeside Medical Center into a beacon of healthcare excellence that reflects the needs and values of the Glades community. Their continued efforts to engage and incorporate community input will undoubtedly lead to a stronger, healthier future for local residents.

For more information about Tampa General Hospital, visit www.tgh.org.