Newsroom

Southwest Florida’s three Bayfront Health hospitals and their affiliated medical groups today announced they are coming together under one name: ShorePoint Health. The following entities will fall under the ShorePoint Health brand umbrella: Bayfront Health Port Charlotte is now ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte Bayfront Health Punta Gorda is now ShorePoint Health Punta Gorda Venice Regional Bayfront Health is now ShorePoint Health Venice Bayfront Health Medical Group is now ShorePoint Medical Group Gulf ... ... Read More

(VENICE, FL - November 10, 2021) For the third consecutive grading period, Venice Regional Bayfront Health attained an “A” grade in the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing Venice Regional’s achievements protecting patients from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections. The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures, as we... ... Read More

(Venice, FL – September 14, 2021) – Board-certified gastroenterologist Jaime Baquero, M.D., has joined Gulf Coast Medical Group, bringing his extensive experience in gastroenterology and digestive health to Venice Regional Bayfront Health. “Many gastrointestinal conditions are lifestyle-related, so I focus on understanding the whole patient,” says Dr. Baquero. “I create an environment of trust so that patients can be open about their lives, understand their illness, and become fully engaged in treatment... ... Read More

(Venice, FL – September 10, 2021) – Venice Regional Bayfront Health is providing additional health care resources to Sarasota County, specifically for those with pancreas, gallbladder and liver conditions. Board-certified surgeon Hussein Mohamed, M.D., FACS, has joined Gulf Coast Medical Group, bringing extensive experience in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical techniques for all aspects of liver and pancreatic cancer. “I am excited to bring specialized surgical services that patients with... ... Read More

By Heidi Smith, Contributor The pain in Janine Salvo’s right hip was excruciating – and familiar. “I recognized the same bone-on-bone pain I had with my other hip,” said the 60-year-old North Port woman, whose left hip was replaced in 2017 in Connecticut. “I knew it was time to get help.” Salvo’s primary care physician recommended North Port orthopedic surgeon Jason Collins, M.D., with Gulf Coast Medical Group. Dr. Collins is board certified and a member of the medical staff at Venice Regional Bayfront ... ... Read More

By Heidi Smith, Contributor, Originally appeared in the July issue of Health and Wellness Robert Perry was in his early 40s and living in Massachusetts when his symptoms began. His vision became blurry, and he felt a tremendous thirst he couldn’t quench. He thought it would go away, but he began feeling so ill he finally went to a hospital emergency room. Four days later, he was discharged from the hospital with a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. “It took a while to adjust my diet and medications, but for ... ... Read More

An ICU nurse from Venice Regional Bayfront Health earned a notable distinction in May 2021 when Nick Madonna, R.N., was named a community MVP for Florida’s 17th Congressional District. The award recognizes unsung heroes who display extraordinary dedication to making a difference. Madonna was honored for his work caring for patients throughout the pandemic. “Working in our ICU, Nick cares for the hospital’s most vulnerable patients,” said Venice Regional CEO Kelly Enriquez. “He is frequently commended by... ... Read More

This article originally appeared in the June issue of Health and Wellness and was written by Heidi Smith, contributor The first time Priscilla Gratton injured her knee, she was 13 years old, roller-skating with friends. The next time, she was an adult playing tennis. Both injuries required surgery, so at age 66, the physically active Sarasota woman wasn’t surprised that her knee became painful, with clicking and popping sensations. “Then one day, I was just walking along, and my knee gave out. I hit the... ... Read More

Up to 80 percent of strokes and heart attacks may be preventable through healthy lifestyle choices, according to the American Heart Association. Tonya Stephenson, M.D., a board-certified clinical neurologist with Gulf Coast Neurology Associates in Venice, discusses the risk factors, signs and treatments for strokes. Dr. Stephenson is on the medical staff at Venice Regional Bayfront Health and directs the hospital’s stroke team. Q. Can strokes really be prevented? A. It’s true that most strokes are preve... ... Read More

Swimming, tennis and long walks are among Victoria Vertacnik’s favorite activities. But in December 2020 she started experiencing shortness of breath during exertion and while lying down at night. “I knew something was wrong,” said the 70-year-old Englewood woman. “My cardiologist ran tests and said my aortic valve was leaking.” “A leaking aortic valve allows blood to flow in two directions, rather than directing oxygen-rich blood only through the aorta,” explained James Landis, M.D., an interventional ... ... Read More