Hospital Opens New Pediatric Unit
May 14, 2007

64-Slice CT Scanner Offers Precise Diagnosis for Cardiovascular Disease
March 28, 2007

FACELIFT UNDERWAY AT TOWN & COUNTRY HOSPITAL
February 15, 2007

WOUND HEALING CENTER AT TOWN & COUNTRY HOSPITAL AWARDED JCAHO CERTIFICATION
February 12, 2006

Town & Country Hospital Announces Accreditation for the Laboratory by The Commission
on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists
February 3, 2006

TOWN & COUNTRY HOSPITAL ANNOUNCES OPENING OF THE SLEEP DISORDER CENTER
July 26, 2005

Town & Country Hospital will be the host site for The Upper Tampa Bay Regional
Chamber’s First Annual Tampa Bay SalsaFest

THE LAP-BAND® SYSTEM OFFERS A LESS INVASIVE SURGICAL OPTION FOR THE
TREATMENT OF OBESITY
August 16, 2005

Local Hospital Announces Recipient of IASIS Healthcare’s “Chairman’s Award”
July 27, 2005

Town & Country Hospital Announces Opening of the Sleep Disorder Center
July 26, 2005

Town & Country Hospital Welcomes New Chief Operations Officer
May 26, 2005

Time May Not Heal All Wounds: Town & Country Hospital Opens New State-of-the-Art Center
January 20, 2005

Town & Country Hospital announces the addition of the da Vinci Surgical System
January 3, 2005

New High-Tech Operating Rooms Open at Town & Country Hospital Improved Patient Safety
and Enhanced Surgeon Comfort Benefits of OR-1
August 30, 2004

TOWN & COUNTRY HOSPITAL APPOINTS NEW GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS
April 9, 2004

TCH AT THE TASTE OF CITRUS PARK AND FAMILY FESTIVAL

TOWN & COUNTRY HOSPITAL ANNOUNCES OPENING OF THE FLORIDA BONE & JOINT CENTER
March 15, 2004

TOWN & COUNTRY HOSPITAL ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING OF NEW CARDIAC ADDITION
February 4, 2004

Hospital Opens New Pediatric Unit

16-bed unit will serve children, from four days to 17 years of age

Tampa, FL – May 14, 2007, - Today, Town & Country Hospital officials announced the opening of pediatric unit. The unit was opened in response to the need for a general pediatric facility in close proximity to the northwest region of Tampa, including Westchase, Citrus Park, Odessa and Town & Country.

The 16-bed unit will serve children, from four days to 17 years of age, and will feature all private rooms and room service dining.

Historically, children treated at Town & Country Hospital have been triaged and cared for in the hospital’s Emergency Care Center or treated on an outpatient basis. Now, they can also be admitted for an overnight or longer stay.

Carlos Cartaya, MD, will serve as medical director for the unit. Dr. Cartaya was most recently a staff hospitalist at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital where he coordinated care for many referring doctors. In his role, he will interact daily with nurses, respiratory therapists, rehabilitation therapists, dieticians and others to supervise pediatric patient care.

“As a hospitalist, I spend my days at the hospital, instead of an office, and I consult with each child’s pediatrician to help manage the care of children in our hospital,” says Dr. Cartaya. “This enables me to bridge the gap, when a child’s own doctor can’t be at the hospital, and to work with the rest of the hospital staff to provide excellent care for our pediatric patients.”

The hospital has put together a team of healthcare professionals, experienced in the carea of children. Heidi Wolf, R.N., the hospital’s chief nursing officer, is excited about the services that will be provided in the pediatric unit.

“Town & Country has a long tradition of providing high-quality healthcare to adults in our community, and we’re very proud to now be able to offer that same level of care to children,” said Wolf. “We are also happy that Dr. Cartaya is fluent in Spanish, which will enhance communication with Spanish-speaking patients and their families.”

In addition to emergency and medical care, pediatric rehabilitation and wound care services will be provided.

Dr. Cartaya graduated from the University of South Florida. He received his medical degree from Temple University and completed a residency in pediatrics at Miami Children’s Hospital. He is board certified in pediatrics and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is also certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support. He is a member of the Florida Medical and Hillsborough County Medical Associations.

Town & Country Hospital is a 201-bed full service acute-care community hospital with all private beds. For more than 25 years, it has provided diagnostic, emergency, medical and surgical services to residents of northwest Hillsborough County. The hospital is part of IASIS Healthcare,? located at 6001 Webb Road in Tampa. For more information, visit us online at www.townandcountryhospital.com or call (813) 888-7060.

For More Information Contact
Sue Pagano
813.882.7166
sue_pagano@iasishealthcare.com

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64-Slice CT Scanner Offers Precise Diagnosis for Cardiovascular Disease

Tampa, FL – March 28, 2007, - Town & Country Hospital now offers physicians and patients access to advanced diagnostic imaging technology with the Brilliance CT, a computed tomography scanner that produces crisp, detailed images of the body in mere seconds. In one scan over the body, 64 detailed images are recorded to provide excellent data for accurate medical diagnosis.

CT uses x-ray pulses to create a detailed picture of structures inside the body. Each pulse produces a “slice” of the total picture and slices are stored on a computer that can be viewed and saved for further evaluation. They can also be merged to produce a 3-D view of the organ.

Earlier detection of Heart Disease Can Save Lives

“Our new CT system offers a great combination of diagnostic precision and patient comfort.. It’s a powerful tool in the fight against heart disease that we at Town & Country Hospital are pleased to offer to the community.” said Philip S. Cook, M.D., Medical Director.

CT is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of life-threatening illnesses including the nation’s leading killer, cardiovascular disease. The advanced volume coverage CT scanner provides crisp, clear images of the body to help doctors quickly assess a patient’s risk of coronary heart disease. The possibility of discovering heart and vascular disease in an early stage before the onset of serious symptoms enables doctors to recommend the most effective treatment options and lifestyle changes to patients. Physicians can also evaluate such conditions as coronary artery blockage and arterial flow. They can rule out conditions such as aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism and coronary artery disease.

Additional patient benefits include a shorter exam time, less invasive process and less stress. Geriatric, pediatric and respiratory patients find it to be a more comfortable procedure because the time they have to hold their breath is shorter. Brilliance CT is a product of Phillips Medical Systems.

Town & Country Hospital is a 201-bed full service acute-care community hospital with all private beds. For more than 25 years, it has provided diagnostic, emergency, medical and surgical services to residents of northwest Hillsborough County. The hospital is part of IASIS Healthcare,? located at 6001 Webb Road in Tampa. For more information, visit us online at www.townandcountryhospital.com or call (813) 888-7060.

For More Information Contact
Sue Pagano
813.882.7166
sue_pagano@iasishealthcare.com

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FACELIFT UNDERWAY AT TOWN & COUNTRY HOSPITAL

Tampa, FL – February 15, 2007, - If you haven’t driven along Webb Road recently, there’s a surprise awaiting you. According to Michael Landry, CEO of Town & Country Hospital, “I’m so pleased to announce that the exterior renovation of the hospital has begun and it is really enhancing the beauty of the surrounding neighborhood.” said Landry.

He continued, “ During my first six months at the hospital, there have been a lot of changes on the campus including the opening of the medical office center next door.

The new physicians’ offices and specialty care centers next door along with expanded diagnostic and treatment services at the hospital will enable patients to enjoy state of the art care close to home. “ New offices are currently occupied by physicians providing internal medicine, urology, radiation oncology and acupuncture services.

The hospital is getting a $1million exterior facelift that includes painting, refurbishing of the deck, roofing and landscaping .“ We’ve updated the color scheme with mocha and Caribbean blue hues achieve a contemporary look.” said Landry. The renovation program will continue through 2007.

Town & Country Hospital is a 201-bed acute care hospital with all private rooms and room service dining. It has provided emergency, medical-surgical and diagnostic services for over 25 years. Located in northwest Hillsborough County, it is convenient to Westchase, Waterchase, Citrus Park, Odessa and Town & Country. The hospital is owned by IASIS LLC which operates 15 hospitals in Arizona, Texas, Utah, Nevada, Louisiana and Florida. For more information, contact the hospital at 813.882.7166 or www.townandcountryhospital.com.

For More Information Contact
Sue Pagano
813.882.7166
sue_pagano@iasishealthcare.com

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WOUND HEALING CENTER AT TOWN & COUNTRY HOSPITAL
AWARDED JCAHO CERTIFICATION

Tampa, FL – February 12, 2006, - The Wound Healing Center at Town & Country Hospital has earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ for health care quality. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) awarded a Disease-Specific Care Certification for wound care to National Healing Corporation (NHC), which manages the program.

Located at 6001 Webb Road, Tampa, FL 33615, the Wound Healing Center offers state-of-the-art treatment for those suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections, compromised skin grafts and flaps, and wounds that haven't healed within 30 days. The center was created in partnership with NHC which accounts for 20 percent of the nation's managed and outsourced wound healing centers.

NHC’s CEO James Patrick made the announcement saying, "National Healing Corporation and the Wound Healing Center at Town & Country Hospital are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art wound care to our patients and this community. I am proud of the excellent work being done by our physicians, clinical teams and management at the Wound Healing Center at Town & Country Hospital and I pledge that we will continue to take a leadership role in advancing and delivering wound care for many years to come."

To earn JCAHO certification, a disease management program undergoes an extensive on-site evaluation review by a team of Joint Commission reviewers once every two years. The program is evaluated against Joint Commission standards through an assessment of a program's processes, the program's ability to evaluate and improve care within its own organization and interviews with patients and staff.

"This certification means National Healing Corporation does the right things and does them well for wound care patients," says Charles A. Mowell, executive vice president, Business Development, Government, and External Relations, Joint Commission.

The first program of its kind in the nation, the Joint Commission launched its Disease-Specific Care Certification program in 2002. An independent, not-for-profit organization, the Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of health care accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in health care organizations. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the U.S.

The Wound Healing Center at Town & Country Hospital specializes in the treatment of chronic wounds and non-responsive conditions and offers hospital-based outpatient wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy as well as disease management and diabetes care.

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla., NHC provides management services and the latest technology and expertise in wound healing to its client hospitals to establish quality wound healing programs. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has awarded NHC Disease-Specific Care Certification for wound care. Specializing in the treatment of chronic and non-responsive conditions, NHC Wound Healing Centers offer hospital-based outpatient wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy as well as diabetes care. Committed to health care compliance and best practice medicine, NHC emphasizes these priorities in its extensive clinical and business training programs. Morgan Stanley Venture Partners and BA Venture Partners are majority shareholders in the privately held company. Visit www.nationalhealing.com.

Town & Country Hospital located in Hillsborough County, is an acute-care hospital with all private rooms and offers room service dining. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The hospital is affiliated with over 300 physicians. For more information, please visit, www.townandcountryhospital.com or call public relations at (813) 882-7166.

For More Information Contact
Erica Cheeks:
(561) 939-7945,
echeeks@nationalhealing.com

Maria Pierson/Savannah Whaley
Pierson Grant Public Relations
(954) 776-1999

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Town & Country Hospital Announces Accreditation for the Laboratory by
The Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists

TAMPA, FL, February 3, 2006, - The Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has accredited the medical laboratory at Town & Country Hospital. This accreditation has been awarded based on the results of an on-site inspection completed on October 27, 2005. The Medical Director, Raul R. Boggio, MD, was recognized for providing quality laboratory services.

Town & Country Hospital’s main laboratory is one of a select group of laboratories that has been evaluated and found to be in compliance with the CAP accreditation standards which consists of rigorous laboratory standards designed to help ensure quality patient care. The CAP' s program is the most respected and recognized laboratory accreditation program in the world and has long been considered the "gold standard" against which others are measured. The CAP accreditation is for a period of two years.

Town & Country Hospital located in Hillsborough County, is an acute-care hospital with all private rooms and offer room service dining. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The hospital is affiliated with over 300 physicians. For more information, please visit, www.townandcountryhospital.com or call public relations at (813) 882-7166.

Media Contact:
Elena Mesa
(813) 882-7166 Office
(813) 477-7375 Cell

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TOWN & COUNTRY HOSPITAL ANNOUNCES OPENING
OF THE SLEEP DISORDER CENTER

TAMPA, Fla., July 26, 2005, - Town & Country Hospital announces the opening of the Sleep Disorder Center for the diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, excessive snoring, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder.

“We are thrilled to able to offer this new service to the community. We are also extremely fortunate to have Dr. Hernan Giraldo, Board Certified Pulmonologist and a Sleep Specialist, serving as the medical director for our Sleep Disorder Center,” said Jim Seward, CEO of Town & Country Hospital.

“Sleep disorders affect one out of every four individuals,” stated Dr. Giraldo. “Left untreated, many serious conditions, such as sleep apnea, may have life threatening consequences due to the toll taken on the cardiovascular and neurological systems.”

Research indicates that approximately 4-6% of the population suffers from sleep apnea, the most prevalent of all sleep disorders. Those with sleep apnea will usually have the following symptoms:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Stentorian (loud) snoring
• Gasping or choking awakenings
• Awakenings for uncertain reasons
• Restless sleep
• Non-refreshing sleep
• Poor memory
• Poor intellectual function
• Irritability
• Personality changes
• Morning headaches
• Confusion

Bed partners and housemates will frequently describe loud snoring with intermittent silent periods terminated by loud, or resuscitative snorting. Those with the condition may be unaware of their sleep pattern, but are aware that they wake up each day unrefreshed and, many times, irritable.

“Overnight sleep studies are conducted by highly trained sleep technologists while patients enjoy the comfort of private sleep rooms,” said Dr. Giraldo. Electrodes are placed on the surface of the patient’s scalp, face, chest, and lower leg to monitor brain waves, eye movements, respiration, heart rate and muscle activity. There are no injections, drugs, or x-rays associated with this procedure -- and no pain associated with the placing or wearing of electrodes. A second night at the laboratory may be required for patients diagnosed with sleep apnea.

Treatments can range from airway pressure appliances, medication, lifestyle changes, weight loss, ENT surgery and laser therapy, dental appliances, light therapy, and internal body clock adjustments. The treatment or treatments recommended depend upon the type of sleep disorder diagnosed.

For patients who suspect they may have a sleep disorder, they should bring it to the attention of their family physician or contact the sleep laboratory for a consultation (813) 874-8806.

Town & Country Hospital located in Hillsborough County, is an acute-care hospital with all private rooms and offer room service dining. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The hospital is affiliated with over 300 physicians. For more information, please visit, www.townandcountryhospital.com or call public relations at (813) 882-7166.

Media Contact:
Elena Mesa
(813) 882-7166 Office
(813) 477-7375 Cell

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Town & Country Hospital will be the host site for The Upper
Tampa Bay Regional Chamber’s First Annual Tampa Bay SalsaFest

The community event with a Latin theme will be held on Friday, October 7th 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 8th, 11:00 a.m. attracting more than 10,000 to the event. SalsaFest will feature Latin foods, vendors, music on a main event stage and a community stage with dancing, and carnival rides.

THE LAP-BAND® SYSTEM OFFERS A LESS INVASIVE
SURGICAL OPTION FOR THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY

August 16, 2005, Tampa, FL, - Since February of 2003, Town & Country Hospital has successfully performed over 300 laparoscopic gastric bypass surgical procedures for the treatment of obesity. Now, the hospital is offering the LAP-BAND® System as an additional option for weight loss surgery.

HOW IT WORKS
The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is an inflatable silicone band that is placed laparoscopically around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small gastric pouch. By creating a new, tiny gastric pouch, the LAP-BAND® System limits the amount of food the stomach will hold at any time. The inflatable band controls the flow of food from this smaller pouch to the rest of the digestive tract, leaving the patient feeling comfortably full with only a small amount of food, without compromising the absorption of nutrients. Additionally, because of the slow digestion, the patient will continue to feel full for several hours reducing the urge to eat between meals.

The LAP-BAND® System is adjustable, allowing for an individualized weight-loss rate, as well as reversible at any time. Additionally, the procedure generally requires only a one-night hospital stay.

The U.S Food & Drug Administration approved the LAP-BAND® System in June 2001. Since its international clinical introduction in 1993, the system has been used in more than 120,000 procedures worldwide.

THE BENEFITS OF THE LAP-BAND® SYSTEM
• Shorter hospitalization and recovery time
• No cutting or stapling of the stomach or intestinal rerouting necessary
• Adjustable – can adjust the size of the stomach outlet for a individualized rate of weight loss
• Reversible – the LAP-BAND® can be removed at any time
• Least invasive surgical option currently available

For information about the next free seminar on surgical weight loss, call toll free 1-866-362-7335.

Town & Country Hospital is located in Hillsborough County and is an acute-care hospital with all private rooms. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The hospital is affiliated with over 300 of physicians. For more information on the hospital, please visit, www.townandcountryhospital.com or call public relations at (813) 882-7166.

Media Contact:
Elena Mesa
(813) 882-7166

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Local Hospital Announces Recipient of
IASIS Healthcare’s “Chairman’s Award”

TAMPA, FL, July 27, 2005, - Cathy Most of Town & Country Hospital was named the 2005 IASIS Healthcare Chairman’s Award recipient. Cathy represents the Case Management Department at Town & Country Hospital and is very active in the Town & Country community.

The Chairman’s Award is nominated by the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer. All winners receive an expense-paid trip to Las Vegas, NV to attend the IASIS Circle of Leadership Conference. IASIS Healthcare will also make a $1,000 donation to the community organization of the winner’s choice.

The Chairman’s Award is IASIS Healthcare Corporation’s highest level of recognition. It is designed to recognize and reward community involvement. The winner is not only an exceptional team member – but also an exceptional individual and good citizen.

Cathy is a representative for the St. Matthew Lutheran Church and is very active in the youth activities, Women’s groups, Aid Association for Lutherans, and the elementary school. Cathy teaches Sunday School, attends outings with the youth groups, and also assists in assembling manuals and books by writing Braille for the blind.

Cathy is active in minority assistance through her church, as well, and assisted in Christmas Wish programs with a minorities ministry group. Many of her activities have helped community members, as well as migrant workers spread throughout the Tampa Bay Area, enjoy the holidays.

Cathy has been employed at Town & Country Hospital for 20 years as a nurse and case manager. Her attitude and commitment are exemplary across all hospital departments. She was recently awarded the Employee of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2004. She is extremely responsible and takes on new challenges in her role as a case manager on a daily basis. Cathy has a “can do” personality and is an advocate for patients and their families. She has a knack for “creative” discharge planning, and is the person that physicians and nurses turn to for problem solving in complex cases. She is admired by her co-workers and peers and respected for her knowledge and experience from ancillary staff members to administration.

Cathy deserves recognition for her role at Town & Country Hospital and her role as a community advocate. She is an extraordinary employee and person.

Town & Country Hospital, located in Hillsborough County, is an acute-care hospital with all private rooms and offer room service dining. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The hospital is affiliated with over 300 physicians. For more information, please visit, www.townandcountryhospital.com or call public relations at (813) 882-7166.

Media Contact:
Elena Mesa
(813) 882-7166 Office
(813) 477-7375 Cell

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Town & Country Hospital Announces Opening
of the Sleep Disorder Center

TAMPA, FL, July 26, 2005, - Town & Country Hospital announces the opening of the Sleep Disorder Center for the diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, excessive snoring, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder.

“We are thrilled to able to offer this new service to the community. We are also extremely fortunate to have Dr. Hernan Giraldo, Board Certified Pulmonologist and a Sleep Specialist, serving as the medical director for our Sleep Disorder Center,” said Jim Seward, CEO of Town & Country Hospital.

“Sleep disorders affect one out of every four individuals,” stated Dr. Giraldo. “Left untreated, many serious conditions, such as sleep apnea, may have life threatening consequences due to the toll taken on the cardiovascular and neurological systems.”

Research indicates that approximately 4-6% of the population suffers from sleep apnea, the most prevalent of all sleep disorders. Those with sleep apnea will usually have the following symptoms:
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Stentorian (loud) snoring
• Gasping or choking awakenings
• Awakenings for uncertain reasons
• Restless sleep
• Non-refreshing sleep
• Poor memory
• Poor intellectual function
• Irritability
• Personality changes
• Morning headaches
• Confusion

Bed partners and housemates will frequently describe loud snoring with intermittent silent periods terminated by loud, or resuscitative snorting. Those with the condition may be unaware of their sleep pattern, but are aware that they wake up each day unrefreshed and, many times, irritable.

“Overnight sleep studies are conducted by highly trained sleep technologists while patients enjoy the comfort of private sleep rooms,” said Dr. Giraldo. Electrodes are placed on the surface of the patient’s scalp, face, chest, and lower leg to monitor brain waves, eye movements, respiration, heart rate and muscle activity. There are no injections, drugs, or x-rays associated with this procedure -- and no pain associated with the placing or wearing of electrodes. A second night at the laboratory may be required for patients diagnosed with sleep apnea.

Treatments can range from airway pressure appliances, medication, lifestyle changes, weight loss, ENT surgery and laser therapy, dental appliances, light therapy, and internal body clock adjustments. The treatment or treatments recommended depend upon the type of sleep disorder diagnosed.

For patients who suspect they may have a sleep disorder, they should bring it to the attention of their family physician or contact the sleep laboratory for a consultation (813) 874-8806.

Town & Country Hospital, located in Hillsborough County, is an acute-care hospital with all private rooms and offer room service dining. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The hospital is affiliated with over 300 physicians. For more information, please visit, www.townandcountryhospital.com or call public relations at (813) 882-7166.

Media Contact:
Elena Mesa
(813) 882-7166 Office
(813) 477-7375 Cell

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Town & Country Hospital Welcomes New Chief Operations Officer

TAMPA, FL, May 26, 2005, - Steve Lunn has been named Chief Operations Officer of Town & Country Hospital. Steve joined IASIS Healthcare in January 2004 in our administrative residency program. He was Associate Administrator at Town & Country Hospital and most recently he served at Palms of Pasadena Hospital.

Steve has shown exceptional leadership qualities and operations knowledge, and he’s done an outstanding job since joining IASIS.

Lunn earned his MBA from the University of Tennesee and his B.S. from the University of Town & Country Hospital, located in Hillsborough County, is an acute-care hospital with all private rooms and offer room service dining. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The hospital is affiliated with over 300 physicians. For more information, please visit, www.townandcountryhospital.com or call public relations at (813) 882-7166.

Media Contact:
Elena Mesa
(813) 882-7166 Office
(813) 477-7375 Cell

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Time May Not Heal All Wounds:
Town & Country Hospital Opens New State-of-the-Art Center

TAMPA, FL, January 20, 2005, - Everyone has heard that time heals all wounds, but the truth is that without advanced therapies, some wounds can take years and even decades to heal while others that do not respond to treatment may lead to amputation in extreme cases. Town & Country Hospital has opened The Florida Wound Healing center to offer the community specialized wound healing care.

An open house and health fair of the new center is scheduled for Thursday, February 17, 2005, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Town & Country Hospital. Free screenings to the community for wound, cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressures will be available.

“The center’s doctors and clinical staff are skilled in the latest therapeutic methods in wound management and stay abreast of cutting-edge information through continuous training,” says Jim Seward, C.E.O. “Patients will be treated with state-of-the-art technology from having their progress charted through digital photographs to, in some cases, being treated in one of the center’s two hyperbaric oxygen chambers.”

To establish the center, Town & Country Hospital partnered with Florida based National Healing Corporation, which manages wound healing centers nationwide with an average healing rate of 80 percent attained in 12 to 16 weeks of therapy. Program Director, Doree Michon, explained, “We have established an impressive record of healing wounds that others thought hopeless. Our treatments are evidence-based and best-practice driven meaning our patients do not undergo any treatment or progress to a new level of treatment until the need is clearly indicated.”

Likely candidates for treatment are those suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections, compromised skin grafts and flaps, and wounds that have not healed within 30 days. The center’s hyperbaric oxygen chambers can also be used to treat patients suffering from such uncommon ailments as cyanide poisoning, gangrene, carbon monoxide, brown reclusive spider bites and the “bends”, or decompression sickness.

Town & Country Hospital, located in Northwest Hillsborough County, is an acute-care hospital with all private rooms that offer room service dining. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The hospital is affiliated with over 300 physicians. For more information, please visit, www.townandcountryhospital.com or call public relations at (813) 882-7166.

Media Contact:
Elena Mesa
(813) 882-7166 Office
(813) 477-7375 Cell

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Town & Country Hospital announces
the addition of the da Vinci Surgical System

January 3, 2005

TAMPA, Fla., - The da Vinci Surgical System is the first robotic surgery system approved by the Food and Drug Administration and can be used for a wide variety of procedures. It combines computer-enhanced technology with the surgeon’s skill and knowledge to perform precise, minimally invasive operations, through incisions that are only about one centimeter long. Robotic surgery offers many benefits to patients, including less pain and trauma to the body and shorter recovery and healing times.

At Town & Country Hospital, the da Vinci will initially be used in urology, general surgery, and gynecology procedures. Many of the cases will include prostate surgery, laparoscopic cholychstectomies and colectomies, hysterectomies, and tubal ligations.

“This is cutting-edge technology, one of the most exciting and promising tools available to surgeons today, and we are thrilled to provide this state-of-the-art surgery to the surgeons and patients of this hospital,” said Jim Seward, CEO at Town & Country Hospital. “This major investment is part of our ongoing commitment to serving the healthcare needs of our community.”

In robotic surgery procedures, the surgeon is seated at a console a few feet away from the patient. The surgeon looks through a view-finder that provides a true 3-D view of the area being operated on. Using hand and foot controls, the surgeon is able to reposition the image, zoom in or out, move the field up, down, left, right, or even completely rotate the image for a better view.

The surgeon’s hands are placed into the surgical console. Then, with hand controls, the surgeon uses the same skills and motions used during traditional surgery. The da Vinci system transfers every movement the surgeon makes to robotic arms, which then mimic the surgeon’s movements and actually perform the surgical procedure on the patient’s body.

The robotic surgical system offers several advantages over traditional laparoscopic surgery. The instruments are designed to provide a wide range of motion, allowing the surgeon to rotate instruments more than 360 degrees. The system is also “intuitive” which means as the surgeon twists the controls clockwise, the robots instruments move clockwise. In standard laparoscopic surgery, the movement of the instruments is “counter-intuitive” which is similar to doing surgery while looking into a mirror. Finally, the robotic system enhances accuracy by correcting and compensating for any tremor in the surgeon’s hand.

There are many benefits to patients, including:
• Reduced trauma to the body
• Less anesthesia
• Less post-operative pain and discomfort
• Less risk of infection
• Shorter hospital stays
• Faster recovery and healing
• Less scarring

Town & Country Hospital, located in Hillsborough County, is an acute-care hospital with all private rooms and offer room service dining. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The hospital is affiliated with over 300 physicians. For more information, please visit, www.townandcountryhospital.com or call public relations at (813) 882-7166.

Media Contact:
Elena Mesa
(813) 882-7166 Office
(813) 477-7375 Cell

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New High-Tech Operating Rooms Open at Town & Country Hospital
Improved Patient Safety and Enhanced Surgeon Comfort Benefits of OR-1

August 30, 2004

TAMPA, Fla., - Two new high-tech, fully automated, “smart” operating rooms have been installed for minimally invasive surgical procedures at Town & Country Hospital. Use of the new OR-1 system is expected to enhance surgical performance and improve patient safety.

Features of the surgical suites include:

“The installation of this advanced surgical environment is part of Town & Country’s ongoing commitment to bring innovative medical technology to the hospital for the benefit of our patients,” said Jim Seward, CEO at Town & Country Hospital. “By giving doctors these kinds of tools, we can provide an even higher-quality of healthcare.”

Using the OR-1 in minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, images from endoscopes are transmitted to flat screens that can be positioned wherever the surgeon prefers. That simple ability, not possible in traditional operating rooms, improves comfort for the surgeon and can enhance surgical performance and efficiency. “Because of the computer based control center the nurses are able to pre-program medical device settings to meet the precise needs of each surgeon and procedure,” said Mary K. Parry, Chief Nursing Officer.

“This can be especially helpful in difficult laparoscopic procedures,” said Alfredo Fernandez, M.D., a surgeon who uses the new OR-1 at Town & Country for laparoscopic gastric bypass –also known as weight-loss surgery. “This design maximizes our ability to perform minimally invasive procedures, which, for the patient can mean shorter hospital stays, less surgical trauma and scarring, and faster recovery times overall.”

An unveiling of the new OR-1 suites is scheduled for Thursday, September 2, 2004, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Town & Country Hospital for physicians, board members, and the media.

The OR-1 is manufactured by Karl Storz Endoscopy of Germany.

Town & Country Hospital, located in Hillsborough County, is an acute-care hospital with all private rooms. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The hospital is affiliated with over 300 physicians. For more information, please visit www.townandcountryhospital.com or call public relations at (813) 882-7166.

Media Contact:
Elena Mesa
(813) 882-7166

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TOWN & COUNTRY HOSPITAL APPOINTS NEW GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS

April 9, 2004

TAMPA, Fla., - Town & Country Hospital is pleased to announce the appointments of Governing Board members.

New appointments to serve a two-year term are State Representative Faye Culp of District 57, Charles E. Jackson of the Florida Education Fund, Inc., Jose J. Martinez of Robert Stringer & Associates, and Michael J. Muzyka of SunTrust Bank.

Current members include Chairman Michael J. Nolan of Gray/Robinson Attorneys at Law, Barbara Shayeb-Helou, Edward G. Izzo, Jr., M.D., Michael Cromer, M.D., Joel Laborde, M.D., and Jim Seward, CEO.

Town & Country Hospital, located in Hillsborough County, is an acute-care hospital with all private rooms and offers room service dining. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and is affiliated with over 300 physicians. For more information, please visit www.townandcountryhospital.com or call public relations at (813) 882-7166.

Media Contact:
Elena Mesa
(813) 882-7166

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TCH AT THE TASTE OF CITRUS PARK AND FAMILY FESTIVAL

Town & Country Hospital participated in the first annual Taste of Citrus Park and Family Festival on April 3, 2004. The event brought a carnival, food tasting from various restaurants, displays from merchants, and special events. Town & Country Hospital's room service dining participated by giving food samples of our menu . The hospital also offered free glucose screenings for the community. Town & Country Hospital is the closest hospital to Citrus Park and is excited to support community events.

TOWN & COUNTRY HOSPITAL ANNOUNCES OPENING OF THE FLORIDA BONE & JOINT CENTER

March 15, 2004

TAMPA, Fla., - Each year, more than 435,000 Americans undergo joint replacement surgery for a new hip or knee. To address the growing need in this region, Town & Country Hospital announces the opening of The Florida Bone & Joint Center, a state-of-the-art facility specializing in the latest knee and hip replacement procedures.

Orthopedic surgeons use the latest techniques with clinically-proven joint prostheses to perform less invasive surgery, with fewer postoperative restrictions. All of this contributes to a quicker recovery for patients.

The Florida Bone & Joint Center is a specialty care unit with six private rooms with hotel-like amenities and staff trained in orthopedic care.

Because joint replacement is elective surgery, patients participate in an educational orientation class prior to surgery with other individuals who will have surgery and recover on the unit at the same time. This allows patients to get to know one another, providing a sense of community within the recovery unit. Patients undergo surgery early in the week, recuperate and undergo therapy during the week, and participate in a celebratory lunch in the Joint Replacement Center with their peers prior to discharge.

Town & Country Hospital offers free informational seminars to the community on joint replacement surgery. The community can inquire on the next upcoming seminar by calling 1-866-882-7116.

Town & Country Hospital, located in Hillsborough County, is an acute-care hospital with all private rooms and offer room service dining. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The hospital is affiliated with over 300 physicians. For more information, please visit, www.townandcountryhospital.com or call public relations at (813) 882-7166.

Media Contact:
Elena Mesa
(813) 882-7166

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TOWN & COUNTRY HOSPITAL ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING OF NEW CARDIAC ADDITION

American Heart Month Celebration Planned

February 4, 2004

Town & Country Hospital announces the opening of the 3,800 square foot cardiac and vascular imaging center.

This new center allows cardiologists and interventional radiologists to perform diagnostic heart catheterizations and peripheral vascular procedures in addition to angioplasties and vertebroplasties.

This addition is part of The Florida Heart & Vascular Imaging Center which offers MRI, CT scanning, ultrasounds, fluoroscopic exams, mammography, and routine radiologic exams.

The filmless center is operated with NovaRad systems which includes:

• NovaPACS, a picture archiving communication system.
• NovaRIS, a radiology information system which tracks patients from the receptionist
to the technician to the radiologist.
• Xpress CR, a fast loading (80 films per hour) connection from the NovaPACS
Archive Manager to the PACS. This allows for procedures to be available for interpretation
by the radiologist much faster.

In celebration of American Heart Month, an open house is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2004, from 10am to 4pm. Free health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose will be offered. The Florida Blood Mobile will be accepting blood donations. Heart lectures given by William Capo, M.D. at 10:00a.m. for “Coronary Artery Disease” and Rodney Randall, M.D. at 11:00a.m. for “Women and Heart Disease”.

Town & Country Hospital, located in Hillsborough County, is an acute-care hospital with all private rooms. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The hospital is affiliated with over 300 of physicians. For more information, please visit, www.townandcountryhospital.com or call public relations at (813) 882-7166.

Media Contact:
Elena Mesa
(813) 882-7166

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