The Shands HealthCare affiliation with HealthFirst began in 1995 with an emphasis on cardiovascular programs. A full-time University of Florida faculty member was established onsite at HealthFirst to provide medical direction and serve as a link to the University for research and educational initiatives. The cardiovascular program at HealthFirst has been quite successful and serves as a model for other programs through the state. HealthFirst treats more than 4,700 heart patients per year and Holmes Regional Medical Center, the 514-bed flagship facility in the system, has been named among the country’s top 100 best cardiac hospitals.

The affiliation has grown to include relationships focused on oncology and trauma services. The oncology relationship is currently focused on 150-bed Cape Canaveral Hospital, the northernmost facility in the HealthFirst system. This relationship centers around medical education and oncology clinical trials. The Holmes Regional Trauma Program was developed in consultation with the Level I Trauma Center at the University of Florida Health Science Center in Jacksonville. The Program’s direction is provided from an onsite faculty member.

The overall affiliation includes participation in the Shands Speaker Series, Visiting Clinician Program, Grand Rounds Online, and priority access to both the Shands Transfer Center (for hospital referrals) and Shands Consultation Center (for outpatient referrals).

HealthFirst is a hospital-based integrated medical system providing care to patients in Brevard and Indian River counties on Florida’s Space Coast. HealthFirst is comprised of three full-service community hospitals, a locally-owned HMO, and a variety of ambulatory physician practices and ancillary services.

Holmes Regional Medical Center
Holmes Regional Medical Center is a 468-bed major medical center in Melbourne, Fla., providing comprehensive hospital services including a Level 2 Trauma Center, Level 2 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and an active comprehensive cancer and cardiovascular disease program.

Cape Canaveral Hospital
Cape Canaveral Hospital is a 150-bed community hospital in Cape Canaveral, Fla., providing community-based acute care including women's services, cardiovascular services and cancer care.

Palm Bay Community Hospital
Palm Bay Community Hospital is a 60-bed community hospital located in Palm Bay, Fla.

Health First Health Plan
The Health First Health Plan is Brevard County's only locally-based HMO, sponsoring care for 60,000 individuals including 15,000 Medicare HMO enrollees.

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