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Lower Keys Medical Center now offers on demand access to infectious disease specialists through a new telemedicine program. When the healthcare team identifies the need for an infectious disease consult for a patient, they can request a telemedicine consult from board certified infectious disease physicians. The consult notes are documented in the patient's medical record. The patient plan of care is then shared directly with the attending physician. Drew Bigby, chief executive officer at Lower Keys Med... ... Read More

Lower Keys Medical Center held its annual medical staff leadership election, effective June 1, 2026. Lawrence W. Blass, M.D., FACS, general surgeon, was elected president/chief of staff, a volunteer, one-year leadership position serving as a liaison between hospital administration and Lower Keys Medical Center’s medical staff, overseeing the quality of clinical care and physician performance, and assisting in aligning the hospital’s vision and medical staff goals. Dr. Blass, a native of the Florida Keys... ... Read More

With an estimated 700,000 to one million knee-specific operations performed in the United States each year, arthroscopic knee surgery has transformed the treatment of joint injuries, providing patients with a minimally invasive option that supports faster recovery and improved outcomes. This advanced surgical technique allows orthopedic specialists to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee conditions with precision, while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues. Knee arthroscopy involves the use o... ... Read More

Stroke Support Group : For stroke survivors and their loved ones to share challenges and successes with others in a positive and encouraging environment. The group fosters improved communication among families and encourages active involvement of patients with aphasia who have difficulty communicating. As recommended by the American Stroke Association, participants are encouraged to bring their primary support person. Joint Replacement Seminars : For individuals considering or scheduled for total joint ... ... Read More

Lower Keys Medical Center thanks the participants in the annual hurricane evacuation drill held on May 7, 2026, at the medical center and at NAS Key West Boca Chica. The event is a collaboration between multiple emergency management, military, EMS, nursing and transport teams, which simulates the preparation, hand-off of medical records, transport and aircraft loading of patients unable to be discharged safely from the hospital in the event of a major hurricane. Volunteers posing as patients were stabil... ... Read More

Lower Keys Medical Center hosted an awards ceremony honoring Sara Squire, R.N., and Jean Pierre, environmental services housekeeper, for the care and service they provide to patients and staff. Sara Squire, a registered nurse who specializes in wound care, was nominated for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses by a patient who had an extended hospitalization for recovery after a surgery. Tina Moody of Key West noted Sara’s patience, clinical skill, and deep compassion. “Sara made an extraordinary di... ... Read More

This is only a drill In collaboration with multiple national and local emergency preparedness organizations, Lower Keys Medical Center will hold an inpatient hurricane evacuation simulation on May 7, 2026, at multiple locations. Lower Keys Medical Center sponsors a hurricane evacuation drill yearly to test preparedness for a major hurricane that would require hospitalized patients to be evacuated to a safer area of the mainland until the storm has passed. This choreographed exercise involves hospital st... ... Read More

Quick action to call 9-1-1 can save a life Your heart is one of the most important organs as it continually pumps oxygen and nutrient-rich blood around your body and any disruption can be life threatening. The coronary arteries that supply blood flow and oxygen to the heart can get clogged, and are the cause of heart attacks. Knowing five key symptoms can help you take quick action to save your life or someone else’s in an emergency. Symptom 1 : Chest pain or discomfort triggered by physical or emotiona... ... Read More

Lower Keys Medical Center now offers inpatient hemodialysis onsite, furthering its commitment to deliver compassionate, life sustaining care to the Lower Keys region. Lower Keys Medical Center implemented this program in response to the need in the community for safe dialysis services in an inpatient acute care setting. Patients may require dialysis for diagnoses such as end stage renal disease and acute kidney injury, in which the kidneys are unable to function properly to remove waste, toxins and exce... ... Read More

Recognizes years of service milestones On March 25, 2026, Lower Keys Medical Center celebrated eight team members at the Annual Employee Awards Dinner and recognized employees with milestone years of service. Brittany Slattery, patient care technician in the medical surgical unit, was named overall Employee of the Year and clinical non-nurse Employee of the Year. She was recognized for her extraordinary compassion and humanity in patient care and for serving as an exceptional preceptor for new technicia... ... Read More