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Cover Story: Let’s Connect: Broward Health Makes Women’s

and Children’s Health a Priority with $117
SFHEF Spotlight Million in Capital Improvement Projects

Broward Health is making women’s and children’s health a countywide priority, as
Continued from page 1 joined ACHE and not only became a mem- evidenced by $117 million of recent capital improvement projects at Broward Health
(FACHE). Jonathan is a proud member of ber, but was extremely active within the Medical Center, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital and Broward Health Coral
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is a organization locally and nationally. He Springs.
past president of the Memphis chapter of attended Congress annually and found it “We are dedicated to investing in programs and services that meet the needs of our
the National Association of Health Service to be even more inspirational and inform- growing community,” said Broward Health President/CEO Beverly Capasso. “We real-
Executives (NAHSE) and was named ative than Dr. Ugwueke and Mr. Spiegel ize that due to relocating families and birth rates, South Florida continues to see a
NAHSE’s Young Healthcare Executive of described. He eventually became a Fellow population boom. In anticipation of this growth, we have invested in capital improve-
the Year in 2013. In 2015 he received an and served as chair of the Early Careerist ments to ensure that all families have access to quality health care.”
American College of Healthcare Committee and authored articles for the In anticipation of Broward County’s projected growth, the system has committed to
Executives (ACHE) Tennessee Regent’s Early Careerist Newsletter. Early this year signature expansion projects designed “to meet the ever increasing needs of the com-
Award, and in July of this year was hon- Jonathan had the privilege of being sworn munity and provide greater access to care for generations to come,” said North
ored with an ACHE Service Award. in as Regent-at-Large for District 5. A post Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners Chairman Andrew Klein.
Jonathan is a past Regent-at-Large for that, unfortunately, he had to resign after Broward Health has been in the baby business since its first hospital opened in
ACHE’s District 5. Currently he holds a relocating to South Florida to realize the 1938, establishing the system’s long-standing commitment to care for the women and
seat on the Board of Directors for the dream of becoming a hospital CEO. children in South Florida. More than 80 years later, and now averaging 6,000 new-
South Florida Hospital & Healthcare “Membership with ACHE has been born admissions a year, Broward Health has grown with the county to provide service
Association, but would say that his great- invaluable to my career,” states Jonathan. in more than 30 locations, including four full-service hospitals, a dedicated children’s
est achievement came earlier this year as “The breadth and depth of the educational hospital with two campuses and three centers focused on women’s care.
he and his wife, Jeshenna, welcomed their offerings during Congress, and at the local Broward Health Coral Springs will open to the public its $65 million new tower on
first child, Jenna. chapter level are phenomenal. The topics Sept. 6, 2018. It features The Maternity Place, a Level II NICU and enhanced surgical
Jonathan Watkins was encouraged and discussed routinely provide me with the services, including those for gynecologic and obstetric needs.
motivated to join ACHE by two senior most current and up to date insight from The Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital at Broward Health Medical Center will
executive healthcare leaders that he had some of the industries leading thought finalize $52 million of renovations to the neonatal intensive care unit later this year,
the privilege of working with very early in leaders and subject matter experts,” he bringing state-of-the art care to the tiniest patients. The new NICU will consist of 36
his career. Dr. Michael Ugwueke and Mr. adds. Jonathan believes the ability to con- Level II private rooms and 31 Level III private rooms, as well as related support space,
Kevin Spiegel were CEOs within the nect with other executives from across the such as physician offices, on-call rooms, and family-centered areas.
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare system country through ACHE has been a Understanding the significance of family support in the recovery process, at
and veteran ACHE Fellows that to this day tremendous benefit. He has connected Broward Health Coral Springs, Broward Health Medical Center and Salah Foundation
remain active mentors in Jonathan’s life. with CEOs, COOs, and executives from Children’s Hospital, upgraded units include more space and amenities for visitors and
Both gentlemen attributed the educational across the country that to this day are family members. These improvements are designed to provide a better flow of service,
opportunities and access to a network of friends and mentors who can be counted reducing wait times and enhancing comfort for patients and their family members.
healthcare leaders far greater than one on for guidance and a listening ear. “I can For mothers and babies, enhanced rooms provide an ideal environment for breast-
could imagine as keys to their successful very comfortably and honestly say that feeding and bonding with the entire family, while integrating technology to help
careers. In a desire to learn more and pave ACHE has served as an excellent GPS for deliver a high level of care.
a similar career path for himself, Jonathan my journey to the c-suite.”

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