Lake City Hospital names Walter Long as chief operating officer

HCA Florida Lake City Hospital is pleased to announce today the appointment of Walter Long as Chief Operating Officer for HCA Florida Lake City Hospital, effective Monday, December 4, 2023.

“Walter’s experience and operational knowledge will be critical in facilitating the growth of Lake City Hospital as we start construction on the new two-story patient tower,” said Jill Adams, Chief Executive Officer of HCA Florida Lake City Hospital. “Walter will be a great addition to our hospital in leading these projects.”

Long previously served as Vice President of Operations at HCA Florida West Hospital, a 515-bed acute care facility in Pensacola, FL. During Long’s time at HCA Florida West Hospital, he provided executive oversight of plant operations, security and emergency preparedness, imaging services, environmental services, pharmacy, food and nutrition services, lab services and PBX. He was also the Ethics & Compliance Officer for the facility and led multiple construction projects.

“My priority in this role will be to supply our colleagues the resources they need to provide quality care to patients,” said Walter Long, Chief Operating Officer of HCA Florida Lake City Hospital. “I am looking forward to working alongside the experienced team at HCA Florida Lake City Hospital to continue growing the hospital to better serve the community.”

Walter has been with HCA Healthcare since 2016 and is an associate of the 2024 executive development program. He started his career in the HCA Healthcare’s Kansas City market before joining HCA Florida West Hospital as the Assistant Administrator and then promoted to the Vice President of Operations. Walter is a member and Fellow of The American College of Healthcare Executives and currently serves as a board member for The Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida.