St. David's Round Rock Medical Center

12/24/2025

This holiday season, we were beyond blessed to have Santa himself make a magical visit to our NICU babies and their families! 🎄❤️

A huge thank you to our incredible Women's Services team and NICU nurses for making this holiday season so special. Your care, compassion and dedication truly light up the season for those who need it most.

Wishing all of our families a season filled with love, peace, and a little extra holiday magic. 🌟🎅🎁

12/22/2025

If you’re not feeling merry and bright this holiday season, you’re not alone. The holidays can be a joyful time, but they can also bring anxiety and emotional strain. Knowing the symptoms of depression can help you recognize when you’re feeling more than seasonal stress.

If you’re struggling with depression, these tips from NAMI may help you manage it better so you can enjoy holiday festivities:

🎯 Be aware of your personal triggers.
✍️ Try journaling or writing a gratitude list to shift your perspective.
📅 Do your best to avoid overscheduling – it’s okay to say no.
🛑 Set boundaries with people who make you feel negative emotions.
🧘 Make time for relaxation, deep breathing or meditation to help ease stress.
🍷 Drink in moderation as alcohol can amplify negative emotions.

If you live in the U.S. and you’re in emotional distress or concerned about a loved one, you can also call or text the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or start a live chat with a crisis counselor at https://bit.ly/497BO7C any time, day or night.

12/20/2025

Chest pain feels different for everyone – it can be a dull ache or a sudden, sharp stabbing sensation. Regardless of how it feels, it’s important to take chest pain seriously. If the discomfort sticks around, it could be a sign of a more serious, potentially life-threatening condition like a heart attack or a blood clot.

This year, across our larger St. David's HealthCare network, our emergency rooms will see 1,800 visits related to cardiac complaints. You know your body better than anyone. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. And if your chest pain is severe or accompanied by any of the symptoms shown here, seek emergency care immediately. Know where to find an emergency room near you: https://bit.ly/4pHdWyw

12/19/2025

At St. David’s HealthCare, we’re proud to be part of a system that delivers expert care across multiple counties in the region, ensuring our communities have access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare close to home.

We’re honored to share that our Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy program at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center has been recognized nationally by NMDP with The ONE Forum® Access Award for our work in increasing access to stem cell and marrow transplant care.

“This award is a reflection of the remarkable work happening every day at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center. Together, our multidisciplinary team ensures that patients can access innovative, life-saving treatments without having to leave their community. We're proud to offer hope and healing through exceptional care right here in Austin.” — Aravind Ramakrishnan, M.D., medical director of our Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program

🎥 Watch the video to learn more about this recognition and the impact of our program.

The access award recognizes an individual or group whose work has increased access to cell therapies and through this effort, elevated access for all patient...

12/18/2025

Last week, leaders from St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center joined forces at the Round Rock Area Serving Center to help support families in need.

From sorting donations to stocking shelves, our team showed up! We were proud to lend a hand and spread holiday cheer throughout our community.

At St. David’s HealthCare, caring for others goes beyond the walls of our hospital—it’s about making a difference where we live and work. ❤️
Thank you to the Round Rock Area Serving Center for the incredible work you do year-round!

12/15/2025

is the leading cause of cancer-related death according to the CDC. Many people don’t know the hidden risks they may be exposed to every day. Common lifestyle risk factors include:

🚬Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
💨Exposure to radon, a colorless and odorless radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil
🦠Inhaling hazardous chemicals like asbestos, uranium and other toxic products
🏭Exposure to particle pollution, such as inhaling tiny particles from exhaust smoke
🎗️Prior radiation to treat other cancers

In addition to lifestyle risk factors, a family history of lung cancer may also increase your risk. Fortunately, lung cancer is most treatable when it’s caught early. Cancer treatment provided at St. David's HealthCare is part of the Sarah Cannon Cancer Network, who treat over 12,000 cases each year, bringing deep experience and compassionate care to every patient.

If you think you may have an increased risk for lung cancer based on these risk factors, talk with your doctor or schedule an appointment with one of our experts: https://bit.ly/3MyHMXv

12/13/2025

Your family story holds clues that affect your risk for . Start a conversation with the women in your life – mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmas, cousins – to uncover any history of breast cancer. If you’re gathering with loved ones for the holiday season, it may be the perfect time for a chat.

Ask questions like:
➡ Who in our family has been diagnosed?
➡ At what age did they receive their diagnosis?
➡ Did they have other cancers that are linked to breast cancer, like ovarian, cervical or endometrial cancer?

Once you’ve gathered your family health history, it’s time to talk to a genetic counselor. They’ll help you:
✅ Understand how genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 influence risk 🧬
✅ Navigate the ins and outs of genetic testing
✅ Receive personalized screening and prevention recommendations

Early knowledge is power. When you combine family insights with expert guidance, you take control of your health journey. Learn more about the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and guidelines for genetic testing: https://bit.ly/4af7NF4

12/12/2025

The holidays are joyful—but they can also bring unexpected injuries. St. David's Round Rock Medical Center wants you to stay safe this holiday season. Here’s what you need to know:

✅ 160 decorating-related injuries happen every day during the holidays
• Nearly half are from ladder falls
✅ Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults
• They’re also the leading cause of death in this age group
✅ Don’t let your guard down in winter
• Pools, ponds, and lakes still pose a drowning risk for children
• Drowning is the #1 cause of death for kids ages 1–4

💬 Kristen Hullum, RN and Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator, spoke with KXAN about these risks and how to prevent them.
👉 Watch the full interview here: https://bit.ly/3KrlKFu

💡 Prevention saves lives
• Use ladders safely
• Keep water areas secured
• Practice year-round safety

To find emergency care in your area, visit: https://bit.ly/3KZdhJE

Stay safe and enjoy the season! ❤️

KXAN’s Sally Hernandez talked to Kristen Hullum, a nurse and trauma injury prevention coordinator at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center, about some injuries she often sees this time …

12/11/2025

has many causes including injury and changes in the spine as we age – and in some cases, advanced spinal conditions may require surgical treatment. No matter the cause, if pain is holding you back, the right care can help you return to the activities you love.

Across our larger St. David's HealthCare network, we have invested in advanced technologies, treatments and tools, where we are projected to perform over 2,600 spine surgeries in 2025. We partner with patients to create a care plan that is effective but also works for you and your loved ones, with treatment options ranging from steroidal injections for pain management to complex spine procedures for more serious conditions.

Learn more about our spine care services: https://bit.ly/3XL7QRz

12/08/2025

🎶 It’s beginning to feel a lot like the holidays! 🎶 Not only do the amazing team members at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center provide exceptional care year-round, but today, a special group of employees showed up to spread some extra cheer! 🎄✨

The “Holiday Harmonies” group came together to sing festive holiday carols for patients and visitors, bringing joy and warmth to all in the hospital. 🎤🎶 We’re so grateful for their dedication to making this season bright for everyone. ❤️🎁

12/05/2025

Safe sleep practices are one of the most important ways we can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and help babies sleep safely and soundly.

Here's a quick reminder of safe sleep practices:
💤 Always place baby on their back for every nap and bedtime
💤 Use a firm, flat mattress in a safety-approved crib
💤 Keep the crib free of blankets, bumpers, toys and pillows
💤 Baby should sleep in the same room, but not the same bed
💤 Dress baby in a sleep sack of footed pajamas to keep cozy

For pediatric questions, call our 24/7 Consult-A-Nurse® phone line at (844) 706-8773 or (844) -70 NURSE.

12/04/2025

As you decorate this holiday season, remember that safety comes first! 🪜

Here are a few simple but important ladder safety reminders:

- Keep area free of clutter
- Place ladders only on stable, level surfaces
- Always face the ladder when climbing up or down
- Maintain 3 points of contact at all times
- Stay near the middle of the ladder—don’t overreach
- Never use the top two steps

Our emergency departments are always here if you need us—but prevention is key to keeping the holidays merry, bright, and injury-free.

Know where to go if you or a loved one needs emergency care: https://bit.ly/3XwSC2q

12/03/2025

is a genetic condition that causes red blood cells to become stiff, sticky and crescent-shaped. This blocks blood flow to the rest of the body, leading to pain, fatigue and potential organ damage.

While there’s no cure, there are ways to manage the condition and the emotional toll it can take. Whether you’re living with sickle cell anemia or you’re a caregiver for someone who is, these tips may be helpful: https://bit.ly/44FVvBR

11/30/2025

Early detection of breast cancer can save lives. It all starts with knowing your personal risk factors and getting screened regularly. Understand what to look for, what to expect during a mammogram and more: https://bit.ly/4p2P83I

11/29/2025

Have you heard of ? They’re small areas of dense, rounded lung tissue that go undetected for most people, although they’re often found during imaging tests, like a CT-scan or an X-ray. While generally these nodules are not cancerous, the American Lung Association stresses the importance of getting them checked, as they could be an early sign of lung cancer.

You may have a higher risk of developing lung nodules if you’ve had any of the following:
🦠Bacterial or viral infections
🏭Exposure to air pollution
🫁Chronic inflammatory conditions
🚬Tobacco use
🎗️Cancer

If you think you may be at risk or if you’re having symptoms, talk with your doctor or schedule an appointment with one of our experts: https://bit.ly/4pvzDB2

11/28/2025

The countdown is on for the grand opening of our Free-Standing Emergency Center in Manor, serving as an extension of St. David’s Medical Center!

Services will include:
• Open 24/7
• 11 exam rooms
• Board-certified emergency doctors and trauma-certified nurses
• An on-site medical laboratory for prompt diagnosis
• On-site imaging services, including CT scans, ultrasounds and X-rays

Emergency care for all urgent and life-threatening medical conditions will be provided, including:
• Abdominal pain
• Dehydration
• Head and spine injuries
• Heart attack
• Orthopedic injuries
• Penetrating lacerations
• Respiratory distress
• Sports injuries
• Strokes

Doors open early December!

11/27/2025

Today and every day, we give thanks for our resilient patients and the communities that trust us with their care.

This , we’re especially grateful for the compassion, strength and dedication that define our teams across St. David's HealthCare – and for the opportunity to show up for others in meaningful ways.

From our family to yours, we wish you a safe, joyful and healthy holiday. 🦃

Leave us a comment and share what you're for – we’d love to hear from you!

11/26/2025

With a level IV NICU and Maternal Care designation, St. David's Medical Center cares for the most complex, high risk pregnancies and births. This means mothers and babies who need extra care can stay together because the highest-level of specialists are all under one roof. This includes our micropreemie program that provides comprehensive care for babies born as early as 22 weeks, as well as our neuro-NICU program, the first of its kind in the region. Learn more about how we're advancing maternal and neonatal care: https://bit.ly/3XRfzgJ

11/25/2025

is an irregular or rapid heartbeat, also known as atrial fibrillation (AFib), often triggered by binge drinking. Alcohol consumption tends to spike between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day so, while holiday heart syndrome can happen any time of year, it's most common during the holiday season. And it can show up when you least expect it – especially after too much alcohol, stress or salty food – so be on the lookout for these warning signs:

😴 Fatigue
😵‍💫 Dizziness
💓 Heart palpitations
😮‍💨 Difficulty breathing
💢 Chest discomfort

If you notice any of these symptoms, it could be more than just the holiday hustle and bustle. Know where to go in case of an emergency: https://bit.ly/4inaGWb

11/22/2025

No matter what you’ve got cooking this , remember to prioritize safety. In crowded kitchens and around deep fryers, accidents can happen fast. Each year around Thanksgiving, there’s an increase in cooking-related burn injuries, and unattended cooking is the primary cause, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Follow these tips for what to avoid if you or someone else needs .

If you suffer a mild or first-degree burn, the affected area may swell or turn red. You can treat these burns at home with simple first aid steps:

🧼Clean the area with soap and cool water.
🧴Apply a thin layer of ointment.
🩹Dress the wound with sterile non-stick gauze.
💊Take over-the-counter medication to manage pain.

For more serious burns, immediate medical attention is critical.
Know where to go in an emergency: https://bit.ly/47X3k8r

11/21/2025

St. David’s HealthCare welcomes 6 out of every 10 babies born here in Central Texas! With over 100 years in the community, our patients benefit from experienced clinical nurses, specialized obstetric care, and advanced neonatal services, all working together to support mothers and babies at every stage. Our experienced team of maternal-fetal specialists and nurse navigators support high-risk patients with complex health conditions. To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/4oTzRlH

11/19/2025

The community is invited to join St. David’s HealthCare for a free celebration of our new St. David’s Emergency Center in Manor.

The family-friendly event will feature holiday-themed activities, including photos with Santa and a life-sized snow globe. Guests of all ages can enjoy festive entertainment, food and beverages.

Our 10,840-square-foot emergency center will open in Manor for patients on Wednesday, Dec. 3.The facility will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as a full-service emergency department, and it will serve as an extension of St. David’s Medical Center.

11/18/2025

St. David’s South Austin Medical Center offers Central Texans access to life-changing blood cancer treatments—without the burden of traveling far from home. For over a decade, our program has been Austin’s only selection of cellular therapies for these complex diseases. As a proud member of the Sarah Cannon Cancer Network, we’ve served over 1,000 patients with life-saving transplant treatments and compassionate care.

Learn how we’re keeping cancer care close to home: https://bit.ly/481r6yF

The St. David's program has served hundreds of patients since launching in the mid-2010s.

11/17/2025

Every tiny heartbeat tells a mighty story. 💜 Each year, more than 15,000 babies are born in hospitals across our larger St. David's HealthCare network – and some arrive earlier than expected. According to March of Dimes, about 1 in 10 babies in the U.S. are born prematurely. This means they enter the world before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This , we’re celebrating our tiniest patients and the incredible caregivers who support them and their families.

To learn more about our NICU services, click here: https://bit.ly/3XDpZ3m