Memorial Health University Medical Center

12/20/2025

Our pediatric injury prevention partner, Safe Kids Savannah, shared pedestrian crossing information with Buddy the elf and Jovie at our Memorial Health Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah.

Our children’s emergency is open 24/7 with board-certified pediatric emergency medicine physicians and nurses ready to care for your little one.

12/19/2025

Santa uses his sleigh to deliver toys on Christmas Eve. But does he have different modes of transportation on other days? Why yes, he does! Yesterday, he hopped on his motorcycle to help the Wingmen Motorcycle Club, Savannah Georgia and the Savannah Fire Department distribute toys to our patients at our Memorial Health Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children's Hospital of Savannah.
To add to the excitement, Ellis Edwards, a pediatric oncology patient, was there to ring the bell to mark the end of his cancer treatment and celebrate being one-year cancer free. Ellis’s dad is a firefighter, and the fire service brotherhood were on hand to cheer him on.
Watch this heart-warming story

Following the holiday toy drive, one boy got to ring the bell to celebrate one year of being tumor-free, a moment that became one of the greatest gifts of the day.

12/18/2025

Anxiety can feel overwhelming not only emotionally but also physically. When symptoms such as chest tightness, a racing heart, or shortness of breath feel different or more intense than usual, it's safest to get checked out.
From heart and vascular care to mental health support, our emergency care colleagues are prepared to assist when anxiety becomes more than just stress.

If you are not sure where to turn, our free, 24/7 Consult-A-Nurse® line is here to help. Call 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773) anytime to speak with a licensed nurse for trusted advice.

12/17/2025

🧠 A is a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain. It can rupture without warning, leading to a life-threatening stroke. Many aneurysms go undetected so it’s critical to be aware of the most common symptom as well as risk factors.

Across our broader HCA Healthcare network, caregivers treated more than 3,000 brain aneurysms last year. HCA Healthcare has 44 comprehensive stroke centers and cares for more than 70,000 patients admitted for stroke treatment annually. Memorial Health has the only comprehensive stroke center in southeast Georgia.

If you’re concerned about your risk for an aneurysm, talk to your doctor. And if you have a sudden, severe headache, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Know where to find emergency care near you: https://bit.ly/49ewX5A

12/15/2025

it’s common to develop allergies for the first time in adulthood? They’re called late-onset allergies and the effects can range from seasonal sneezing to unexpected food reactions. Don’t let late-onset allergies disrupt your life. Learn what may be causing them and how to manage them: https://bit.ly/3XWJIvf

12/15/2025

Temperatures are expected to plummet overnight. Remember to bring pets inside. Dress children appropriately tomorrow morning, as frostbite can occur quickly. And beware of carbon monoxide poisoning during cold temperatures. Check out the CDC’s winter weather preparedness page:

Learn how to prepare for winter storms and protect yourself during all stages of a winter storm.

12/13/2025

Congratulations to Dr. David Newton, electrophysiologist at Memorial Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute. He recently performed his 1,000th left atrial appendage closure. This procedure is used to reduce the risk of stroke in AFib patients; it also usually eliminates the need for blood thinners. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3YpbPTV

12/12/2025

Join us in welcoming dual board-certified pediatrician and internal medicine physician, Dr. Emily "Millie" Zealy, to the Memorial Health University Physicians in Richmond Hill. Dr. Zealy specializes in providing care for infants, children and adolescents. She is also a lactation consultant and is passionate about women's health needs. As an internal medicine physician, her adolescent patients are able to continue receiving care from Dr. Zealy as they reach adulthood.

Learn more about Dr. Zealy at: https://www.memorialhealth.com/physicians/profile/Dr-Emily-Zealy-MD and call (912) 756-2292 for an appointment.

12/11/2025

Memorial Health and our parent company, HCA Healthcare, are proud to partner with Galen College of Nursing to bring a new nursing school to southeast Georgia. Together, we are investing in the future of nursing.

12/10/2025

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.

Last year across our broader HCA Healthcare network, our emergency rooms saw nearly 838,000 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. If you experience a life-threatening event, Memorial Health's emergency department is ready to give you prompt medical attention. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3XKnzAj

12/09/2025

Congratulations to Dana LaGana, physical therapist in our Pooler outpatient rehabilitation department. She is our most recent Extra Mile Award recipient. She was nominated by a patient’s family member. The nomination read, “My daughter was struggling with severe neck pain, migraines, and other health issues. Dana immediately made her feel heard, offered helpful suggestions, and provided her with exercises and relief. Her care and compassion have made such a difference. Dana gave her advice and practical action steps during her ongoing medical crisis. I don’t know how we would have gotten through these challenging months without Dana.”

Dana, thank you for the difference you make for our patients. Congratulations on being selected for our Extra Mile Award.

Our Extra Mile Award recognizes colleagues who go above and beyond their job duties to create an exceptional patient experience. You can nominate a colleague for this award at: https://bit.ly/3OIerFC

12/08/2025

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 the National Alliance of Mental Illness (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 988Lifeline.org any time, day or night.