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NORTH RICHLAND HILLS – As students return to school, they are also heading back to sports and band practices and, for many, riding e-bikes to campus. Emergency physicians at Medical City North Hills are reminding families of safety tips to help prevent injuries and keep kids healthy throughout the school year. 

 

"Back-to-school season brings more activity—and more visits to the emergency department for injuries that are often preventable," says Curtis H. Johnson, MD, medical director of emergency services at Medical City North Hills. "As e-bikes have gotten popular, we have seen an increase in associated injuries, making it especially important for parents and students to understand the risks. Whether your child is riding an e-bike or playing sports, taking the right precautions can make all the difference." 

 

This increase reflects a nationwide concern nationwide for e-bike safety. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that the number of e-bike accidents involving children increased more than 300% from 2019 to 2023. 

 

To help reduce the risk of injury, Medical City North Hills medical experts recommend: 

  • Always wear a properly fitted helmet when riding an e-bike, bicycle or scooter. 
  • Obey traffic laws and avoid distractions while riding. 
  • Wear appropriate protective gear for sports. 
  • Warm up and stay hydrated before practice and games.  
  • Never ignore pain or concussion symptoms, seek medical evaluation before returning to play. 

 

Parents can make injury prevention part of their back-to-school routine by checking that helmets fit properly, inspecting sports equipment and talking with their children about safe riding. Taking a few minutes to prepare can help students stay healthy, active and ready to learn. 

 

Learn more about emergency services at Medical City North Hills here. 

 

ABOUT MEDICAL CITY NORTH HILLS  

Medical City North Hills is a 164-bed, acute care hospital located in North Richland Hills, Texas. With a medical team of more than 500 physicians, Medical City North Hills offers a broad range of services including a Level III Trauma Center, a full range of cardiovascular services, comprehensive orthopedic and spine programs, neurology, graduate medical education and an internal medicine residency clinic.  

 

Medical City North Hills is part of Medical City Healthcare.  

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NORTH RICHLAND HILLS – As summer celebrations begin and communities prepare for Independence Day festivities in honor of America’s 250th birthday, experts at Medical City North Hills are encouraging residents to take precautions to prevent serious injuries during Fireworks Safety Month.

"While fireworks are a popular part of summer celebrations; they can cause life-altering injuries in a matter of seconds," says Curtis H. Johnson, MD, medical director of emergency services at Medical City North Hills. "Every year, we see patients arrive in our emergency department with burns, eye injuries and hand trauma that could have been avoided through safe practices and proper supervision."

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of people are injured by fireworks annually, with children and teenagers among the most vulnerable groups. Even seemingly harmless items such as sparklers can burn at temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and cause serious burns.

Medical City North Hills experts suggest taking these steps if a fireworks-related injury occurs:

  • Burns: Cool with water and seek care for serious burns. Do not use ice, as extreme cold can cause tissue damage.
  • Eye injuries: Do not rub or rinse; cover loosely and seek emergency care.
  • Severe bleeding: Apply pressure and call 911.
  • Serious injuries: Call 911 for loss of consciousness, breathing problems, or other severe injuries.

Emergency care teams encourage families to make safety part of their summer traditions. Professional fireworks displays provide a safer alternative while allowing communities to enjoy the excitement and celebration of the season.

Learn more about emergency services at Medical City North Hills here.

ABOUT MEDICAL CITY NORTH HILLS

Medical City North Hills is a 164-bed, acute care hospital located in North Richland Hills, Texas. With a medical team of more than 500 physicians, Medical City North Hills offers a broad range of services including a Level III Trauma Center, a full range of cardiovascular services, comprehensive orthopedic and spine programs, neurology, graduate medical education and an internal medicine residency clinic.

 

Medical City North Hills is part of Medical City Healthcare.

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NORTH RICHLAND HILLS –As North Texas enters the hottest months of the year, Medical City North Hills experts are encouraging families, caregivers and communities to take extra steps to protect older adults from heat-related illness.  

 

“Older adults and people with chronic conditions are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness,” says Curtis H. Johnson, MD, medical director of emergency services at Medical City North Hills. “Additionally, certain medications can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature. During extreme heat, stay hydrated, spend time in air-conditioned spaces and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.” 

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults 65 and older, people with chronic medical conditions and those without access to air conditioning are at increased risk of heat-related illness. 

 

Medical City North Hills medical experts are offering the following steps to help older adults stay safe during extreme heat:  

  • Plan ahead. Check local forecasts and heat alerts before outdoor activities, appointments or errands.  

  • Stay cool. Spend time in air-conditioned spaces.  

  • Hydrate often. Drink water throughout the day, even before feeling thirsty.  

  • Limit outdoor activity. Schedule errands and necessary outdoor time for the cooler parts of the day. 

  • Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and use sun protection.  

  • Review medications. Some medicines can increase the risk of dehydration or overheating.  

  • Check in. Call or visit older family members, friends and neighbors 

 

People experiencing heat exhaustion symptoms – heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea or fainting – should move to a cooler place, loosen clothing, sip water and seek medical care if symptoms worsen or do not improve.  

 

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Signs of heat stroke can include confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, very high body temperature, hot skin or profuse sweating. Call 911 immediately, move the person to a cooler place and begin cooling them with water or cold towels while waiting for help. 

 

Learn more about emergency services at Medical City North Hills here. 

 

ABOUT MEDICAL CITY NORTH HILLS  

Medical City North Hills is a 164-bed, acute care hospital located in North Richland Hills, Texas. With a medical team of more than 500 physicians, Medical City North Hills offers a broad range of services including a Level III Trauma Center, a full range of cardiovascular services, comprehensive orthopedic and spine programs, neurology, graduate medical education and an internal medicine residency clinic.  

Medical City North Hills is part of Medical City Healthcare.  

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NORTH RICHLAND HILLS – Medical City North Hills has begun construction on a new 10-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit, reinforcing its commitment to expanding high-quality, patient-centered care in the community. The 11,400 square foot space is expected to open in late 2026.

 

Designed to promote healing and comfort, the new unit will feature thoughtfully selected calming colors and finishes that create a soothing environment for recovery. The unit includes a spacious gym featuring leading edge rehabilitation equipment. Additionally, each private patient room will include large windows that bring in natural light, supporting both physical and emotional well-being. The space is carefully designed to improve care delivery across generations.

 

By bringing these services closer to home, Medical City North Hills continues to strengthen its role as a destination of choice for healthcare excellence.

 

“At Medical City North Hills, we are continually evaluating how to enhance our system of care for our patients and community,” says Spencer Turner, CEO of Medical City North Hills. “This new inpatient rehabilitation unit is an important investment that will allow us to deliver the right care at the right time, helping patients regain independence and return to their daily lives.”

 

The new inpatient rehabilitation unit will provide specialized, comprehensive care by occupational, physical and speech therapists for patients recovering from:

  • Amputations
  • Brain dysfunctions
  • Hip fractures
  • Joint replacements
  • Neurological conditions
  • Spinal cord dysfunctions
  • Stroke

 

ABOUT MEDICAL CITY NORTH HILLS

Medical City North Hills is a 164-bed, acute care hospital located in North Richland Hills, Texas. With a medical team of more than 500 physicians, Medical City North Hills offers a broad range of services including a Level III Trauma Center, a full range of cardiovascular services, comprehensive orthopedic and spine programs, neurology, graduate medical education and an internal medicine residency clinic.

 

Medical City North Hills is part of Medical City Healthcare.

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North Richland Hills – As spring approaches, Medical City North Hills experts are seeing an increase in patients with seasonal allergies and respiratory-related symptoms. While recent rainfall may provide temporary relief by reducing airborne allergens, physicians anticipate that once the rain subsides, pollen levels will rise significantly as plants begin to bloom earlier and in higher concentrations — potentially triggering a surge in allergy-related concerns across the community.

 

“Each year around this time, we expect to see an uptick in allergy-related symptoms,” says Curtis H. Johnson, MD, medical director of emergency services at Medical City North Hills. “We are seeing a significant volume of patients experiencing respiratory distress, severe congestion, persistent cough and asthma complications. For individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, spring allergens can escalate into more serious health concerns.”

 

One in four people have a seasonal allergy according to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. Asthma emergencies spike when allergenic pollen blooms.

Medical City North Hills medical experts recommend preventative measures to avoid serious symptoms, including:

  • Monitoring daily pollen forecasts
  • Keeping windows closed during high pollen days
  • Showering at night to prevent pollen from transferring to bedding
  • Carrying rescue inhalers if diagnosed with asthma

 

Experts recommend seeking emergency care for respiratory symptoms that might be related to allergens including severe shortness of breath and asthma attacks not relieved by home medications. Learn more about emergency services at Medical City North Hills here.

 

About Medical City North Hills

Medical City North Hills is a 164-bed, acute care hospital located in North Richland Hills, Texas. With a medical team of more than 500 physicians, Medical City North Hills offers a broad range of services including a Level III Trauma Center, full range of cardiovascular services, comprehensive orthopedic and spine programs, neurology program, a graduate medical education program and an internal medicine residency clinic.

 

Medical City North Hills is part of Medical City Healthcare.

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North Richland Hills – Medical City North Hills invites the community to attend the fourth annual Spooktacular Halloween celebration on Saturday, Oct. 25 from noon – 2 p.m.  

 

Hundreds of families joined Medical City North Hills for this free celebration last year. The Halloween drive-through event enables guests to remain in their vehicles while trick-or-treating at themed booths set up by hospital departments and local partners. The event will also feature a DJ, vehicles from the North Richland Hills Fire and Police Departments and a hospital unit pumpkin decorating contest where the public will vote for their favorite. 

 

“Medical City North Hills looks forwarding to hosting this free, fun community event each year,” says Spencer Turner, CEO of Medical City North Hills. “Our colleagues are ready to connect with our community members in a different way - outside the walls of the hospital.”

 

Cars should enter the line from Booth Calloway Road on the east side of the hospital and exit onto Rodger Line Road. Please follow the event signage closely.

 

Spooktacular is hosted during daylight hours, free from traffic and other potential nighttime hazards that may be present during traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating.

 

This event is sponsored in part by the Hurst Euless Bedford Chamber of Commerce and the North Tarrant Chamber of Commerce.

About Medical City North Hills

Medical City North Hills is a 164-bed, acute care hospital located in North Richland Hills, Texas. With a medical team of more than 500 physicians, Medical City North Hills offers a broad range of services including a Level III Trauma Center, a full range of cardiovascular services, comprehensive orthopedic and spine programs, neurology, graduate medical education and an internal medicine residency clinic.

 

Medical City North Hills is part of Medical City Healthcare.

 

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North Richland Hills – For Fall Prevention Month, Medical City North Hills experts are educating the community about preventing falls. In 2025 so far, Medical City North Hills has treated over 500 patients in the emergency room after taking a serious fall.

 

“Falls can happen at any age,” says Curtis H. Johnson, MD, medical director of emergency services at Medical City North Hills. “But older individuals are more likely to fall and experience a serious injury as a result.”

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four people over age 65 fall each year often with serious health consequences. Falls are the leading cause of accidental death in this age bracket, a startling fact presented by Medical City North Hills trauma experts at educational seminars.  

To help prevent falls, medical experts recommend:

  • Clearing clutter or any tripping hazards such as loose cords or rugs
  • Ensuring good lighting throughout the house
  • Using non-slip mats or installing grab bars in the bathtub and shower
  • Wearing appropriate footwear with a non-slip sole
  • Moving slowly when getting out of bed or a chair
  • Use balance assistive devices, such as canes or walkers, if recommended by your doctor

 

To continue improving care delivery across generations, community members interested in an educational seminar about trauma and fall prevention may fill out a community service request.

 

Medical City North Hills medical experts recommend seeking medical attention for serious falls. Learn more about emergency services at Medical City North Hills here.

 

About Medical City North Hills

Medical City North Hills is a 164-bed, acute care hospital located in North Richland Hills, Texas. With a medical team of more than 500 physicians, Medical City North Hills offers a broad range of services including a Level III Trauma Center, full range of cardiovascular services, comprehensive orthopedic and spine programs, neurology program, a graduate medical education program and an internal medicine residency clinic.

 

Medical City North Hills is part of Medical City Healthcare.

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North Richland Hills – Medical City North Hills is encouraging the community to donate blood to help boost a widespread shortage. The American Red Cross reports a critical need for blood donors.

 

Medical City North Hills is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on Thursday, Sept. 4. The drive will take place at:

Medical City North Hills – Medical Office Building

4375 Booth Calloway Road, Suite 202

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Community members may sign-up to donate online or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

 

Every blood type is needed, especially types O positive and O negative, as well as platelet donations. Donors can help several people with just one donation. Individuals who may rely on blood products include trauma victims, cancer and sickle cell patients, mothers giving birth and premature babies.

 

Potential blood donors may volunteer at age 16 with parental consent; 17-year-olds can give independently and there is no upper age limit for donors. Learn more about donor eligibility guidelines here.

 

About Medical City North Hills

Medical City North Hills is a 164-bed, acute care hospital located in North Richland Hills, Texas. With a medical team of more than 500 physicians, Medical City North Hills offers a broad range of services including a Level III Trauma Center, full range of cardiovascular services, comprehensive orthopedic and spine programs, neurology program, graduate medical education program and an internal medicine residency clinic.

 

Medical City North Hills is part of Medical City Healthcare.

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North Richland Hills – Paulette Woodard, DNP, MHA, RN, has been named chief nursing officer at Medical City North Hills, starting Aug. 18.

 

Dr. Woodard’s HCA Healthcare career began with Methodist Healthcare System in July 2016, where she served in progressive leadership roles. Most recently, she served as ACNO of HCA Healthcare’s Methodist Hospital Specialty and Transplant, in San Antonio. There, she was instrumental in overseeing nursing teams and supporting and the Culture of Safety training for the emergency department. Additionally, she helped strengthen nursing leadership and implemented effective hiring strategies to attract new nurses.

 

“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Woodard to our leadership team at Medical City North Hills,” says Spencer Turner, CEO of Medical City North Hills. “She brings an abundance of knowledge with a focus on high-quality, compassionate patient experience which will continue to elevate Medical City North Hills as the destination of choice for patients, colleagues and physicians.”

 

Dr. Woodard earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Texas Tech University and a Bachelor of Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University.

 

About Medical City North Hills

Medical City North Hills is a 164-bed, acute care hospital located in North Richland Hills, Texas. With a medical team of more than 500 physicians, Medical City North Hills offers a broad range of services including a Level III Trauma Center, full range of cardiovascular services, comprehensive orthopedic and spine programs, neurology program, graduate medical education program and an internal medicine residency clinic.

 

Medical City North Hills is part of Medical City Healthcare.

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North Richland Hills – The American College of Cardiology has recognized Medical City North Hills for its demonstrated expertise and commitment to treating heart patients who require treatment in its electrophysiology (EP) lab. Medical City North Hills was awarded Electrophysiology Accreditation based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients in the EP lab.

 

Electrophysiology labs provide care for patients with arrhythmias and may require treatments such as cardiac ablation and implantable devices such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

 

“Medical City North Hills is honored to be one of only seven hospitals in Texas who have earned this accreditation,” says Spencer Turner, CEO of Medical City North Hills. “This is a testament to our dedication to providing patients with high-quality, cardiac care.”

 

Hospitals receiving Electrophysiology Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves completing a gap analysis, examining variances of care, developing an action plan, a rigorous onsite review and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the precise care of EP lab patients. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education, improved patient outcomes, and more effective and efficient disease control.

 

“Medical City North Hills has demonstrated its commitment to providing Tarrant County with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Medical City North Hills with Electrophysiology Accreditation.”

 

Medical City North Hills offers a range of heart diagnostic and interventional services as part of its comprehensive system of care:

  • Pacemaker implant, upgrade or battery change
  • Ablations for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and supraventricular tachycardia
  • Heart catheterizations and percutaneous coronary interventions
  • Cardioversion