UVA Health Experiencing Impacts of Global Shortage of Iodinated Imaging Contrast

The healthcare industry is currently facing a worldwide shortage of iodinated imaging contrast (e.g., Omnipaque®) due to COVID-related shutdowns in China, which is also spurring shortages of contrast agent alternatives to supplement inventories. UVA Health has a one-week supply of contrast agents on hand, and we are using various strategies — centralizing supplies to effectively monitor and manage stock, managing operations, and working with suppliers to identify alternative sources of contrast agents — to extend current supplies and future allocations while the shortage is impacting the supply chain for the next six weeks or possibly longer. This shortage will have the most immediate effect on Radiology, Cardiology, Surgery (vascular), Digestive Health, Urology, and possibly other areas. Here are steps to follow:

• All LIPs are asked to delay all non-critical studies that require contrast and/or consider alternatives to using iodinated contrast until supplies become available. 
• CT studies should be ordered with the instruction "Radiologist to Recommend Contrast" in regards to contrast administration. Radiologists can then determine contrast usage. Providers can also contact the Radiology Concierge Desk at 924.XRAY (924.9729) to speak with a radiologist regarding imaging options. Radiology will review all imaging studies to determine if non-contrast studies or other alternative imaging tests can be substituted.
• All other areas using contrast (Cardiology, Interventional Radiology, Neurology, Vascular, Operating Room, Digestive Health, Urology, etc.) will review which studies can be delayed or if an alternative study can be substituted until supplies become available.
• All affected areas are developing clinical tiers by which to triage patients needing diagnostic imaging and image-guided procedures that require contrast, with patients having urgent/emergent clinical needs being prioritized.

Read more on Connect.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 2:35 p.m. April 29)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. April 29)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page

Operations

Performance Management Process for FY 22/23

Applies to: Medical Center, UVA Physicians Group, School of Medicine, and Claude Moore Health Sciences Library | Excludes: School of Nursing | Year-end performance reviews for fiscal year 2022 will launch on Monday, May 2. See the timeline in the chart below. Evaluations will return to a three-point rating scale (Does Not Meet, Meets, and Exceeds), and the Clinical Career Ladder (CCL) Nurse template will resume, including CCL behavioral competencies for revaluation of Clinician 3s and 4s (Medical Center only).

For fiscal year 2023 goals, all UVA Health team members must have at least one professional development goal, and all Medical Center team members must also have one goal related to patient progression/access. 

Read more about performance management. 

Important Reminder: Team Members Still Required to Wear Masks in Clinical Areas

Although UVA Health has relaxed the masking policy in non-clinical areas, team members in clinical areas are still required to wear medical grade three-ply face masks or respirators (e.g., N95s or equivalents). This includes areas where you are likely to interact with patients and visitors, like public spaces, lobbies, public hallways, etc. In addition, eye protection must be worn when directly caring for a patient. CDC and state guidance will continue to be monitored for any changes that would impact UVA Health’s masking policy. Read more on Connect.

Please note: The masking policy for non-clinical areas applies to UVA Health team members only. Patients, families, and visitors will continue to follow universal masking protocols when within UVA Health facilities. 

Some Workplace Plexiglass Barriers Can Be Removed

Workplaces with no or limited interaction with unvaccinated individuals, patients, or visitors can now remove their plexiglass barriers. Plexiglass barriers must remain in use in common dining areas like cafeterias, check-in desks, information desks, cashier stations, etc. where interactions with patients and visitors occur.

In making decisions about plexiglass barriers, UVA Health continues to follow guidance from Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which states: At fixed workstations where unvaccinated or otherwise at-risk workers are not able to remain at least 6 feet away from other people, transparent shields or other solid barriers can separate these workers from other people. Barriers should block face-to-face pathways between individuals in order to prevent direct transmission of respiratory droplets, and any openings should be placed at the bottom and made as small as possible. The height and posture (sitting or standing) of affected workers, directional airflow, and fire safety should be considered when designing and installing barriers, as should the need for enhanced ventilation.

Please open a Health System Physical Plant work order if you need to have your plexiglas barriers removed, repaired, or replaced or need to order a new one.

Road Paving: Fontaine Research Park

Sunday, May 1, and Monday, May 2 | Starting at 7 p.m. | For two evenings, construction crews will be closing one lane of Ray C. Hunt Drive at the entrance to Fontaine Research Park to repave the entrance. Flaggers will maintain two-way traffic. Questions? Contact Bret Gentry at 434.531.8211.

Happenings

UVA Health Town Hall

Wednesday, May 4 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream (link forthcoming) | You are invited to join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders to learn more about the top priorities and latest developments for our organization. Submit questions to YourTownHall@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu now or during the event.

Free Skin Cancer Screenings

Saturday, May 7 | 8 a.m.-noon | UVA Primary Care Center | Registration required | Get a free skin cancer screening by a UVA dermatologist and learn about skin cancer protection. All are welcome (including UVA Health team members), but screening is especially recommended for people with the following:

• Frequent sun or UV light exposure
• Family history of skin cancer
• A mole that has changed in shape, color or size
• A sore that won’t heal

Bring a baseball cap or visor to exchange for a new sun hat, while supplies last. Parking is always free for patients in the 11th Street Garage. Register by calling 800.223.9173. 

UVA Health Week

May 8-14 | UVA Health Week is just around the corner. Together, we will celebrate our team members with multiple events throughout the week. Find out when and where your celebration will be: 

• Sunday, May 8 | Medical Center Weekend Meals (University Hospital Cafeteria) | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-8 p.m., and 11 p.m.-1 a.m.
• Monday, May 9 | Fontaine | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 10 | Transitional Care Hospital/Northridge | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 11 | Medical Center
  • MR5 lawn area (across from Medical Center loading dock) | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
  • University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 p.m.-1 a.m.
  • Uteam to-go (pre-boxed meals) will be provided for departments unable to attend. Managers must order in advance and arrange for pick up. The deadline to order is 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 30. For details on how to order, visit Connect. 

• Thursday, May 12 | North Fork and UVA Health Orthopedic Center | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Week of May 9 | Off-site UVA Health offices | UVA HR’s Rewards and Recognition team will help managers coordinate catered meals for off-site team members. Stay tuned for additional details.

Managers: Would you like to volunteer to serve meals at the UVA Health Week events? Sign up now. 

Nurses Week Celebrations Start Friday, May 6

May 6-12 | The Professional Nurse Staffing Organization has planned a full calendar of events and activities to celebrate National Nurses Week:

• Spirit Week
• Door decorating contest
• Giveaway
• Happy Grams
• Portraits of legacy UVA RNs (recognizing RNs with 40 or more years of service at UVA)
• Blessing of the Hands
• 22nd Nursing Excellence Awards (Tuesday, May 10)
• Evidence-based practice symposium (Friday, May 13)
• Launching the BEE Award
• Chief Nursing Officer and Associate Chief Nursing Officer clinic visits/tours (May-June)

Read more on Connect and at UVANursesWeek.com.

Appreciation

Drop Off Your Unneeded Prescriptions

April 30 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a day devoted to safely disposing of unneeded medication to prevent harm to others or the environment. The UVA Pharmacy offers two locations with secure boxes where you can discard old medication:

• UVA Outpatient Pharmacy at Education Resource Center (open 24/7)
• UVA Zion Crossroads Pharmacy

The take-back receptacles are green metal boxes with a drawer at the top. Once you put medications in the drawer and close it, the medications drop into a locked storage box below. Once the box is full, the medications are removed from the box and destroyed by an outside processor. Thank you to the Pharmacy for providing this service to our community! 

PREVIOUS UPDATES

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Upcoming Team Member Surveys

A top question from team members in recent weeks has been, “When is our next engagement survey?” As a leading healthcare organization, we are regularly evaluating our performance to ensure we meet the needs of patients and team members alike. Formal surveys allow us to examine the valuable feedback of our teams in a confidential manner to ensure we build the culture and environment that allow us to succeed in our mission and thrive as an organization. This year we are beginning a series of surveys that will assess:

• Our culture of safety
• Nursing excellence and resiliency
• Overall team member engagement (now inclusive of UVA Community Health)

Spring 2022

• The surveys, administered by Press Ganey Associates, will launch this spring (May 2-16) with the Culture of Patient Safety Survey and Nursing Survey.
• Clinical patient-facing Medical Center team members will receive the Culture of Patient Safety Survey.
• Medical Center nurses will receive an invitation inviting them to participate in both the Culture of Patient Safety and Nursing surveys.
• Important Spring dates
  • May 2 | survey opens and invitations sent (these are unique email invitations — do not forward)
  • May 9 | first reminder
  • May 15 | final reminder
  • May 16 | survey closes at 11:59 p.m.

Fall 2022

• A UVA Health all-team survey will be launched in the fall — more details to come.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 1:20 p.m. April 27)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. April 27)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page

OPERATIONS

Road Paving: Fontaine Research Park

Sunday, May 1, and Monday, May 2 | Starting at 7 p.m. | For two evenings, construction crews will be closing one lane of Ray C. Hunt Drive at the entrance to Fontaine Research Park to repave the entrance. Flaggers will maintain two-way traffic. Questions? Contact Bret Gentry at 434.531.8211.

Public Health Emergency Leave Ends May 31

Virginia's Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) has announced the expiration of the temporary emergency benefit, Virginia Public Health Emergency Leave (PHEL) on May 31. This means that PHEL will no longer be available to employees and team members to use for medical needs and illness related to positive cases of COVID-19.

Employees with COVID-related illness should use existing leave types currently available for any illness, including PTO and short- or long-term disability, when appropriate. If you have questions, please contact askhr@virginia.edu.

LEADERSHIP

What Makes You Feel Valued in Your Work?

In her new Vision and Voice blog post, Wendy Horton, Medical Center CEO, seeks team members’ thoughts and ideas: “What three things make you feel most valued/respected in your work?” Read more.

HAPPENINGS

Blood Drive: Donate in Honor of Rusty Beal

Wednesday, May 4 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Quayle Learning Center, Battle Building, First Floor | Rusty Beal was a trusted colleague and friend who supported financial and administrative functions in the School of Medicine for over 35 years. He was a frequent blood donor and felt that it was part of his civic duty to give blood. In honor and in memory of Rusty, we encourage you to donate. Swag alert: Donors who give between April 19 and May 19 will get a $10 e-gift card and a chance to win a travel trailer camper, powered by Suburban Propane. Appointments required. Sign up by emailing Sharon Jones at giveblood@virginia.edu. Read more.

UVA Health Town Hall

Wednesday, May 4 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream (link forthcoming) | With spring upon us, UVA Health is embracing this season with great optimism as the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic loosens and we move toward brighter days ahead. Our new mission, vision, and values give us a solid foundation as we take the next steps in our exciting strategic journey. You are invited to join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders to learn more about the top priorities and latest developments for our organization. Submit questions to YourTownHall@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu now or during the event.

Epic Happy 1/2 Hour Will Prepare Providers for Coming Upgrade

Wednesday, May 4 | 5-5:30 p.m. | Join host Mark Lepsch, MD, of Northridge Internal Medicine for the latest installment of this monthly seminar series. The program will offer 30 minutes of high-yield, skills-related content that will prepare you for the upcoming May 25 Epic upgrade. This session will focus on changes coming to In Basket, Results Review, Meds and Orders, Order Composer, and Chart Review. Registration enrolls attendees into a master list to receive monthly invitations and to a replay video link. Watch this brief video for an overview of the program and a preview of the next session’s material. Register.

UVA Health Week

May 8-14 | UVA Health Week is just around the corner. Together, we will celebrate our team members with multiple events throughout the week. Find out when and where your celebration will be:

• Sunday, May 8 | Medical Center Weekend Meals (University Hospital Cafeteria) | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-8 p.m., and 11 p.m.-1 a.m.
• Monday, May 9 | Fontaine | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 10 | Transitional Care Hospital/Northridge | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 11 | Medical Center
  • MR5 lawn area (across from Medical Center loading dock) | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
  • University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 p.m.-1 a.m.
  • Uteam to-go (pre-boxed meals) will be provided for departments unable to attend. Managers must order in advance and arrange for pick up. To order, email UteamToGoAdminTeam@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu by 5 p.m. on April 29.
• Thursday, May 12 | North Fork and UVA Health Orthopedic Center | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Week of May 9 | Off-site UVA Health offices | UVA HR’s Rewards and Recognition team will help managers coordinate catered meals for off-site team members. Stay tuned for additional details.

Managers: Would you like to volunteer to serve meals at the UVA Health Week events? Sign up now.

UVA Children’s Child Health Research Center: The 34th Annual Research Symposium

Thursday, May 26 | 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | In-person and Zoom | Featuring keynote speaker James P. Nataro, MD, PhD, MBA, Benjamin Armistead Shepherd Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics. Learn more.

APPRECIATION

Three Reasons to Be Thankful!

Before the month is over, don’t miss your opportunity to give a shout-out to our administrative professionals, transplant nurses, and all who enhance our patients’ experience:

• Administrative Professionals Week (April 24-30) and Administrative Professionals Day (April 27) | Created by the International Association of Administrative Professionals in 1952 to provide administrative professionals a collective voice. Thank you to these incredibly valuable team members who keep UVA Health running.
• Patient Experience Week | April 25-29 | Launched in 2014 by The Beryl Institute, this annual event celebrates healthcare staff impacting patient experience every day. This week provides a focused time to celebrate accomplishments, re-energize efforts, and honor the people who impact patient experience.
• Transplant Nurses Week | April 25-May 2 | The International Transplant Nursing Society created this week to raise awareness of the unique contributions transplant nurses make in the lives of the people with whom they work, especially their patients. Thank you to the incredible care our transplant nurses provide to our patients.

PREVIOUS UPDATES

Monday, April 27, 2022

UVA Health Week Is Almost Here!

May 8-14 | UVA Health Week is just around the corner. Together, we will celebrate our team members with multiple events throughout the week. Find out when and where your celebration will be: 

• Sunday, May 8 | Medical Center Weekend Meals (University Hospital Cafeteria) | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-8 p.m., and 11 p.m.-1 a.m.
• Monday, May 9 | Fontaine | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 10 | Transitional Care Hospital/Northridge | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 11 | Medical Center
  • MR5 lawn area (across from Medical Center loading dock) | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
  • University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 p.m.-1 a.m.
  • Uteam to-go (pre-boxed meals) will be provided for departments unable to attend. Managers must order in advance and arrange for pick up. To order, email UteamToGoAdminTeam@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu by 5 p.m. on April 29. 

• Thursday, May 12 | North Fork and UVA Health Orthopedic Center | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Week of May 9 | Off-site UVA Health offices | UVA HR’s Rewards and Recognition team will help managers coordinate catered meals for off-site team members. Stay tuned for additional details.

Managers: Would you like to volunteer to serve meals at the UVA Health Week events? Sign up now. 

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 12:50 p.m. April 25)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. April 25)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page

Patient Care

New and Updated Population Health Tools in Epic for Diabetes and Prediabetes

Ambulatory providers and staff should be aware of important changes in Epic to support the care for patients with prediabetes and diabetes. Effective Tuesday, April 26, most of our diabetic patients will be automatically enrolled in Health Maintenance plans to help ensure timely completion of kidney screening, A1c monitoring, etc. When clinically appropriate, the care gap quick orders now default to a new test, the kidney profile, which includes serum creatinine with eGFR and urine albumin-creatinine ratio. In addition, effective immediately, new tools are available to help diagnose and manage prediabetes, including a new MyChart-based patient questionnaire, new smartsets, and new Health Maintenance plans. More details available in the Epic Learning Library.

Operations

Decision Reversed: Anthem to Continue Coverage of Audio-Only Visits

With the extension of the COVID Public Health Emergency, Anthem has decided to continue coverage of audio-only visits. Hard stops and warnings preventing scheduling of this visit type have been removed.

Migration to Microsoft 365

Health Information & Technology is beginning the migration of UVA Health System to Microsoft 365 and is anticipating completion by the end of the year. This transformation will provide for enhanced collaboration capabilities, email rebranding, and enable us to support new UVA Health entities, such as UVA Community Health. UVA Health customers will receive communication and instruction via email prior to their account being migrated. For details, read more on Connect.

Get Paid On-the-Job Training With Earn While You Learn Program

The Earn While You Learn program provides paid on-the-job training for numerous roles, including EMTs and pharmacy technicians with more to come. All costs are covered while being paid to learn, and no healthcare experience is necessary. Must be at least 18 years old. If interested in finding out more about these programs, please complete this form.

Sneak Preview: Epic Upgrade Coming on May 25

Below is a quick overview of the changes planned for next month’s Epic upgrade, which will impact thousands of clinicians and schedulers. The Health Information and Technology team will offer the following support services:

• Training: Available Friday, May 13, on the Epic Learning Library
• Questions about Epic-integrated Zoom: contact Telemedicine@virginia.edu 
• Additional agents available at the Help Desk: Starts Wednesday, May 25, until call volume decreases

Happenings

Jewelry and Accessories Sale

April 27-29 | The Link near Primary Care Center | Masquerade Jewelry will be setting up shop in University Hospital. Stop by the tables to see if there’s something for you! 

• Wednesday, April 27, and Thursday, April 28: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Friday, April 29: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Medical Center Hour: Quality, Disparities, and Equity: How Does Value-Based Care Narrow the Gap?

Wednesday, April 27 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Examine recent trends in healthcare delivery innovation for underserved populations, highlighting the progress, the perils, and the vast frontier of what’s possible in American medicine. Read more.

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall

Wednesday, May 4 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream (link forthcoming) | You are invited to join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders to learn more about the top priorities and latest developments for our organization. Submit questions to YourTownHall@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu now or during the event.

Mindfulness Offerings

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class | Tuesdays, April 26-June 21 | 4-6:30 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, June 4 | Zoom | Register.
• Mindfulness for UVA Healthcare Employees | Mondays, May 2-June 20 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, June 4 | Zoom | Register.
• Intro to Mindfulness Meditation | Tuesdays, May 3-24 | Zoom | Register | Learn more.

Nominate a Nursing Assistant Deserving of Recognition for One of 4 Nursing Assistant Awards

Deadline: Thursday, May 12 | Awards will be presented during the National Nursing Assistant Week, June 16-23. For eligibility, criteria, and to nominate, click here. Awards: 

• Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year
• Patient Care Technician of the Year
• Specialty Technician of the Year
• Certified Medical Assistant of the Year

Appreciation

Thank You, Lab Team Members!

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, April 24-30, is an annual celebration of the pathologists, faculty, and laboratory professionals who play a vital role in every aspect of healthcare. Lab professionals (such as phlebotomists, specimen management techs, medical laboratory scientists, histotechnologists, cytologists, pathologist assistants, and more) work behind the scenes to perform 4.3 million lab tests per year to assist physicians with patient diagnosis and treatment, and disease monitoring or prevention. Thank you for rising to all of the new challenges that we have faced these past two years and responding to those challenges with accurate and timely laboratory results. Your professionalism, dedication, and quality of work are inspiring. In gratitude to our laboratory professionals who provide UVA Health with myriad and complex lab testing — happy Lab Week!

Check out UVA Health’s Facebook and Instagram pages tomorrow (April 26) highlighting Patricia Detroia (pictured here), who works as a clinical laboratory scientist in the molecular infectious disease testing laboratory.

Friday, April 22, 2022

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall

Wednesday, May 4 | noon-1 p.m. | Livestream (link forthcoming) | With spring upon us, UVA Health is embracing this season with great optimism as the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic loosens and we move toward brighter days ahead. Our new mission, vision, and values give us a solid foundation as we take the next steps in our exciting strategic journey. You are invited to join K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders to learn more about the top priorities and latest developments for our organization. Submit questions to YourTownHall@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu now or during the event.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 12:51 p.m. April 22)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. April 22)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page

PATIENT CARE

New and Updated Population Health Tools in Epic for Diabetes and Prediabetes

Ambulatory providers and staff should be aware of important changes in Epic to support the care for patients with prediabetes and diabetes. Effective Tuesday, April 26, most of our diabetic patients will be automatically enrolled in Health Maintenance plans to help ensure timely completion of kidney screening, A1c monitoring, etc. When clinically appropriate, the care gap quick orders now default to a new test, the kidney profile, which includes serum creatinine with eGFR and urine albumin-creatinine ratio. In addition, effective immediately, new tools are available to help diagnose and manage prediabetes, including a new MyChart-based patient questionnaire, new smartsets, and new Health Maintenance plans. More details available in the Epic Learning Library.

OPERATIONS

Heat Plant Water Storage Tank Addition

Friday, May 13, to Sunday, May 15 | Corner of Jefferson Park Avenue and Lee Street |University construction teams will be installing a new water-holding tank.

• Friday | Vehicles may experience minor stoppages while coming to or from the West Complex. Two lanes of traffic and pedestrian access will be maintained by flaggers.
• Saturday morning | Flaggers will maintain two-way traffic. From 8-10 a.m., the Lee Street entrance to the West Complex will be closed.
• Saturday afternoon | Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times.
• Sunday | Cranes will leave. Backup day in the case of a weather delay is on Saturday.

Reminder: Team Members Should Direct Food Deliveries to Loading Dock

All food deliveries coming to University Hospital and the Emergency Department must be directed to the loading dock. Team members at the front door and information desks cannot take responsibility for food deliveries. When ordering from a restaurant or delivery service (e.g., DoorDash, Uber Eats), please use “UVA Hospital Loading Dock, Lane Road” for the address and provide the full name and unit/clinic of the responsible team member. A table has been set up so drivers can drop-off food at the loading dock.

HAPPENINGS

Webinar: Transform Trauma: Neuroscience-Based Skills for Healing and Growth

Monday, April 25 | Zoom | FEAP and Hoos Well invite you to a reward-eligible webinar exploring trauma-based knowledge to help you move forward from difficult times. Understand how our brains respond to trauma and learn skills that can help override automatic reactions.

Medical Center Hour: Quality, Disparities, and Equity: How Does Value-Based Care Narrow the Gap?

Wednesday, April 27 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Examine recent trends in healthcare delivery innovation for underserved populations, highlighting the progress, the perils, and the vast frontier of what’s possible in American medicine. Read more.

Physicians, NPs, and PAs: Get an Updated Headshot

McKim Hall | Ground Floor | Room G045 | Physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants needing an updated headshot for their pages on uvahealth.com are invited to stop by to get their photo taken. No appointment is needed. The shoot should take 10 minutes or less. Please bring a white coat if you have one; if not, one will be provided. Walk-in dates are as follows:

• Thursday, April 28 | 8-11 a.m.
• Monday, May 2 | 8-11 a.m.
• Tuesday, May 10 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 18 | 9 a.m.-Noon
• Friday, May 27 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Save the Date: UVA Health Week

May 8-14 | UVA Health Week is just around the corner. Together, we will celebrate our team members with multiple events throughout the week:

• Sunday, May 8 | Medical Center Weekend Meals (University Hospital Cafeteria) | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-8 p.m., and 11 p.m.-1 a.m.
• Monday, May 9 | Fontaine | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 10 | Transitional Care Hospital/Northridge | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 11 | Medical Center
  • MR5 lawn area (across from Medical Center loading dock) | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
  • University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 p.m.-1 a.m.
  • Uteam to-go (pre-boxed meals) will be provided for departments unable to attend. Managers must order in advance and arrange for pick up.
• Thursday, May 12 | North Fork and UVA Health Orthopedic Center | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Week of May 9 | Off-site UVA Health offices | UVA HR’s Rewards and Recognition team will help managers coordinate catered meals for offsite team members. Stay tuned for additional details.

APPRECIATION

Thank You, UVA Sustainability!

In honor of Earth Day, we’d like to give a shout-out to our colleagues in UVA Sustainability. All month long they have been celebrating with a series of events and activities. In addition to these special events, their regular programs — including recycling, composting, reducing single-use plastics, green workplaces and labs, and more — help ensure that our little corner of the planet stays as clean as possible. Read their recent blog entry to learn what Earth Day means to them. Team members at UVA Health are also doing their part. Here are a few examples of wins for Planet Earth:

• Sara Hoffman and team members in the Blood Bank reduced energy consumption on ultra-low temperature freezers by 30%.
• Dr. Juliana Bueno partnered with residents in Radiology to relocate and add recycling bins, install water coolers and filtration systems, distribute 600 reusable water bottles, and create marketing materials to promote their efforts.
• Ben Smith and colleagues found a way to recycle old X-rays. It kept harmful chemicals and hundreds of thousands of pounds of waste out of landfills — and netted a financial profit for the hospital.

You can read about these on Wendy Horton’s blog, Vision and Voice. You should also check out the story on UVA Today highlighting the work of Savannah Schuermann, Dr. Matthew Meyer, and Sadey Rodriguez. Thank you to our friends in UVA Sustainability — their work in helping to preserve the Earth is truly appreciated and inspiring!

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

UVA School of Nursing Names New Dean

Marianne Baernholdt, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, will join UVA as the seventh dean of the School of Nursing on Aug. 1. Dr. Baernholdt comes to UVA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Nursing, where she is the associate dean of global initiatives, the interim dean of research, and a founding director of its Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization-Collaborating Center in Quality and Safety Education in Nursing and Midwifery. Read more on Connect.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 12:21 p.m. April 20)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. April 20)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page

Big Milestone: First Time With Zero Adults Hospitalized With COVID Since the Beginning of the Pandemic

On Wednesday, April 20, UVA Health reported zero adult inpatients with COVID-19 for the first time since patients were first admitted with the disease back in March 2020. After the hours, days, months, and years of caring for adult COVID patients around the clock, today, there are none. The numbers are always changing, but for a brief moment, let’s celebrate this milestone and take a deep breath. Thank you for your endless commitment to caring for patients over the last two years under the stress of COVID. We have made it through thanks to our team members like you who never gave up. 

Masks Now Recommended, Not Required on UVA Buses

As of today, April 20, mask use is no longer required on UVA buses due to a federal ruling. However, UVA Health still encourages the use of three-ply masks on buses and in other enclosed, confined spaces in alignment with current CDC recommendations (riders are encouraged to open windows weather permitting. Team members may also wish to consider using N95 or KN95 masks for a higher degree of protection. This change does not impact required mask use by team members, patients, and visitors in all care areas and public spaces within UVA Health facilities. Read more about mask use in UVA Health facilities on Connect.

Operations

Alert: Sprint Mobile Service Ending, Users Must Switch to AT&T FirstNet 

On June 30, the Sprint Cellular network will be discontinued, and in preparation for this change, all UVA Health-owned Sprint mobile phones must be moved to AT&T FirstNet before June 30. Text messages, phone calls, and cellular data will no longer be available after that date. The AT&T FirstNet phone that is currently available is the iPhone 12 with 128 GB of storage, and a case is provided. There is no departmental charge for this model device. To order your replacement-device, please go to http://bit.ly/uvahealthphone. For phones already with AT&T FirstNet or Verizon, no action is required. Questions? Reach out to the Mobile Device Team at UVAHEALTHMOBILE@uvahealth.org.

ATM Service in Cafeteria Delayed, to Be Restored Friday

The UVA Community Credit Union ATM located in University Hospital Cafeteria was recently replaced, and the new ATM will be available for use by the end of the day on Friday, April 22. To find an alternate ATM during this interruption, visit uvacreditunion.org.

Happenings

Social Issues in Medicine Community Poster Session

Thursday, May 5 | 5:15-6:45 p.m. | UVA Education Resource Center Auditorium | RSVP by Thursday, April 21 | The Social Issues in Medicine Community Poster Session recognizes first-year medical students and agency partners and their year-long work to improve community health outcomes. Questions? Contact Tammy Prailey at tdp9s@virginia.edu or 540.219.1706.

Batter Up: Free Baseball Tickets

Friday, April 22 | 6 p.m. | UVA vs. University of North Carolina | Get tickets | Virginia Sports is offering UVA Health team members free tickets to an upcoming game. Limit 2 per person. Additional general admission tickets may be purchased for $5.

Leadership

Making Eco-Friendly Decisions at UVA Health

In her new Vision and Voice blog post, Wendy Horton, Medical Center CEO, talks about how respecting the Earth is interconnected with our goals of providing the highest quality and safest care to our patients. Read more.

Appreciation

April Is Stress Awareness Month

The American Institute of Stress defines stress as physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension, and declared stress as America’s No. 1 health problem. As healthcare workers, especially during a pandemic, many team members have been feeling high levels of stress and burnout. It’s important to know you are not alone, and help is available through the Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP). Check out the FEAP website to learn about resources that can help you cope with stress and other challenging situations, and consider participating in these upcoming mindfulness offerings: 

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class | Tuesdays, April 26-June 21 | 4-6:30 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, June 4 | Zoom | Register.
• Mindfulness for UVA Healthcare Employees | Mondays, May 2-June 20 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, June 4 | Zoom | Register.
• Intro to Mindfulness Meditation | Tuesdays, May 3-24 | Zoom | Register and earn more.

Monday, April 18, 2022

‘Invest in Our Planet’ Is the Theme of Earth Day 2022

This year, Earth Day is on Friday, April 22, and UVA Sustainability has been celebrating with a series of events and activities. Here is what's happening on Friday:

• UVA's "How to Save a Planet" Eco-Fair | noon-3 p.m. | The Lawn (Homer Flat)
• Earth Day at Morven Kitchen Garden | 1-4 p.m. | 600 Morven Drive
• Earth Day on Mad Bowl | 2-5p.m. | Madison Bowl
• Nature for Wellness Drop-in Session | 2-4 p.m. | Women's Center, Lower Level- Maker Space
• Climate Action March | 3-5 p.m. | Rotunda
• Fridays for the Future | 6-10 p.m. | 522 2nd Street SE

More events and activities throughout the week and the rest of the month — like panel discussions, clean-up projects, and webinars — can be found at UVA Sustainability.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 1:37 p.m. April 18)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. April 18)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page

PATIENT CARE

Digestive Health: Enhanced Referral

The UVA University Physicians of Charlottesville and Digestive Health clinics have created an enhanced referral process that will improve patient access to timely care. The immediate goal is to improve both the clinical information necessary for the access team to facilitate scheduling and the communication between specialists and referring providers. A long-term goal is to transition patients back to their primary care provider with a mechanism (e-Consult) for consultation, if or when a new problem or change arises. Providers will see these changes in Epic after it has gone into production on Thursday, April 21, when they submit an Ambulatory Referral to UVA GI. For more information contact Patient Friendly Access at RPFA@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu.

OPERATIONS

Get Paid On-the-Job Training With Earn While You Learn Program

The Earn While You Learn program provides paid on-the-job training for numerous roles, including EMTs and pharmacy technicians with more to come. All costs are covered while being paid to learn, and no healthcare experience is necessary. Must be at least 18 years old. If interested in finding out more about these programs, please complete this form.

ATM Service to Be Temporarily Disrupted in Cafeteria

The UVA Community Credit Union ATM located in University Hospital Cafeteria will be unavailable Monday, April 18, to Wednesday, April 20. A new ATM with more features will be installed and available for use by the end of the day on April 20. To find an alternate ATM during this interruption, visit uvacreditunion.org.

HAPPENINGS

Medical Center Hour: What Does Justice Look Like? Designing for Health Equity in Violence Research

Wednesday, April 20 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium andZoom | Examine violence as a social determinant of health and opportunities to build knowledge through survivor-centered research and health promotion. Read more.

Batter Up: Free Baseball Tickets

Friday, April 22 | 6 p.m. | Baseball vs. The University of North Carolina | Get tickets. |Virginia Sports is offering UVA Health team members free tickets to an upcoming game. Limit 2 per person. Additional general admission tickets may be purchased for $5.

Mindfulness Offerings

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class | Tuesdays, April 26-June 21 | 4-6:30 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, June 4 | Zoom | Register.
• Mindfulness for UVA Healthcare Employees | Mondays, May 2-June 20 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, June 4 | Zoom | Register.
• Intro to Mindfulness Meditation | Tuesdays, May 3-24 | Zoom | Register | Learn more.

APPRECIATION

Our Volunteers Are Something Special

Volunteers have been supporting UVA for over 100 years and, during National Volunteer Week (April 17-23), we’d like to give them a shout-out and a thank-you. UVA Health Volunteers serve over 50 departments throughout the health system. Our team is made up of 200 community volunteers, 400 UVA undergraduate Madison House volunteers, and 30 high-school Junior Volunteers. In addition, there are crafters collectively logging thousands of hours a year in knitting, crocheting, and sewing hats, shawls, and blankets for our patients. We have more than 50 programs from which volunteers can choose to help, including escorting and wayfinding, delivering packages to patients (like mail or floral arrangements), operating the patient courtesy shuttle, volunteering in the gift shop, playing music in our public lobbies, providing patient support, and so much more. “Our volunteers touch lives and provide support across the health system,” says Vickie Marsh, Manager, Volunteer Services Staff. “They enhance the patient experience in ways beyond measure. We appreciate each volunteer and the service they provide.” We couldn’t agree more, Vickie! Thank you to our many volunteers for their efforts in serving our patients, their families, and the community! Visit the Volunteer Services website to learn more about opportunities and requirements.

Friday, April 15, 2022

How UVA Is Transforming Cancer Care as the Nation’s Newest Comprehensive Cancer Center

Wednesday, April 20 | noon-1 p.m. | Zoom | Register | A special presentation and panel discussion to learn how UVA Cancer Center is transforming cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. From breakthrough research and leading-edge clinical trials, to community outreach and promising new treatments — find out why UVA Cancer Center is offering new hope to anyone touched by this terrible disease. A Zoom link will be e-mailed to all registrants on the morning of the event. Learn more.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 2:06 p.m. April 15)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. April 15)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page

Operations

Change: Anthem Will No Longer Cover Telephone-Only Encounters

Effective Sunday, April 17 | With Anthem’s change in coverage, we will stop offering telephone-only services for Anthem commercial patients as of April 17. Anthem will continue to cover video and in-person encounters, and all patients with Anthem Commercial only or primary coverage and with telephone mode selected should be rescheduled to one of those options after April 16. 

Beginning April 17: 

• Patients with Anthem Commercial Only | Schedulers will encounter a hard stop if telephone mode is selected. Patients should be offered video or in-person mode. 
• Patients with Anthem Commercial Primary, Other Payor Secondary | Schedulers will encounter a hard stop if telephone mode is selected. Patients should be offered video or in-person mode.
• Patients with Anthem Commercial Secondary, Other Payor Primary | Schedulers will encounter a warning if telephone mode is selected. 

There will be several exceptions to the hard stop for patients with Anthem Commercial only or primary coverage: 

• Telemed Clinical Support Encounter
• Clinical Support Encounter
• Nurse Only
• Anticoag Encounter
• Post-Op
• Psychotherapy 

If you would like to request an additional exception to the hard stop, please email UPG’s Audit, Compliance and Coding (ACC) Department with a list of visit types, modes available by visit type, and the encounter type the visit maps to. Questions? Please send questions from Access to RPFA@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu. Please send provider or clinical team questions to ASKUPGACC@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu.

ATM Service to Be Temporarily Disrupted in Cafeteria

The UVA Community Credit Union ATM located in University Hospital Cafeteria will be unavailable Monday, April 18, to Wednesday, April 20. A new ATM with more features will be installed and available for use by the end of the day on April 20. To find an alternate ATM during this interruption, visit uvacreditunion.org. 

Happenings

Medical Center Hour: What Does Justice Look Like? Designing for Health Equity in Violence Research

Wednesday, April 20 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium and Zoom | Examine violence as a social determinant of health and opportunities to build knowledge through survivor-centered research and health promotion. Read more.

Nominate a Nursing Assistant Deserving of Recognition for One of 4 Nursing Assistant Awards

Deadline: Thursday, May 12 | Awards will be presented during the National Nursing Assistant Week, June 16-23. For eligibility, criteria, and to nominate, click here. Awards: 

• Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year
• Patient Care Technician of the Year
• Specialty Technician of the Year
• Certified Medical Assistant of the Year

Clinical Leaders: Register for the Stronger Together Healthcare Leadership Program

June 26-29 | Charlottesville | Darden Executive Education & Lifelong Learning is hosting this immersive experience designed to empower healthcare leaders to create the environments that allow their teams and themselves to thrive in a post-pandemic world. Visit the event website to register and learn more details. Contact Shaun Rozyn at rozyns@darden.virginia.edu with questions.

Appreciation

National Healthcare Decisions Day and World Voice Day

This Saturday, April 16, we’re recognizing two important efforts: National Healthcare Decisions Day and World Voice Day.

National Healthcare Decisions Day was founded by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in 2008, and it exists to inspire, educate, and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning. An advance directive can make your healthcare choices known, even when you can’t speak for yourself. Ask your UVA healthcare provider about completing an advance directive. NHPCO’s caringinfo.org has several free resources, including downloadable forms and tips for talking about your care wishes. 

World Voice Day celebrates our human ability to speak. “Lift Your Voice” is the theme for 2022 World Voice Day, proposed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. The organization chose this theme to encourage us all to use our voice in a way that accurately and positively represents ourselves and improves communications with others.

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Employee Health Now Offering Second Booster Shots to Team Members

Employee Health is offering second booster doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to team members who meet the criteria. Appointments are required and may be made by calling Employee Health (434.924.2013).

Preparations are underway for providing second booster doses to patients. Details are coming soon.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 1:06 p.m. April 13)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. April 13)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page

LEADERSHIP

Inspiring Work From Our Chaplains

In her new Vision and Voice blog post, Wendy Horton, Medical Center CEO, discusses our amazing chaplains who cover every corner of the Medical Center, crossing all areas, and provide exceptional care in times of the greatest need. Read more.

HAPPENINGS

Lecture: Cell Atlases as Roadmaps to Understand Health and Treat Disease

Monday, April 18 | 4-5 p.m. | Virtual | Register | Members of the UVA community are invited to attend the 2022 John F. Anderson Distinguished Lecture, presented by Aviv Regev, PhD, Executive Vice President and Global Head, Genentech Research and Early Development.

Have Ideas for Improving Patient Access? Share Them During Discussion Sessions With John Bennett

John Bennett, MPA, Chief Ambulatory Operations Officer, invites you to join him for informal discussions and listening sessions about the One Team | United on Access project during which attendees can provide feedback and offer ideas. This project began as the Bridge Plan Revenue Cycle Focus Area and has evolved into a stand-alone change initiative to redesign our entire patient access model. Discussion sessions are open to all team members. Limited capacity — sign up today.

• Wednesday, April 20 | noon-1 p.m. | In-Person | Northridge | Transitional Care Hospital, Third Floor Conference Room, 2965 Ivy Road | Sign up.
• Tuesday, April 26 | noon-1 p.m. | In-Person | McKim Hall, VP Conference Room 3001 | Sign up.
• Wednesday, May 18 | noon-1 p.m. | In-Person | UVA Fontaine Research Park Building 545, Second Floor Conference Room | Sign up.
• Wednesday, May 25 | 7 a.m.-8 a.m. | Virtual (link will be provided) | Sign up.

Nominate a Deserving Colleague for the Hoos Building Bridges Award

Deadline: Friday, April 22 | This award recognizes University staff or team members who demonstrate leadership and build thoughtful collaborations and relationships across schools, units, and/or departments that advance our work as an institution. Currently employed, salaried, and non-probationary University staff, classified staff, UPG staff, UVA Health team members, and Contingent Workers (UVA Foundation, Aramark, Morrisons) are eligible for consideration. Faculty are ineligible for this award. Nominate a colleague. Send questions to askHR@virginia.edu.

Save the Date: UVA Health Week

May 8-14 | UVA Health Week is just around the corner. Together, we will celebrate our team members with multiple events throughout the week. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.

APPRECIATION

Research and Discovery

While many at UVA Health deliver care to our patients or educate students about the delivery of such care, colleagues in the School of Medicine are conducting research that will shape the medicine we deliver tomorrow —- and how we deliver it. Recent research includes:

• a study about awareness of the HPV vaccine (Rajesh Balkrishnan, PhD)
• how lemon-shaped viruses get their form and how that discovery could lead to better ways to deliver drugs and vaccines (Edward Egelman, PhD)
• a blood-loss discovery, which could benefit efforts to develop new treatments for traumatic injuries (George Souza, PhD; Stephen Abbott, PhD)
• a study that upends common fertility advice about weight loss (Daniel Haisenleder, PhD)
• innovative ways to supercharge the immune system to defeat cancer (Daniel “Trey” Lee, MD; Lawrence Lum, MD)
• a powerful, inclusive new tool we developed for genomic research (Stephen Rich, PhD; Aakrosh Ratan, PhD)
• a potential way to battle the health effects of obesity and type 2 diabetes in women (Mete Civelek, PhD; Qianyi Yang, PhD)

This is a minute sampling of the research that occurs here daily. (More can be found in the UVA Health Newsroom.) We’re grateful to these investigators and to all who expand our knowledge of medical science. Thank you, researchers!

Monday, April 11, 2022

Earn While You Learn Program Offers On-the-Job Training With Pay

The Earn While You Learn program provides paid on-the-job training for numerous roles, including EMTs and pharmacy technicians. The program includes three months of training plus on-the-job training in the Emergency Department. Immediately upon program completion, you transition into a permanent role with a one-year commitment. All costs are covered while being paid to learn, and no healthcare experience is necessary. Must be at least 18 years old. Express interest in the program by completing this form.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 1:05 p.m. April 11)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. April 11)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page

Patient Care

New Changes in Epic

This month’s Epic updates will go live on Tuesday, April 12, and impact inpatient and ambulatory LIPs, ambulatory and inpatient nurses, and therapy services. Details about the latest changes can be found in the Epic Update Bundle. Questions? Contact the Help Desk at 434.924.5334.

Happenings

Black Maternal Health Week

April 11-17 | Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, the goal of Black Maternal Health Week is to amplify the voices of Black mothers and promote the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements. Read more on Connect. 

• All week | UVA Program: The Impact of Doulas on Black Maternal Health | Watch now.
• Tuesday, April 12 | Listening to the Living: Centering Black Women’s Birth Experiences | 5:30 p.m. | virtual | Registration required.
• Wednesday, April 13
  • It Takes a Village: Supporting Black Birthing Families in DC, MD, and VA | noon-1 p.m. | virtual | Registration required.
  • Health in Focus: Black Birth Workers | 2-3:30 p.m. | Webex | Registration required.

Transform Trauma: Neuroscience-Based Skills for Healing and Growth

Wednesday, April 13, and Monday, April 25 | Zoom | FEAP and Hoos Well invite you to a reward-eligible webinar exploring trauma-based knowledge to help you move forward from difficult times. Understand how our brains respond to trauma and learn skills that can help override automatic reactions. 

Medical Center Hour: Starting a Gender Affirming Surgery Program

Wednesday, April 13 | noon-1 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium and Zoom | Featuring Rachel Bluebond-Langner, MD, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Associate Professor of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at NYU Langone Health in New York City. Read more. 

Nominate a Colleague for Uteam Member of the Month

Deadline: 15th of Every Month | This program recognizes team members for their outstanding service to UVA Health and commitment to our ASPIRE values. Any team member, patient, or visitor may nominate an eligible team member, including individuals from UVA Medical Center, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and UVA Physicians Group. Nominate now.

Earth Day Every Day

UVA Sustainability is celebrating planet earth with a variety of events and activities. Here is what’s coming up this week:

• Tuesday, April 12
  • "Demystifying Solar" Demo + Rooftop Tour | 3:30-5 p.m. | Ridley Hall Room 206
  • W&M and UVA Climate Neutrality Webinar | 7-8 p.m. | Register.
• Wednesday, April 13 | Repair Lab Workshop: Jennifer Rubenstein | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | virtual | Register.
• Thursday, April 14
  • Green Labs Resource Fair | noon-3 p.m. | Pinn Hall Conference Center Auditorium
  • Saving Our Planet: Starting in Our Community | 7-8:30 p.m. | virtual | Register. 
• Friday, April 15
  • OYFA's Typhoon Relief Spikeball Tournament Fundraiser | 2-5 p.m. | South Lawn | Register. 
  • Bikes & Parts Drive for Community Bikes/CAMBC Social | 5:30-8 p.m. | 114 10th St NW, Charlottesville
  • "THE CHILDREN" (Play by Lucy Kirkwood) at Live Arts | 8 p.m. | Show runs through May 7. 
• Saturday, April 16 | Plant to Plate Garden Workday | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Morven Kitchen Garden
• Daily Through Saturday, April 30 | Close to Home: An Environmental Art Show | High Tor Gear Exchange

Mindfulness Offerings

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class | Tuesdays, April 26-June 21 | 4-6:30 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, June 4 | Zoom | Register.
• Mindfulness for UVA Healthcare Employees | Mondays, May 2-June 20 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, June 4 | Zoom | Register.
• Intro to Mindfulness Meditation | Tuesdays, Beginning May 3 | Zoom | Register | Learn more.

Appreciation

April Is Occupational Therapy Month

The Occupational Therapy (OT) Department is an integral part of patients’ recovery throughout the UVA Health. OT provides care in all adult intensive care units and acute care units, the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit/extended stay, the Emergency Department, inpatient and outpatient pediatrics, and Behavioral Health, which has an embedded team for psychiatric patients on 5 East. The team is responsible for the following:

• Starting the rehabilitation process
• Optimizing independence with self-care
• Thermoplastic splinting for protection and positioning
• Facilitating safe and successful discharge planning
• Facilitating early and safe functional mobilization

Thank you to the OT team for being a critical part of our patients’ healing journeys!

Friday, April 8, 2022

Nominate a Deserving Colleague for the Hoos Building Bridges Award

Deadline: Friday, April 22 | Launched in 2019, this award recognizes University staff or team members who demonstrate leadership and build thoughtful collaborations and relationships across schools, units, and/or departments that advance our work as an institution. Currently employed, salaried, and non-probationary University staff, classified staff, UPG staff, UVA Health team members, and Contingent Workers (UVA Foundation, Aramark, Morrisons) are eligible for consideration. Faculty are ineligible for this award. Nominate a colleague or see last year’s awardees here. Send questions to askHR@virginia.edu.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 1:05 p.m. April 8)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. April 8)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page

PATIENT CARE

Medical Care During Ramadan, April 2 to May 1

Ramadan began the evening of Saturday, April 2, and ends at sundown on Sunday, May 1. One of the fundamental principles in observing this holy month for followers of Islam is fasting during daylight, which includes not taking oral medications. Please be aware of this, and ask patients if they will be observing Ramadan. If so, it would be prudent to discuss a medication plan with them to insure optimal medical care while they observe this holy month. Read more on Connect.

OPERATIONS

Construction: Hospital Drive

A University project to enhance accessibility access on Hospital Drive will take place over the next month. The scope will include improvements to curb cuts and crosswalks. There will be no significant impact to pedestrian or vehicular traffic in the area.

Gift Shop: New Hours

University Hospital | In addition to its regular hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday), the Gift Shop is now open on Saturdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Stop by to find gifts to inspire, uplift, and comfort loved ones in the hospital. Buy candy, toiletries, balloons, puzzles, and books for people of every age. Proceeds benefit the Hospital Auxiliary's work helping patients and their families.

HAPPENINGS

UVA School of Medicine 5K Benefiting Camp Holiday Trails

Saturday, April 9 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Register | Runners/walkers are welcome to participate in this race around UVA Grounds to raise funds for Camp Holiday Trails. All registrants will receive a T-shirt and refreshments on race day. Learn more.

Got Ideas for Improving Patient Access? Share Them During Discussion Sessions With John Bennett

John Bennett, MPA, Chief Ambulatory Operations Officer, invites you to join him for informal discussions and listening sessions about the One Team | United on Access project during which attendees can provide feedback and offer ideas. This project began as the Bridge Plan Revenue Cycle Focus Area and has evolved into a stand-alone change initiative to redesign our entire patient access model. Discussion sessions are open to all team members. Limited capacity — sign up today.

• Wednesday, April 20 | noon-1 p.m. | In-Person | Northridge | Transitional Care Hospital, 3rd Floor Conference Room, 2965 Ivy Road | Sign up.
• Tuesday, April 26 | noon-1 p.m. | In-Person | McKim Hall, VP Conference Room 3001 | Sign up.
• Wednesday, May 18 | noon-1 p.m. | In-Person | UVA Fontaine Research Park Building 545, 2nd Floor Conference Room | Sign up.
• Wednesday, May 25 | 7 a.m.-8 a.m. | Virtual (link will be provided) | Sign up.

APPRECIATION

Thank You, UVA-WorkMed and Employee Health!

In honor of Occupational Health Nurses Week (April 3-9), we’d like to give a shout out to all of our hard-working colleagues at UVA-WorkMed and those in Employee Health. UVA-WorkMed provides occupational health services to UVA’s Academic Division, University Physicians Group, the Schools of Nursing and Medicine, contracted community employers, animal researchers, and the Physical Medicine and Rehab Ambulatory Clinic. It provides annual and new employee assessments, employee physicals, immunizations and lab tests, drug testing services, fitness for duty evaluations, and more. Also, its Health and Wellness Coach assists team members in managing chronic health conditions. Employee Health provides an incredible amount of services for our UVA Health team members, including drug screens, clearance of new hires, respirator fit testing, fitness for duty examinations, vaccinations, COVID prevalence testing, quarantining and return-to-work instructions, COVID vaccinations, workers’ compensation coordination, massage therapy, and more.

Thank you to all team members in UVA-WorkMed and Employee Health for caring for us — we appreciate you!

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Transplant Team Creates a Garden of Pinwheels to Honor Those Who Have Donated Life

Team members from the UVA Health Charles O. Strickler Transplant Center and LifeNet Health recently came together to install the 2nd Annual Pinwheel Garden for Donate Life Month. "We hope you find our garden as a place to remember and honor those who have given the gift of life and enhanced the lives of others through organ, eye, and tissue donation," says Amy Schmidt-Morris, Senior Adviser, Special Projects. Check out more photos of the garden, which you can visit in front of the West Complex, through April 30, on Connect. Register to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor with Donate Life Virginia.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 12:50 p.m. April 6)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. April 6)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page

Change Coming: Outpatient COVID Treatment Options at UVA Health

In treating outpatients who have mild-to-moderate symptoms of COVID and are at risk of progression to severe disease, clinicians should offer oral paxlovid as our preferred treatment.

We have also been offering the monoclonal antibody, sotrovimab, in situations when oral paxlovid cannot be used. However, the FDA announced yesterday that it is discontinuing use of sotrovimab because of its lack of efficacy in treating the omicron BA.2 variant. As a result, we will now offer two alternative infusion therapies: the commercially available antiviral IV remdesivir and the monoclonal antibody bebtelovimab. Both will be options when the preferred drug oral paxlovid cannot be used.

Another oral treatment, molnupiravir, can be prescribed as an alternative in instances when other COVID-19 treatment options authorized by FDA are not accessible or clinically appropriate.

For more information about infusions and how to refer patients go to FAQs for Providers: Infusions for outpatient COVID treatment and COVID outpatient therapy.​

Operations

Video: Behind the Scenes With MEDCOM

In her new Vision and Voice blog post, Wendy Horton, Medical Center CEO, visits the Medical Communications Center on the 10th floor of the South Tower where a special team keeps an eye on all communications, transit, and security. Read more.

Team Member Well-Being

Earn College Credits With UVA Edge

UVA Edge is a part-time online academic program for working adult students. Eligible UVA employees can use their Education Benefit to earn 20 transferable undergraduate credits over three semesters that could be applied toward a degree and develop human and digital skills for career advancement. The program is ideal for students without college experience or less than 30 credits. Learn more by visiting the UVA Edge website or join a virtual information session on Tuesday, April 19, or Wednesday, April 20. Contact edge@virginia.edu with any questions.

Happenings

2022 Black Medical Alumni Weekend

Friday, April 8, to Sunday, April 10 | Three days of events, recognition, and reconnection. Learn more and register.

Nominate a Deserving Colleague for the Hoos Building Bridges Award

Deadline: Friday, April 22 | This award recognizes University staff or team members who demonstrate leadership and build thoughtful collaborations and relationships across schools, units, and/or departments that advance our work as an institution. Currently employed, salaried, and non-probationary University staff, classified staff, UPG staff, UVA Health team members, and Contingent Workers (UVA Foundation, Aramark, Morrisons) are eligible for consideration. Faculty are ineligible for this award. Nominate a colleague. Send questions to askHR@virginia.edu.

Donate to the Cafeteria’s ‘Stop Food Waste’ Food Drive and Win a Pizza Party

Through Saturday, April 30 | Bring in non-perishable food items to the bins in the University Hospital Cafeteria and Wahoo West Café to benefit the UVA Children’s Food Pantry and the Blue Ridge Food Bank. Three departments/units who donate the most items will each receive pizza parties for their teams, and a special trophy will go to the first-place winner. Team members should take all their donations directly to the retail manager or supervisor on duty in the east or west café, so they can be tracked for the competition. Read more on Connect.

Save the Date: Social Issues in Medicine Community Poster Session

Thursday, May 5 | 5:15-6:45 p.m. | UVA Education Resource Center Auditorium | RSVP by Thursday, April 21 | The Social Issues in Medicine Community Poster Session recognizes first-year medical students and agency partners and their year-long work to improve community health outcomes. Questions? Contact Tammy Prailey at tdp9s@virginia.edu or 540.219.1706.

UVA Children’s Child Health Research Center: The 34th Annual Research Symposium

Thursday, May 26 | 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | In-person and Zoom | Featuring keynote speaker James P. Nataro, MD, PhD, MBA, Benjamin Armistead Shepherd Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics. Learn more.

Appreciation

What a Good Catch!

Good Catch Awards go to team members who go above and beyond to ensure patient safety by identifying and addressing something that could significantly impact a patient. UVA Health recently celebrated Olivia Shifflett, Sarah Mueller, Kelly Wallace, Cody Desper, and Suzanne Telfer (pictured). Congratulations! Each month, stories like theirs are uncovered through the Good Catch Award nominations. Any team member can nominate themselves or a colleague for the award. Learn more about the recent honorees and how to nominate on Connect.

Monday, April 4, 2022

Zero Is a Number Worth Celebrating for COVID ICU Team

As of April 2 at 8:39 p.m., 4 South/MICU West officially had no patients with COVID. Although additional patients with COVID have been admitted to the unit since then, the brief respite marked a notable milestone: it was the first time that the ICU COVID unit in the South Tower had no patients with COVID under care since opening in April 2020. To celebrate, team members enjoyed pizza and treats provided by the cafeteria.

While the pandemic is not over, moments like these should be celebrated. They are a bright light of hope after two years of hard work. Thank you to all team members who have cared for our patients, COVID and non-COVID alike. Take a moment today and look around. Remember where we were two years ago and see how far we have come due to team members like you. Here’s to hoping that, someday soon, the COVID-19 Current Patient Census table below will be filled with nothing but zeroes for all units. Until that day, thank you for your continued dedication.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 1:05 p.m. April 4)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. April 4)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page

2nd COVID Booster Shots to be Available Soon at UVA Health

The CDC has updated its COVID vaccination guidance and recommended a second booster shot for select populations:

• People ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may choose to receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least four months after their first booster dose.
• Adults ages 50 years and older who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised may choose to receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least four months after their first booster dose.
• People ages 18-49 years who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised and who received Janssen COVID-19 vaccine (Johnson & Johnson) as both their primary series dose and booster dose may receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least four months after their first Janssen booster dose.

Our Pharmacy and clinical teams are working with Epic, making updates to our protocol, and expect to begin offering second booster doses soon. Look for details in an upcoming issue of the UVA Health Update. More information about the CDC’s updated guidance can be found here and here.

OPERATIONS

Unlocking ED’s Doors

Tuesday, April 5 | 8 a.m. | In a return to pre-COVID standards, the Emergency Department front doors will be unlocked. These doors have been locked as a COVID precaution but, as restrictions ease, the health system will begin to follow standard practice for emergency access. The doors will continue to be staffed by Welcome Team members 24/7. Lockdown procedures will be controlled by security and police. Contact Vickie Marsh at VVM5R@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu or Bush Bell at BB9EF@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu with questions.

HAPPENINGS

Batter Up: Free Baseball and Softball Tickets

Virginia Sports is offering UVA Health team members free tickets to two upcoming games. Limit 2 per person. Additional general admission tickets may be purchased for $5.

• Wednesday, April 6 | 6 p.m. | Softball vs. James Madison University | Get tickets.
• Friday, April 22 | 6 p.m. | Baseball vs. The University of North Carolina | Get tickets.

Improve Your Epic Efficiency: New Monthly Webinar Series

Wednesday, April 6 | 5-5:30 p.m. | Register | Join host Mark Lepsch, MD, (Northridge Internal Medicine) for 30 minutes of high-yield, skills-related content that will immediately simplify your life in Epic. This session will focus on bringing simplicity and consistency to your navigator tabs (office visits, MyChart, and phone call encounters) and making you faster through level of service and visit diagnosis speed buttons. Those who register will be added to a master list to receive monthly invitations and a replay video link. Watch this video for an overview of the program and a preview of the next session’s material.

Earth Day Every Day

April 1-22 | UVA Sustainability is celebrating planet earth with a list of events and activities. Here is what’s coming up:

• Wednesday, April 6 | Water Supply to Native American Tribes Lecture with Daryl Vigil | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Darden CLR 160
• Thursday, April 7 | C3's Energy Clinic Lunch and Learn | noon-1 p.m. | Newcomb Conference Room 481
• Thursday, April 7 | Earth Day Meditation Series | 1-2 p.m. | Jefferson-Madison Regional Library
• Saturday, April 9 | Kayak & Clean Up at Ragged Mountain Reservoir | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1730 Reservoir Rd
• Sunday, April 10 | Sunday Corner Clean Up | 10 a.m.-noon | Madison Hall
• Daily Through Saturday, April 30 | Close to Home: An Environmental Art Show |High Tor Gear Exchange

Webinar: Learn How to Move Forward From Difficult Times

Wednesday, April 13, and Monday, April 25 | Zoom | FEAP and Hoos Well invite you to a reward-eligible webinar exploring trauma-based knowledge to help you move forward from difficult times. Understand how our brains respond to trauma and learn skills that can help override automatic reactions.

Lecture: Cell Atlases as Roadmaps to Understand Health and Treat Disease

Monday, April 18 | 4-5 p.m. | Virtual | Register | Members of the UVA community are invited to attend the 2022 John F. Anderson Distinguished Lecture, presented by Aviv Regev, PhD, Executive Vice President and Global Head, Genentech Research and Early Development.

Mindfulness Offerings

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class | Tuesdays, April 26-June 21 | 4-6:30 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, June 4 | Zoom | Register
• Mindfulness for UVA Healthcare Employees | Mondays, May 2-June 20 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Retreat: Saturday, June 4 | Zoom | Register
• Intro to Mindfulness Meditation | Tuesdays, Beginning May 3 | Zoom | Register | Learn more.

APPRECIATION

Celebrate Access Week 2022!

April 3-9 | The National Association of Healthcare Access Management’s (NAHAM) Access Week is a long-standing, annual tradition to raise awareness and celebrate Patient Access contributions. At UVA Health, we will be recognizing and celebrating the ongoing work of Access Teams across the health system as individual teams and as one team united. This year’s theme is Stronger Together: Embracing the Future, and this year’s suggested Spirit Week schedule has been thoughtfully created by Access Team Members for Access Team Members. Thank you to Patient Friendly Access team members, the Revenue Cycle Patient Access Team, Pre-Arrival Financial Clearance, the Revenue Cycle Training Team, and the Service Line and CPG Clinic Access Teams. You are the front-line workers at UVA Health, and we are grateful for your daily commitment to the care of our patients and their families. Read more on Connect.

Friday, April 1, 2022

Medicine in Motion, New Weekly Newsletter From the School of Medicine, Launches

Melina Kibbe, MD, Dean of the UVA School of Medicine, just launched the new site (with weekly email newsletters to School of Medicine faculty, trainees, team members, and students) to promote the accomplishments of members of the School and convey essential and timely information. Check out the site and submit news and events at news.motion.med.virginia.edu.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 2:50 p.m. April 1)

Workforce Impact (as of 4:30 a.m. April 1)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

(Information source: UVA Health Data Portal)
COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page

Patient Care

Medical Care During Ramadan, April 2 to May 1

Ramadan begins the evening of Saturday, April 2, and ends at sundown on Sunday, May 1. One of the fundamental principles in observing this holy month for followers of Islam is fasting during daylight, which includes not taking oral medications. Please be aware of this, and ask patients if they will be observing Ramadan. If so, it would be prudent to discuss a medication plan with them to insure optimal medical care while they observe this holy month. Read more on Connect. 

Operations

Blocked: Crispell Drive

Saturday, April 2 | 6 a.m.-6 p.m. | A crane will be parked on Crispell Drive to finish the cooling tower motor replacement at the Chiller Plant. During this time, Crispell Drive will be blocked from the intersection with Lane Road to the South Garage. The South Garage will remain open at all times. Traffic control and flaggers will be on site to direct traffic.

Hospital Cafeteria Wants Your Feedback

Survey Deadline: Friday, April 1 | Morrison Healthcare, UVA Health’s dining vendor, is seeking feedback on your experience at the east café. Fill out a survey to let them know how they did and how they can make your experience better next time. Take the survey now.

Happenings

Earth Day Every Day

April 1-22 | UVA Sustainability is celebrating planet earth with a variety of events and activities. Here is what’s coming up:

• Friday, April 1 | Opening reception for "Close to Home: An Environmental Art Show" | 6-8 p.m. | High Tor Gear Exchange | The exhibition will be available for viewing through April 30
• Friday, April 1 | “The Biggest Little Farm” Film Screening | 7-9:30 p.m. | Newcomb Hall 
• Saturday, April 2 | The Big Spring Thing at UVA's Student Garden | noon-2 p.m. | UVA Student Garden across from O-Hill Dining Hall

Donate to the Cafeteria’s “Stop Food Waste” Food Drive and Win a Pizza Party

Through Saturday, April 30 | Bring in non-perishable food items to the bins in the University Hospital Cafeteria and Wahoo West Café to benefit the UVA Children’s Food Pantry and the Blue Ridge Food Bank. Three departments/units who donate the most items will each receive pizza parties for their teams, and a special trophy will go to the first-place winner. Team members should take all their donations directly to the retail manager or supervisor on duty in the east or west café, so they can be tracked for the competition. Read more on Connect.

Improve Your Epic Efficiency: New Monthly Webinar Series

Wednesday, April 6 | 5-5:30 p.m. | Register | Join host Mark Lepsch, MD, (Northridge Internal Medicine) for 30 minutes of high-yield, skills-related content that will immediately simplify your life in Epic. This session will focus on bringing simplicity and consistency to your navigator tabs (office visits, MyChart, and phone call encounters) and making you faster through level of service and visit diagnosis speed buttons. Those who register will be added to a master list to receive monthly invitations and a replay video link. Watch this video for an overview of the program and a preview of the next session’s material.

2022 Black Medical Alumni Weekend

Friday, April 8, to Sunday, April 10 | Three days of events, recognition, and reconnection. Learn more and register. 

Nominate a Deserving Colleague for the Hoos Building Bridges Award

Deadline: Friday, April 22 | This award recognizes University staff or team members who demonstrate leadership and build thoughtful collaborations and relationships across schools, units, and/or departments that advance our work as an institution. Currently employed, salaried, and non-probationary University staff, classified staff, UPG staff, UVA Health team members, and Contingent Workers (UVA Foundation, Aramark, Morrisons) are eligible for consideration. Faculty are ineligible for this award. Nominate a colleague. Send questions to askHR@virginia.edu.

Join a UVA Affinity Group

UVA’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) bring individuals together who share common identities and interests. Learn more about two of UVA’s ERGs – one well-established and one brand new – and how to join:

• Black Faculty and Staff-Employee Resource Group | Formed in 2013, the Black Faculty and Staff-Employee Resource Group (BFS-ERG) aims to engage in the recruitment, mentorship, collegiality, professional development, and retention of its members. BFS-ERG serves as a voice for Black employees in matters relative to the intellectual, professional, and emotional betterment within the UVA community and beyond. Learn more.
• Latinx Employee Resource Group | The new Latinx Employee Resource Group has been working to recruit, welcome, and retain Latinx employees across Grounds through resource sharing, social events, and positive networking opportunities. Its members will work to foster a more inclusive environment for all Latinx members of faculty, administration, and staff and build networks and engagement with the Latinx community in the Charlottesville area. Interested? Join one of the upcoming kick-off events in May, or contact uvalatinxerg@virginia.edu for more information.

Appreciation

TCH Gets the Gold!

The Transitional Care Hospital (TCH) recently received Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval recertification for Respiratory Failure care. A symbol of quality, the Gold Seal of Approval signifies an organization's commitment to providing safe and effective patient care. TCH is the only hospital in Virginia to earn and maintain this certification. Congratulations TCH team, and thank you for your commitment to excellence and results! Read more on Connect.

Archive of previous UVA Health Updates

• March 30-July 31, 2020
• Aug. 3-Sept. 30, 2020
• Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2020
• Jan. 1-March 31, 2021
• April 1-30, 2021
• May 1-31, 2021
• June 1-30, 2021
• July 1-31, 2021
• Aug.1-31, 2021
• Sept.1-30, 2021
• Oct. 1-29, 2021
• Nov. 1-30, 2021
• Dec. 1-31, 2021
• Jan. 1-31, 2022
• Feb. 1-28, 2022
• March 2-30, 2022