Vaccination Clinic at Emily Couric Clinic Cancer Center (2nd Floor) Will Offer COVID-19 Vaccines to Team Members on Sept. 1 and 3

The temporary COVID-19 vaccination clinic on the 2nd floor of the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center will be open on Wednesday, Sept. 1, and Friday, Sept. 3, to provide shots to team members getting their first dose or who meet requirements for a third one. Team members should follow the signs to the back hallway on the second floor. Appointments can be scheduled through VaxTrax. The clinic is offering Pfizer and J&J vaccines. 

Important Note: The EC2 clinic is the only UVA Health location offering vaccinations to team members at this time, and it will operate on a limited schedule. Unvaccinated team members are advised that the clinic will be open only four more times (dates to be announced) before Sept. 27 — the latest day they can begin a two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and meet the November 1 deadline for full vaccination. Team members can also schedule appointments at community vaccination sites, which are listed on Vaccinate.Virginia.gov.

COVID-19

UVA Pharmacy Locations to Become UVA Health’s Primary Community Vaccination Sites | As of Wednesday, Sept. 1, the COVID Clinic in the West Complex will no longer provide COVID-19 vaccinations, and UVA Health pharmacy locations — including the UVA Outpatient Pharmacy at the Education Resource Center — will become our primary community vaccination sites. Appointments will be available from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be scheduled by calling 434.297.4VAX. The pharmacies are not offering walk-in vaccinations at this time.

Reminder: COVID-19 Pre-Procedural Testing Guidelines for Asymptomatic Patients | 4 Things You Need to Know | Pre-Procedural COVID-19 Testing remains a cornerstone in our mission to deliver expert care, safely. Because we are observing an increase in patients arriving for procedures who are unaware of, or were unable to complete Pre-Procedural Testing, the following guidance is being shared.

1. Patients should receive education on Pre-Procedural Testing requirements when the procedure is scheduled. Patient Education:
   • Adults | English, Spanish, “.COVIDADULTPREOPEDUCATION”
   • Children | English, Spanish, “.COVIDCHILDRENSPREOPEDUCATION”
2. Day of surgery COVID-19 testing is only available on a limited basis and intended as a last resort to avoid rescheduling the procedure. Day of surgery testing may cause delays to starting the case depending on patient presentation. Please counsel and schedule your patients for Pre-Procedural testing when the case is referred.
3. Patients who are admitted following a procedure will receive additional COVID-19 testing, per our Admission Testing protocols. Please counsel your patients about this guideline when admission is expected.
4. Patients should complete their Pre-Procedural COVID-19 test within 7 days before their scheduled procedure, ideally 2-4 days before. If the test is performed at an outside lab, a hard copy of results must be presented the day of surgery. 
   Exception: Patients who have had a positive test within the previous 120 days are excluded from Pre-Procedural COVID-19 Testing, as any new test within this time period will likely result as positive. After completing a quarantine period and symptoms have resolved, no delay to procedure is necessary for this patient population.

• Testing Guiding Principles: 
  • Admission
  • Pre-Procedural
• Workflows:
  • Admission | Adult, Children's, Women’s
  • Pre-Procedural | Adult, Patients with Special Needs
  • External Results with Lab DE
• Protocols Orders:
  • Pre-procedure COVID-19 Referral and Lab Protocol Order 

Additional guidance is available on the COVID-19 Resources page.

(COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page)

Happenings

Deadline: Annual Retraining Deadline for School of Medicine | Members of the School of Medicine have until Tuesday, Aug. 31, to complete the 2021 Annual Retraining course in Workday Learning. Full project details and FAQs can be found on the Annual Training project webpage.

UVA Health Managers: How to Run Performance Management Completion Reports, Deadlines Approaching | Managers can check the status of performance evaluations by running a Completion Report in Workday. If needed, please reference the job aid for this report. Upcoming due dates: 

• Aug. 31: Manager evaluations and acknowledgements due 
• Sept. 10: Team member acknowledgements due

Testing the Emergency Notification System | Tuesday, Aug. 31 | 10:50-11:05 a.m. | UVA Emergency Management will be testing the Emergency Notification System. This involves alerts on email, text, desktop, Vocera, and the siren/public address systems. At 11:05 a.m., an “all clear” communication will be sent which will end the exercise. No actions are required by team members. Read more on Connect. Questions?

• UVA's emergency notification system: Contact Emergency Management at UVAEM@virginia.edu or 434.982.0565.
• UVA Medical Center emergency notification system: Contact UVA Medical Center Emergency Management at HealthSystemEM@virginia.edu or 434.982.3196. 

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall | Wednesday, Sep. 15 | noon-1 p.m. | Sandridge Auditorium | K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders are inviting all team members to attend a town hall discussion about the top priorities and latest developments for our organization. Team members are welcome to attend in person (Sandridge Auditorium has a seating capacity of 154) or via livestreaming. A portion of the agenda will be devoted to live Q&A. More details and livestream link will be shared soon.

Appreciation

Here’s a Big Shout Out to Jermaine Muhammad and the Front Door Team! | Every Tuesday on social media UVA Health posts a new entry in the ongoing #TeamTuesday series, which showcases our team members. Last week, Jermaine Muhammad was highlighted. He is part of our front-door welcoming team. From the post: “These days, you’ll see him in front of the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center. He screens patients for COVID-19 symptoms, gets them a wheelchair if needed, and helps them get to parking, registration, and the various cancer clinics. Jermaine sees a few hundred patients every day. But he recognizes the ones who have frequent appointments, and they sometimes request him or ask where he’s been. Jermaine says he loves helping people. Before he started working at UVA last November, he had several jobs working with kids who had mental and behavioral health challenges. A Charlottesville native, he went to Charlottesville High School and then attended St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville. There, he majored in political science and minored in history. Jermaine has 7 kids, ranging in age from 1 to 25. He likes to read and travel, although his last trip was a cruise 2 years ago.”

A big shout-out to Jermaine and all of our colleagues who welcome patients at the front door. You all are a critical part of the UVA Health team and set the tone for every patient visit. Thank you for your kindness and courtesy!

Connect | One Future Together | UVA Human Resources
Faculty and Employee Assistance Program | Wisdom & Well-being Program

Previous Updates

Friday, Aug. 27

UVA Earns Comprehensive Cancer Designation

The UVA Cancer Center has been named a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, effective Feb. 1, 2022. This moves UVA into an elite group of 52 of the most outstanding cancer programs in the nation and makes UVA the only Comprehensive Cancer Center in the state of Virginia. To achieve this accomplishment, UVA ​showed national recognition and leadership, expanded research and innovation, and enhanced outreach and education. Read more about this achievement on Connect. Congratulations to all who contributed to this success! 

COVID-19 

Revised MyChart Message and Smartphrases Will Help Clinics Respond to Patient Inquiries About Third Dose Availability | The COVID-VAX Provider Toolkit has been updated with a revised MyChart message template and patient smartphrases in English and Spanish. These tools will continue to be updated as needed. 

New Tip Sheet: Requesting an Exemption From Mandated COVID-19 Vaccination | Team members interested in applying for either a medical or religious exemption from COVID-19 vaccination can find a new step-by-step tip sheet here. The exemption application deadline is Monday, Sept. 13.

Requested exemptions will be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team at UVA Health, and each request will be considered on an individual basis. With very few exceptions, medical conditions are generally not recognized as contraindications to COVID-19 vaccination and should not prevent team members from getting the vaccine.

• Team members with an existing medical flu shot exemption must submit a new exemption request for the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Team members with an existing religious flu shot exemption on file with Employee Health do not need to submit a separate exemption application for COVID-19.

UVA Health is Offering Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines to Team Members | Unvaccinated team members who schedule their first-dose appointment through VaxTrax can choose to receive either the Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine during one of the catch-up clinics now being offered in the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center. (Note: This is the only vaccination site currently providing team member vaccinations.) Those interested in receiving the Moderna vaccine should schedule an appointment at a community vaccination site. Visit Vaccinate.Virginia.gov to find a location.

(COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page)

Patient Care

3 North Has Reopened for Patient Care | Six beds are now open and being staffed for acute care COVID patients. Additional beds will become available in blocks of three until all 12 beds are open. Reopening is happening on a phased basis to allow 3 North to adjust its bed mix between acute and intensive care as the pandemic evolves.

Operations

Last Call: Final Day to Complete Strategic Planning Survey | Help shape the long-term vision and direction for UVA Health through the strategic planning process, One Future Together. You are invited to participate in a short online survey to share your thoughts and ideas. Survey responses due Friday, Aug. 27.

UVA Health Managers: How to Run Performance Management Completion Reports, Deadlines Approaching | Managers can check the status of performance evaluations by running a Completion Report in Workday. If needed, please reference the job aid for this report.

• Upcoming due dates: 
  • Aug. 31: Manager evaluations and acknowledgements due 
  • Sept. 10: Team member acknowledgements due

For additional job aids and resources or to view the classified staff timeline, visit the Performance Management webpage. Questions? Email AskHR@virginia.edu with the subject line "Performance Management Help."

UVA Nephrology Opens New Clinic in Lynchburg | Nephrology Lynchburg is now open and accepting new adult patients. The nephrologists at this location, Hanna Zaraket, MD, Assistant Professor, and Waqas Memon, MD, Assistant Professor, are dedicated to providing the best patient care possible for the treatment of kidney disorders. To refer a patient to UVA Nephrology Lynchburg, call UVA Physician Direct at 800.552.3723. Learn more.

Happenings

Discounted Football Tickets: UVA vs. William & Mary | Scott Stadium | Saturday, Sept. 4 | 7:30 p.m. |UVA Health team members can purchase $10 tickets for seats in the reserved lower-level sections 114-115. Limited supply. Don't miss out on your chance to root on the Hoos at Scott Stadium. Learn more.

Send a Happy Gram to a Deserving HUC | As National Health Unit Coordinator Week closes, don’t forget to send a HUC in your area a Happy Gram to thank them for all they contribute to the team! 

Appreciation

Thank you to the UVA Children’s Team! | A group of team members from UVA Children’s, led by the pediatric kidney care team, saw a need for a dedicated space to train and educate families on how to take care of their pediatric patients at home. Families of children that need home dialysis, for example, require several weeks of training. The team worked for months to create a child-friendly education room, which recently opened to patients at UVA Children’s. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Pediatric Nephrology Clinic and dialysis patient Hajra cut the ribbon herself. Thank you to the team who worked diligently to fill a gap in care for our pediatric patients! See photos of the event on Connect. 

Connect | One Future Together | UVA Human Resources
Faculty and Employee Assistance Program | Wisdom & Well-being Program

Wednesday, Aug. 25

UVA Health to Require All Team Members to Be Vaccinated for COVID-19 by Nov. 1

After seeing a steady decline in positive COVID-19 tests and hospitalizations this spring and early summer, the increasing number of new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks (particularly the highly transmissible delta variant) is a reminder that we must remain committed to protecting the health and well-being of our teams, communities and every patient who entrusts us with their care. In the interest of keeping our environment as safe and healthy as possible, the University of Virginia is working hard to ensure strong vaccination rates across faculty and staff as well as mandating vaccination for students. At UVA Health, we take this commitment — and this responsibility — seriously and will now require all team members without a religious or medical exemption to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 1, 2021. Any team member not meeting the vaccination requirement deadline will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Details about the vaccine requirement and resources for more information are available on the COVID-19 Vaccination Program site, including instructions for applying for a medical or religious exemption. Team members can get fully vaccinated at any vaccination site and can schedule appointments at a UVA Health vaccination site through VaxTrax. Please note that weekly COVID-19 testing is still required between vaccination doses (Moderna and Pfizer) and for 14 days after the last dose (or the first/only dose with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine). Those who were previously infected with COVID-19 are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they have recovered from clinical illness. A detailed timeline about key dates in this process can be found on Connect. Please take some time to read through the details and Frequently Asked Questions. 

Read the full announcement on Connect.

COVID-19

Just Announced: COVID Vaccine Clinic for UVA Health Team Members | 2nd Floor Infusion Hallway, Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center | Friday, Aug. 27 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | This special, by appointment-only vaccination clinic is being held to help team members meet mandatory vaccination requirements as soon as possible. Appointments can be scheduled in VaxTrax.

UVA Health Revises Visitation Limits | Effective Thursday, Aug. 26 | UVA Health will limit the number of visitors for UVA Medical Center inpatients, Emergency Department patients, patients undergoing procedures, and patients at the Transitional Care Hospital due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the community. Here are the visitation policy changes:

• Inpatients and Transitional Care Hospital: Patients may identify two designated visitors, who will be the only visitors permitted during the patient’s stay. The one designated visitor at the bedside may change out between 8 a.m.-9 p.m., and one designated visitor may stay at the bedside overnight. Previously, patients could have an unlimited number of visitors, with two visitors permitted bedside. In addition, family lounges on inpatient floors are closed to visitors.
• Emergency Department and procedural areas: Patients may have one designated visitor (two designated visitors were permitted previously).
• Other public spaces at UVA Medical Center: Open only for patients, staff, and designated visitors.
• Visitors must be 18 years old or older to be a designated visitor. 

Read more details, including exceptions, on Connect.

(COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page)

Operations

Calling All Team Members: Offer Your Suggestions as Strategic Planning Kicks Off | The initial phase of the “One Future Together” strategic planning process is underway, and your participation is needed. By submitting a comment, you can help shape UVA Health’s 10-year vision for our four missions: patient care, research, education, and community & health equity. Read more and share your ideas.

New Commuter Option: Afton Express | Begins Wednesday, Sept. 1 | BRITE Bus Transit Service will run the Afton Express, serving commuters from parking lots in Staunton, Fishersville, and Waynesboro with stops at Bavaro Hall, Pinn Hall/Health Sciences Library, the Amtrak Station, Downtown, and Wegmans. The service is free for the month of September. Starting in October, the fare will be $3 each way with discounted fare cards available. Morning service starts in Fishersville and provides four trips arriving at the Medical Center between 6:10 a.m. and 8:35 a.m. Afternoon service from the Medical Center provides four return trips departing between 3:10 p.m. and 6:10 p.m. Read more.

Happenings

Newly Released: August Vision and Voice Video | In her latest Vision and Voice video post, Medical Center CEO Wendy Horton applauds team members for helping with the recent Joint Commission visit. In her other August blog entries, Horton described the progress being made in planning for discharge upon admission and also shared tips to avoid burnout. Read more. 

Apply for a Nursing Scholarship | Deadline: Monday, Aug. 30 | The Annual Nursing Scholarship program supports nursing and non-nursing Medical Center team members who wish to pursue a nursing degree. The program is enhanced for 2021, including increased funding and expanded eligibility. Read more and apply now.

UVA Medical Center Sickle Cell Month Blood Drive | Tuesday, Sept. 7 | noon-5 p.m. | Quayle Learning Center | Patients fighting sickle cell disease may require blood transfusions to avoid health crises. You can help ensure that these patients get the treatments they need by donating blood at this month's drive. Appointments required. Sign up by emailing giveblood@virginia.edu. Read more on Connect.

Appreciation

Thank You, Clinic Teams! The School of Medicine Students, Staff, and Faculty Appreciate Your Support | The Patient Student Partnership (PSP) program is about to reach an important milestone: our current fourth-year students, the Class of 2022, will be the first to be active in the program for all four years of their medical education. PSP pairs medical students with patients with chronic illnesses who receive ongoing care at UVA Health. PSP matches begin during a student’s first year and continue through all four years of medical school. The longevity of these relationships allows students to observe the trajectory of chronic illness, learn relational skills by building and maintaining their first doctor-patient relationship, and act as advocates while learning how healthcare is received from the patients’ point of view. This fall, approximately 529 patients will be involved in the PSP program.

Thank you to all who work in our clinics and have welcomed our students as part of the healthcare team. You are playing a vital role in the education of these soon-to-be physicians as they advocate for their patients in the PSP program. Our current and future patients will be better cared for — because of you. And thank you to our students for being such wonderful patient advocates. Read more on Connect.

Connect | One Future Together | UVA Human Resources
Faculty and Employee Assistance Program | Wisdom & Well-being Program

Monday, Aug. 23

Clarification: UVA Health Is Limiting Third-Dose Vaccinations to Patients Who Meet Immunocompromised Criteria

The UVA Health COVID Clinic reports that patients who do not meet the CDC’s immunocompromised criteria required for third-dose eligibility are calling and coming into the clinic. This situation has been stressful for both patients and clinic teams. To alleviate confusion and misunderstanding, please help get the word out to your family and friends that UVA Health is currently administering third doses to patients who meet immunocompromised criteria, and we are not making exceptions at this time. The CDC’s immunocompromised criteria can be found here.

COVID-19 

UVA Health Visitation Changes Begin Thursday, Aug. 26 | UVA Health will limit the number of visitors for UVA Medical Center inpatients, Emergency Department patients, patients undergoing procedures, and patients at the Transitional Care Hospital due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the community. Here are the visitation policy changes:

• Inpatients and Transitional Care Hospital: Patients may identify two designated visitors, who will be the only visitors permitted during the patient’s stay. The one designated visitor at the bedside may change out between 8 a.m.-9 p.m., and one designated visitor may stay at the bedside overnight. Previously, patients could have an unlimited number of visitors, with two visitors permitted bedside. In addition, family lounges on inpatient floors are closed to visitors.
• Emergency Department and procedural areas: Patients may have one designated visitor (two designated visitors were permitted previously).
• Other public spaces at UVA Medical Center: Open only for patients, staff, and designated visitors.

Read more details, including exceptions, on Connect.

Medical Center Reports Stable Supply of PPE | As UVA Health continues its ongoing response to COVID-19, the Medical Center is reporting a plentiful amount of PPE thanks to regular shipments and expanded storage. In the spring, the Medical Center secured an additional local warehouse to increase storage capacity and consolidate inventory. The Medical Center has a goal to have at least six-months supply of critical PPE items — like masks, gowns, gloves, and eye protection — at all times. Medical Center Supply Chain continues to actively monitor PPE inventory and performs weekly reporting to regulatory agencies. Read more on Connect.

(COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page)

Patient Care

Managers and Team Members: Sign Up Today for Glucose Meter Training | New System Goes Live Tuesday, Sept. 14 | In-person training classes are now underway for the Nova StatStrip point-of-care glucose meter which will replace the Roche Accu-Chek devices on Sept. 14. Operators will be unable to access the new system unless they have completed the two-step training process that includes a five-minute module in Workday and an in-person training session. In-person classes are available through Friday, Sept. 10. Enrollment steps and other details can be found on Connect.

Clinicians: Track Third-Dose Administration in Epic | Historical Immunization documentation now allows clinicians to document that a patient has received a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Doses administered at UVA Health will be automatically tracked. Operations

Coming Soon: New, More User-Friendly Look for Workday | Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 1, UVA team members will notice a new look when enrolling in or making changes to their health, retirement, and other electable benefits in Workday. The more user-friendly tile layout will make benefit selections and changes easier. Learn more and preview the new look.

Happenings

Annual Retraining Deadline for School of Medicine Is Next Week | Members of the School of Medicine have until Tuesday, Aug. 31, to complete the 2021 Annual Retraining course in Workday Learning. Full project details and FAQs can be found on the Annual Training project webpage.

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall | Wednesday, Sep. 15 | noon-1 p.m. | Sandridge Auditorium | K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders are inviting all team members to attend a town hall discussion about the top priorities and latest developments for our organization. Team members are welcome to attend in person (Sandridge Auditorium has a seating capacity of 154) or via livestream. A portion of the agenda will be devoted to live Q&A. More details and livestream link will be shared soon.

FY21 Year-End Review Deadlines Approaching for Leaders:

• UVA Health Managers: Manager evaluations, 1:1s with team members, and manager acknowledgements are due Tuesday, Aug. 31. 
• Classified Staff Managers (School of Medicine and Claude Moore Health Sciences Library): Manager evaluations and FY22 goals are due Tuesday, Aug. 31. Secondary Reviewer approvals are due Friday, Sept. 10.

Free Mindfulness for UVA Health Team Members Class | Wednesdays, Sept. 15-Nov. 3 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Daylong Retreat: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 16 | Zoom | The class includes mindfulness meditation, mindful movement, and other mindfulness practices that have been adapted specifically for healthcare professionals. Register.

Appreciation

Happy National Health Unit Coordinator Week! | A big thank you goes out to all the HUCs who keep their areas running smoothly. You are so appreciated for each and every contribution you make to the nursing and interprofessional teams every day. Thank a HUC in your area by sending a Happy Gram, arranging a special token of gratitude, or congratulating all 14 nominees for the HUC of the Year Award (to be announced soon!). Thank you, HUCs!

Connect | One Future Together | UVA Human Resources
Faculty and Employee Assistance Program | Wisdom & Well-being Program

Friday, Aug. 20

Be Heard Suggestion From Team Member Leads to Availability of More Communicator Masks 

Communicator masks, which have a transparent panel that allows individuals who are hearing impaired to read lips, have been available at Medical Center building entrances and upon request. However, Kim Mechling, RN, Care Coordinator, recently sent an email to leadership asking that the communicator masks be more broadly available to all team members in support of patients and colleagues who are hearing impaired. In her email, she said those with hearing impairments “cannot understand crucial instructions if they cannot read lips ... It would be great if UVA just stepped up and offered [them].” We heard you, Kim! As a result of Kim’s concern, units can now easily request communicator masks from Supply Chain through a streamlined ordering process. Order now: Email G Storeroom Orders or call 434.982.6712. Submit your ideas via the Be Heard form on Vision and Voice blog.

COVID-19

Elective Cases That Require Inpatient Admission Are Being Rescheduled | Aug. 23-Sept. 3 | While UVA Health is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 volumes, we are also experiencing a large demand for all of our expert services. To ensure we are able to provide the safest care for our patients and care environment for our teams, we are assessing OR and non-OR procedural cases based on the tier system previously developed:

• Tier 1: Purely elective | Case can be scheduled at any time without risk to the patient (e.g., aesthetic or cataract surgery). 
• Tier 2: Medically Necessary, Time-sensitive | Case delay will lead to a decrement in patient outcome (e.g., progressive deterioration of a joint or nerve condition, delay will lead to a poor outcome, increased pain or further disability). 
• Tier 3: Critical | Case delay will lead to imminent harm (e.g., malignancy, unstable cardiac disease, neurological deficits).

At this time, UVA Health is making plans to reschedule OR and non-OR procedural Tier 1 cases that require admission to an inpatient bed Aug. 23-Sept. 3. Cases that do not require admission should not be affected. Tier 2 cases will be closely evaluated based on both the risk of progression of the condition and a patient’s susceptibility to illness. Individualized patient-centric decisions will be made for rescheduling. Tier 2 cases may need to be prioritized based on bed availability. Tier 3 cases will proceed as scheduled.

Leaders will continue to meet daily to assess patient census and staffing resources to understand if there is a need to make any changes to this plan. Please note: We are not canceling elective cases, merely rescheduling them out of an abundance of caution. Thank you for your hard work and ongoing commitment to exceptional care as we work through the staffing challenges that are affecting us and hospitals across the nation.

(COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page)

Happenings

Get Ready to Celebrate National Health Unit Coordinator Week | Aug. 23-27 | Thank you to all of the health unit coordinator (HUC) colleagues at UVA Health for the contributions they make to our nursing and interprofessional teams every day. Take this special opportunity to celebrate our HUCs by sending them a personal message with a Happy Gram, consider doing something special in your area, and celebrate the nominees for this year’s awards!

Discounted Football Tickets: UVA vs. William & Mary | Scott Stadium | Saturday, Sept. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | UVA Health team members can purchase $10 tickets for seats in the reserved lower-level sections 114-115. Limited supply. Don't miss out on your chance to cheer on the Hoos at Scott Stadium. Learn more.

Appreciation

Joint Commission Survey Concludes | This week we welcomed a team of surveyors from The Joint Commission, which provides invaluable third-party validation of all the hard work we do to ensure compliance with our policy as well as federal and state laws. This process has been thorough and gave us an opportunity to demonstrate the high standards we hold for ourselves and for the care of our patients. While this survey process was demanding, it was collaborative and allowed us to show off the exceptional work we do and care we deliver every day. Thank you to all who had interactions with the surveyors or who supported team members who did. Your excitement and dedication to your craft shined bright this week. Thanks to the phenomenal escorts and scribes who helped guide surveyors to clinics, both on Grounds and throughout central Virginia. Big shout-outs for amazing support and responsiveness go to Nutrition Services, Clinical Engineering, Human Resources, Pharmacy, and Facilities (to name a few). All UVA Health team members did a wonderful job in helping us complete another Joint Commission survey. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Connect | One Future Together | UVA Human Resources
Faculty and Employee Assistance Program | Wisdom & Well-being Program

Tuesday, Aug. 18

Joint Commission Survey Day 3 Takeaways

After another busy survey day, thank you for doing such a great job! You have made our surveyors feel welcome by eagerly interacting with them and showing off your areas. We are more than halfway to the conclusion of our very important triennial accreditation process. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Corridor clutter — Clear items from the hallways when not in use, including empty boxes, shipping boxes, etc.
• Emergency equipment access — Do not block access to code carts, eye wash stations, etc.
• Disposable items — Do not reuse these items.

And remember, if asked a question by a surveyor and you don’t know the answer, it’s OK. Simply tell the surveyor what you would do to find out (e.g., “I would ask the shift manager or unit manager,” or, “I would look at the unit Red Book or policy manual.”)

COVID-19 

UVA Health Needs Your Help Increasing Visitor Mask Usage | Despite the return to universal masking, which requires everyone to be masked in all UVA Health facilities at all times, UVA Health is experiencing more visitors not wearing masks. If mask use does not improve and COVID-19 cases continue to increase, there may be a need to further restrict visitors and limit their access to public spaces. The mask requirement applies to everyone two years old and older, including team members, patients, family members, and other visitors. For convenience, masks are provided at all entrances. Read more on Connect. 

Administration of Third Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine Now Underway at UVA Health | Patients and team members with weakened immune systems can now schedule appointments to receive their third dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at two UVA Health facilities in Charlottesville. At this time, an additional dose for those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has not been authorized. (For details, read the guidance from the CDC here.) 

Although no one is required to provide proof of their third-dose eligibility, everyone must complete an attestation form during the scheduling process to confirm they belong in one of the immunocompromised categories identified by the CDC. 

If you are considering getting an additional dose, it is important to know the following:

• You must get the same vaccine that you previously received
• You should wait at least four weeks (28 days) between your second and third shot.
• Details for Team Members 
  • Appointments can be scheduled in VaxTrax or by calling 434.297.4829.
  • Employee Health is offering Moderna third-dose vaccinations, and appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8-10 a.m.
  • Third doses of the Pfizer vaccine are being offered to team members at the COVID Clinic in the West Complex and at the UVA Outpatient Pharmacy at the Education Resource Center on Lee Street.
  • If you have questions or concerns, please talk with your provider before scheduling your appointment.
• Details for Patients and Community Members 
  • Third doses of both vaccines are available at the COVID Clinic in the West Complex and the UVA Outpatient Pharmacy at the Education Resource Center on Lee Street. 
  • To schedule an appointment, contact the UVA Health COVID Call Center at 434.297.4VAX (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) or use the self-scheduling link on the UVA Health website. 
  • If you have questions or concerns, please talk with your provider before scheduling your appointment.

(COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page)

Patient Care

Deadline Alert: Glucose Meter Operators Must Complete Training to Access New System | Go-Live: Tuesday, Sept. 14 | To meet regulatory requirements, UVA Health is replacing its Roche Accu-Chek point of care glucose monitoring system with Nova StatStrip devices. Many glucose meter operators — which includes nearly 6,000 team members — have not yet completed a five-minute module in Workday or a brief in-person training session that is required to gain access to the new system. Enrollment steps and other details can be found on Connect.

Operations

1 Week Left to Complete Strategic Planning Survey | Help shape the long-term vision and direction for UVA Health through the strategic planning process, One Future Together. You are invited to participate in a short online survey to share your thoughts and ideas. Survey responses due Friday, Aug. 27.

New Commuter Option: Afton Express | Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 1, BRITE Bus Transit Service will run the Afton Express, serving commuters from parking lots in Staunton, Fishersville, and Waynesboro with stops at Bavaro Hall, Pinn Hall/Health Sciences Library, the Amtrak Station, Downtown, and Wegmans. The service is free for the month of September. Starting in October, the fare will be $3 each way with discounted fare cards available. Morning service starts in Fishersville and provides four trips arriving at the Medical Center between 6:10 a.m. and 8:35 a.m. Afternoon service from the Medical Center provides four return trips departing between 3:10 p.m. and 6:10 p.m. Read more. 

Happenings

Apply for a Nursing Scholarship | Deadline: Monday, Aug. 30 | The Annual Nursing Scholarship program supports nursing and non-nursing Medical Center team members who wish to pursue a nursing degree. The program has been enhanced for 2021 to include increased funding and expanded eligibility. Read more and apply now.

FY21 Year-End Review Deadlines Approaching for Leaders:

• UVA Health Managers: Manager evaluations, 1:1s with team members, and manager acknowledgements are due Tuesday, Aug. 31. 
• Classified Staff Managers: Manager evaluations and FY22 goals are due Tuesday, Aug. 31. Secondary Reviewer approvals are due Friday, Sept. 10.

Appreciation

In Search of the Good | Thank you to Kim Mechling, RN, Care Coordinator, and our other UVA Health colleagues for finding rays of light during these difficult and strenuous times. Kim recently implemented Positive Fridays, an uplifting weekly email that she was inspired to create after spending months in a coma. The purpose is to encourage team members to recognize anyone who made their week a little better, especially teammates who often go unnoticed. “Our days can be really difficult, especially when a patient is not doing well, but there are always things we can be thankful for,” says Kim. “Gratitude is a choice.” Thank you, Kim and everyone else, who is searching for the good! Read Kim’s full story on Connect. 

Connect | One Future Together | UVA Human Resources
Faculty and Employee Assistance Program | Wisdom & Well-being Program

Monday, Aug. 16

Joint Commission on Site | Triennial Visit Is Underway

Surveyors from The Joint Commission will be here through Friday, Aug. 20. The Joint Commission provides invaluable third-party validation of the work we do to ensure compliance with our policy as well as federal and state laws. Please follow these important safety reminders at all times.

Universal Masking

• A universal masking policy is in place that requires a mask to be worn at all times within the health system (unless alone in a private office).
  • Hand Hygiene — Be diligent about hand hygiene practices.
  • Hoos Health Check — Remember to complete the required daily Hoos Health Check wellness attestation (required for all team members).
  • ID Badges — ID badges must be worn at all times and must be worn above the waist.
  • Gray Scrubs — Gray scrubs are to be worn inside the health system only (they are not permitted outside the building at any time).
  • Food/drink — Please keep food and drink in approved areas only.

COVID-19 

Help Prevent COVID-19 Exposures at Work by Taking These Steps | Care providers and other team members can help protect themselves, colleagues, and patients from COVID-19 exposures by taking the following precautions:

• Wear mask/eye protection during all patient interactions.
• When taking a lunch break (or doing anything that requires unmasking):
  • Eat alone or position yourself at least six feet away from others.
  • Limit unmasking time to < 15 minutes.
• Limit the number of people using a shared breakroom so everyone can stay at least 6 feet apart.
• Do not provide food or drink during in-person conferences or meetings.

Reminder: Everyone Must Be Masked in All UVA Health Facilities at All Times | This requirement applies to everyone two years old and older, including team members, patients, family members, and other visitors. UVA Health is experiencing more visitors not wearing masks, and leadership asks that team members remind visitors that masks are required for the safety of all. If mask use does not improve and COVID-19 cases continue to increase, there may be a need to further restrict visitors and limit their access to public spaces. For convenience, masks are provided at all entrances. Read more about the return to universal masking on Connect.

EMR Change Will Help Track Third Dose Administration | To assure accurate record-keeping, Historical Immunization documentation now allows clinicians to indicate that a patient has received a third dose of Pfizer or Moderna. More details about third dose availability for patients and team members will be provided later this week.

(COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page)

Happenings

Deadline Approaching for School of Medicine: Complete Your 2021 Annual Retraining Now | Members of the School of Medicine have until Tuesday, Aug. 31, to complete the 2021 Annual Retraining course in Workday Learning. Full project details and FAQs can be found on the Annual Training project webpage. 

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall | Wednesday, Sep. 15 | noon-1 p.m. | Sandridge Auditorium | K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders are inviting all team members to attend a town hall discussion about the top priorities and latest developments for our organization. Team members are welcome to attend in person (Sandridge Auditorium has a seating capacity of 154) or via livestreaming. A portion of the agenda will be devoted to live Q&A. More details and livestream link will be shared soon.

Appreciation

Thank You, Educators and Mentors! | At the recent Graduate Bioscience Society Symposium, the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program recognized the achievements of three trainees. Ashley Bolte and Shambhavi Singh were named as the 2021 recipients of the Michael J. Peach Outstanding Graduate Student Award and the Jill E. Hungerford Prize in Biomedical Sciences, respectively, and Róża Przanowska was honored with the 2021 Graduate Biosciences Student Leadership Award.

Bolte’s dissertation work was titled “Meningeal Lymphatic Dysfunction Exacerbates Traumatic Brain Injury Pathogenesis” and her research focused on the role of the recently discovered brain lymphatic system in the causes and consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Singh’s dissertation work, “In Situ Gene Expression Profiling of Heterogeneous Cancer Cell States In Breast and Lung Carcinomas,” led to several major advancements in the cell profiling technique established by the Janes’ lab. Przanowska’s research focused on the role of non-coding RNAs in skeletal muscle differentiation and led to multiple publications, including two first-author publications in Molecular and Cellular Biology and FASEB Journal.

Thank you to mentors John Lukens, PhD; Kevin Janes, PhD; Anindya Dutta, MBBS, PhD; and to all of our wonderful faculty and staff who support our students in their education and training — they couldn’t do it without you! Read more about the work of these amazing trainees on Connect.

Connect | One Future Together | UVA Human Resources
Faculty and Employee Assistance Program | Wisdom & Well-being Program

Friday, Aug. 13, 2021

Reminder: Everyone Must Be Masked in All UVA Health Facilities at All Times

This requirement applies to everyone two years old and older, including team members, patients, family members, and other visitors. UVA Health is experiencing more visitors not wearing masks, and leadership asks that team members remind visitors that masks are required for the safety of all. If mask use does not improve and COVID-19 cases continue to increase, there may be a need to further restrict visitors and limit their access to public spaces. For convenience, masks are provided at all entrances. Read more about the return to universal masking on Connect.

COVID-19 

UVA Health Awaiting Guidance from ACIP Before Administering Added COVID Vaccine Doses | Calls and emails from patients have already begun pouring into UVA Health clinics following yesterday’s decision by the Food and Drug Administration to allow some immunocompromised individuals to receive a third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Planning is now underway to expand UVA Health vaccination activities, and details will be determined after the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) provides guidance on how the added doses should be administered.

Where Can Asymptomatic, Vaccinated Team Members Get Tested for COVID-19? | Employee Health has experienced an uptick in inquiries from “worried well” team members — those who are asymptomatic and vaccinated, yet wanting to confirm their COVID-19 status. Team members can schedule an asymptomatic test via Time2Test and book an appointment on Grounds at either the COVID Clinic in the West Complex or the Student Activities Building. (Note: there are no satellite locations currently performing asymptomatic testing.)

COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Available at ERC Pharmacy, Coming to Other UVA Health Outpatient Pharmacies Soon | Appointments for the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are now available at the Education Resource Center Pharmacy. Walk-in vaccinations are slated to be available at the ERC Pharmacy within two weeks, and vaccinations will be available at other outpatient pharmacies soon. Read more details and information about scheduling on Connect. 

Got Questions About Vaccination? | Email CovidVax@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu.

(COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page)

Operations

University Transit Service (UTS) Change in Redline and Blueline Morning Schedule | Starting Monday, Aug. 16 | Parking demand requires UTS to make the following minor change to operational times of the Redline and Blueline beginning Monday, Aug. 16: 

• UTS will service Scott Stadium lots 5-8 a.m. (changed from 8:30 a.m.)
• Redline Express will continue to serve riders at Bryant Hall 5-6 a.m.
• The Redline will operate 6-8 a.m. with the last bus leaving Scott Stadium at 8 a.m. 
• UTS Blueline will service the Emmet/Ivy Garage (EIG) beginning at 8 a.m. 
• There is no change to the afternoon and evening commuter routes. 

For additional details, visit the Parking & Transportation website.

Coming Soon: New, More User-Friendly Look for Workday | Beginning Sept. 1, UVA team members will notice a new look when enrolling in or making changes to their health, retirement, and other electable benefits in Workday. This more user-friendly tile layout will make benefit selections and changes easier. Learn more and preview the new look. 

Happenings

Discounted Football Tickets: UVA vs. William & Mary | Scott Stadium | Saturday, Sept. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | UVA Health team members can purchase $10 tickets for seats in the reserved lower-level sections 114-115. Limited supply. Don't miss out on your chance to root on the Hoos at Scott Stadium. Learn more.

Appreciation

Celebration of Heroes | The Central Virginia Chapter of the American Red Cross recently recognized five team members for providing extraordinary patient care, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the annual 2021 Celebration of Heroes. The honorees — Sarah Borgquist, RN; Charlotte Lineberry, RN; Drew Shifflett, RN; Jacob McQuiggan, RN; and Christopher Holstege, MD — shared their stories during the awards ceremony, which you can watch on Connect. Congratulations to the honorees and thank you for providing a distinguished experience for patients and their families!

Connect | One Future Together | UVA Human Resources
Faculty and Employee Assistance Program | Wisdom & Well-being Program

Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021

Support the Strategic Planning Process: Submit Your Suggestions Now

Help shape the long-term vision and direction for UVA Health through the strategic planning process, One Future Together. You are invited to participate in a short online survey to share your thoughts, ideas, and vision for UVA Health. Survey responses due Friday, Aug. 27.

COVID-19 

ERC Pharmacy Now Offering Community COVID-19 Vaccinations by Appointment | 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Monday through Friday | Thanks to our outpatient pharmacy at the Education Resource Center (ERC) on Lee Street, members of the community have a new option for getting their COVID-19 shot. To supplement the capacity of the COVID Clinic in the West Complex, the pharmacy is now offering community vaccinations by appointment five days a week and plans to become a walk-in vaccination site in the near future. The COVID Call Center is scheduling appointments for both the COVID Clinic and ERC Pharmacy and can be contacted at 434.297.4829 (4VAX).

(COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page)

Patient Care

Important Joint Commission Survey Preparation Reminders for Epic Providers | Recent observations identified these two opportunities for increasing compliance with UVA Health policies as we prepare for our Joint Commission survey:

1. All Medical Center consents require these elements:

• Relationship to patient (check box)
• Provider signature, date, time, and PIC
• Patient signature, date, and time

2. All inpatient Admission H&P clinical documentation must use an approved note template in Epic. Several improvements to the Admission H&P note templates makes them easier to use, including new auto-populated fields such as Chief Complaint. You may still use custom SmartPhrases within these templates, but not as a substitute for the entire note. Learn more here:

• Tip Sheet - List of approved templates and how to find them
• Visit the Admission H&P webpage for important FAQs, guidelines, and support requests

Policy Clarification: One Overnight Bedside Visitor Is Still Allowed | Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the community, the Medical Center and Transitional Care Hospital will begin limiting visitation hours to 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. as of Thursday Aug. 12. During visitation hours, only two visitors at a time will be allowed at the bedside; overnight, one visitor/family member can stay with a patient. All other visitation guidance and exceptions remain in place. Mask use is required. Details:

• There is no limit on the number of visitors an inpatient can have each day
• Visitors must be at least 12 years old
• During visitation hours, visitors not at the bedside are welcome to wait in family lounges, lobbies, cafeterias, or other public spaces

Operations

Dr. Reid Adams to Continue as Chief Medical Officer; Search Begins for Chair of Surgery |Reid B. Adams, MD, has elected to continue in the role of Chief Medical Officer and relinquish the Chair of Surgery role. Melina Kibbe, MD, incoming Dean of UVA School of Medicine, will immediately launch what is expected to be a highly competitive national search for a new Chair of Surgery. Read more on Connect. Congratulations, Dr. Adams!

Pneumatic Tube Planned Outage | Sunday, Aug. 15 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | University Hospital | The pneumatic tube system will be unavailable during this time and will cause delays in specimen, blood, and paramedical deliveries. Couriers will be available during the outage. To request a courier, departments should contact Resource Support at 2-1600 and state if the request is routine or stat. Contact Nina Green, Associate Director, Health System Physical Plant, at nlg2n@virginia.edu with questions.

Coming This Weekend: New Electronic Access Request Platform | The Access Management Platform (AMP) is scheduled to replace the current Online Access Request (OAR) on Saturday, Aug. 14. Here’s what you need to know:

• The HIT AMP Project webpage is your key resource for support. 
• A brief, three-hour downtime for electronic access requests will take place 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Aug. 14 

 Questions? Please contact HIT Security at MCCSecurity@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu or 434.924.5334. 

Happenings

Apply for a Nursing Scholarship | Deadline: Monday, Aug. 30 | The annual Nursing Scholarship program supports nursing and non-nursing Medical Center team members who wish to pursue a nursing degree. The program is enhanced for 2021, including increased funding and expanded eligibility. Read more and apply now.

Appreciation

Thank You for Being “Sharp”! | In fiscal year 2021, UVA Health reported 47 fewer sharps injuries than the previous year, for a total of 78. The significant decrease is attributed to every team member’s dedication to standard work regarding hot needles, hands-free zones for procedures, and the use of safety engineered sharps. Also, the Sharps Coalition worked to prioritize safety needles during supply backorders, change sharps disposal boxes, and emphasize reporting of events and learnings. Thank you for helping to keep each other safe by following standard work and raising issues that ensure conditions are safe for all team members!

Connect | One Future Together | UVA Human Resources
Faculty and Employee Assistance Program | Wisdom & Well-being Program

Monday, Aug. 9, 2021

Universal Masking Is Now in Effect

All team members are expected to be masked in all UVA Health facilities and buildings, including clinical and nonclinical spaces. Masks can be removed when actively eating or drinking or when alone in a closed space, like an office.

Due to an increase in COVID-19 exposure from lack of eye protection, it is essential that all team members follow current policy for masking, eye protection, and respirator use when providing patient care.

Everyone should continue to practice behaviors that maximize protection against and help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Mask in any public indoor space
• Clean hands often
• Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces

Read more about the return to universal masking on Connect.

COVID-19

Got Questions About Vaccination? | Email CovidVax@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu.

Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms or Worried About a Possible Exposure? | Employee Health (EH) asks team members to take the following actions when they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or are concerned about having been exposed to it:

(COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page)

Patient Care

Visitation Hours Being Reinstated at Medical Center and Transitional Care Hospital | Effective Thursday, Aug. 12 | Daily visitation hours at both facilities will be from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. All other visitation guidance and exceptions remain in place. Mask use is required. Details:

• There is no limit on the number of visitors an inpatient can have each day
• Only two visitors at a time will be allowed at the bedside during visitation hours
• Only one visitor/family member can stay with a patient overnight
• During visitation hours, visitors not at the bedside are welcome to wait in family lounges, lobbies, cafeterias, or other public spaces

Reminder: All Glucose Meter Operators Need to Complete Training Before New System Goes Live on Tuesday, Sept. 14 | To meet regulatory requirements, UVA Health is replacing its Roche Accu-Chek point of care glucose monitoring system with Nova StatStrip devices. All glucose monitor operators — which includes nearly 6,000 team members — must complete a five-minute module in Workday and attend a brief in-person training session prior to go-live. Access to the new system will be dependent on the completion of training. Enrollment steps and other details can be found on Connect.

Operations

How Will You Be Impacted by the Latest Changes in Epic? | Tuesday, Aug. 10 is the go-live date for this month’s Epic updates. The changes will impact inpatient LIPs, ambulatory and inpatient nurses, and therapy services. Learn more in this month’s Epic Update bundle. If you need further assistance, please contact the Help Desk at 434.924.5334.

Happenings

Save the Date: UVA Health Town Hall | Wednesday, Sep. 15 | noon-1 p.m. | Sandridge Auditorium | K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, and other UVA Health leaders are inviting all team members to attend a town hall discussion about the top priorities and latest developments for our organization. Team members are welcome to attend in person (Sandridge Auditorium has a seating capacity of 154) or via livestreaming. A portion of the agenda will be devoted to live Q&A. More details and livestream link will be shared soon. 

Deadline Approaching for School of Medicine: Complete Your 2021 Annual Retraining Now |Members of the School of Medicine have until Tuesday, Aug. 31, to complete the 2021 Annual Retraining course in Workday Learning. Full project details and FAQs can be found on the Annual Training project webpage. 

Free Mindfulness for UVA Health Team Members Class | Wednesdays, Sept. 15-Nov. 3 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Daylong Retreat: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 16 | Zoom | The class includes mindfulness meditation, mindful movement, and other mindfulness practices that have been adapted specifically for healthcare professionals. Register.

Appreciation

Congratulations, School of Nursing Dean Pam Cipriano! | K. Craig Kent, MD, CEO of UVA Health, took to Twitter to celebrate a recent accolade for Pam Cipriano, Dean for the UVA School of Nursing. Cipriano was named No. 2 on the list of top 10 women in healthcare by Healthcare Global. Congratulations, Pam, and thank you for being a remarkable UVA leader! 

Connect | One Future Together | UVA Human Resources
Faculty and Employee Assistance Program | Wisdom & Well-being Program

Friday, Aug. 6, 2021

Effective Monday, Aug. 9: New Masking Guidance in all UVA and UVA Health Facilities

As an important safety measure to increase protection for patients, visitors, and team members, a return to universal masking inside all UVA Health facilities and buildings will take effect on Monday, Aug. 9. All team members are expected to be masked in all UVA Health public spaces, meeting rooms, conferences, etc. The University is also moving forward with a mask requirement in all of its owned or leased public spaces like academic or administrative buildings, libraries, labs, and dining halls. 

People who are not yet vaccinated will continue to be required to wear masks and appear for weekly COVID testing even after the requirement is lifted. Every member of our community is urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect yourself and others against the virus. Vaccination continues to be our best protection against spreading and severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalizations, and death. Team members can schedule appointments at a UVA Health vaccination site through VaxTrax or choose any COVID-19 vaccination site that is most convenient. 

Read more about the return to universal masking on Connect.

COVID-19 

Voices From the COVID Unit: ‘I Came Into Something That I Didn’t Expect’ | A UVA nurse interviewed to work in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the beginning of February 2020, just before COVID hit Virginia. Her story is the third of a five-part series.

(COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page)

Operations

Share Your Thoughts: Participate in Strategic Planning Survey | Help shape the long-term vision and direction for UVA Health through the strategic planning process, One Future Together. You are invited to participate in a short online survey to share your thoughts, ideas, and vision for UVA Health. Survey responses due Friday, Aug. 27. 

University Transit Service (UTS) Change in Redline and Blueline Morning Schedule | Starting Monday, Aug. 16 | Parking demand requires UTS to make the following minor change to operational times of the Redline and Blueline beginning Monday, Aug. 16: 

• UTS will service Scott Stadium lots 5-8 a.m. (changed from 8:30 a.m.)
• Redline Express will continue to serve riders at Bryant Hall 5-6 a.m.
• The Redline will operate 6-8 a.m. with the last bus leaving Scott Stadium at 8 a.m. 
• UTS Blueline will service the Emmet/Ivy Garage (EIG) beginning at 8 a.m. 
• There is no change to the afternoon and evening commuter routes. 
• For additional details, visit the Parking & Transportation website.

Joint Commission Online Readiness Resources Page | UVA Health is expecting its Joint Commission triennial survey to occur soon. To help teams prepare, check out the survey preparation handbook and visit the online resources page, which includes information such as hot survey topics, huddle points, FAQs, and survey preparation tools.

Happenings

Donate Blood to Help Quell Severe Shortage | Monday, Aug. 9 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Quayle Learning Center | The American Red Cross, UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products, is facing a blood shortage. Sign up to make a blood donation by emailing giveblood@virginia.edu. Appointments required. Read more on Connect.

Appreciation

UVA Health Was One in Only 10 Hospitals Worldwide to Receive Exclusive Invitation to Perform Live Cases | The UVA Structural Heart Disease Team recently performed three live cases that were broadcast to a global audience during a Cardiovascular Research Foundation conference. “We are honored,” says Nishtha Sodhi, MD, Medical Director of the UVA Advanced Cardiac Valve Center, who notes that hospitals were chosen based on level of expertise. Congratulations to the UVA Structural Heart Disease Team and thank you for keeping UVA Health top in the field! Read more on Connect.

Connect | One Future Together | UVA Human Resources
Faculty and Employee Assistance Program | Wisdom & Well-being Program

Wednesday, Aug. 4

Here’s Your Chance to Shape UVA Health’s 10-Year Plan

During the initial phase of the “One Future Together” strategic planning process, UVA Health needs your input. Submit a comment and help build UVA Health’s long-term vision for our four missions: patient care, research, education, and community & health equity. Read more and share your ideas. And keep an eye out for an online strategic planning survey arriving in inboxes very soon!

Patient Care

Action Required for All Glucose Meter Operators: Complete Training to Access New System | Go-Live: Tuesday, Sept. 14 | To meet regulatory requirements, UVA Health is replacing its Roche Accu-Chek point of care glucose monitoring system with Nova StatStrip devices. All glucose monitor operators — which includes nearly 6,000 team members — must complete a five-minute module in Workday and attend a brief in-person training session prior to go-live. Access to the new system will be dependent on the completion of training. Enrollment steps and other details can be found on Connect.

Operations

Reminder: Pop-Up Training, Online Resources for New Electronic Access Platform | The Access Management Platform (AMP) is scheduled to replace the current Online Access Request (OAR) on Saturday, Aug. 14. The HIT AMP Project webpage is your key resource for support. Two opportunities to join an optional drop-in training session are still available (click to join at time of meeting):

• Thursday, Aug. 5 | 4-4:30 p.m.
• For managers: Friday, Aug. 6 | 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Questions? Please contact HIT Security at MCCSecurity@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu or 434.924.5334. 

Happenings

Final Reminder: Safety & Disaster Awareness Retraining | Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 5 | As part of the required annual retraining, team members have been assigned the UVA Health 2021 Virginia State Employee Safety and Disaster Awareness Annual Retraining digital course in Workday Learning. This annual course is required for all Commonwealth of Virginia employees. 

Donate Blood to Help Quell Severe Shortage | Monday, Aug. 9 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Quayle Learning Center | The American Red Cross, UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products, is facing a blood shortage. Sign up to make a blood donation by emailing giveblood@virginia.edu. Appointments required. Read more on Connect.

Apply for a Nursing Scholarship | Deadline: Monday, Aug. 30 | The Annual Nursing Scholarship program supports nursing and non-nursing Medical Center team members who wish to pursue a nursing degree. The program is enhanced for 2021, including increased funding and expanded eligibility. Read more and apply now.

Appreciation

Congratulations on CAMTS Accreditation | Accreditation from the The Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) is one of the most prestigious industry designations. UVA Health was recently awarded full accreditation for our ground and rotor-wing services and the CAMTS Board recognized our commitment to consistently meeting or exceeding a rigorous set of guidelines and safety standards that span all aspects of the program, including crew education, safety, communications, documentation, medical direction, and quality improvement. "I could not be more proud of our frontline teams for this accomplishment and their everyday work,” says Jermaine Clayborne, MSN, RN, CCRN, CFRN, FP-C, Manager, UVA Health’s Medical Transport Network. “From the extremely pre-term infant delivered at a community hospital to the critically ill adult requiring ECMO transport, their clinical expertise and focus on patient and operational safety have made us an industry leader." While we will receive our formal letter of reaccreditation in the coming weeks, take time to celebrate this success and acknowledge the excellent work and outstanding care our colleagues are providing every day on every shift.

Connect | UVA Health Bridge Plan | UVA Human Resources
Faculty and Employee Assistance Program | Wisdom & Well-being Program

Monday, Aug. 2

Weekly Prevalence Testing Begins for Unvaccinated Team Members

Mandatory weekly prevalence testing for team members who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 has begun. Team members who are required to complete weekly saliva testing must schedule appointments online using the Time2Test application. This site is being regularly updated to reflect changes in testing locations and appointment times. Plans are underway to offer testing times specifically to accommodate team members who work the night shift. Read more on Connect. 

Note for saliva-testing participants: Please bring your ID and know your computing ID. Additionally, refrain from eating, drinking (including water), brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, chewing gum, or using tobacco for at least 30 minutes before submitting your saliva sample at the test location.

(COVID-19 Dashboard | COVID-19 Resources Page)

Operations

Valet Service Returns | Monday, Aug. 2 | Valet service has returned for the Medical Center main entrance, Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center, and Emergency Department (ED). More locations will resume service in the coming months. See chart below for details. Pricing: $7 per vehicle; $5 for handicapped individuals; free for disabled veterans. Read more on Connect.

University Transit Service (UTS) Change in Redline and Blueline Morning Schedule | Monday, Aug. 16 | Parking demand requires UTS to make the following minor change to operational times of the Redline and Blueline beginning Monday, Aug. 16: 

• UTS will service Scott Stadium lots 5-8 a.m. (changed from 8:30 a.m.)
• Redline Express will continue to serve riders at Bryant Hall 5-6 a.m.
• The Redline will operate 6-8 a.m. with the last bus leaving Scott Stadium at 8 a.m. 
• UTS Blueline will service the Emmet/Ivy Garage (EIG) beginning at 8 a.m. 
• There is no change to the afternoon and evening commuter routes. 

For additional details, visit the Parking & Transportation website.

Happenings

Deadline Approaching for School of Medicine: Complete Your 2021 Annual Retraining Now | Members of the School of Medicine have until Tuesday, Aug. 31, to complete the 2021 Annual Retraining course in Workday Learning. Full project details and FAQs can be found on the Annual Training project webpage. 

Discounted Football Tickets: UVA vs. William & Mary | Scott Stadium | Saturday, Sept. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | UVA Health team members can purchase $10 tickets for seats in the reserved lower-level sections 114-115. Limited supply. Don't miss out on your chance to root on the Hoos at Scott Stadium. Learn more.

Appreciation

Thank You, Blood Donors, for Saving Lives Today! | A special shout out to all team members who rolled up their sleeves today and participated in the UVA Medical Center Summer Blood Drive. The American Red Cross, UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products, is facing a severe blood shortage and these donations are a step in the right direction. Thank you, thank you, thank you! If you were unable to make it to today’s drive, don’t worry — you can still help. Make an appointment (it’s required) for Monday, Aug. 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., in the Quayle Learning Center, by emailing giveblood@virginia.edu. If that conflicts with your schedule, you can always make an appointment for another date with the American Red Cross at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 800.733.2767. Remember to prepare for your donation: eat well, stay hydrated, and bring your ID.

Connect | UVA Health Bridge Plan | UVA Human Resources
Faculty and Employee Assistance Program | Wisdom & Well-being Program

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