UVA Health Moving to Closed Visitor Status in Three Stages

The Visitor Guidance Workgroup met today to review our Risk Score Matrix and determined that the safety of our team members, patients, and community at-large will be best protected by closing our facilities to visitors. This closure will occur between Dec. 30 and Jan. 3, 2022, in three stages, which are listed below.

Factors that impact our Risk Score (area positive rate, percentage of COVID positive vs. total patient census, and number of COVID ICU patients) are all expected to continue to increase in the coming days and weeks.

Between now and the start of Closed Visitor status, the current Visitor Restrictions Policy will remain in effect.

Stage 1 | Begins 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30

• Areas impacted: All inpatient units and Transitional Care Hospital
• No visitors other than by exception
• Standard exceptions include: end of life, pediatrics, patients with disabilities or special needs, clergy, etc. 
• FYI Visitor Flags should be used:
  • Remove current designated visitors as we approach the effective date/time
  • List ONLY designated visitors who have been granted an exception 
  • Always date the info when entered in the Flag
  • Enter entire name when listing those who are given an exception

Stage 2 | Begins 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 3, 2022

• Area impacted: Emergency Department
• Standard exceptions include: adult patients with disabilities, end of life and clergy
• Visitors accompanying patients who arrive before 7 a.m. on Jan. 3 will be permitted to stay until the patient is admitted or discharged. If the patient is admitted, visitors will only be permitted by exception.

Stage 3 | Begins Monday, Jan. 3, start of business

• Areas impacted: Outpatient Clinics, Outpatient Procedures
• Standard exceptions include: Critical Plan of Care Decisions, pediatrics, patients with disabilities or special needs

For more details regarding Closed Visitor status, please review the updated Visitor Restrictions Team Member Guidance.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 1:20 p.m. Dec. 29)

Workforce Impact (as of Dec. 29)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

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

Will Public Health Emergency Leave (PHEL) Be Available in 2022?

PHEL, which is made available by declaration of the Governor during a state of emergency, is set to expire on Jan. 10, 2022. The Commonwealth has yet to announce if it will be extended. While awaiting guidance from state officials, the UVA Human Resources team has been assessing possible leave options and scenarios that will protect the health and safety of our patients and team members. Next steps will be announced as soon as possible.

Operations

UVA Health Update on Hiatus on Friday

The UVA Health Update will not be sent on Friday, Dec. 31. The Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule will resume on Jan. 3, 2022.

Parking and Transportation Modifications | New Year’s Holiday Weekend

The University Transit service bus and Health System Transit shuttle service will not operate Friday, Dec. 31. Team members may park in the South Garage on Crispell Drive and 11th Street Garage (level D and above only) beginning midnight Friday, Dec. 31, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022. The Medical Center Courtesy Shuttle will operate on the weekend schedule, running every 60 minutes from 7:20 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. UtoCar will operate normally. Please note, University Transit bus and Health System Transit shuttle will operate normally on all other days, and close-in parking is not available.

Ruppel Drive Closure

Jan. 3-14, 2022 | Tree removal will occur along Ruppel Drive (beside Cobb Hall) for the McIntire School of Commerce’s expansion. To maintain a safe environment, Ruppel Drive will be closed to traffic except for emergency vehicles.

Happenings

Webinar: How to Sustain Motivation and Achieve Lasting Change

Jan. 13 and 31 | Implementing change can be rewarding, empowering, and exciting. This webinar is designed to assist you in curating approach-oriented goals, identifying the need for change, investigating personal barriers to change, and learning new ways to implement lasting change. Learn more. 

Give Blood and Be Entered to Win a Trip to Super Bowl LVI!

Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Quayle Learning Center | Battle Building, First Floor | The American Red Cross, UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products, is facing a severe blood shortage. When donors give between Jan.1-31, they’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win an exciting Super Bowl LVI getaway in Los Angeles! Details on Connect.

Appreciation

Year in Review

So much has happened this year that 2021 seems like a blur! To help you remember, the Connect team looked back at stories from the last 365 days to highlighted memorable moments and has provided an easy-to-scan round-up for your convenience. We started the year with new vaccinations and ended it with new boosters. In between those bookends, we cared for the community, graduated students and welcomed new ones, formed partnerships, purchased a health system, survived surveys, received accolades, praised achievements, celebrated discovery, and overall … persisted daily, enduring what was an extremely difficult year. Thanks to all for your dedication and determination — UVA Health is truly comprised of extraordinary people. We hope you have a safe and happy New Year! Read 2021: A Year in Review or the Top 10 Connect Stories of 2021.

PREVIOUS UPDATES

Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021

Important COVID Announcements

1. UVA Health Vaccine Booster Requirement
2. COVID Testing Updates for Team Members
3. Isolation, Quarantine, and Return to Work Changes
4. COVID-19 Outpatient Therapeutic Updates
5. Reminder: UVA Health Will Increase Visitation Restrictions

UVA Health Vaccine Booster Requirement

As announced on Dec. 22, UVA Health will require all team members to receive a booster shot by the deadlines noted in the tables below, to extend the immunity provided by the first series of COVID-19 vaccines. We firmly believe that increased immunity is the most important thing we can do to protect our patients, our team members, and our communities as we survey the current public health conditions, including the rapid progression of the omicron variant.

Thank you to our many team members who have already received a booster vaccination.Data shows that a booster increases protection from ~30% to 70-75%. Additionally, if you get COVID-19, the symptoms are much more mild and the risk of severe disease or hospitalization is dramatically reduced. Current records in VaxTrax indicated that almost 50% of team members already have received their booster, and we know many more have been vaccinated at other locations that do not show up in VaxTrax.

Please note: If you have already received your booster shot but did not use VaxTrax to schedule it, you must submit proof of vaccination to Employee Health prior to the deadline noted below. Send a scanned image or photo of your immunization records, such as a CDC card or official medical record, along with your UVA computing ID to covidvax@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu.

If you have not yet received your booster shot, please refer to the tables below to see the deadline for complying with this policy change.

Booster Deadlines: Pfizer or Moderna Vaccine Recipients

Booster Deadlines: Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Recipients 

We understand you may have questions about this policy update. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the UVA HR website. If you have additional questions, please email CovidVax@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu.

COVID Testing Updates for Team Members

As we are seeing nationwide, the omicron variant is proving highly contagious and spreading rapidly throughout our communities, including to those who have been fully vaccinated. We understand testing is a priority for many of you as you travel, see loved ones, and provide care to our patients. At this time, team members can get tested at the COVID Clinic West Complex (CCWC) this week (through Thursday, Dec. 30) from 8 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Testing will not be available at CCWC Friday-Sunday, Dec. 31-Jan. 2. We are working on alternatives for testing for symptomatic team members scheduled to work over these three days (to be announced once details are available).

If you are Symptomatic, please walk into the CCWC if you:

• Have symptoms
• Have symptoms and got a positive result with an antigen test taken at home (You will be asked to confirm your test result with a PCR test performed at the CCWC.)

Symptomatic testing will also continue at the CCWC during normal clinic hours beginning Jan. 3.

If you are Asymptomatic, please call Employee Health at 434.924.2013 for a referral to the CWCC (do not walk in). Employee Health may provide a referral if you are:

• Post-exposure (no symptoms, but concerned about an exposure)
• Asymptomatic and got a positive result with an antigen test taken at home (You will be asked to confirm your test result with a PCR test performed at the CCWC.)

Due to the high demand for symptomatic testing, we currently cannot offer testing for:

• Those needing a test before travel
• Those who are asymptomatic, have no exposure, and/or no prior testing

In these circumstances, please use commercially available tests or Time2Test, which will reopen Jan. 3, 2022. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for understanding our need to prioritize those team members with symptoms, positive home tests, or significant exposures.

Additional local testing facilities that are not at CCWC include:

• UVA Primary Care Riverside by appointment only
• Blue Ridge Health District through website registration

Other testing locations can be found at testhere.com and at some commercial locations, such as pharmacies.

Antigen self-tests are recommended by the CDC for family and other social gatherings during the holiday period.

For healthcare settings, antigen self-tests are not a replacement for PCR. A negative at-home or clinic-based COVID-19 antigen test does not rule out infection with COVID-19, particularly during a surge. In addition, positive antigen test results are not perfect, even though they are strongly suggestive of active infection when someone has symptoms consistent with COVID-19. When working within the healthcare setting anywhere within UVA Health, PCR is the better test to use; antigen tests do not substitute for PCR. If you have a positive antigen test, please report your test result to Employee Health at 434.924.2013 and stay home from work.

If you have any questions about testing options, please see the current FAQs or email Employee Health at Employee_Health@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu.

Isolation, Quarantine, and Return to Work Changes

Based on updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, UVA Health is updating its guidelines for isolation, quarantine, and the return to work for healthcare professionals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have had a COVID-19 exposure. Effective immediately, the following guidance will apply for team members who are not moderately to severely immunocompromised:

• If you are asymptomatic and have had a COVID-19 exposure, we will continue to follow our current guidelines.
• If you are asymptomatic and test positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, you can return to work six days after testing positive. No additional testing is required.  
• If you are symptomatic and test positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, you can return to work six days after testing positive if you have improving symptoms. No additional testing is required.
• While we are currently not at a threshold of crisis staffing, we are evaluating the best approach to return to work if we should hit this threshold. The CDC permits working when testing positive in this situation. We continue to evaluate our staffing status, define the crisis staffing threshold, and review additional mitigation strategies to use under these circumstances.
• Under all circumstances, appropriate use of standard PPE and hand washing is expected.

COVID-19 Outpatient Therapeutic Updates

All FDA-authorized COVID-19 therapeutic agents for outpatient use are in extremely limited supply nationwide at this time. Therapeutics will be distributed by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) as they become available. In accordance with guidance from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the VDH, we will prioritize patients for treatment based on their risk level. Treatment of COVID-19 is prioritized over post-exposure prophylaxis. Treatment of unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated patients at clinical risk for severe illness and vaccinated individuals who are not expected to mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination will be given higher priority for treatment. Other important developments include:

• Supplies of COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibodies (mAb) Are Extremely Limited |Demand for COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapies continues to surpass supply both locally and nationally. UVA will be offering appointments for casirivimab/imdevimab (Regen-COV) and bamlanivimab/etesevimab until current supplies are exhausted, which is expected to be mid-week. It is important to note that neither of these therapies are active against the omicron variant. Sotrovimab,  which does have activity against omicron, is not yet available from VDH. When Sotrovimab becomes available, supplies are expected to be extremely limited. Providers can help patients search the VDH Monoclonal Antibodies Locator for doses at other locations.
• New Oral Antivirals for COVID-19 Treatment I Last week, the FDA issued emergency use authorization for two new oral antivirals, nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) and molnupiravir. UVA Health is working with the VDH to prepare for the distribution of these outpatient oral treatments, and we will provide further guidance when it becomes available.
• Evusheld Pre-exposure Prophylaxis I The FDA has issued emergency use authorization for tixagevimab/cilgavimab (Evusheld) for use in pre-exposure prophylaxis in adults and children ≥ 12 years older and ≥ 40 kg who have moderate to severe immune compromise and may not mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination. Evusheld is not indicated as a treatment for COVID-19 or for post-exposure prophylaxis in those exposed to someone with COVID-19. Evusheld will be available soon from the VDH, but supply will initially be limited. A patient referral process for these intramuscular injections is now being planned and more details will be available soon.

Reminder: UVA Health Will Increase Visitation Restrictions

Read details on Connect.

Monday, Dec. 27, 2021

UVA Health Will Increase Visitation Restrictions

Anticipated Start: Monday, Jan. 3, 2022 | As a safety precaution during the current surge in COVID-19 cases, UVA Health is anticipated to increase visitor restrictions beginning at 9 p.m. on Jan. 3. Under the new restrictions, visitors will only be allowed in UVA Health facilities by exception. Groups that will be allowed to have visitors include patients with a disability (one visitor 24/7) and pediatric patients (one designated visitor except in restricted areas such as the OR). Standard exceptions include patients at the end of life who may have two designated visitors 24/7.

Visitation restrictions will include the following measures that are currently in effect:

• All visitors will be screened prior to building entry and must be free of contagious disease symptoms such as COVID-19 and be COVID-19 negative.
• Visitors must wear a mask at all times within UVA Health buildings, including at the bedside and in clinic exam rooms. Visitors are encouraged to bring a mask from home or one will be given during the screening process. See this link for more information if a visitor refuses to wear a mask.
• Visitors must be at least 18 years old.
• UVA Health team members can serve either as a designated visitor or as an additional visitor over the current limit. Team members must follow all visitor requirements such as stopping at the Information Desk for a visitor pass.

A summary of visitation restrictions for each patient area and updated patient education information are being prepared now and will be posted this week. Look for links to this information in leadership messages and in the Wednesday edition of the UVA Health Update.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 3:05 p.m. Dec. 27)

Workforce Impact (as of Dec. 27)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

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

Volunteers Needed: Community COVID Testing | All Roles, All Dates

UVA Health has been providing COVID-19 tests each week to vulnerable community members in the Charlottesville area. Events are held weekly (6-7:30 p.m. Mondays at Church of the Incarnation and 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Mt. Zion Church). Volunteers are needed for the following roles: COVID testers (RNs, APPs, MDs), testing assistants, support staff (greeters, registration and traffic control), and Spanish-speaking floating volunteers. Please email Cecelia Magargee at CWM2Z@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu or Anna Blackburn at AB4VK@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu to obtain the volunteer sign-up link or ask questions.

Operations

Parking and Transportation Modifications | New Year’s Holiday Weekend

The University Transit service bus and Health System Transit shuttle service will not operate Friday, Dec. 31. Team members may park in the South Garage on Crispell Drive and 11th Street Garage (level D and above only) beginning midnight Friday, Dec. 31, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022. The Medical Center Courtesy Shuttle will operate on the weekend schedule, running every 60 minutes from 7:20 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. UtoCar will operate normally. Please note, University Transit bus and Health System Transit shuttle will operate normally on all other days, and close-in parking is not available.

Traffic Impact | Chiller Replacement Project

Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | The chiller replacement project will be closing one lane of Lee Street to stage tractor trailers delivering equipment using a crane parked in the steam-plant parking area. Those entering Lee Street near the West Complex may see minor delays as flaggers will be managing traffic. Two-way traffic and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Bring Your Ideas to Life: Enter the ​Spark Innovation Competition

Deadline: Friday, Feb. 25, 2022 | UVA Health is excited to introduce our first-ever innovation and ideas competition: Spark. This twice-yearly competition will help bring your great ideas to life. Share those thoughts and ideas through the Spark website. This first competition has a focus on our clinical environment. UVA Health wants to hear ideas from every part of the organization. Disrupt the norm, create positive change, and submit your ideas for a chance to win $1,000. Learn more.

Happenings

FEAP | Connect for Support: Employee and Manager

Second Tuesdays | noon-12:30 pm. | Zoom | Join a 30-minute drop-in session to check in with colleagues, share strategies for challenges you are facing, and discover helpful resources. 

Let the Wahoo West Café Know About Your Experience in a Brief Survey

Deadline: Friday, Jan. 7, 2022 | Morrison Healthcare, UVA Health’s dining vendor, is seeking feedback on your experience at the West Café. Fill out a survey to let them know how they did and how they can make it better for you next time. Click here to take the survey now.

Appreciation

Thank You to Everyone Who Made the Holidays a Little Brighter This Year!

From Dr. Sinkin visiting the NICU dressed as Santa Claus and volunteers handcrafting stockings for patients to a door decorating contest and giving gifts to pediatric patients, UVA Health has been abuzz with holiday cheer. December can be a difficult time to be in the hospital, and the team at UVA Health has made it a little bit better for patients, their families, and each other. You all are appreciated for providing the best care possible and putting smiles on so many faces. Pictured is the Surgical Intensive Care Unit’s Elf on the Shelf, who appears to be under the weather that day. Wishing a wonderful new year to you and your families!

Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021

COVID Vaccine Boosters Required by Feb. 1

In accordance with the University’s updated immunization policy announced on Tuesday, Dec. 21, UVA Health will require all team members to receive a booster shot by Feb. 1, 2022, to extend the immunity from the first series of the COVID-19 vaccine. This requirement is being announced after careful consideration of current and projected public health conditions, including the rapid progression of the omicron variant and is central to our on-going commitment to safe patient care. Increased immunity is the most important thing we can do to protect our team members, our patients, and our communities. 

If you have not yet received a booster shot, please be aware that UVA Health will provide more details in the coming days about booster eligibility and how to fulfill this new requirement. As always, thank you for your steadfast dedication to UVA Health and the care of our patients.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 12:06 p.m. Dec. 22)

Workforce Impact (as of Dec. 22)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

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

Operations

UVA Health Update on Hiatus for the Holidays

The UVA Health Update will not be sent on Friday, Dec. 24, or Friday, Dec. 31. Look for the final editions of 2021 in your inbox on Dec. 27 and 29. The normal Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule will resume Jan. 3, 2022. 

Parking and Transportation Modifications | Christmas Holiday

On Friday, Dec. 24, the University Transit Service bus and Health System Transit shuttle service will not be in service. Team members may park in the South Garage on Crispell Drive and 11th Street Garage (level D and above only) beginning midnight Friday, Dec. 24, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26. The Medical Center Courtesy Shuttle will operate on the weekend schedule, running every 60 minutes from 7:20 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. UtoCar will operate normally. Please note, the University Transit Service bus and Health System Transit shuttle will operate normally on all other days, and close-in parking will not be available for team members.

How Your Feedback Made UVA Health a Better Place in 2021

In her latest post on Vision and Voice, Wendy Horton, Medical Center CEO, discusses how your feedback has made tangible and measurable changes at UVA Health this year. Read more.

Happenings

Give Blood and Be Entered to Win a Trip to Super Bowl LVI!

Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Quayle Learning Center | Battle Building, First Floor | The American Red Cross, UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products, is facing a severe blood shortage. When donors give between Jan.1-31, they’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win an exciting Super Bowl LVI getaway in Los Angeles! Details on Connect.

FEAP: Remember to Take Care of Yourself This Holiday

During this time of giving and caring for others, the Faculty & Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) encourages you to help maintain balance and well-being by reflecting on whether you are also tending to your own needs. Use FEAP’s top tips for self-care over the holidays, and if you need assistance or counseling, FEAP is there to help with free and confidential one-on-one appointments and other resources to assist you.

Discount Memberships at WW and Free Friends and Family Kits

UVA reimburses 50% of the WW (formerly Weight Watchers) membership cost for team members enrolled in a UVA health plan. Team members not enrolled in a UVA health plan, spouses, and adult dependents are eligible for discounted pricing. Anyone who signs up for WW by Friday, Dec. 31 will receive a free friends and family kit. Learn more.

Appreciation

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! 

We are grateful to you for your commitment to our patients, our students, our community, and to each other over the past year — and we look forward, with hope, to the new year ahead. Please enjoy this short video message from our leadership team. We wish you and your loved ones happy holidays and a happy new year.

For those team members providing care and services on Saturday, Dec. 25, please take a moment for yourself and enjoy the complimentary meal that will be served in University Hospital Cafeteria and delivered to the Transitional Care Hospital during the following hours:

• University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; 6-8 p.m.; 11 p.m.-2 a.m.
• Transitional Care Hospital | Meals will be dropped off for all three shifts in the second-floor breakroom at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 20, 2021

Help Reduce the Risk of Infection: COVID Variant Precautions

In a message sent on Monday, Dec. 20, Chief Medical Officer Reid Adams, MD, and Hospital Epidemiologist Costi Sifri, MD, informed team members that a surge of COVID-19 cases is anticipated due to the rapid spread of the omicron variant. If needed, some of our previous pandemic response policies may be reinstated for the protection of our patients and ourselves. The message advised team members to protect themselves and their loved ones by taking the following steps to minimize the risk of infection:

1. Booster shots continue to be the best defense against COVID-19 and its variants (delta and omicron). Preliminary data regarding omicron shows a two-dose mRNA vaccine provides ~30% protection, while a booster shot increases protection to 70-75% and also protects against serious consequences of infection.
2. Wear a face mask at all times in indoor environments and in outdoor areas where transmission risk may be high.
3. Plan for and practice social distancing.
4. Be diligent about your hand hygiene.
5. Consider travel options that minimize COVID exposure risks.
6. Request that everyone invited to social and family gatherings get a COVID test 1-2 days before arriving and stay home if they test positive.

Read the full message on Connect.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 11:21 a.m. Dec. 20)

Workforce Impact (as of Dec. 20)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

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

Community COVID Testing Volunteers Needed

All Roles, All Dates | UVA Health has been providing COVID-19 tests each week to vulnerable community members in the Charlottesville area. Upcoming events are held each Monday and Tuesday evening through the end of December (6-7:30 p.m. Mondays at Church of the Incarnation and 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Mt. Zion Church). Volunteers are needed for the following volunteer roles: COVID testers (RNs, APPs, MDs), testing assistants, support (greeters/registration support/traffic control), and Spanish-speaking floating volunteers. Volunteers can email Cecelia Magargee at CWM2Z@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu or Anna Blackburn at AB4VK@hscmail.mcc.virginia.eduto obtain the sign-up link to volunteer or ask questions.

OPERATIONS

Parking and Transportation Modifications

Christmas Holiday | On Friday, Dec. 24, the University Transit service bus and Health System Transit shuttle service will not be in service. Team members may park in the South Garage on Crispell Drive and 11th Street Garage (level D and above only) beginning midnight Friday, Dec. 24, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26. The Medical Center Courtesy Shuttle will operate on the weekend schedule, running every 60 minutes from 7:20 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. UtoCar will operate normally. Please note, the University Transit bus and Health System Transit shuttle will operate normally on all other days, and close-in parking will not be available for team members.

Reminder: Water Line Replacement Project Is Impacting Outdoor Seating and Walkways Near McKim Hall

Through Friday, Dec. 24 | The University is replacing an underground waterline between the Collins/Davis Wing of the West Complex and McKim Hall. The use of underground boring equipment and other machinery will require temporary closures of walkways and outdoor seating areas next to McKim Hall. Detours to maintain pedestrian and vehicular traffic will be in place on Hospital Drive.

HAPPENINGS

Complimentary Meals on Christmas Day

Team members providing care and services on Saturday, Dec. 25, are encouraged to enjoy a complimentary meal that will be served in University Hospital Cafeteria and delivered to the Transitional Care Hospital during the following hours:

• University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; 6-8 p.m.; 11 p.m.-2 a.m.
• Transitional Care Hospital | Meals will be dropped off for all three shifts in the second-floor breakroom at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Planning for Long-Term Care

Webinar Recording | Explore factors affecting caregiving relationships, legal aspects surrounding elder law, and the importance of planning ahead for long-term care. Watch the recording.

APPRECIATION

Congratulations to Our Point of Care Testing Labs!

The Point of Care Testing laboratories at the Breast Care (top), Pantops (bottom), and Augusta Community oncology clinics recently each successfully received their laboratory accreditation certification. This effort was in part led by the laboratory expertise of Miranda Scruggs, CLS, in Point of Care Testing. Scruggs is a dedicated laboratorian and patient advocate who values the professional relationships she has built and fostered with our community oncology partners.

She says, “I am extremely proud of the staff at each outpatient cancer center. The LPNs — including our lab contacts Diana Dudley and Brenda Bates — step up to the plate every day, and put in extra effort to ensure the inspections were as seamless as possible.  Kaye Campbell, Ashley Davis, Crystal Wood, Randi Sheffer, Lacie Clark, Teia Jordan, Kayla Worrell, Siobhan Townsend, and Matthew Hinzman work tirelessly on a day-to-day basis to deliver accurate and expedient lab results to the oncologists at our clinics.”

“The Infusion Nurses are also endlessly hard-workers,” says Scruggs. “They showed The Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditation [COLA] their expertise when they endured a thorough inspection on Transfusion Practices. Extra thanks to Kira McBee, Mei-Ling Hopkins, and Denise Oberholtzer for graciously taking the inspector through the entire transfusion process at their respective inspections.”

Congratulations to all on a job well done! The effort and commitment to quality testing, compliance, and care for patients is evident in their daily activities. We appreciate you!

Friday, Dec. 17, 2021

Prince William Hospital Receives Magnet Redesignation

Our UVA Community Health colleagues received news yesterday that the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Commission on Magnet®voted unanimously to award Magnet redesignation to UVA Prince William Medical Center, placing it among the 8.3% of hospitals in the U.S. to achieve this prestigious status. Prince William’s redesignation was made possible by a dedicated team effort and is especially remarkable because it was attained during the COVID-19 pandemic and the hospital’s transition to being fully owned by UVA Health. Congratulations to the awesome Prince William team!

Current Patient Census (as of 1:20 p.m. Dec. 17)

Workforce Impact (as of Dec. 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

Three Clinical Leaders Named Associate Chief Medical Officers

Chief Ambulatory Operations Officer John Bennett announced today that three clinical leaders will step into the role of Associate Chief Medical Officer (ACMO) for Ambulatory Services starting Jan. 24, 2022. The new ACMOs will focus on ensuring an exceptional patient experience and work to improve operations, create our future direction, and serve as liaisons to ambulatory leaders and clinical teams. Read the full announcement on Connect. 

• Alan Dalkin, MD - ACMO Medicine | Dr. Dalkin joined the UVA faculty in 1991 and is a professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism. He also serves as vice chairman for the Department of Medicine.
• Shayna Showalter, MD - ACMO Surgery | A faculty member in the Division of Surgical Oncology since 2012, Dr. Showalter specializes in treating breast cancer and diseases of the breast. She also serves as medical director for UVA Breast Care Center and deputy vice chair of research in the Department of Surgery.
• Gina Engel, MD - ACMO Primary Care | Dr. Engel joined UVA Physicians Group as a family medicine physician and the UVA Department of Family Medicine as an adjunct clinical professor in 2005. She has served in a variety of leadership positions for UPG and is currently the medical director of the Clinical Practice Group and chief of Clinical Operations.

Happenings

Complimentary Meals on Christmas Day

For those team members providing care and services on Saturday, Dec. 25, please take a moment for yourself and enjoy the complimentary meal that will be served in University Hospital Cafeteria and delivered to the Transitional Care Hospital during the following hours:

• University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; 6-8 p.m.; 11 p.m.-2 a.m.
• Transitional Care Hospital | Meals will be dropped off for all three shifts in the second-floor breakroom at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Save the Date | “A New Year” Winter Celebrations

Jan. 10-15, 2022 | The arrival of a new year, one with a bright vision of hope for our future, is the perfect reason to celebrate the people and teams who make it all possible. Please see below for dates of upcoming housewide celebrations, and stay tuned for more details after the new year:

• Jan. 10 | Fontaine | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | To-go meals distributed by leadership
• Jan. 11 | TCH/Northridge | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | To-go meals distributed by leadership
• Jan. 12 | University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 11 p.m.-1 a.m | To-go meals distributed by leadership
• Jan. 13 | Northfork | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | To-go meals distributed by leadership.
• Jan. 15 | University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; 6 p.m.-8 p.m.; 11 p.m.-2 a.m. | Free meals for weekend teams

UVA HR Rewards and Recognition team will coordinate meal/celebration options with managers offices/clinics not located at one of the sites listed above.

FEAP: 7 Days of Well-Being

If you are a team member or spouse enrolled in the UVA Health Plan or UPG Anthem Health Plan, you have free access to eM Life, an online mindfulness platform. Here are two programs to support you over the holidays:

• 7 Days of Mindful Caregiving | Seven guided meditations encourage you to explore a variety of emotions impacting your relationship with yourself and others. Learn more. 
• 7 Days of Harmonious Holidays | Seven guided meditations prompt you to pause and invite in peace and stillness, allowing you to rest, replenish, and reset. Learn more. 

Appreciation

Congratulations, Joint Replacement Programs!

This week, The Joint Commission notified UVA Health of recertification of the Hip and Knee Joint Replacement Programs. The recertification process, which occurs every two years, includes submission of outcomes data to The Joint Commission, demonstration of evidence-based practice, a review of medical records, and evidence of staff education. UVA met all requirements and had no deficiencies. Moving forward, the program is working toward applying for advanced certification status. Congratulations to the teams for all your ongoing and exceptional clinical work!

Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021

One Year Ago Today …

On Dec. 15, 2020, we administered our first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. (Seen here: Dr. Ebony Hilton is vaccinated by Justin Vesser, manager of ambulatory pharmacy services. Hilton was the first person vaccinated at UVA Health.) Our vaccination program is still underway and has administered nearly 145,000 first, second, third, and booster doses to team members, adult and pediatric patients, and community members! None of this would be possible without a village of amazing team members, including:

• Dr. Steven Heim, Medical Director
• Danielle Griggs and the Pharmacy Team
• Chris Keith, Collin Murray, and the Epic Team
• Charlotte Graham, Jen Fuchs, and the Cadence Team
• Claire O’Donnell, Sarah Mabe, Kaite Pennock and the Call Center Team
• Anna Blackburn and the Revenue Cycle Team
• Vickie Marsh, Virginia Porter, and the Volunteer and Guest Services Team
• Susanna Brent, Ellen McKenna, Sherry McCarty, and the Strategic Marketing and Communications Team
• Quality Performance Improvement: Kerri Murphy and Kristine Hall
• Patient and Family Education: Lori Mays
• Derrick Stone and the Health Information Technology Team
• Project Management: Sara Fowler
• Dr. Josh Eby, Adam Schultz, Sharon Hung and the Employee Health team
• Dr. Costi Sifri
• Biomedical Ethicists: Dr. James Childress and Ashley Hurt
• Human Resources: Rayshon Tibbs
• Site leaders, past and present: Elaine Knight, Denise Barth, Laura Gastrell, Rebecca Wade, Michelle Sutton, Martha Coleman, and Teresa Green
• Community Outreach partners and Physician Ambassadors: Dr. Tracy Downs, Justin Vesser, Dr. Max Luna, Dr. Michael D. Williams, Dr. Taison Bell, Dr. Ebony Hilton
• Gary Morris and our vaccinators!

Thank you to all who have supported — and continue to support! — our COVID vaccination programs in any way. We would not have made it through this past year without everyone’s involvement. Your daily resilience, perseverance, and dedication to our team members, our patients, and our community is both seen and appreciated.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 12:05 p.m. Dec. 15)

Workforce Impact (as of Dec. 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

Bring Your Ideas to Life: Enter the ​Spark Innovation Competition

Deadline: Feb. 25 | UVA Health is excited to introduce our first-ever innovation and ideas competition: Spark. This twice-yearly competition will help bring your great ideas to life. Share those thoughts and ideas through the Spark website. This first competition has a focus on our clinical environment. UVA Health wants to hear ideas from every part of the health system. Disrupt the norm, create positive change, and submit your ideas for a chance to win $1,000. Learn more.

UVA Pharmacy Offering Discounts, Home Delivery, and More

As a follow-up to recent discussions about benefits for team members, Connect has posted some helpful things to know about UVA Pharmacy Services, which is making medication management more convenient and budget-friendly. Read more.

Building Relationships to Recruit New Team Members

In her new post on Vision and Voice, Wendy Horton, Medical Center CEO, UVA Health, discusses how UVA Health is attracting incredible talent to join our growing team by nurturing our relationships and developing trust with the communities we serve. Read more.

HAPPENINGS

Save the Date | “A New Year” Winter Celebrations

Jan. 10-15, 2022 | The arrival of a new year, one with a bright vision of hope for our future, is the perfect reason to celebrate the people and teams who make it all possible. Please see below for dates of upcoming house wide celebrations and stay tuned for more details after Jan. 1:

• Jan. 10 | Fontaine | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | To-go meals distributed by leadership.
• Jan. 11 | TCH/Northridge | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | To-go meals distributed by leadership.
• Jan. 12 | University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 11 p.m.-1 a.m | To-go meals distributed by leadership.
• Jan. 13 | Northfork | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | To-go meals distributed by leadership.
• Jan. 15 | University Hospital Cafeteria | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; 6 p.m.-8 p.m.; 11 p.m.-2 a.m. | Free meals for weekend teams.

UVA HR Rewards and Recognition team will coordinate meal/celebration options with managers of off-site offices/clinics not located at one of the sites listed above.

Reminder to UVA Health Managers | Celebrating Years of Service

Team members retiring with 20+ years of service at UVA are eligible for a retirement gift, certificate, funding for a departmental celebration, and a Tribute video. These items are initiated by a manager by filling out a retirement checklist. Visit the Recognizing Team Members webpage and scroll down to Retirement Recognition for details.

APPRECIATION

Anatomical Donors Provide a Gift That Touches Many Lives

A medical student’s first patient — an anatomical donor — is also their best teacher. On Friday, Dec. 10, UVA School of Medicine second-year students held the annual Anatomical Donor Convocation of Gratitude where they paid their respects and showed gratitude to these donors who graciously donated their bodies to help the students learn and positively impact future patients. The event was also an opportunity to thank the donors' family members and tell them how important their loved ones’ gifts have been to their education. The Convocation included the students’ reflections and thoughts on the anatomy experience, as conveyed through art. Second-year students Misky Sharif, Elizabeth Wat, and Emily Fronk, who helped organize the event, shared their experiences on Connect.

PREVIOUS UPDATES

Monday, Dec. 13, 2021

Care for the Community This Holiday Season | Three Ways to Help

1. Volunteer at community testing events | Help UVA Health provide COVID-19 tests to vulnerable community members in the Charlottesville area. Volunteers are needed Monday and Tuesday evenings for the following roles: COVID testers (RNs, APPs, MDs), testing assistants, support (greeters/registration support/traffic control), and Spanish-speaking floating volunteers. Sign up to help by emailing Cecelia Magargee at CWM2Z@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu or Anna Blackburn at AB4VK@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu.
2. Donate blood | Thursday, Dec. 23 | 3-7 p.m. | Quayle Learning Center | Battle Building, First Floor | The American Red Cross, UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products, is facing a severe blood shortage. As the number of trauma cases, organ transplants, and elective surgeries rise across the country, the nation’s blood supply is being depleted. Donate between Dec. 17 and Jan. 2 and receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt (while supplies last). Appointments required. Sign up by emailing giveblood@virginia.edu. Read more on Connect.
3. Contribute to the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) | Through Monday, Dec. 20 | The CVC serves as a critical source of funding for community nonprofits, many of which serve community members who are struggling due to the pandemic. Donating even a small amount through the CVC can make a difference. Read more on Connect.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 1:05 p.m. Dec. 13)

Workforce Impact (as of Dec. 13)
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

All Inpatient Family Lounges Now Reopened 

Daily | 8 a.m.-9 p.m. | Family lounges on all inpatient units have reopened and will be available for use by designated visitors during normal visitation hours. Previously, a limited number of family lounges had been reopened. 

Remaining Note Types Will Auto-Release to MyChart

Go-Live Tuesday, Dec. 14 | To meet compliance requirements of the 21st Century Cures Act (“Info Blocking”), the final batch of note types will begin auto-releasing to MyChart on Dec. 14. Only notes created on or after Dec. 14 will auto-release. This change impacts providers, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, other therapy services and any role that uses the note types listed on the Note Release page. Auto-release may be prevented or delayed if there is concern for patient harm or privacy. To learn more about preventing release, please visit the Note Release page on the MyChart Support website.

Operations

Water Line Replacement Project Will Impact Hospital Drive Traffic

Wednesday, Dec. 15 | The worksite footprint will expand along Hospital Drive on Wednesday to accommodate a crane near McKim Hall and delivery trucks. Flaggers will direct pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The project, which will be ongoing through Dec. 24, will replace an underground waterline between the Collins/Davis Wing of the West Complex and McKim Hall. The work will proceed underground to a section of the M3 lower parking area directly next to the Davis Wing. While the pedestrian pathways between Davis and McKim will remain open most of the time, the use of underground boring equipment and other machinery will require temporary closures of walkways and outdoor seating areas next to McKim Hall. 

Happenings

Physicians, NPs, and PAs: Get an Updated Headshot

McKim Hall | Ground Floor | Room G047 | 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:

• Wednesday, Dec. 15 | 9 a.m.-Noon
• Monday, Dec. 20 | 8-11 a.m.

Got Questions About Epic-Integrated Zoom?

Final Drop-In Session Wednesday, Dec. 15 | 9-10 a.m. | Are you currently using the Epic-Integrated Zoom platform for virtual visits and have questions? Or, are you thinking about using it, but would like to learn more? A drop-In information session is available with the Epic Training Team and features an open Q&A and live, how-to demonstrations in Epic. Drop in anytime from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday (click to join). Questions? Please contact the Epic Training Team at clepictrainingleads@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu.

Sign Up Now: Strategic Planning Virtual Coffee Chat  

Wednesday, Dec. 15 | 7-8 a.m. | To ensure that the strategic planning process remains participatory and inclusive, a series of Virtual Coffee Chats with Chief Strategy Officer Jason Lineen is underway and open to anyone who works at UVA Health. The chats are informal discussion/listening sessions during which attendees can provide input regarding the future direction of our organization and ask questions about strategic planning progress to date. To facilitate robust, interactive discussions, each session will be capped at 20 participants. Read details on Connect. Upcoming Virtual Coffee Chat dates are as follows:

• Tuesday, Dec. 21 | Noon-1 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 12 | 7-8 a.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 26 | 7-8 a.m.
• Tuesday, Feb. 8 | 7-8 a.m.

Appreciation

Nominate a Deserving Nurse-led Team for the Annual DAISY Team Award

Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26 | The DAISY Team Award is an annual award presented at the beginning of each calendar year to an extraordinary nurse-led team of individuals. It recognizes that better patient and family outcomes may start with one individual, but it often takes an entire team. Last year, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, pictured, received the award. Read more and nominate.

Friday, Dec. 10, 2021

‘Tis the Season for Giving: Donate Blood on Dec. 23!

Thursday, Dec. 23 | 3-7 p.m. | Quayle Learning Center | Battle Building, First Floor | The American Red Cross, UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products, is facing a severe blood shortage. As the number of trauma cases, organ transplants, and elective surgeries rise across the country, the nation’s blood supply is being depleted. 

Donate between Dec. 17 and Jan. 2 and receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt (while supplies last). Appointments required. Sign up by emailing giveblood@virginia.edu. Read more on Connect.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 10:06 a.m. Dec. 10)

Workforce Impact (as of Dec. 10)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

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

Coming Soon: COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters for Ages 16-17

The FDA recently granted an expansion of the emergency use authorization for Pfizer COVID vaccine to include booster shots for 16-17 years olds. UVA Health is working to incorporate this newest update into our vaccine offerings. More information will be communicated when boosters for this age group are available at the ERC-B Community Vaccine clinic and at our Pediatric clinics.

Important Updates to COVID-19 Vaccination Status in Epic Health Maintenance Activity

To address quickly changing guidelines for COVID-19 vaccinations, the Health Maintenance activity in Epic has been updated. As a result, vaccination status in Storyboard and MyChart will reflect the following changes:

• Updated: WHO-Approved Vaccine Doses Can Now Be Documented in COVID-19 Vaccination Status | More vaccines may now be documented in historical documentation so they count toward completion of vaccination series and are reflected in our Epic Health Maintenance system. The additional vaccines are WHO-approved and include AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, and Sinovac. WHO-approved vaccine information will also begin importing to our system with other vaccine records. Previously, only doses of Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna, or Janssen J&J vaccines counted toward completion of the COVID-19 vaccine series.
• COVID-19 Booster Dose Reminder Eligibility Expanded to Age 18+ | Booster eligibility has expanded to patients age 18 and over, and patients who meet post-vaccination time requirements are now receiving a "booster dose is due" reminder in MyChart. In accordance new CDC recommendations, 16- and 17-year-old patients will begin receiving booster dose reminders as soon as we begin offering this option to them. To schedule a booster dose, patients can call the UVA Health Vaccination Call Center at 434.297.4829 (4VAX) or schedule via MyChart.

FDA Grants Emergency Use Authorization for Treating Some COVID Patients with Evushield

The FDA recently granted an emergency use authorization for Evushield (tixagevimab and cilgavimab) for COVID-19 pre-exposure prophylaxis in select patients such as those who are immunocompromised. The product is not yet available; however UVA Health is working closely with the Virginia Department of Health to obtain more information and planning our process for providing this medication to our patients. More will be communicated as updates are available. To learn more about Evushield and the EUA, please see the press release.

PATIENT CARE

Remaining Note Types Will Auto-Release to MyChart

Go-Live Tuesday, Dec. 14 | To meet compliance requirements of the 21st Century Cures Act (“Info Blocking”), the final batch of note types will begin auto-releasing to MyChart on Dec. 14. Only notes created on or after Dec. 14 will auto-release. This change impacts providers, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, other therapy services and any role that uses the note types listed on the Note Release page. Auto-release may be prevented or delayed if there is concern for patient harm or privacy. To learn more about preventing release, please visit the Note Release page on the MyChart Support website.

OPERATIONS

How Will You Be Impacted by the Latest Changes in Epic?

This month’s Epic updates will go live on Tuesday, Dec. 14, and include the auto-release of additional Note types to MyChart. Changes will impact inpatient LIPs, ambulatory, and inpatient nurses, and therapy services. Details can be found in this month’s Epic Update Bundle. Anyone with questions should contact the Help Desk at 434.924.5334.

HAPPENINGS

New Resource: Breaking the Silence, a Discussion About Physician Burnout and Suicide Prevention

On-Demand Webinar | Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, discusses clinician suicide and strategies for helping those in distress. Part of the Wisdom and Well-Being Speaker Series, this program is available for on-demand learning and continuing education credit. Learn more.

UVA Benefits Preference Survey Seeking Feedback

Through Friday, Dec. 17 | All benefits-eligible employees at UVA should have received an invitation from Willis Towers Watson to participate in the UVA Benefits Preference survey. This confidential, online survey seeks feedback about our benefits programs and which benefits are most important. By taking a few minutes to complete this survey, you can help shape the future of UVA benefits. If you have questions or comments about the survey, contact the HR Solution Center at askhr@virginia.edu.

APPRECIATION

Thank You, COVID-19 Researchers!

With the rise of the omicron variant of COVID-19 in the past few weeks, we are especially appreciative of the amazing team of researchers in the School of Medicine. Among them: Peter Kasson, PhD, who is working to better understand the new coronavirus variant (and writes about it in The Conversation); Amy Mathers, MD, and her team are sequencing samples of omicron; and, Bill Petri, MD, who is educating the public about omicron and investigating protections for the immunocompromised. These are just a few examples of the many researchers for whom we are so very grateful. To these researchers, their teams, and all of those across UVA Health who dedicate their days to providing us with the knowledge and tools to combat the pandemic: Thank you!

Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021

Don’t Miss Out — Participate in Our “One Future Together” Strategic Planning Process

Help shape the long-term vision and direction for UVA Health by sharing your thoughts and ideas with leadership. Ideas can be general or about one of our four missions: patient care, research, education, and community & health equity. Here are three easy ways to participate:

• Enter a comment on the One Future Together site
• Drop your idea (using the form provided) into one of the many suggestion boxes around UVA Health facilities
• Provide your input during one of the upcoming “Virtual Coffee Chats” with Chief Strategy Officer Jason Lineen. Read details on Connect. Please sign up for one of these dates:
  • Wednesday, Dec. 15 | 7-8 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec.  21 | noon-1 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 12 | 7-8 a.m.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 26 | 7-8 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Feb. 8 | 7-8 a.m.

Current Patient Census (as of 12:52 p.m. Dec. 8)

Workforce Impact (as of Dec. 8)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

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

Updated: Patient Education Resources for COVID-19 Vaccinations and Boosters, Including Information on Boosters for Those 18+

To better support clinical teams in responding to patient inquiries about COVID-19 vaccination, resources have been updated to include information about booster doses for everyone 18+ and mixing and matching doses. 

• MyChart Message | COVID-VAX Provider Toolkit
• Smartphrases | .COVIDVaccine [607523] and .COVIDVACCINESPANISH [608762]

Patient Care

Student’s Amazing Effort Assists UVA Inpatients Who Are Experiencing Homelessness

In her latest post on Vision and Voice, Wendy Horton, Medical Center CEO, shares the story of Jacqueline Carson, a fourth-year MD/MPH student, who created the Inpatient Homeless Consult Service to connect patients experiencing homelessness with the resources they need. Read more.

Operations

Action Requested: Team Members Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries in 2021

Honorees celebrating a Service Award in 2021 should have received an email on Nov. 19 from UVA Human Resources notifying them that they will receive a package to include a certificate and pin at their home address. If you believe you are celebrating a milestone anniversary (five-year increments starting at 10 years) but did not receive this email, please contact askhr@virginia.edu. All honorees are invited to pick a commemorative gift from the UVA Bookstore. Managers will receive a communication next week about how to access funding for small departmental celebrations and tribute videos for team members celebrating 40 or more years at UVA. Thank you for your service to UVA Health!

Water Line Replacement Project Will Impact Outdoor Seating and Walkways Near McKim Hall

Through Friday, Dec. 24 | The University will be replacing an underground waterline between the Collins/Davis Wing of the West Complex and McKim Hall. The work will start at Hospital Drive and proceed underground to a section of the M3 lower parking area directly next to the Davis Wing. While the pedestrian pathways between Davis and McKim will remain open most of the time, the use of underground boring equipment and other machinery will require temporary closures of walkways and outdoor seating areas next to McKim Hall. Detours to maintain pedestrian and vehicular traffic will be in place on Hospital Drive.

• Wednesday, Dec. 15 | A crane will be in use next to McKim Hall. During this time, the footprint of the worksite will expand along Hospital Drive to accommodate the crane and delivery trucks. Flaggers will be on site to direct pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Happenings

Special Panel Discussion | Checklists Are Not Enough: Safety and Quality in U.S. Healthcare Challenges from Stratosphere to Ground

Wednesday, Dec. 8 | 8-9 p.m. | Zoom | Presented by UVA Radiology & Medical Imaging. Panelists include Michael Dake, MD; Tracey Hoke, MD, MSc; Arun Krishnaraj, MD, MPH; and Andy Pasztor, former Wall Street Journal reporter. Moderated by Ziv Haskal, MD.

Flourish Boutique Holiday Sale Is This Week

Thursday, Dec. 9 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | UVA Breast Care Center (Pantops)
Friday, Dec. 10 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center
Receive 25% off everything in the store, excluding durable medical equipment, and receive a free gift with a purchase over $40. Learn more about Flourish Boutique. 

Last Call: Submit Nominations for the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. UVA Health Award

Deadline: 4 pm. Friday, Dec. 10 | Presented annually to a student, faculty, or team member of UVA Health who embodies Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s values and teachings in cultural competence, healthcare disparities, or fostering an environment of inclusiveness, in accordance with the institution's mission and values. Read more and download a nomination form on Connect.

Donate to the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC)

Through Monday, Dec. 20 | The CVC serves as a critical source of funding for community nonprofits by providing employees of state agencies a convenient way to donate — whether by payroll deduction or other means. Because of the pandemic, the need in the community is high, and donating even a small amount through the CVC can make a difference. Read more on Connect.

Appreciation

Transplant Gets High Marks in National Survey 

United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), which is the organization that manages the national transplant waiting list and matches donors, recently conducted a survey of the Transplant Service Line and has great findings to report. The UNOS surveyors reviewed over 1,300 living donor data elements and 776 recipient records and found a 99.6% compliance rate. “The surveyor also commented that this was the smallest number of findings out of any center they have surveyed,” said Rob Teaster, Administrator, Transplant Service Line and Digestive Health. The team’s secret? Teaster says, “It’s all about developing a culture of quality and regulatory compliance within the team, maintaining practices consistent with national policy, ongoing training, daily compliance checks (yes, daily!), and weeks of preparation by the Transplant Quality Office and the Transplant leadership team.” Congratulations to the Transplant team and thank you for your hard work to achieve this level of excellence!

Monday, Dec. 6, 2021

Which Benefits Are Most Important to You?

UVA Benefits Preference Survey Seeking Feedback Through Dec. 17 | All benefits-eligible employees at UVA should have received an invitation from Willis Towers Watson to participate in the UVA Benefits Preference survey. This confidential, online survey seeks feedback about our benefits programs and which benefits are most important. By taking a few minutes to complete this survey, you can help shape the future of UVA benefits. If you have questions or comments about the survey, contact the HR Solution Center at askhr@virginia.edu.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 9:20 a.m. Dec. 6)

Workforce Impact (as of Dec. 6)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

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

Be a Volunteer at Community COVID Testing Events

All Roles, All Dates | UVA Health has been providing COVID-19 tests each week to vulnerable community members in the Charlottesville area. Upcoming events are held each Monday and Tuesday evening through the end of December (6-7:30 p.m. Mondays at Church of the Incarnation and 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Mt. Zion Church). Volunteers are needed for the following volunteer roles: COVID testers (RNs, APPs, MDs), testing assistants, support (greeters/registration support/traffic control), and Spanish-speaking floating volunteers. Volunteers can email Cecelia Magargee at CWM2Z@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu or Anna Blackburn at AB4VK@hscmail.mcc.virginia.eduto obtain the sign-up link to volunteer or ask questions.

OPERATIONS

Traffic Impact | Chiller Replacement Project

Sat. Dec. 18 | 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | The chiller replacement project will require the closing of one lane of Lee Street on Saturday, and there may be minor delays as flaggers manage traffic. Two-way traffic and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

HAPPENINGS

Keynote Lecture Series | Checklists Are Not Enough: Safety and Quality in U.S. Healthcare Challenges from Stratosphere to Ground

Wednesday, Dec. 8 | 8-9 p.m. | Zoom | Presented by UVA Radiology & Medical Imaging. Panelists include Michael Dake, MD; Tracey Hoke, MD, MSc; Arun Krishnaraj, MD, MPH; and Andy Pasztor, former Wall Street Journal reporter. Moderated by Ziv Haskal, MD.

Ending Soon: 2021 Season’s Treatings Drive

Through Friday, Dec. 10 | Support UVA Children’s by purchasing items from digital wish lists through Amazon and Target (or search the organization registry and enter “UVA Child Life”). Donors are encouraged to have items shipped directly to the hospital’s Child Life Department, 1215 Lee St., 7th Floor 7809, Charlottesville, VA, 22908. In-person donations can be arranged by contacting Amy Cesak at 434.760.4148. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, donation bins are not available.

Planning for Long-Term Care Webinar

Tuesday, Dec. 14 | noon-1 p.m. | FEAP and Hoos Well will host this reward-eligible webinar to discuss benefits and challenges of long-term care, including legal and financial considerations, the importance of planning ahead, types of incapacity, and when guardianship or conservatorship are necessary. Learn more and register.

Got Questions About Epic-Integrated Zoom?

Drop-In Sessions Available Wednesdays | 9-10 a.m. | Through Wednesday, Dec. 15 |Are you currently using the Epic-Integrated Zoom platform for virtual visits and have questions? Or, are you thinking about using it, but would like to learn more? Drop-In information sessions are available with the Epic Training Team and feature an open Q&A and live, how-to demonstrations in Epic. Drop in anytime from 9-10 a.m. each Wednesday (click to join) through Dec. 15. Questions? Please contact the Epic Training Team at clepictrainingleads@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu.

‘Tis the Season for Giving: Donate Blood on Dec. 23!

Thursday, Dec. 23 | 3-7 p.m. | Quayle Learning Center | Battle Building, First Floor |The American Red Cross, UVA Health’s primary supplier of blood products, is facing a severe blood shortage. As the number of trauma cases, organ transplants, and elective surgeries rise across the country, the nation’s blood supply is being depleted. Donate between Dec. 17-Jan. 2 and receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt (while supplies last). Appointments required. Sign up by emailing giveblood@virginia.edu. Read more on Connect.

APPRECIATION

Thank You, Ruth and Other Therapy Dogs!

Teresa Green, RN, Director, UVA Children’s, recently shared a touching story and a shout out to one of our therapy dogs, Ruth, and her handler, Mary Brackett for their support during the COVID vaccine clinic in the Battle Building on Thursday, Dec. 2. “Last night in particular demonstrates the importance of therapy dogs’ work with our patients, families, and team members,” says Green.

“We had a very reluctant child who became tearful and refused to move from his location. Mary was able to assist getting the child to the exam room by having him walk Ruth to the room. Once in the room, the child began to significantly escalate, but Ruth and her handler remained to offer comfort; Ruth with friendly wags and Mary engaging in deep-breathing exercises with the child. Once I gave the injection, the child immediately went to Ruth for comfort before moving to the observation waiting area for 15 minutes. Ruth and Mary continued to check on the patient (as well as others) by rounding through the observation area. As the person giving the injection, I can say with 100% certainty that the child and parent greatly benefited from having Ruth and Mary at this event. We all benefited — as I made sure I got some snuggles in as well.”

“We absolutely miss our therapy dogs. I understand COVID has impacted their ability to volunteer, but we all look forward to their return. They are such a valuable resource and I am grateful they are a part of the UVA Health team.”

Thank you, Teresa, for sharing this story. And a BIG thank you to Ruth and Mary (and to all of our therapy dogs and their handlers!) for the outstanding support they provide to our patients and their families.

Friday, Dec. 3, 2021

Reminder: UVA Health Fully Remote Workers Must Meet Jan. 4 Vaccination Compliance Deadline

Any fully remote team member working for UVA Health is required to receive their final dose of the Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 by Jan. 4, 2022. This requirement aligns with President Biden’s Executive Order 14042, which requires institutions (such as the University of Virginia) that have contracts with the federal government to comply with the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force’s guidance. Key action dates are as follows:

• Moderna vaccine: first shot by Dec. 7; second by Jan. 4
• Pfizer vaccine: first shot by Dec. 14; second by Jan. 4
• Johnson & Johnson: one-dose vaccine shot by Jan. 4

Those who were previously infected with COVID-19 are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they have recovered from clinical illness. Details about the vaccine requirement and resources for more information are available at the COVID-19 Vaccination Program site.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 12:21 p.m., Dec. 1)

Workforce Impact (as of Dec. 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

Let’s Keep Everyone Safe: Remember to Wear Masks and Eye Protection Within UVA Health Facilities

During Fridays Before Five rounding, a downward trend in COVID PPE compliance has been reported. As a reminder, PPE policy requires all team members to wear masks that fully cover their mouth and nose at all times inside a UVA Health facility. Additionally, team members must wear eye protection during patient contact in closed spaces – such hospital rooms or  exam/procedure rooms – and when they come within six feet of a patient in an open area. Please refer to HOOS Health Check, Masking, Eye Protection, and other Work Space Safety Requirements to learn about exceptions and other details.

Operations

Action Requested: Team Members Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries in 2021

Honorees celebrating a Service Award in 2021 should have received an email on Nov. 19 from UVA Human Resources notifying them that they will receive a package that includes a certificate and pin at their home address. If you believe you are celebrating a milestone anniversary (five-year increments starting at 10 years) but did not receive this email, please contact askhr@virginia.edu. All honorees are invited to pick a commemorative gift from the UVA Bookstore. Managers will receive a communication next week about how to access funding for small departmental celebrations and tribute videos for team members celebrating 40 or more years at UVA. Thank you for your dedication to UVA!

Benefits Preference Survey to Launch Next Week

Dec. 6–17 | All benefits-eligible faculty, staff, and team members in the Academic Division and benefits-eligible team members in the Medical Center are being invited to participate in a confidential, online Benefits Preference Survey. Feedback will shape benefits programs for the next three years and help impact the attraction and retention of faculty, staff, and team members. Invitation emails will be sent by the consulting firm, Willis Towers Watson. Questions about the survey can be sent to the HR Solution Center at askhr@virginia.edu.   

Happenings

Final Week to Donate: 2021 Season’s Treatings Drive

Through Friday, Dec. 10 | Support UVA Children’s by purchasing items from digital wish lists through Amazon and Target (or search the organization registry and enter “UVA Child Life”). Donors are encouraged to have items shipped directly to the hospital’s Child Life Department, 1215 Lee St., 7th Floor 7809, Charlottesville, VA, 22908. In-person donations can be arranged by contacting Amy Cesak at 434.760.4148. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, donation bins will not be available.

One Week Left: 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. UVA Health Award Nominations

Deadline: 4 pm. Friday, Dec. 10 | Presented annually to a student, faculty, or team member of UVA Health who embodies Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s values and teachings in cultural competence, healthcare disparities, or fostering an environment of inclusiveness, in accordance with the institution's mission and values. Read more and download a nomination form on Connect.

Appreciation

Kudos to the Northridge Pediatrics Team!

The Northridge Pediatrics team recently vaccinated 314 current patients between 5 and 11 years old. They made it a fun experience for the kids with music, books, stickers, balloons, and lollipops. Team members wore special shirts printed with the word “vaccinated” for the second-dose appointments on Dec. 1 to celebrate all the children who became fully vaccinated that day. Thank you to the team for organizing the effort and vaccinating so many young residents in our community while making it an exciting milestone!

Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021

Urgent Need for Community COVID Testing Volunteers

All Roles, All Dates | UVA Health has been providing COVID-19 tests each week to vulnerable community members in the Charlottesville area, and future events are in jeopardy due to lack of volunteers. Upcoming events will be held each Monday and Tuesday evening through the end of December (6-7:30 p.m. Mondays at Church of the Incarnation and 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Mt. Zion Church). Volunteers are needed for the following roles: COVID testers (RNs, APPs, MDs), testing assistants, support (greeters/registration support/traffic control), and Spanish-speaking floating volunteers. Volunteers can email Cecelia Magargee at CWM2Z@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu or Anna Blackburn at AB4VK@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu to sign-up or ask questions.

COVID-19

Current Patient Census (as of 12:21 p.m., Dec. 1)

Workforce Impact (as of Dec. 1)
UVA Health team members affected and on paid administrative leave

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

Well-Being

Remember to Practice Self-Care This Holiday Season

In her latest post on Vision and Voice, Wendy Horton, Medical Center CEO, discusses the holiday season as being a time of joy, love, and happiness but also sometimes a time of personal and professional stress, anxiety, and challenges — all of which are magnified by a pandemic. Read more.

Operations

Safety Precautions for Holiday Gatherings

Please pay special attention to the institutional guidance for gatherings this holiday season:

For events held in UVA Health facilities

• Follow UVA Health guidelines currently in effect at the time of the event (subject to change based on current COVID conditions). As of today, we are in the “Restricted” category for masking and eating. See the Visitor and Public Access Guidance Matrix for details.

For events held in UVA facilities outside of UVA Health

• Follow the guidelines outlined in Policy SEC-045.

For UVA Health events held at off-site locations

• Holiday gatherings outside of University facilities are at the discretion of the sponsoring entity.
• It is expected that attendees will follow CDC guidelines at any events.
• Please be aware that there could be another significant surge this winter. If the local transmission rate is high, the ability to gather may be restricted, further limiting the ability to host or sponsor an event (please keep this in mind if you are required to make a deposit for an event site).

Happenings

Reminder to UVA Health Managers | Celebrating Years of Service

Team members retiring with 20+ years of service at UVA are eligible for a retirement gift, certificate, funding for a departmental celebration, and a Tribute video. These items are initiated by a manager by filling out a retirement checklist. Visit the Recognizing Team Members web page and scroll down to Retirement Recognition for details.

Discount Memberships at WW and Free Friends and Family Kits

UVA reimburses 50% of the WW (formerly Weight Watchers) membership cost for team members enrolled in a UVA health plan. Team members not enrolled in a UVA health plan, spouses, and adult dependents are eligible for discounted pricing. Anyone who signs up for WW by Dec. 31 will receive a free friends and family kit. Learn more.

Appreciation

Pediatric Team Donates Bereavement Carts to MICU

Over the past 20 months, the MICU has called upon resources and experts in the pediatric world when dealing with patients at the end of their life who have young children. In late 2020 and early 2021, the MICU team had several of these cases, and the pediatric experts who supported them — Josh Reyes, MD; Patrick Ahern, PNP; Amelia Cesak, Child Life Specialist; and Joy Miller, PNP — recognized an opportunity to help in another way.

In May/June of 2021, Miller reached out to the MICU to announce that the group had a special gift for the MICU: pediatric-focused bereavement carts. The carts are filled with paint and canvases for handprints and footprints, books explaining death to children, resources to help parents at the end of life talk to children/siblings, and other legacy-building and memory-making resources. The pediatric team spent several months evaluating, ordering, and organizing these amazing bereavement items into two rolling carts for the MICU team and patients.

“Our team is extremely thankful for our pediatric colleagues’ generosity and ability to recognize our gap in resources,” says Kris Blackstone, RN, Assistant Nurse Manager, MICU. “When in the adult world full time, we don’t always have the time, knowledge, or bandwidth to search for these types of resources. Although we will continue to rely on experts in Child Life Services and the pediatric world, having the carts here on our unit will make a huge and lasting difference to all involved.” Thank you to all involved in caring for these MICU patients and their young family members.

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