Celebrating National Patient Experience Week

Through Friday, May 2 | National Patient Experience Week celebrates the healthcare professionals who make a difference in patient care every day. Each day of the week focuses on a different theme to enhance patient and team connections including active listening, personal connection, patient empowerment, team collaboration, and health literacy. Join in by sending Gratitude Grams, participating in daily challenges, answering a Pop Quiz for a chance to win a prize, and attending drop-in sessions. Learn more.

Operations

Annual Planned Steam Outage

Saturday, May 10 | 5 a.m.-midnight | University Hospital | Steam and hot water will be down for maintenance in University Hospital. The South Tower will be affected.

Heat and hot water will not be available for hand wash sinks and patient showers during this time.
Units will contact the nursing supervisor by 5 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, if any clinical operations are in progress that would require a delay in the planned outage.
Units may request additional linens and blankets from the linen room as needed for patients by calling 434.924.5825.
Pediatric units may request coffee cauldrons from dietary to assist in warming of bottles or use local unit coffee makers for generating hot water.
Radiant warmers will be available to the pediatric floors from the supply room.
A limited number of heat lamps will be available from the supply room.

Questions? Contact Nina Green, Associate Director, Health System Physical Plant.

Next Epic Upgrade May 21

Health Information Technology (HIT) will implement the next Epic Upgrade across all UVA Health entities Wednesday, May 21. These upgrades are critical to keeping our electronic health record system efficient, secure, and responsive to the evolving needs of healthcare delivery. The upcoming upgrade to Epic version vFeb2025 has an estimated downtime of two hours, from 1 to 3 a.m. Most team members can expect to spend less than 30 minutes preparing for the changes, depending on their role. For information on top changes and to access training materials, visit Connect.

Monthly Update: Clinical and Operational Documents

Having a working knowledge of policies and other clinical and operational documents relevant to your role and responsibilities at University Medical Center supports quality patient care and regulatory compliance. Learn What’s New in Clinical and Operational Documents. This month’s highlights include:

New Tracheostomy Decannulation and Post Decannulation Stoma Care Respiratory Therapy SOP
Updates to Fall Prevention for Adult and Pediatric Patients Guideline
Updates to Pregnancy Testing Before Receiving Ionizing Radiation
Updates to Specialty Bed Protocol Order
Updates to Advance Directives Medical Center Policy, and many more.

Questions? Email PolicyTechAdmin@uvahealth.org

Smishing Alert: Be Wary of Fraudulent Texts

There has been a recent uptick in suspicious text messages being received by UVA Health team members. These messages usually convey a false sense of urgency and attempt to lure the recipient into clicking on a link or downloading an application or attachment. These smishing messages often contain alarming topics ranging from unpaid toll fees to undeliverable package shipments. If you receive a suspicious text message, do not reply, click on links, or share personal information. And remember, UVA Health leadership will never ask you for payment or personal information via text message. Learn how to identify, report, and protect yourself against smishing attacks.

New Wheelchair Clinic Open for Referrals

UVA Health Adult Wheelchair Care | 545 Ray C. Hunt Dr., Suite 3200 | 434.243.3100 | Adult Wheelchair Care is now accepting both internal and outside referrals for patients to be seen at its Fontaine clinic. This new clinic offers expert evaluations by an occupational therapist to determine the most appropriate wheelchair and seating solutions for patients aged 18 and older.

The clinic team conducts a detailed evaluation of the patient’s needs to recommend appropriate equipment, and works with suppliers to deliver, test, and train the patient on proper use and maintenance, and provide education on positioning and safety. It is the only specialty therapy clinic in our area solely dedicated to wheelchair and seating solutions for adults, addressing a vital care gap in the region. To refer a patient, in Epic create an Ambulatory Referral to Adult Occupational Therapy and select the UVA Adult Wheelchair Care location.

Language Interpretation Services at UVA Health

In support of our mission to provide excellent patient care, UVA Health offers professional language interpretation services to Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients and their families. In-person and contracted interpreters are available to ensure patients can fully understand their care and make informed decisions. As required by federal law and University Medical Center Policy 0156, UVA Health must offer these services at no cost and document them in Epic when provided or declined. Effective communication is essential for patient safety, trust, and positive health outcomes.

Please remember that only certified interpreters may provide language interpretation — team members who speak a second language are not permitted to interpret — and family, friends, and minor children should not serve as interpreters. Team members interested in becoming certified medical language interpreters are encouraged to contact the Language Services Department at RLangServices@UVAHealth.org.

Leadership

Three UVA Health Community Medical Centers Receive ‘A’ Grades for The Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2025 Hospital Safety Grade

UVA Health announced its three community medical centers in Culpeper, Haymarket, and Prince William received ‘A’ grades for The Leapfrog Group’s spring 2025 Hospital Safety Grade.

“Every day, our teams show what it means to put patients first — with skill, compassion, and an unwavering focus on safety,” says Erik Shannon, CEO of UVA Health’s community medical centers and clinics in northern Virginia and Culpeper. “Their dedication drives our mission forward and reflects the heart of UVA Health’s 10-year strategic plan: delivering high quality care and exceptional experiences to every patient, in every community we serve.” Read more.

UVA Health in the News

Top Story

University Medical Center is named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of 100 academic medical centers to know.

Patient Care

Dr. Brian Wentworth participates in our weekly NBC29 segment, discussing Donate Life Month and living organ donation.
University Medical Center CEO Wendy Horton and Dr. Leigh Cantrell are featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing the opening of our new Pantops cancer center.
Chief Pharmacy Officer Danielle Griggs talks with Becker’s Hospital Review about plans for a central pharmacy service center.
Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton is featured locally, across Virginia, and on TV stations nationally discussing how lifestyle changes can help address menopause symptoms.
Dr. Laurie Archbald-Pannone talks with HuffPost about foods to avoid for longer, healthier lives.
In Becker’s Hospital Review Chief Administrative Officer Mary Frances Southerland shares with about the biggest questions for 2025.

Research

Dr. Leigh Cantrell talks with WebMD for two video segments on cancer risk factors and cancer prevention.
On the Oprah Daily podcast, Dr. Bruce Greyson discusses near death experiences.
Dr. Christopher Kramer talks with Medscape about new insights into heart failure and type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Hui Li’s prostate cancer research is featured in MedPage Today.
Dr. Sidhartha Pani and Dr. Madhu Misra write an article for Medscape about bone health in inflammatory bowel disease.
Medscape spotlights research led by Dr. Ifrah Zawar into the risk factors for epilepsy in patients with cognitive decline.

Community

Drug take-back events at UVA Health locations are featured in media outlets across Virginia.

Education

Pediatrics resident Dr. Carly Pierson writes a post for the American Academy of Pediatrics blog on flu vaccine options for kids with a history of wheezing.

Human Resources

University Medical Center PTO Accrual Rate Change

As part of our long-standing commitment to offer competitive benefits consistent with peer institutions, adjustments are coming to University Medical Center’s Paid Time Off (PTO) Accrual Plan. Learn more.

Happenings

Free Skin Cancer Screening

Saturday, May 3 | 8 a.m.-noon | UVA Health Primary Care Center Dermatology Clinic | Frequently in the sun? Have a mole that’s changed shape, size, or color? Get a free skin cancer screening by a UVA Health dermatologist and learn how to protect yourself and your family from skin cancer. Bring a baseball cap or visor to exchange for a new sun hat, while supplies last. Free parking is available in the 11th Street Garage. Sign up by calling 800.223.9173.

UVA Health Orthopedics Community Event

Saturday, May 3 | 9 a.m.-noon | UVA Orthopedic Center Ivy Road | Join the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery for this free, family friendly community event. Talk with providers and learn more about the services orthopedics offers including the seven clinics, physical therapy, walk-in injury care, imaging, and more. Join a meditation session led by Joshua Li, MD, PhD, followed by four provider talks on common orthopedic issues. Kids can take a unique tour of the operating room and explore some of the tools that surgeons use. Plus, enjoy face painting, games, crafts, and photos with UVA cheerleaders. Free donuts and coffee will be available from The Donut Kitchen. The access registration desk will be open for patients to schedule appointments and assist in signing up for MyChart.

Senior Health and Wellness Expo

Saturday, May 3 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Brooks Family YMCA, 151 McIntire Park Dr. | A one-stop shop for those who are age 50 or older. This expo features resource tables with information on nutrition, transportation, disease management, social connection, care management, care for the caregiver, and money management. Education sessions about wills, safety, and long-term care will be available. Try a 15-minute fitness class while visiting. Sponsored by UVA Health. Questions? Contact Jackie Martin.

Teddy Bear Clinic and Health Education Fair

Saturday, May 3 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Boys & Girls Club, 195 Lambs Lane | Join our UVA Health Children’s team for this fun and informative fair! Free and open to all families. Teddy bear clinics are a fun way to help kids feel less scared at the doctor’s office and hospital, and learn more about staying healthy. The first 100 kids to arrive will get free teddy bears, and our pediatricians will give them a check-up before they go to their new homes. Enjoy:

Free books for kids to take home.
Performances from the Virginia Dance Team.
CavMan visit from noon-1 p.m.
Food from the Chimm food truck, free for the first 100 attendees and then available for purchase.
Talks from our pediatricians on screen time and asthma.

Celebrate National Nurses Week

May 6-12 | In celebration of National Nurses Week, University Medical Center is hosting a series of events, including an Evidence-Based Practice Symposium, drop-in celebrations, Nursing Excellence Awards Ceremony, and more. Details. All team members are invited to participate in:

Nightingale Notables | Award a colleague with a 2025 Superlative Award. Available digitally or as a printable PowerPoint file.
Late Nights at Higher Grounds | May 6-12 | Extended hours to 2 a.m. | University Hospital cafeteria
Food Truck Friday | Friday, May 9 | 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | MR5 Sidewalk between the loading dock and South Garage

Film Screening: American Delivery — Solving the Maternal Mortality Crisis in U.S. Healthcare

Tuesday, May 6 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | McLeod Hall Auditorium | As part of its celebration of National Nurses Week (May 6-12), UVA School of Nursing offers this screening and a post-film panel discussion including several maternal health and nursing experts, moderated by Pamela Cipriano, PhD, RN, FAAN, President of the International Council of Nurses, two-term President of American Nurses Association, and dean emerita. Learn more.

Festival of Cultures

Saturday, May 24 | noon-3 p.m. | Brooks Family YMCA, 151 McIntire Park Drive | A free, family-friendly, community event featuring a bounce house, face painting, sack race, sports physicals, health resource tables, music, food trucks, and cultural displays and entertainment. Sponsored by UVA Health and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Questions? Contact Jackie Martin.

Olivia’s Light: Pediatric Rare Disease Conference — Keeping Genetics Top of Mind

June 9-10 | UVA Student Health and Wellness, 550 Brandon Ave. | Join leading experts, parents, and industry professionals at this interactive conference aimed at improving patient care for children and families impacted by a rare disease. Focuses on genetic testing, prenatal and neonatal red flags, ethical considerations, communication strategies, and patient-centered solutions. Registration deadline: May 27. Sponsored by UVA Health Continuing Education. Register.

Appreciation

‘Above and Beyond’ | Kudos for Our UVA Health Colleagues

To best serve our community, UVA Health regularly surveys our patients on their healthcare experience. Below is a selection of feedback praising our team members:

“Again, I was stunned at the quality level of care. I saw not only a resident, but the attending. Doctors listened and understood why I was there. They clearly described the test they performed and were adamant about follow-up care with my primary care provider. I got the care that I needed.”
“Debbie Page is the person at the registration desk and has been registering me for years. I always leave thinking, ‘I'm going to call and tell her boss what a jewel they have in Debbie’ — but every year I get busy and forget to do this. Of all my experiences over 60+ years with doctor offices, Debbie definitely stands out. She is always so friendly and helpful to everyone I see her interact with during the office visit. She deserves special recognition, as it is rare these days to find people like her.”
“UVA Health is amazing — this is my second admission, and the staff and providers are top notch. A highlight of my stay was, once again, the food and nutrition staff: they went above and beyond to make my day when I was in pain. Please recognize this team!”
“Dr. Belyea is one of our blessings. He gives more of himself to his patients and their family. He always takes time to make a connection to his patients so that we trust him implicitly. He answers all questions, educating us all and ensuring we understand all medical terms and test results. We credit him with saving our son and family.”

Thank you to our team members for providing outstanding, compassionate, and safe care!

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UVA Health Update | May 2, 2025