During a flu vaccination event, Ed Jimenez visited with UF Health Shands Occupational Health Services staff: (left) Beverly Hernandez, R.N., and Iechia Houston, office representative.
We caught up with our UF Health Shands CEO Ed Jimenez and asked him about several things happening at UF Health this fall. If you have a question for him, email taylt@shands.ufl.edu and we’ll consider it for an upcoming edition of News&Notes.
How do military veterans improve our workforce at UF Health?
Our employees with a military background have a commitment to get behind a cause and complete a mission. In the work we do, we have three missions (education, research and patient care), and these employees really thrive in accomplishing them. They are dedicated to service and putting others before them — and you see that with all our staff. They also have great pride in the work they do. During our annual Veterans Day event, I look into the crowd and see how proud people are of the service they’ve provided our country, and the pride their colleagues have for their contributions.
Turn to page 6 to view profiles of several veterans who work at UF Health.
This month, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the UF Health Contact Center. How vital is this department to day-to-day operations?
Agents at the Contact Center are a huge part of what we do, and they are here 24/7. They are our connection to LifeQuest; our backup to outpatient practices after hours; at the core of the communications team during emergencies and major issues; and so much more. They are our vital link to the outside world.
Turn to page 10 to learn more about the UF Health Contact Center team.
We also profile the medical interpreter team. Why is their work so important?
Imagine you’re a patient — you’re ill, scared and vulnerable. You need your care team to be able to communicate with you. If English isn’t your primary language, you’re left to either interpret what someone is telling you, or someone’s going to do their best to speak to you in your language. But the best solution is to have the information delivered to you clearly in your language, whether it’s through a certified interpreter or through our technology. This is why the work this team does is so important.
Turn to page 13 to learn more about the medical interpreter team.
How are things going with the construction of the UF Health Heart & Vascular Hospital and UF Health Neuromedicine Hospital?
We are making great progress on the towers. It’s pretty cool to watch the construction. Right now the project is on time and on budget, and it’s important for us to keep it going this way. We remain a major destination for everything patients need in neuromedicine and heart and vascular care.
Keep up with this project and others at blueprints.UFHealth.org.
What should employees look out for as we approach the winter months?
I want our staff to look out for their families. Holiday season is a time for everyone to be thankful for what they have; enjoy the company of their families and friends; take a look back on what they’ve accomplished in their lives; and know that this organization cares about them.
