Collaboration at its finest

Thanks to all who impact our patients and their families

By Todd Taylor

In this edition we take a closer look at the separation of conjoined twins, Savannah and Scarlett, that happened here in 2016. This extraordinary case received national attention and its success required the work of hundreds of faculty, staff, residents and volunteers.

In our story, we shine light on many of the care teams that worked behind the scenes to ensure the twins’ safe birth, separation and recovery. But it quickly became apparent that we couldn’t include everyone. There are far too many people and teams to mention — the smiling faces that greet our patients on the Guest Services and Volunteer Services teams; our colleagues who provide warm meals for Food and Nutrition Services; the helpful hands that safely move patients around our facilities from Patient Transportation; our co-workers who make our buildings and patient rooms sparkle on the Environmental Services team; and those who carefully prepare and deliver the vital tools our care staff require from the Supply Chain Services departments, just to name a few.

When all our teams are working in sync, our patients have a positive experience, creating an environment for them to receive the outstanding care they’ve come to expect at UF Health.

In the case of conjoined twins Savannah and Scarlett, there was no room for error. We’d like to thank each and every person involved for your role in this successful outcome, and for all you do for every patient and visitor who comes through our doors. Your work is appreciated!

February is American Heart Month and heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the U.S. Turn to page 4 to learn what our care teams are doing to combat heart failure.

Finally, visit news-notes.UFHealth.org and check out News+Notes’ new, modernized website that was launched in January. Please let us know what you think!