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The UHB Update

News from the University Hospital at Downstate
November 2025

A Message from Patricia A. Winston, DNP, MS, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE 
Interim CEO of University Hospital at Downstate

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Downstate Recognized as a Top 50 Operations Team at the 2025 OnCon Icon Awards

Downstate has been recognized among the Top 50 Operations Teams at the prestigious 2025 OnCon Icon Awards. This national honor celebrates teams that exemplify operational excellence, innovation, and leadership within their organizations.

The OnCon Icon Awards are unique in that winners are selected by the public, with voters identifying teams that demonstrate measurable success, positive organizational impact, and thought leadership in their fields. Honorees are also recognized for their innovative approaches and the exceptional leadership of their team heads.

Downstate’s Operations Team stood out for its ongoing dedication to advancing efficiency, collaboration, and innovation in service to our mission of education, research, and clinical care. This recognition highlights the team’s vital role in ensuring that Downstate’s operations continue to support world-class healthcare delivery and academic excellence.

Congratulations to the entire Operations Team on this outstanding achievement and for representing us as a national leader in operational excellence.

For a full list of this year’s award winners, visit the OnConferences Awards page.

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Keeping Downstate Safe at the Flu Fair for Employees and Students

Earlier this month, Downstate hosted its annual Flu Fair in PHAB Hall for faculty, staff, and students.

We extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone who received the flu shot. Your participation plays a key role in protecting our campus community and the patients we serve during flu season.

Our vaccine team did an outstanding job organizing the Flu Fair, ensuring the vaccination process was swift and seamless. We commend the team for their dedication, professionalism, and hard work in keeping our community healthy and safe.

If you missed the Flu Fair, you can still get your flu shot at the Outpatient Pharmacy @ the University Hospital (470A Clarkson Avenue). Please remember to bring your insurance card; there is no copay for the flu vaccine.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Flu Fair a success and to all who continue keeping Downstate safe!

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Employee Health Goes Digital: A New Era of Employee Health Experience

Downstate is ushering in a new era of efficiency and innovation with the digital transformation of the Employee Health Services (EHS) Department. Thanks to the vision and expertise of the Information Technology (IT) team, the employee health experience has been modernized to make annual clearances and pre-employment visits smoother, faster, and more convenient.

The redesigned EHS Application integrates advanced tools that streamline every step of the employee health process. Among the key enhancements:

  • Self-service kiosks for quick and easy employee registration
  • Tablets for completing clinical documentation electronically
  • A real-time tracking board to monitor employee flow and visit status
  • Automated clearance emails sent directly to employees, HR, and supervisors upon visit completion

This end-to-end digital workflow replaces paper processes and improves communication between departments, enhancing speed and accuracy. The initiative is a major step forward in how we deliver services to our Downstate community.

The Information Technology team played a pivotal role in bringing this project to life, demonstrating technical expertise, innovation, and strong collaboration. Their work advances Downstate’s mission through smarter, more efficient systems that support employees and operations.

Kudos to the Downstate IT team for your expertise and teamwork in making Employee Health’s digital transformation a reality.

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A Fresh Start: Downstate Unveils Newly Renovated Maternity Suites

We proudly announce the opening of Downstate’s newly renovated maternity suites on the third floor of University Hospital. The upgraded spaces reflect our commitment to providing a comfortable, supportive, and family-centered birthing experience for patients and their loved ones.

The renovation features expanded, thoughtfully reimagined suites that enhance comfort and privacy for new mothers, their support persons, and doulas. Each suite now includes:

  • Spacious rooms that promote family bonding and rest
  • Overnight accommodations for a support person
  • Modern, private bathrooms that create a serene, spa-like atmosphere—offering what one staff member described as a “Zen environment” for postpartum recovery

This transformation reflects UHD’s commitment to serving our diverse Brooklyn community. By modernizing maternity care spaces, we ensure that every birthing patient and family is welcomed into a warm, inclusive environment that supports physical recovery and emotional well-being.

The goal was to design a space that matches the exceptional care our staff provides each day. Every mother and family should feel supported, comfortable, and celebrated as they begin this new chapter in their lives.

With these beautifully updated suites, Downstate continues to foster new beginnings—offering an exceptional experience for every patient, every family, and every birth.

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UHD Acknowledges

  • November – National Hospice and Palliative Care Month
  • November – National Diabetes Awareness Month
  • Nov. 1st –  Nov. 7th: Medical-Surgical Nurses Week
  • Nov. 3rd – Nov. 9th: National Patient Transport Week (M.E.T.S.) 
  • Nov. 5th – Nov. 11th: National Radiologic Technologist Week
  • Nov. 2nd – Nov. 8th: National Medical Staff Services Awareness Week
  • Nov. 9th – Nov. 15th: National Nurse Practitioner Week 
  • Nov. 10th – Nov. 14th: Perioperative Nurse Week

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SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
450 Clarkson Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11203
phone: (718) 270-1000