News from the University Hospital at Downstate
December 2025

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

Call for Abstracts: 2026 Patient Safety and Quality Fair

Each year, Patient Safety Week gives us a chance to highlight the work that keeps our patients safe and our hospital moving forward. This year, I invite you to share a project that improves patient safety, strengthens a process, or advances quality in your area. Your work—no matter the department—helps us deliver better care.

Our planning committee will review all submissions and select projects for oral presentation or poster sessions. Prizes will be awarded for top presentations.  Abstracts are due January 9, 2026.

Guidelines for submission:

• Select a project completed at Downstate
• Format your abstract using the Downstate WE ACT performance improvement framework
• Click HERE to submit your abstract (Abstract information sessions are currently being held. If interested, email PatientSafetyFair@downstate.edu)

All submitting authors will be notified by email. Additional instructions for formatting and presentations will be provided at that time.

Thank you for your commitment to patient safety and quality. I look forward to seeing the practical, creative, and problem-solving work that makes UHD stronger every day.

Spotlight on Leadership: Dr. Lavonia Francis Appointed as the Senior Associate Vice President of Ambulatory Care Services

We are proud to highlight the work and leadership of Lavonia Francis, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, NEA-BC, who was appointed our Senior Associate Vice President of Ambulatory Care in November. A transformational nursing executive with deep experience in clinical operations, strategic planning, and quality improvement, Dr. Francis brings a steady, patient-centered approach to advancing ambulatory care at UHD.

Driving Excellence in Ambulatory Care

In her new role, Dr. Francis provides comprehensive administrative, clinical, and financial oversight across our ambulatory care services. She works closely with ambulatory nursing and clinical teams to ensure patients receive high-quality, patient-focused care in every outpatient setting.

Her leadership has been pivotal in shaping strategic planning initiatives, strengthening interdepartmental collaboration, and enhancing patient access and engagement. In partnership with Managed Care, she has helped introduce innovative processes that support best-practice performance and improve patient outcomes.

Working with clinic leadership, medical directors, and the Information Technology Department, Dr. Francis has advanced key quality metrics and supported improvements to the electronic medical record system. 

Dr. Francis serves on multiple key committees, including:

• Co-chair, Ambulatory Care Performance Improvement Committee
• Executive Performance Improvement Committee
• Co-chair, Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Steering Committee
• Environment of Care Committee

A Record of Impactful Achievements

During her tenure, Dr. Francis has led high-impact initiatives that continue to strengthen Downstate’s ambulatory services. Her accomplishments include:

• Successfully leading the PCMH recertification effort
• Implementing a comprehensive pre-visit workflow initiative
• Restructuring Infusion Unit workflows to improve efficiency and the patient experience
• Expanding access to care through extended evening and Saturday clinic hours
• Contributing to increased award incentives through performance-driven initiatives

Together, these efforts demonstrate a commitment to excellence, operational efficiency, and patient-centered care.

A Transformational, Quality-Driven Leader

Dr. Francis is widely recognized for her analytical strengths and ability to drive sustainable change. Her leadership style centers on collaboration, evidence-based practice, and building accountable, high-performing teams. She is deeply committed to redefining standards of care and placing patients at the heart of every decision.

Her broad clinical insight, operational expertise, and passion for advancing patient outcomes make her an invaluable leader within ambulatory care.

Advancing Major Renovation to Our Parkside Dialysis Center

Earlier this year, we secured a $2.78 million grant to support a comprehensive renovation and upgrade of the Parkside Dialysis Center—an investment that is already transforming the space and improving the care environment for patients and staff.

The grant has made it possible to begin long-planned upgrades. Major upgrades include a full roof replacement, complete floor renovation, new cabinetry throughout the clinic, installation of a modern wireless nurse call-bell system, and a facility-wide repainting. The Center will also acquire new dialysis machines and patient chairs, improving comfort, safety, and efficiency.

While large-scale construction continues, several smaller but essential projects have already been completed. These include the installation of duct returns in the medication rooms, replacement of motors in the roll-down gates, installation of a backflow preventer in the sewer line, and the addition of new waiting room chairs. One remaining initiative—a backup power system robust enough to support the entire Center during an outage—is under active review.

This progress reflects strong teamwork across the institution. Hospital Administration, Facilities Management, Finance, Contracting, and the Downstate Foundation have partnered closely with the Dialysis Center team to keep this work on track, and we thank them for their continued support.

All renovations currently underway are expected to be completed in 2026, marking a significant milestone in Downstate’s continued commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in a modernized, state-of-the-art environment.

Employee of the Month for October 2025 – Reverend Sharon Codner-Walker

Reverend Sharon Codner-Walker, MDiv, BCC, BPS, has been a guiding presence at University Hospital at Downstate for more than two decades. As a Board-Certified Clinician and Interfaith Professional Chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains, she has spent her career serving patients, families, and healthcare teams with compassion and steady leadership.

As Director of Pastoral/Spiritual Care, Reverend Codner-Walker provides holistic support during some of the most difficult moments people face. She also coaches, educates, and supervises a dedicated team of Interfaith Chaplains who work alongside UHD staff.

Her impact is felt every day, often quietly and without fanfare. She is honored as Employee of the Month not only for her leadership, but for the deep, personal difference she makes in the lives of those she serves. That difference is reflected clearly in a heartfelt message she received from a colleague—a note shared with permission and reproduced below.

Dear Respected Reverend Sharon Walker,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the care, kindness, and support you showed me during one of the most difficult times in my life, the loss of my brother and uncle, just weeks apart.

Your comforting presence, thoughtful check-ins, and prayers provided me with strength and peace when I needed them the most. It meant so much to know that I wasn't alone and that someone genuinely cared. Your compassion truly reflected the heart of pastoral care, and I will never forget the way you walked beside me through those painful moments. I want to sincerely thank you for the incredible support you offered me during a time when I was struggling deeply. After the sudden passing of my brother, I felt overwhelmed with sadness, depression, and a lack of focus. I was emotionally exhausted and found it difficult to carry on with my daily responsibilities.

You encouraged me to take time for myself and gave me the space to begin healing and that support truly gave me a new sense of life. I honestly don’t have the words to fully express how much I appreciate what you’ve done for me. While I and the hospital may never be able to thank you enough, I truly believe that Almighty Allah has already recorded your kindness and that your compassion continues to touch countless lives.

Your role in the hospital is incredibly important, even though it may not always be visible. Every day, you provide spiritual and emotional support to staff, patients, families, and medical students. Because of your presence, so many are finding the strength and peace they need to fulfill their responsibilities and care for others.

Thank you once again for being a source of light during my darkest days. I will always be grateful for being such a steady and compassionate support during this time. Your role in my healing has been a blessing, and I am incredibly thankful.

UHD Acknowledges