News from the University Hospital at Downstate
June 2025

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

Our 2025 Culture of Safety Survey Update

Thank you for taking part in this year’s national “Culture of Safety” survey, from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and supported by the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA). Every two years, this important survey gives us an opportunity to reflect on how we care for our patients, for one another, and for the environment we work in every day.

We are proud to share that 77 percent of UHD staff completed the survey this year—the highest participation rate ever reached during the one-month survey period. This concrete milestone reflects your commitment to building a culture where every voice counts, and everyone shares safety responsibly.

By taking the survey, you played an essential role in making University Hospital at Downstate a safer place for our patients and each another. Your feedback gives us insight into improving our work, supporting each other, creating a stronger, more caring environment, and moving forward together.

Thank you for everything you do to #KeepCareClose, safe, and strong.

Celebrating Hospital Week with Style

Last month, we celebrated Hospital Week to show support for our incredible team at Downstate and offer appreciation for your tireless efforts to help our patients thrive. This year’s theme was a “Healing Symphony” to identify an orchestrated approach to improve the health and lives of the community we serve.

We would like to thank everyone who helped organize the Hospital Week events, which contributed to the fun and helped create a memorable celebration.

Finally, thank you to every department, every team member, every nurse, and everyone who makes it possible for us to give patients the best patient care and experience. Your service, commitment, and dedication make UHD unique.

Please enjoy a few pictures from our Hospital Week events below.

Employees of the Month for May – Marina Boruk, M.D., Roman Shinder, M.D., OR, PACU, and NS 42 Staff

Below is a letter of appreciation from a grateful parent on the exceptional care provided at Downstate:

This email is to acknowledge the excellent staff at Downstate. My son was a patient in February 2025 and in need of emergency surgery. The team of physicians and nurses was outstanding. My son was on the pediatric ward and was in the great care of the pediatric team, the ophthalmology team, the ENT team, and ID services. Every member of the nursing staff and medical team was patient and caring. My son is 10 years old, so at times his exams and treatments were uncomfortable or painful, but the staff was so patient and kind.

The OR and PACU staff were attentive and treated him with compassion, as his anxiety was evident at the time he was waiting for surgery. The surgeons, Dr. Boruk and Dr. Shinder, were wonderful and cared for my son.

Originally, we were in Staten Island Hospital and had to be transported to Downstate, as the Ophthalmology physician who consulted in the ER wanted him there, so his team could care for him. At first, I was nervous, as I knew very little about Downstate since we lived on Staten Island, but soon after arriving, I was impressed by the care and team effort I witnessed.

My son is doing great, and we are so grateful to all the staff who treated him.

Please share with your CEO and CNO, as I want them to know that my experience was wonderful, and the team communication was outstanding with each other, my husband, and me. We were part of the process from the beginning and kept informed of all aspects of his care.

UHD Acknowledges