In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing a series of updates that take a closer look at our four strategic priorities for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) at University Medical Center.
Healthcare is shifting quickly. Across Virginia and the entire country, health systems and hospitals are navigating change and challenge. In these moments, staying grounded in trust, collaboration, and thoughtful planning becomes more important than ever.
Our FY26 priorities are designed to do exactly that — to bring stability in uncertain times, support our team, and prepare us to care for current and new patients who are counting on us. By being aligned and proactive, we will stay the course of our strategic plan, “One Future Together: Health and Hope for All.”
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect as we explore each goal in more detail in the weeks to come:
Operational Excellence
When it comes to operations, we have a lot to be proud of. Just earlier this year, we earned the gold standard of nursing excellence — Magnet® re-designation. Through your work, we’ve seen strong gains in ambulatory throughput, workforce stabilization, a steady improvement in length of stay, and continued trust in our care. Still, we know we can do more. In FY26, we’re strengthening our daily management system and team huddles so that frontline voices are better heard, barriers are addressed quickly, and great ideas are acted on. These systems build trust and empower teams to lead change. As we improve together, we’re encouraging everyone to think about how you can help shape more reliable, connected care in your own areas.
Growth With Purpose
We’ve seen a nearly 6% increase in ED patient admittance year-over-year — and we expect that growth will only continue. Strides have been made to address these needs, including the addition of more than 40,000 square feet of ambulatory space and significant progress on infrastructure projects, such as the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology. But growth doesn’t just mean expansion — it means planning smart.
This year, we’ll launch a comprehensive facilities master plan to spell out how we are aligning our infrastructure with our mission, so we can continue to grow in a way that is both sustainable and leads to advanced patient care and research. The goal, from expanding clinic space and parking to building out the top floors of our bed tower, is to enter the next era of medicine well-prepared.
Patient Access and Progression
How patients move through our system matters. Every improvement in access and discharge creates bed space for others who need us. Projects like the surgical observation unit, discharge lounge expansion, and improved geographic co-localization are already underway. I know this kind of change takes trust and comes with some growing pains. I want you to know we’re closely tracking what’s working and what needs adjustment. Your support and adaptability have been instrumental to the success so far, and your continued input matters. I encourage you to ask questions and offer suggestions for how we can continue to align and improve.
Financial Stewardship
We’re planning carefully for new reimbursement models and regulatory changes, including implications from the passing of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This will take responsible stewardship of resources — and you, our team, are our greatest asset.
While many systems have struggled under pressures in the recent years, UVA Health has weathered them well. It’s thanks to your ingenuity and resilience we are entering the next phase of financial headwinds with sure footing. With this in mind, we’re taking thoughtful steps to stay financially sound and continuing to invest in our team, including a planned 3% pay increase this fall.
These priorities are deeply connected, and they all begin with you. I hope this series helps you feel more informed and confident about the direction we’re headed. Thank you for all you do. Let’s keep building One Future Together.
Take care and be well,
Wendy