Some key 2025 highlights include:

We launched the Ambulatory Treatment Center, where a small group of nurses built the program from the ground up, expanding access to timely outpatient treatment previously delivered in the ED or hospital. Their willingness to provide weekend and holiday services has further strengthened continuity of care for our patients.

In Urgent Care, nurses expanded their clinical practice by becoming trained in Rapid Antigen Testing and training LVNs to do the same, enhancing team-based workflows and improving efficiency.

Continuing Care welcomed our newest outpatient Wound Care RN serving our contracted skilled nursing facilities, one of only two such roles in the region.

In the Emergency Department, the UPC Council partnered with KFH to align wound photography standards and deliver department-wide education to ensure greater consistency and quality.

Our Trauma, Pediatric, and Critical Care Committees strengthened their Quality Academies with updated clinical education and workflow enhancements. Pediatric teams also adapted and implemented the Regional Asthma Pathway, improving timely treatment and advancing progress toward regional metrics.

In Adult and Family Medicine, we implemented a redesigned model for diabetes education and follow-up, featuring a structured education bundle, interactive visit experience, and reliable tracking system for newly diagnosed patients. This work created a consistent, patient-centered approach and strengthened collaboration with pharmacists, dietitians, Health Education, and Lifestyle Medicine, benefiting more than 500 patients to date.

I would also like to take a moment to recognize and express my sincere appreciation to our nurse leaders. Their exceptional combination of business acumen and clinical expertise has been instrumental in driving our success. The contributions of these leaders have ensured that our nursing team not only delivers high-quality patient care but also operates efficiently and effectively.

Moving into 2026, I encourage each of us in the nursing community to continue fostering a spirit of mutual collaboration. By building on the solid foundation we have established, we can further advance our nursing practice and maintain our commitment to providing unparalleled care to every patient, every time.

Lastly, I am filled with excitement, optimism, and confidence for the year ahead. I am certain that, together, we will continue to achieve remarkable outcomes and make a meaningful, lasting impact on our patients, our colleagues and our community.