New hospital to open in 2015
On Sept. 24, the UF Health Shands board approved funding for the construction of a new specialty hospital that will house towers for neuromedicine and cardiovascular services. The new hospital will accommodate anticipated growth in these areas, plus accommodate continued growth in the main hospital. The plan for the new hospital is part of the long-term strategic plan for UF Health, “Forward Together.” The addition of the hospital will address growing patient needs in two key medical fields. The new specialty hospital will be located on Archer Road just east of the UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital, and will feature 216 beds, including 120 ICU beds and 20 operating rooms. The neuromedicine and cardiovascular towers will provide care to patients with neurologic, neurosurgical, heart or vascular conditions. Work on the site will begin in November. Construction will begin in early 2015, and will be completed in 2017. Officials anticipate the tower opening in 2018. — Melissa Lutz Blouin
Palaces for pups
What canine do you know that wouldn’t want to hunker down in one of these dog houses? A group of UF veterinary students, who serve as representatives for Nestle Purina, came up with a project they thought would show their appreciation for area animal rescue groups. Working together, the students built and decorated doghouses to donate to animal rescue groups. The company-funded project also served as a fun way for the reps to engage their classmates and incoming veterinary students in a meaningful cause. Shown here are Purina student representatives Meaghan Callahan and Molly Bruce standing next to a house about to be painted. — Sarah Carey
Gear up, Gators
We all have our own ways of gearing up to face the day, whether it’s drinking a hot cup of coffee, having a quiet moment to reflect, bringing food to a homebound neighbor or taking a morning run. UF Health wants to know how you “gear up” to make a positive influence in others’ lives by submitting a photo and caption on the UF Health Facebook page. The photos that receive the most votes at the end of football season will win exciting prizes, such as autographed Gator gear. Photos should not be taken during work hours or on UF Health property.
How to enter:
1. Snap a picture of how you gear up and upload it to the UF Health Facebook page.
2. Share your photo with your Facebook or Twitter friends and ask them to vote.
Make sure you add #GearUpUFHealth to your submissions so we can see your photos.
3. Vote! Make sure you vote for your favorites, too.