Press Releases

The Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety (CBPPS) recently recognized Tracy O’Daniel, UT Health East Texas’ Division Vice President of Quality, as a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS).

“Earning this credential attests to Tracy’s professional competency in patient safety science and application,” said Patricia McGaffigan, RN, MS, CPPS, President, CBPPS. “This achievement demonstrates her expertise in this critical discipline and positions her among those committed to and leading patient safety work.”

UT Health East Texas launched the “Don't Bug Me” flu awareness campaign to stress the importance of preventing the spread of the flu at a time when COVID-19 is already impacting hospital capacity.

UT Health Tyler, UT Health North Campus Tyler and UT Health Jacksonville were awarded an ‘A’ in the fall 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing the hospitals’ achievements protecting patients from harm and providing safer healthcare.

This year marks a major milestone for the UT Health East Texas Rehabilitation Center – its 25th anniversary. Crucial to UT Health Rehabilitation Center’s 25 years of service to the community are the employees who have worked there since its inception. “It is a testament to our wonderful team and sense of belonging that many employees feel,” said UT Health Rehabilitation Center Administrator Laurie Lehnhof-Watts, MSN, RN.

UT Health Athens achieved Healthgrades’ Labor and Delivery Excellence Award in the organization’s annual ratings. This is the third consecutive year UT Health Athens has received the award.

Healthgrades identifies hospitals that deliver top-quality care for women during and after childbirth, and for superior outcomes in surgeries to treat diseases and conditions of the female reproductive system. 

Last month, the cardiology team at UT Health Tyler successfully completed its first implantation of the Watchman™ left atrial appendage closure device. The minimally-invasive procedure helps reduce the risk of stroke in patients who suffer from non-valvular atrial fibrillation (Afib).

Tyler, Texas (August 26, 2020) — UT Health Tyler has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

Tyler, Texas (August 24, 2020) — UT Health East Texas EMS deployed two ambulances to assist statewide efforts to respond to Tropical Storms Marco and Laura.

Five EMS members departed Sunday as part of a state strike team, which also included Hopkins County and Titus Regional EMS, to respond in areas that could be impacted by the storms. The teams were staging in San Antonio before deploying to targeted locations once the storms’ paths are better known.

Belly rubs, head scratches and smiles were in abundance during a recent shift change at UT Health Tyler, as caregivers coming on or off duty stopped to interact with Therapet dogs, who lined the hallway of the hospital's skywalk.

"Nowadays it's really stressful, so it's great to see dogs," said Ashley Meador, occupational therapy assistant, as she stopped to pet one of the therapy dogs after her shift ended. "I really want a dog, so it made all the difference."

Tyler, Texas (July 28, 2020) - A free, 30-day program recently launched by UT Health East Texas EMS helps patients manage congestive heart failure after they are discharged home from a stay at a UT Health facility.