Thank you for your interest in University Health and the work we are doing to fulfill our unique mission and continue to advance our vision to be one of the nation’s most trusted health institutions.
As we write this letter in the fall of 2020, we feel compelled to express our pride in how our team is responding and innovating during the COVID-19 pandemic. The work to complete this 2019 Report to the Community was delayed as we shifted into emergency communications mode to keep our staff and community updated. As we made the decision to move forward with this report, highlighting several 2019 initiatives and accomplishments, we also decided to give you a glimpse of “the human spirit” in action during this year’s unprecedented public health emergency.
The power of the human spirit helped University Health reach new heights last year, as we reached a number of important milestones, including breaking ground on a new hospital — the first in South Texas exclusively dedicated to serving the unique needs of women, babies and children. We also became the first, and still only, Level IV Maternity Center. This advanced designation means the highest level of obstetric expertise and technology is available close to home.
Also in 2019, our Texas Diabetes Institute, located on San Antonio’s West Side, where the incidence of diabetes is among the highest in the nation, celebrated 20 years of service to the community and its role as one the world’s preeminent diabetes research centers.
Perhaps the best examples of the power of the human spirit are the two remarkable women who each agreed to donate a portion of her liver to save the life of a complete stranger — as part of the nation’s first living donor paired exchange for liver transplantation.
As we look back on 2019 with great pride — celebrating the spirit of the people of University Health and the patients who honor us with their trust — we are counting on that same spirit of compassion, leadership and innovation to help us shape the future.
We thank you for your support and interest in University Health. We wish you good health.
George B. Hernández, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer
James Adams Chair, Bexar County Hospital District Board of Managers