UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM

The reasons for crowded emergency rooms are complicated, but one main issue is called patient boarding. Patient boarding is where admitted patients are held in the emergency department, when there are no inpatient beds available.

Common colds, rashes, and strep throat are among the common diseases kids might catch during Spring Break.

Texas Vista Medical Center, formerly known as Southwest General Hospital, plans to close after nearly 40 years of operation, multiple sources confirmed to KSAT Wednesday.

University Health Transplant Institute now leads the nation in living donor kidney transplants for children.

San Antonio is seeing a high number of flu cases months earlier than usual, according to doctors at University Health System.

Days after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, fertility specialists across the country are now discussing the future of their own treatment.

Although they are never expected, emergencies happen and can take on a life of their own if not managed swiftly.

Due to the pandemic, children need extra health care, but many parents have used up their time off caring for kids or getting sick themselves. That's why that's why the Jubilee Academies charter school system in San Antonio is stepping in.

Doctors throughout University Health System watched as their patients and community members struggled mentally through the pandemic. It spurred internal conversations throughout the system and beyond.

University Health System Pediatrician Dr. Mandie Svatek has answered questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and what it means for children, including how kids have responded to the vaccine so far, her own daughter’s experience in a drug trial and when even younger children may become eligible for the shot.

AdShe said it would help given that some may find it more difficult than others to access the information. Garcia Rocha said she had a similar problem trying to access the translation for University Health’s website on her iPhone. A spokeswoman for University Health said it’s working on a website in both English and Spanish that would not require translation services. AdIn addition to its bilingual operators who assist with vaccine reservations, WellMed also has a Spanish-language website. RELATED: How to register for the COVID-19 vaccine in San Antonio when appointments are available

SAN ANTONIO – A shipment of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines will arrive late, according to city officials who were informed of the delay on Sunday. According to San Antonio Metro Health, staff members either emailed or texted everyone with an appointment about the rescheduling. However, some people who showed up to the Alamodome, like Roger Moreno, say told KSAT they did not get a message. As of right now, hospital officials say they do not believe they will have to reschedule any future appointments. How to register for the COVID-19 vaccine in San Antonio when appointments are available

Edgewood Independent School District is teaming up with University Health System to provide 100 COVID-19 vaccines for their teachers, according to the school district. “I’m grateful for the collaboration between Edgewood ISD and University Health System. “We deeply value our EISD teachers who have had to transition and adjust so frequently to new teaching methods during this pandemic. I’m glad we can start with 100 and hope to bring more vaccines to our staff and community.”The teachers who will be receiving the COVID-19 vaccine fall under the current COVID-19 Phase 1B of vaccine allocation, according to the school district. RELATED: Here’s how you can register for the COVID-19 vaccine in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO – Monday is the day so many people have been waiting for as University Health began the morning administering the Moderna vaccine to the general public. The more vaccines we can provide to people, the more we can protect them from the pandemic,” Dr. Bryan Alsip, Chief Medical Officer of University Health, said. Right now, University Health is administering about 120 shots an hour and it really is the light at the end of the tunnel for so many people. These are the ten doses, the doses of the vile that are ready to be administered,” Elliott Mandell, senior vice president and chief pharmacy officer at University Health said, while explaining the process. University Health issued a statement and said they have had an overwhelming response.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonians braved Saturday morning’s cooler weather to answer the call from health officials to get a flu shot. “Having the flu shot really will help the hospital systems, enable them to continue helping those with COVID and not overwhelm (hospitals) with (cases of) the flu,” Anita Uribe Martin said. Anyone ages six months and older qualify to get a flu shot, according to health officials. University Health System said they have hundreds more vaccines available that will be administered to those who register for the next two events. The next drive-thru flu shot will take place on November 7 at the Dub Farris Athletic Complex.

SAN ANTONIO – Mammograms catch breast cancer early --- don’t skip screenings, advises KSAT Community partner University Health. If your mother, sister, or daughter had breast cancer or if you have a genetic mutation, that predisposes you to cancer. Clinics she oversees for University Health System require masks for everyone, extra PPE for technicians and deep cleanings between mammograms. If you are a University Health System patient you can quickly make an appointment through your online MyChart account. KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.

SAN ANTONIO – A specialty mental health court in Bexar County that handles only felony cases is getting a boost through a grant from University Health System, according to 379th District Court Judge Ron Rangel. The grant funds will be able to supply additional staff and resources, Rangel says. She also has mental health issues that qualified her to participate in the pilot program. Campos was granted a pre-trial diversion during the hearing, which was a first for the court. “Before (the participants) actually plea, they enter into a contract with the court, with myself and with the state, where they’re going to go through a very rigorous program,” Rangel said.

SAN ANTONIO – Do you need to get your flu shot? Bexar County Precinct 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez is partnering with KSAT Community partner University Health System to host a drive-thru flu shot drive on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nelson Wolff Stadium. Medical professionals from University Health System will set up in the Nelson Wolff Stadium parking lot to administer flu shots, with participants receiving their shot in their own vehicle. This event is possible through additional support from the City of San Antonio, the San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Public Works, the Bexar County Office of Emergency Management and University Health System. KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health System, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.

Are you considering getting the flu shot? This year, it’s more important than ever to get a flu shot, according to medical experts. As we get deeper into flu season, why is it more important than ever to receive the flu shot this year? The flu vaccine is really important help prevent the flu virus from circulating.”How is COVID-19 different from the flu? University Health System explained that the flu shot does not directly protect you from COVID-19, but it does protect you from the flu.

Northside ISD encourages parents to have their children immunized prior to the first day of school. Immunization Requirements for 2020-2021DTP/DTaP/DT/TD/Tdap Five doses are required for entry of kindergarten students unless the fourth dose was received on or after the 4th birthday. Polio: Four doses of Polio vaccine are required for students in grades K-12 unless the third dose was received after the 4th birthday. Menactra (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine): This vaccine protects students 11 years of age and older from Meningitis. One dose is required for students in grades 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

SAN ANTONIO – Update:The flu shot drive-thru event is currently underway at the Freeman Coliseum, as of Saturday afternoon.. With the donations from Bexar County, University Health System and H-E-B, there will be no charge to receive flu shots for those without insurance. KSAT Community partner University Health System is teaming up with H-E-B Pharmacy, Bexar County and the Freeman Coliseum to help the community get their annual flu shots. With the donations from Bexar County, University Health System and H-E-B, there will be no charge to receive flu shots for those without insurance. KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health System, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.

SAN ANTONIO In our KSAT Community spotlight this month, Safe Kids San Antonio led by University Health System helps prevent injuries and death in kids 18 years of age and younger. Each year serious burns are a top reason children are rushed to the University Health System Trauma Center for medical treatment. Dr. Chris Crane, a University Health trauma doctor who specializes in treating pediatric burn patients discusses where in the home children are most at risk of being burned. Test the bathwater before placing a child in the water and dont allow small children to turn on the faucets themselves. Shown below are helpful handouts to keep at home for safety reminders:KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health System, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.

KSAT Community to livestream Mental Health Virtual Town HallPublished: August 26, 2020, 8:48 amTo help individuals with mental health concerns, KSAT Community will be holding a virtual Mental Health Town Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 2-3 p.m. livestreamed on KSAT.com. A panel of experts will answer questions live and viewers can learn the signs of mental illness, how to report it and where to seek help.

KSAT Community to host Child Abuse Awareness Town Hall WednesdayPublished: July 28, 2020, 9:12 amTo help prevent child abuse during COVID-19, KSAT12 will be airing a KSAT Community Child Abuse Awareness Town Hall on Wednesday, July 29 from 2 to 3 p.m. along with a resource phone bank with The Children’s Shelter. A panel of experts (names are shown below in the graphic) will answer questions live and viewers can learn the signs of abuse, how to report it and where to seek help.

KSAT Community to hold Child Abuse Awareness Town HallPublished: July 22, 2020, 11:23 amTo help prevent child abuse in our city, KSAT12 will be airing a KSAT Community Child Abuse Awareness Town Hall on Wednesday, July 29, from 2 to 3 p.m., along with a resource phone bank with the Children’s Shelter. Click here to learn more.

SAN ANTONIO – Measles, rubella, pertussis, mumps -- decades ago, these childhood diseases would strike fear because of their long-term scarring and the potential for death. Rob Sanders, a pediatrician and the associate medical director for PediExpress: Pediatric Urgent Care Clinic that is part of University Health System, said vaccinations are running about 50% behind. “We vaccinate against diseases that historically have really hurt, if not unfortunately killed, a lot of people and a lot of children,” Sanders said. That causes worry that childhood diseases could find a foothold again among children once they begin to mingle in classrooms and playgrounds. “Of course, our staff will be wearing the appropriate protective equipment while they’re working, and they will have very limited interaction with anybody else other than their family and the staff,” Sanders said.

If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Copyright © 2020 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.

University Health System nurse voluntarily gets put on ventilator to show importance of face masksIf you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241.

“We’ve had to learn a lot in a very short time about this deadly new virus,” said Elizabeth Allen, public relations manager at University Health System. University Health System suggests wearing a face mask when in public or any time six feet of physical distance is hard to maintain. There is also a gallery listed below where you can upload selfies with your face mask on. Click the hashtag #WhyIWearAMaskSA to learn why others in San Antonio wear a mask. KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health System, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.

But now, health care providers are seeing something called a multisystem inflammatory syndrome, or MIS-C.Dr. Roberts Sanders, medical director of University Health System’s downtown Pedi Express urgent care clinic, helped get to the bottom of some questions associated with the newly discovered inflammatory syndrome. Some children who have tested positive for the virus can develop an inflammatory syndrome that affects the vascular system and potentially the heart. University Health System stated that many children with MIS-C had the virus that causes COVID-19, or had been around someone with COVID-19. MIS-C can be serious, and even deadly, but most children who were diagnosed have gotten better with medical care. What should parents do if a child has MIS-C symptoms?

University Hospital, UT Health San Antonio begin second phase of patient testing for promising COVID-19 drugPublished: May 12, 2020, 6:13 pmThe COVID-19 Infectious Disease team at University Health System and UT Health San Antonio has launched the second stage of a clinical trial involving a coronavirus drug that has delivered promising results.

SAN ANTONIO – It’s a question many people in San Antonio want to know — have we flattened the curve? “Well, the data would show that we actually have flattened the curve,” Alsip said. Alsip said about two weeks after San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff issued the “Stay Home, Work Safe” order, San Antonio started seeing a decline in the number of new cases and in the number of patients in the hospital. Question: “How and why do you think we’ve been successful (at flattening the curve)?”Alsip said one of the things that helped San Antonio be successful at flattening the curve is that we had early experience with COVID-19 due to the evacuees from Wuhan and two cruise ships who were sent to quarantine at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. KSAT12 is working hard to get answers to the most important questions you have about the new coronavirus and COVID-19.

Published: April 24, 2020, 10:19 am Updated: April 24, 2020, 10:35 amSAN ANTONIO – Our lives have changed dramatically over the last few weeks. Make a commitment to stay home for the people who are working tirelessly to keep us all safe. Stay home and save a healthcare worker. Related:KSAT Community is looking for nonprofits to be featured on Wishlist WednesdayFor more KSAT Community coverage over COVID-19, click here. KSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health System, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.

Employees from Natura, an interior horticultural design company, handed out plants to doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers in the University Health System.

Earlier this month, the FDA modified some restrictions in an effort to increase the blood supply during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following changes were implemented on April 2:For those with recent tattoos and piercings: the agency is changing the recommended deferral period from 12 months to 3 months. For those who have traveled to malaria-endemic areas (and are residents of malaria non-endemic countries): the agency is changing the recommended deferral period from 12 months to 3 months. In addition, the guidance provides notice of an alternate procedure that permits the collection of blood and blood components from such donors without a deferral period, provided the blood components are pathogen-reduced using an FDA-approved pathogen reduction device. For male donors who would have been deferred for having sex with another man: the agency is changing the recommended deferral period from 12 months to 3 months.

SAN ANTONIO – As more people in San Antonio require breathing treatments due to COVID-19, fears for another medically-fragile condition is emerging. Dr. Margie Tiddall Svatek, a UHS associate professor and hospitalist and the medical director of the Kids Breath Program at the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, has a warning about the possibility of an inhaler shortage. Still, it’s important to the asthma community to be forewarned that there may be a shortage. It’s an ironic twist since the COVID-19 safety orders could, in some cases, cause asthma attacks that the medications are needed for. COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, stands for coronavirus disease 2019.

SAN ANTONIO – Now that Mayor Ron Nirenberg has asked residents to wear fabric masks in places where social distancing may be a challenge, people have been asking what makes a good mask. The folks at University Health System have released some instructions and patterns that were designed and tested by a team of UHS surgeons, nurses and engineers. University Healthy System run drills, prepares for potential flood of COVID-19 patientsUHS officials are also urging residents to practice social distancing during Easter and Passover. COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, stands for coronavirus disease 2019. The disease first appeared in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, but spread around the world in early 2020, causing the World Health Organization to declare a pandemic in March.

SAN ANTONIO – University Health System on Friday erected a large tent near the Emergency Department entrance at University Hospital in the event of a surge in COVID-19 patients. University Hospital to ‘severely’ limit visitorsCurrently, patients with COVID-19 symptoms who report to the emergency department are taken to an isolated space where they are evaluated for testing and possible treatment. The tent will also allow UHS to separate patients with symptoms of the virus from other hospital patients at the emergency department entrance. Those without COVID-19 symptoms would proceed into the emergency treatment area. Patients with symptoms would be evaluated in the tent area, moved to an isolated area for care, or tested and discharged if they are stable.

Dr. Robert Sanders, medical director at University Health System Pedi Express Urgent Care Center, has some tips on how parents can shed some light on explaining the COVID-19 crisis to kids. How do you talk to your kids about COVID-19? How can parents get kids settled into “new normal”? It’s important to stay informed, but nonstop news consumption will increase anxiety, particularly on social media, where most kids spend their time. Stressed parents might equal stressed kids.

SAN ANTONIO – Two more health care workers from University Hospital have tested positive for COVID-19, according to University Health System (UHS). The hospital said a nurse and a resident physician have tested positive for coronavirus following travel exposure. Earlier this week, the hospital announced a resident physician had tested positive and was quarantined. These tracers and calls are currently underway,” University Health System said in the statement. COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, stands for coronavirus disease 2019.

SAN ANTONIO – University Health System officials say they have been inundated with calls from concerned citizens after news that a coronavirus patient was released into the community for 12 hours over the weekend. The woman visited North Star Mall on Saturday and checked into the Holiday Inn Express near the San Antonio International Airport. Timeline released of coronavirus patient’s activities in San Antonio over 12-hour periodOfficials believe the risk of exposure to the public is low, but recommended a deep cleaning of both sites. On Monday, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg declared a state of emergency and public health emergency in light of the situation. Local testing for COVID-19 is currently available only by sending samples to the CDC with approval by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and the CDC.

SAN ANTONIO – Bexar County now has an additional $7.1 million for mental health programs. Bexar County Precinct 2 Commissioner Justin Rodriguez and University Health System CEO George Hernandez made the announcement Friday at a news conference. These funds will be used in coordination with existing initiatives, such as pre-trial diversion, specialty courts and will target critical needs in providing much needed services for children with special needs, expand access for pre-crisis adult services, address domestic violence, provide for the homeless, and our veterans in need. Funds will also provide respite care, urgent care, and increased medical access.

The last day of the KSAT COMMUNITY Blood Drive hosted by University Health System is Thursday, January 25. The drive takes place at University Hospital, 4502 Medical Drive. Don't worry Dr. John Daniels from University Hospital said, "there is always a need for every particular blood type." Blood Drive LocationUniversity Hospital (4502 Medical Drive)8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.​​​​KSAT COMMUNITY events include a Healthy Heart online test, the San Antonio Book Festival, a school supply drive, a Shred Day and many other activities throughout 2018. Thank you to all of our KSAT COMMUNITY partners-- Energy Transfer, San Antonio Area Chevy Dealers and University Health System for making a difference and making these community outreach events possible.