• Brittney Surniak was named Colorado Trauma Nurse of the Year by Colorado Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (EMSAC) after receiving Southern Colorado Trauma Nurse of the Year recognition.
• She has spent nearly 20 years working in emergency and trauma care at UCHealth Parkview Medical Center.
• As trauma program manager, she oversees trauma services, quality improvement efforts, regulatory compliance and clinical guidelines.
• Surniak helped establish UCHealth Parkview's whole-blood program.

Pueblo, Colo. (Nov. 9, 2026) Brittney Surniak, trauma program manager at UCHealth Parkview Medical Center, has been named Colorado Trauma Nurse of the Year by the Colorado Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (EMSAC). The statewide recognition honors her dedication to patient care, advocacy and innovation that have helped improve outcomes for critically injured patients at UCHealth Parkview.

She initially earned Southern Colorado Trauma Nurse of the Year honors from the Southern Colorado Regional Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Advisory Council (RETAC)

A Colorado State University Pueblo graduate, Surniak began working in the emergency department while attending school. She started as a unit secretary and has spent nearly 20 years caring for patients and advancing trauma services at Parkview. Her career has focused almost exclusively on emergency and trauma care; specialties she says have always been her passion.

Surniak currently oversees trauma services throughout the hospital. She reviews every trauma patient's care, helps ensure compliance with state regulations, develops clinical practice guidelines and policies, and works with physicians, nurses and clinical teams to continuously improve care for injured patients.

Among Surniak's most notable accomplishments is helping establish UCHealth Parkview's whole-blood program. She worked with Curtis Andrews, an American Medical Response (AMR) paramedic and clinical education specialist and received support from hospital leadership and the UCHealth Parkview Foundation.

The program allows ambulance clinicians to administer whole blood to patients in the field experiencing severe blood loss, providing rapid access to a potentially lifesaving intervention. Since its launch, the program has expanded beyond trauma patients to include select medical emergencies, helping save lives when minutes matter most. Program leaders say the initiative has an estimated 85% survival rate and contributed to numerous successful patient recoveries.

While honored by the award, Surniak is quick to credit the people who helped make her success possible, including her husband, Sean, a firefighter-paramedic, who encouraged her to apply for the trauma program manager role.

Looking ahead, Surniak said she is excited about continued growth within trauma services, including efforts that could make the program the first in Colorado to achieve a specialized accreditation recognizing excellence in prehospital blood administration.

Read the full story at Denver Business Journal.

Link to original coverage: Read the full story at KOAA News5.

Background

ER doctors are using a new blood test for brain injuries explains how Colorado Springs emergency clinicians are using the bedside blood test to assess possible brain injuries while helping patients avoid unnecessary CT scans

Rachel Frank, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at UCHealth, discusses the absence of controlled human evidence supporting BPC-157 for ligament or tendon healing and notes that athletes reporting improvement may also be receiving treatments such as physical therapy.

Read the full story at Verywell Health.

Related UCHealth background

Peptides: Doctors explain the benefits, risks and FDA concerns provides additional context from Rachel Frank, MD and Jack Spittler, MD about the growing interest in injectable peptides, the limited evidence supporting their use and physicians’ safety concerns.

Key Facts

• UCHealth and the University of Colorado School of Medicine have opened the region’s first multidisciplinary lymphedema clinic at University of Colorado Hospital.
• The clinic aligns certified lymphedema therapists and specialists in plastic surgery, oncology rehabilitation and other specialties
• The clinic is designed to coordinate care across specialties and help patients navigate a complex condition that can require lifelong management.
• The clinic also aims to help primary care providers and other clinicians recognize lymphedema and refer appropriate patients for specialized care.

Aurora, Colo. (Oct. 27, 2026) – Few medical providers are trained to diagnose and treat lymphedema, causing many patients to search for care across multiple specialties without a coordinated medical team.

UCHealth and the University of Colorado School of Medicine are working to change that with the opening of the Rocky Mountain region's first multidisciplinary lymphedema clinic at University of Colorado Hospital, bringing together certified lymphedema therapists and medical specialists in plastic surgery, oncology rehabilitation and other specialties

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a condition in which fluid builds up in the body’s tissues and causes chronic swelling. It can develop after cancer treatment, surgery or injury to the lymphatic system, while others may be born with it.

Treatment typically focuses on controlling swelling and may require lifelong therapy, specialized compression garments and other interventions. Depending on the cause and severity, medical or surgical treatment may also be necessary.

Coordinating lymphedema care across specialties

Certified lymphedema therapists have traditionally helped patients manage the condition. However, because lymphedema may require additional care across multiple specialties, patients can face a complex and fragmented care journey. The clinic brings therapists together with specialists in plastic surgery, oncology rehabilitation and other specialties to coordinate care around each patient’s needs and develop comprehensive treatment plans.

The clinic is built on years of work by UCHealth's Center of Excellence for Lymphedema leadership team. UCHealth is one of 13 designated Comprehensive Networks of Excellence in lymphatic disease globally.

The new multidisciplinary model is designed to connect all aspects of care, even beyond physical symptoms. Lymphedema can affect patients' mobility, daily activities and quality of life, while the ongoing demands of treatment can contribute to emotional and financial strain.

Helping providers recognize and refer patients with lymphedema

Many people with lymphedema go undiagnosed or misunderstand their diagnosis due to providers being unfamiliar with the condition. The clinic aims to educate primary care providers and other clinicians to recognize lymphedema and refer appropriate patients for specialized care.

For patients who have spent years managing lymphedema with limited medical support, the multidisciplinary clinic offers a consolidated approach to a complex disease. By bringing therapists and medical specialists together, the clinic seeks to help patients and their providers navigate treatment with a broader team of experts.

• UCHealth Cherry Creek North Surgery Center ranked No. 2 among ambulatory surgery centers in Colorado.
• UCHealth Longs Peak Surgery Center and UCHealth Inverness Orthopedics and Spine Surgery Center also received recognition.
• Ambulatory surgery centers provide outpatient surgical and nonsurgical care as an alternative to hospital-based procedures.

Aurora, Colo. (Oct. 27, 2026) – For the sixth consecutive year, UCHealth’s ambulatory surgery centers have been ranked among America’s best, with UCHealth’s Cherry Creek North Surgery Center earning the No. 2 spot in Colorado in Newsweek’s latest rankings.

Along with UCHealth’s Cherry Creek North Surgery Center, the UCHealth Longs Peak Surgery Center in Longmont, and the UCHealth Inverness Orthopedics and Spine Surgery Center in Englewood were also recognized for their specialized, patient-centered care.

Outpatient surgery centers provide convenient access to care

Ambulatory surgery centers play a vital role in outpatient surgical and nonsurgical care, providing patients with a convenient and accessible alternative to hospital-based outpatient procedures.

UCHealth’s surgery centers offer highly skilled providers and advanced technology to help diagnose and treat patients throughout the Denver metro area and surrounding communities. Each facility features a wide range of clinical specialties, including breast surgery, cardiology, gastroenterology, and orthopedics.

Facilities are reviewed and ranked based on care in four key areas such as quality metrics, peer evaluation, patient experience, and accreditations. More than 5,000 ambulatory surgery centers were analyzed in the annual ranking, with only 750 receiving nationwide recognition.

• The update, covering the first seven months of the hospital’s affiliation with UCHealth, through June 30, 2026, the end of UCHealth’s fiscal year.
• Surgery volumes, emergency department and clinic visits have increased since December 2025
• The hospital’s annual operating loss was reduced from $3.8 million to $1.4 million and UCHealth paid off $10 million in hospital debt.

Estes Park, Colo. (October 26, 2026) - UCHealth Estes Valley Medical Center (EVMC) introduced new services and saw notable increases in patient volume at the hospital in the months after it joined the UCHealth system, the hospital’s first annual update shows.

The update for the community is part of the affiliation agreement that joined Estes Park Health with UCHealth in December 2025. It covers the first seven months of operations, through June 30, 2026, the end of UCHealth’s fiscal year.

Financial support strengthens long-term sustainability

EVMC’s $3.8 million annual operating loss was reduced to $1.4 million - or a negative 4.5% margin - thanks to $2.5 million in Park Hospital District funding. UCHealth paid off Estes Park Health’s $10 million debt upon affiliation.

Carda and Unger noted EVMC has focused on aligning services with community needs while strengthening long‑term sustainability. This includes adjusting surgical hours to match current volume, increasing clinical staffing, expanding behavioral health services, and adding more radiology appointments.

New advanced services brought to EVMC include 24/7 tele-stroke coverage, providing rapid virtual neurological expertise for stroke diagnosis and treatment. The hospital also joined UCHealth’s Biobank, a partnership with the University of Colorado Anschutz that supports genetic research and helps providers personalize care and medication decisions based on individual risk factors.

Rural hospitals face growing financial pressures

EVMC, like many rural hospitals across Colorado, faces significant challenges as federal funding changes take effect, including reductions to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. These cuts are expected to increase the number of uninsured patients and uncompensated care. Rural hospitals are particularly vulnerable, with more than 80% already operating on unsustainable margins, according to the Colorado Hospital Association, but EVMC is made stronger by its affiliation with UCHealth.

• The fall time change is typically easier for the body to adjust to than the spring time change.
• Longer periods of darkness and cooler temperatures can promote better sleep quality and sleep maintenance.
• Reduced daylight exposure can affect circadian rhythms, making morning light exposure important.

Aurora, Colo. (Oct. 22, 2026) – As daylight saving time nears the end, many people may notice changes in their sleep, energy levels and mood. Fortunately, simple strategies can help people adjust to shorter days and cooler temperatures which in the long run promote better sleep.

Why the Fall Time Change Is Easier on the Body

“The fall time change in general is the one that is easier on the body and tends to feel like a more natural transition,” said Dr. Katherine Green, clinical director of the Sleep Clinic at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital.

In the fall, more total sleep time and better sleep maintenance (staying asleep) are achieved easier because of changes in light exposure and temperature, which are the two main ways that affect people’s sleep.

Supporting Healthy Circadian Rhythms During Shorter Days

Still, circadian rhythms can be affected by reduced daylight exposure, making it important to seek bright light in the morning. Fortunately, Colorado's year-round sunshine makes this easier to achieve. For those who need additional support, light therapy may help.

“Using things like light boxes can help if you notice symptoms of seasonal affective disorder,” said Dr. Green, who added that keeping a regular sleep schedule and maintaining exercise will also help with the transition.

Preparing for the Time Change

In preparation for the time change, gradually shifting your sleep schedule by 15 minutes four days preceding the time change will get you fully adjusted. This preparation is especially important for kids and teenagers who feel the effects of time change more so than adults, said Dr. Green.

Daylight savings time ends Sunday, Nov. 1.

• UCHealth patients receiving primary care services at Estes Valley Medical Center now have direct access to a therapist.
• The program helps patients manage anxiety, stress, life transitions, relationship challenges and other mental health concerns.
• Integrated behavioral health care reduces barriers to treatment by connecting patients with support through their trusted primary care provider.

Estes Park, Colo. (Oct. 16, 2026) – Whether they are navigating stress, relationship challenges, major life transitions or mental health conditions, more Estes Valley residents now have access to support through UCHealth’s recently expanded integrated behavioral health program.

Reducing the stigma of getting help

Through this program, behavioral health clinicians join primary care clinic teams as an additional resource to meet patients’ emotional and behavioral health needs. This provides patients with quick and easy access to a therapist and other resources through their trusted primary care provider.

Expanding program to EVMC

Since 2020, UCHealth has been adding behavioral health clinicians to its primary care clinics across the state, and those services are now available to patients receiving primary care services (pediatrics, family medicine or internal medicine) at UCHealth Estes Valley Medical Center (EVMC), 555 Prospect Ave. The program already was available to patients at UCHealth Primary Care, 131 Stanley Ave.

For EVMC clinic patients, that support is being provided by Anna Sihon, a licensed clinical social worker with more than 25 years of experience.

Sihon helps patients of all ages navigate life’s challenges, build resilience and improve their overall well-being. She works with patients with a wide array of concerns, from anxiety, stress and sleep problems to relationship struggles, life transitions and executive functioning. She also can connect patients with additional resources, including virtual support groups and psychiatric care when needed.

“I really love how this program makes behavioral health an everybody thing,” Sihon said, noting that she helps patients with concerns ranging from serious mental health conditions to what she refers to as “life in general” challenges.

For some patients, support may involve talk therapy and learning new coping skills. For others, it may include medication management, a support group, a referral to a psychiatrist or a combination of services tailored to their needs.

Where to start

Dr. Megan Ross, a pediatrician at the primary care clinic at EVMC, said patients should know that talking with their UCHealth primary care provider can be the first step toward getting help.

Ross said this program is one of the examples of how providers at EVMC are able to provide the community with more resources through the affiliation with UCHealth.

“One of the most tremendous benefits of our partnership with UCHealth was difficult to obtain as a free-standing critical access hospital,” Ross said. “Being enmeshed in the UCHealth community has enabled our providers, and by extension our community, to have better access and continuing education on topics, mental health being one example.”

The collaboration benefits patients and providers alike, Ross said.

In addition to the integrated behavioral health program, UCHealth conducts suicide risk screening and crisis assessments and offers virtual behavioral health support groups, virtual intensive outpatient therapy, outpatient psychiatric services, interventional behavioral health treatments, residential addiction treatment and inpatient behavioral health care. For more information, go to uchealth.org/services/behavioral-health.

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• Colorado’s first health sciences high school is under construction and will open in August 2027
• Concurrent enrollment at CCA will give students the opportunity to earn industry credentials
• Students will apply classroom learnings to real world clinical settings at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital

Aurora, Colo. (Oct. 9. 2026)  - UCHealth is partnering with Aurora Public Schools (APS) and Community College of Aurora (CCA) on a new health sciences magnet high school to give students an early, affordable pathway to healthcare careers.

Healthcare career pathways

The school, currently under construction, will open August 2027, and is located across the street from the CU Anschutz campus. Students will select one of five healthcare related pathways: nursing, behavioral health, medical imaging, surgical technology or respiratory therapy. Through concurrent enrollment at CCA, students will have the ability to earn industry credentials and may continue their education at CCA or enter the workforce with industry-recognized skills.

Hands-on clinical experiences

UCHealth will provide workplace visits, job shadowing, simulations and supervised clinical rotations, helping students apply classroom lessons, explore health care careers and build professional connections.

Enrollment for the new school begins November 2026.

• UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital has adopted OrganOx technology for liver transplantation.
• The system circulates warm, oxygenated blood, nutrients and medications through a donor liver so it continues to function outside the body.
• Transplant teams can evaluate liver function before surgery and consider donor organs that might have previously gone unused. 
   

Aurora, Colo. (October 7, 2026) - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital is now among a select group of leading transplant centers nationwide using an advanced organ preservation technology that is transforming liver transplantation and expanding access to life-saving care for patients across Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region.

Warm perfusion keeps donor livers functioning

The OrganOx system, also being used at other top academic medical centers such as Duke University, Mount Sinai, the University of Michigan, and the University of Pennsylvania, keeps donor livers functioning outside the body by supplying warm, oxygenated blood, nutrients and medications. This allows transplant teams to better evaluate organ quality and safely use more donor livers, including those that previously may have gone unused due to quality concerns. It also keeps the donor organ viable for transplant longer, allowing for transplant procedures to be more carefully planned, improving coordination, safety and patient experience.

Technology expands the number of donor livers available for transplant

For patients awaiting a liver transplant, the impact of this technology is significant. Across the United States, demand for liver transplants continues to far exceed the number of available donor organs. By enabling physicians to preserve and assess organs in real time, OrganOx allows more livers to be successfully transplanted, increasing access for patients who might otherwise face long waits.

How OrganOx differs from traditional cold storage

Traditionally, donor livers have been stored on ice for transport. The OrganOx system keeps the liver at near‑body temperature and functioning, enabling transplant teams to assess how well it works before surgery.

Clinical studies have shown this approach can reduce organ injury and improve early transplant outcomes compared to standard cold storage. In addition, the technology extends the amount of time a liver can be preserved, allowing transplant teams to better coordinate surgeries and improve overall patient care.

Bringing advanced transplant technology to the Rocky Mountain region

With the adoption of OrganOx, UCHealth joins other top transplant programs that are helping shape the future of organ transplantation and is the first one in the western U.S. to adopt this technology.

For patients and families across Colorado and surrounding states, increased use of donor organs expands availability and more informed decision making, which can lead to fewer complications for recipients and can help reduce time on transplant lists.

Key Facts

• Flu season typically begins in October, peaks during the holiday season and continues through May.
• People at highest risk for flu complications include adults older than 65, people with underlying health conditions or chronic diseases, pregnant women and babies younger than one year.
• The new COVID-19 vaccine targets the currently circulating XFG variant.
• In addition to vaccination, UCHealth recommends regular handwashing, disinfecting frequently touched items and wearing a mask in crowded spaces or when feeling sick.

Aurora, Colo. (Sept. 29, 2026) – As fall and colder temperatures approach, so does respiratory virus season. UCHealth is encouraging Coloradans to take proactive steps to help protect themselves and their communities by getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19.

Flu season typically begins in October, with infection rates peaking during the holiday season and continuing through May. Getting vaccinated before viruses start to circulate helps reduce the spread of illness in the community.

Flu vaccination ahead of respiratory virus season

Dr. Barron recommends all Coloradans get this year’s flu shot, which targets strains experts expect to circulate this season. People at highest risk of developing complications from infection include those older than 65, those with underlying health conditions or chronic diseases, pregnant women and babies younger than one year.

Federal officials approved a new mRNA-based flu vaccine for adults older than 50 in August called mFlusiva. Dr. Barron says it may be difficult to find at pharmacies since it’s so new, and suggests getting whichever flu shot is available at the time.

Updated COVID-19 vaccine targets the XFG variant

A new COVID-19 vaccine has also been approved for this fall targeting the currently circulating XFG variant. Dr. Barron emphasizes the same recommendations for flu apply to the COVID-19 vaccine—all Coloradans should protect themselves.

Talk with a health care provider about vaccine questions

Dr. Barron suggests anyone who may be hesitant to get vaccinated to have a discussion with a trusted healthcare provider.

“If you have concerns or questions, direct them to your provider so you can get the best information about your health and your needs. It’s our job to keep you healthy,” she said.

Steps to help prevent respiratory illnesses

In addition to receiving recommended vaccinations, health leaders also stress the importance of standard infection prevention practices, including washing hands regularly, disinfecting commonly touched items like phones and wearing a mask while in crowded spaces or if you feel sick.

Key Facts

• Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) for osteoarthritis is intended for patients who have not found sufficient relief through other treatments
• LDRT is non-invasive and treatment consists of six 20-minute sessions over three weeks, with no pain during treatment and little to no side effects or downtime.
• About 70% of patients report significant pain relief within a few months of treatment.

Colorado Spring, Colo. (Sept. 24, 2026) – UCHealth Memorial Hospital is offering low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) that can help ease joint pain from osteoarthritis - especially for people who have not found sufficient relief with physical therapy, medications or injections.

A non-surgical treatment option for osteoarthritis pain

This non-invasive treatment works to calm inflammation in the joints. For many people, it can bring meaningful pain relief that lasts for months or even years.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It often affects the hands, knees, and hips, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of movement.

How low-dose radiation therapy works

Radiation is not a first-line treatment for osteoarthritis, but it can be a helpful option when other approaches have not worked. Low doses of radiation have a strong anti-inflammatory effect.

While many people think of radiation as a cancer treatment, this approach has been used in Europe for decades to treat joint pain, Olsen said. At UCHealth, the therapy uses the same advanced technology as cancer care, delivered at a dose 10 to 20 times lower. Patients are often referred to treatment by their primary care providers.

What patients can expect

• Six 20-minute treatments over three weeks.
• No pain during treatment.
• Little to no side effects.
• No downtime—patients can continue their daily routines.
• Relief is not always immediate, but most notice improvements in a few months.
• About 70% of patients report significant relief.

• UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital is offering vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy for stroke rehabilitation
• The therapy is designed for ischemic stroke patients with upper extermity weakness and combines an implanted device with physical therapy, building neuroplasticity and helps to strengthen muscles
• Research is underway to determine if VNS can be expanded beyond the upper extermities to other parts of the body, including legs.

Aurora, Colo. (Sept. 10, 2026) – For the past year, UCHealth has been leading the way in Colorado stroke rehabilitation as the first health system in the state to offer vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy, a popular treatment designed to help patients regain arm mobility after a stroke.

How vagus nerve stimulation supports stroke rehabilitation

The therapy is designed for ischemic stroke patients and works using a device that is implanted in the chest which stimulates the vagus nerve. The stimulation when combined with physical therapy builds neuroplasticity in the brain and helps strengthen muscles to improve mobility. Since August 2025, UCHealth has implanted 14 patients and aims to implant at least two patients a month.

Building Colorado's first VNS program for stroke recovery

UCHealth was able to bring VNS to Colorado because of the advocacy work of a UCHealth patient, Kyle Severson of Denver, and with the support of Dr. Bakeman.

Dr. Bakeman notes that VNS is an option for ischemic stroke patients who have previously suffered from a stroke even decades prior. The procedure for the implant is low risk and minimally invasive.

A stroke survivor regains strength and independence

“The implant has done wonders for me,” said Kyle Severson. “I have seen more grip strength from the affected arm.”

Since his procedure, Kyle can now snowboard and participates in indoor rock climbing. He has also been able to find more independence through the ability to perform daily tasks such as cooking, vacuuming, and carrying a laundry basket.

“After getting the implant, my life is opening with freedom with this newfound purpose,” he said.

• The new 130,000-square-foot Pavilion 2 expands specialty, surgical and outpatient care at UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital.
• The expansion gives patients in Douglas County and south metro Denver access to advanced care options close to home.
• Services include gastroenterology, heart and vascular care, cardiac rehabilitation, imaging, internal medicine, outpatient physical therapy and rehabilitation and the Surgery Center of Highlands Ranch.
• Dermatology, executive health, infusion, outpatient laboratory services, pre-procedure services and pulmonary function testing will open in the coming months.

Highlands Ranch, Colo. (Aug. 31, 2026) – With the opening of Pavilion 2 at UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital, residents of Douglas County and south metro Denver now have greater access to specialty, surgical and outpatient services close to home. The expansion brings advanced care to one of Colorado's fastest-growing communities.

Rapid community growth results in increase demand for healthcare

The project reflects the rapid growth of Douglas County and the strong demand for convenient, high-quality care in Highlands Ranch. Since its opening in 2019, Highlands Ranch Hospital has been operating near capacity most days. UCHealth broke ground on Pavilion 2 and a second hospital tower in 2023, just four years after the hospital opened, to continue meeting the needs of the growing community.

Services available in Pavilion 2

• Gastroenterology clinic
• Heart and vascular care, including cardiac rehabilitation
• Imaging
• Internal medicine clinic
• Outpatient physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Surgery Center of Highlands Ranch

In the coming months, dermatology, executive health, infusion, outpatient laboratory services, pre-procedure services and pulmonary function testing will also open.

Continued investment in Highlands Ranch Hospital

The expansion is part of UCHealth’s continued investment in Highlands Ranch Hospital and the broader south metro Denver region. In addition to Pavilion 2, a new hospital tower is expected to open this fall, expanding the emergency department, adding 70 inpatient beds and creating shelled space for future growth.

Pavilion 2 offers greater access to advanced treatments, specialty clinics, imaging, rehabilitation and outpatient procedures. For many patients, that means fewer trips to metro Denver and more options for coordinated care on the Highlands Ranch campus.

UCHealth ranked No. 29 in Colorado. Forbes based the list on employee surveys and evaluations that looked at workplace culture, leadership, growth opportunities and the overall employee experience. The recognition comes as UCHealth continues to grow its workforce and care for patients at hospitals and clinics across the state.

Forbes’ Best-In-State Employers list recognizes organizations that stand out as top places to work in each state. The 2026 rankings were based on an independent survey of more than 245,000 U.S. employees and more than two million employer evaluations.

Nationally, 2,500 employers are recognized each year, with up to 100 in each state. The list is designed to capture a broad view of employee experience and workplace reputation across industries.

• UCHealth LifeLine medical helicopter service will begin operating in Steamboat Springs in January 2027.
• LifeLine 6 is an AirBus H125 aircraft that will support patient transfers from UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center to higher levels of care.
• This new LifeLine base will improve access to advanced emergency and specialty care for residents and visitors in Routt County, the Yampa Valley and surrounding northwest Colorado communities.

Steamboat Springs, Colo. (Aug. 14, 2026) – UCHealth will bring its LifeLine helicopter service to the Yampa Valley in January 2027, increasing access to emergency transportation options when patients need to be transferred to higher levels of care. LifeLine 6 is a new AirBus H125 helicopter operated by REACH Air Medical Services. It is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment that includes Hamilton-T1 transport ventilation, CPAP and BIPAP; Zoll X cardiac monitor with advanced hemodynamic monitoring; Sapphire infusion pump; blood and plasma; EDAN dual fetal monitor; and advanced airway management equipment. The aircraft can transport one patient at a time, with each flight supported by a pilot, flight paramedic and flight nurse.

Faster transfers to specialty and trauma care

Pending weather conditions and with a speed of up to 140 knots/161 miles per hour, LifeLine 6 has the capability of transporting a patient from YVMC in Steamboat Springs to, for example, UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland in 50 minutes or a hospital in the Denver area in 55 minutes. Should the Steamboat-based aircraft require maintenance or an additional patient transfer be needed, backup helicopters will activate from Loveland or Cheyenne. LifeLine also can provide fixed wing coverage out of Denver. LifeLine also partners with non-UCHealth air medical providers to ensure patient transport occurs as quickly as possible.

Local staffing and operational readiness

UCHealth will employ 6-8 staff, including flight nurses and flight paramedics, to support LifeLine operations in Steamboat. They will work closely with YVMC’s Level III trauma center and local first responders. YVMC will continue using existing air transport partners as necessary to ensure timely patient transport.

• Prior to implementation of the i-STAT test, most patients suspected of a traumatic brain injury would receive a CT scan.
• The test looks for two proteins released in the bloodstream after a head injury and helps clinicians determine whether or not a CT scan is needed.
• The hospitals have used the test more than 175 times over six months and it eliminated the need for a CT scan in 80% of cases, shortening a patient’s hospital stay and reducing costs

Colorado Springs, Colo. (Aug. 6, 2026) – UCHealth emergency departments at Memorial Hospital Central and Memorial Hospital North are the first in the state to use a blood test that can quickly determine whether a patient may have suffered a mild brain injury, including a concussion.

Faster results save time and money

With just a few drops of blood, Abbott's i-STAT Alinity traumatic brain injury (TBI) test can eliminate the need for a computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain, reducing exposure to radiation. The test is also able to provide lab quality results in about 15 minutes and can help clinicians rule out the need for a CT scane, which can take more than three hours to complete and read.

Avoiding unnecessary CT scans

Hertner said the hospitals have used the test more than 175 times over the past six months with strong results. Evaluating patients for possible mild brain injuries – often suffered from falls or while playing sports – is commonplace in the emergency department. The test is also frequently used for patients who have been in motor vehicle accidents or have suffered a blow to the head.

How the test works

The test – done with a handheld device at the patient’s bedside - looks for two proteins released into the bloodstream after a brain injury. If the proteins are not present, patients can avoid a CT scan. If the test is positive, a scan is often still necessary.

He further explained: “When you hit your head, we want to know if there could be bleeding in the brain. A strong hit can damage brain cells, which release specific proteins into the blood. This test helps us see if that kind of injury may have happened and if a CT scan is needed. So if your test is positive, we should do a scan.”

Who can receive the test

• It can be used only on patients 18 and older.
• It must be used within 24 hours of injury.

“We are exploring how we can safely use this test in a more broad range of people,” Hertner said. “This test is already demonstrating the ability to use resources where they are most needed.”

Signs of a head injury

Signs of a potential head injury include loss of consciousness, headache, repetitive vomiting, blurred vision, difficulty thinking clearly and short-term memory issues.

In fiscal year 2025, UCHealth cared for 3 million patients and provided more than $1.6 billion in community benefits, including $762 million in uncompensated care for patients who could not afford to pay.

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The annual list highlights hospitals across seven specialties: cancer, heart care, endocrinology, neurology, orthopedics, pulmonology and gastrointestinal care. The 2026 rankings include 1,375 hospitals nationwide.

UCHealth’s nationally ranked hospitals and their recognized specialties include:

• UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora: cancer, heart care, endocrinology, neurology, orthopedics, pulmonology and gastrointestinal care.
• UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins: cancer, heart care, endocrinology, neurology and gastrointestinal care.
• UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland: cancer, heart care, endocrinology and gastrointestinal care.
• UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs: gastrointestinal care.

The rankings are based on quality and patient experience scores from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a nationwide survey of doctors and patients, and data from an independent third-party system.

Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 4 causes of death in the United States, respectively, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. Studies show patients can experience better outcomes when care teams consistently follow evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines.

"These recognitions reflect our commitment to delivering the highest quality cardiovascular and emergency care," said Dr. James Caldwell, UCHealth Parkview chief medical officer. “From stroke and heart failure treatment to resuscitation, our physicians and care teams are dedicated to following the latest evidence-based guidelines to achieve the best possible outcomes for every patient. These awards demonstrate the expertise and teamwork our community can count on.”

UCHealth Parkview is recognized on the AHA Honor Roll for meeting specific criteria that improves medication adherence, providing early follow-up care and coordination, and enhancing patient education with the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to heart disease or stroke

This year, UCHealth Parkview received these American Heart Association achievement awards:

• Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award
• Get With The Guidelines® – Heart Failure Bronze Achievement Award
• Get With The Guidelines® – Resuscitation Gold Achievement Award (Adult)
• Get With The Guidelines® – Resuscitation Silver Achievement Award (Pediatric)
• Target: CPR Achievement Award (Adult)
• Target: Survival Achievement Award (Adult)
• Target: Heart Failure Optimal
• Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite
• Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

“These awards reflect UCHealth Parkview's commitment to caring for people in their community who need cardiovascular care,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee. “By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, Parkview can help advance our shared vision of better patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for patients, families and health care systems.”

The clinic, located on the main level at 150 W. Jackson in the former Solandt Memorial Hospital, features two private exam rooms, a point-of-care lab and electrocardiogram (EKG) testing capabilities.

Internal medicine physician Kevin Borgerding will care for patients at the new clinic. He has been a resident of the Yampa Valley since 1994, previously cared for patients in Steamboat Springs and most recently at UCHealth Primary Care – Craig.

His strong commitment to longitudinal care has impacted countless patients.

“Access to primary care is important to the health of any community,” said Borgerding. “I’m excited to provide that care to adults in the entire Yampa Valley and beyond.”

Trevor Gann, mayor pro-tem of Hayden, agrees in local healthcare.

“This new clinic enhances the ability for residents of Hayden to remain in Hayden. It’s an added service that makes us less of a bedroom community and more of a full-fledge community,” said Gann. “There’s a lot of value in the partnership between UCHealth and the Town of Hayden – it enhances the resilience of this community, and we look forward to seeing where this goes in the coming years.”

UCHealth Primary Care - Hayden clinic is open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Patients seeking appointments are encouraged to schedule via UCHealth’s My Health Connection patient portal or call the clinic at 970.875.2685.

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Located at UCHealth’s Boulder Health Center, the clinic allows patients local access to comprehensive hepatology and post-transplant services. For patients who require advanced services, including liver transplant evaluation, the Boulder clinic offers a direct pathway to UCHealth’s multidisciplinary transplant team at University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) on the Anschutz medical campus in Aurora, ensuring continuity of care across every stage of treatment.

Liver disease impacts more than 4.5 million adults and is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. UCHealth has performed more than 3,000 liver transplants and operates one of the nation's largest non-directed living donor transplant programs. UCHealth’s liver transplant program also reports better-than-expected mortality rates among patients on the liver transplant waiting list compared to national benchmarks, reflecting UCHealth's focus on early evaluation, timely treatment and coordinated care. The expansion into Boulder will further improve access to specialty liver care, helping patients connect with experts sooner and closer to home.