University of Virginia Library

STATEMENT BY THE RECTOR

Today, I am appointing a Special Committee of the Board of

Visitors to review the processes and operations in the University of Virginia Medical Center. I am also naming three key administrators to work with and support the efforts of the Special Committee.

The Medical Center is a critical component of our public service, teaching and research enterprises. It serves thousands of patients each month. We have confidence in the leadership of the Center. Its health care providers and staff are second to none. As a result, the quality of patient care delivered by the hospital has been and continues to be outstanding.

However, the events of recent weeks require that the Board devote special attention to the processes and operations of the Medical Center and ensure that all appropriate steps are being taken to assist management in making any improvements that may be necessary. In fact, Dr. Cantrell emphasized just yesterday that he and his staff would welcome increased oversight from the Board.

The team will be headed by Board member Elizabeth A. Twohy of Virginia Beach, Chair of the Audit Committee, and will include Board members Charles M. Caravati, Jr., M.D., of Manakin-Sabot, Timothy B. Robertson of Virginia Beach, James C. Wheat, III, of Richmond, and Benjamin P.A. Warthen of Richmond. I am asking Leonard W. Sandridge (Executive Vice President and Chief Finanical Officer), Barbara J. Deily (Director of Audits), and Beth C. Hodsdon (Special Assistant Attorney General) to serve in support of the Special Committee. This combination of persons brings a broad range of expertise to the task and ensures that the resources of the entire University are devoted to the effort. In addition, the team has authority to use both internal and external resources to carry out its tasks.

I have asked Ms. Twohy and the team to report to the full Board at its January 1999 meeting and to provide interim reports to the Board as needed.