If you need access to most Health Center, Counseling and Testing Services, please come to the main desk of the University Health Center. If you are unable to access people or services on the basement level or second floor, we will make every effort to bring those services to you. For Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, those services are also available and handicapped accessible at Esslinger Hall. If you are unsure where to go, call the UO Health Center at 346-2770.

I want to let all of you know that the elevator is broken and requires major repairs. The old piston is leaking and will need to be replaced. Fortunately we already have a replacement piston, however installation will take, at a minimum, one week if everything goes extremely smoothly. In reality, it may take several weeks and possibly longer.

This presents several problems on initial evaluation. 

  • We have no way of providing access to the basement and second floor for students and staff who are unable to use the stairs. This directly impacts access to student services in the basement and on the second floor. It also impacts staff access to the break room, cafeteria and kitchen.
  • Student access to the Counseling Center will be impeded for students unable to use the stairs.
  • Movement of supplies to and from basement storage will be difficult.
  • The custodians will have significant difficulties in moving equipement and materials between floors.
I am asking that all managers please assess how the absence of the elevator might impact your individual department and services and come to our management meeting today prepared to discuss this as well as possible solutions or intermim accommodations.

For medical staff this is for your information at this point. We have already informed our appointment receptionists to ask that they let all students know that the elevator is broken and that, if the student is unable to use the stairs, we should schedule an appointment with a provider on the first floor. I've also talked with PT/SM and suggested that current patients who are unable to use the stairs be scheduled in the Rec Center clinic. They will also inform new patients of the elevator problem and offer appointments at the Rec Center.

This is a problem we need to address thoughtfully in order to identify an resolve the problems that this presents to us. Following the management meeting at noon today I'll be sending out and e-mail to all UHC staff to inform everyone of our current status and plans. If those of you who will not be at management identify additional problems and/or alternative solutions please let me know.

Tom

Tom Ryan, MD
Director, University Health Center
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR   97403-1232
(541) 346-4447