Message from Chris | Patient Access Manager | Summer Junior Volunteers | Mentor Match Program | Welcome Video Survey | COVID-19 Updates

Week of Feb. 21, 2022

A Message from Chris

I am excited to announce that across Houston Methodist, we are finally seeing signs that the most recent COVID-19 surge is declining steadily, and daily life is regaining a sense of normalcy.

For the past two years, all of you have worked so hard –in the face of tremendous hurdles – to maintain our commitment to unparalleled care and service. The emotional drain has taken its toll on everyone. But I could not be prouder of our team and its resiliency.

In challenging times, it’s especially easy to overlook the impact that we have on our patients and their families. They come to us hurting, fearful, unsure, in need of support and a kind word. And in addition to excellent medical care, you provide that sense of comfort and caring.

Our patients and their families certainly notice your efforts and we hear from many of them, who share how you have impacted their lives. For example, here’s what one recent patient had to say about her experience in the Childbirth Center: “Wonderful service and staff even with our COVID situation. We could not have asked for a better experience. Thank you to the entire staff.”

Here’s what a 6 West patient wrote: “Every single member of the staff was very friendly and positive. During this challenging time for me, it really helped me get through it. The staff was fantastic!”

And here’s an especially heart-warming comment from a patient on 4 Brazos: “I received exceptional care. Everyone – from specialists, nurses, aides and housekeeping to dietary workers – was compassionate, courteous, efficient and caring.  I feel like I was taken care of by a host of angels sent by God to lead me to healing and recovery.”

We receive many similar comments all the time, expressing the same feelings of gratitude for the work that you do. 

I’ll be highlighting a few of the best comments from our patients in my newsletter each week and hope you’ll take the time to check them out to see the difference you are making! 

Thank you for your continued dedication.

— Chris Siebenaler, CEO

New Policy Allows for Two Healthy Visitors

Effective immediately, patients may have 2 healthy visitors (18 years or older) at a time, except in certain circumstances where it could be a community health risk. For safety, no visitors are allowed in the ED waiting room except in special circumstances such as for disabled patients who may need one visitor to provide support. Hospitalized patients are allowed 1 healthy overnight visitor (18 years or older). Labor and delivery patients are allowed 2 healthy visitors at a time (18 years or older). One healthy visitor (18 years or older) may stay overnight. For the Neonatal ICU, both parents will be allowed to visit. On the day of surgery, 2 healthy visitors at a time are allowed to stay in the waiting room during surgery, then accompany the patient back to the unit.

Please reference the visitor page on our website for full details of the policy.

Booster Vaccine Mandate

All staff and physicians are required to get a booster dose by March 1. Please review the FAQ brochure with additional information. Click here for instructions on submitting documentation if you received your booster outside of Houston Methodist. View Spanish version here.

We have a new graphic to help you better understand the process to get your booster record uploaded if necessary. Learn more.

IMPORTANT DATES

February is:

• Black History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time to recognize their culture and central role in U.S. history. 
• National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, reminding us that early detection is one of the most powerful weapons we have against cancer. Click here to see the services we offer.
• Heart Month, where we can help raise awareness that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and largely preventable.

Tuesday, Feb. 22: Hand Hygiene Bonus payout for eligible employees.

Tuesday, Feb. 22: Black Ties for Culture & Hispanic LatinX Alliance present Virtual Poetry Slam.

Wednesday, Feb. 23: Neuroscience Grand Rounds - Do No Harm, Do Know Harm: Scientific Approach to Cerebrovascular and Complex Cranial Surgery. Learn more.

Thursday, Feb. 24: Experienced RN Virtual Hiring Event. Learn More.

Tuesday, March 1: Deadline for all employees to receive booster vaccine (non-management).