HMSL News to Know - Week of May 29, 2023

Week of May 29, 2023

HURRICANE SEASON PREPARATIONS

Hurricane season begins on June 1 and weather experts predict an active season this year. The most important thing you can do as hurricane season approaches is get yourself, your family and your home prepared. Here are a few things to do now:

Update your contact information in the MARS portal. This is a good time to register for text messages so you can receive emergency texts.
Know your role for Ride-Out and Recovery. HMSL has a comprehensive hurricane preparedness and response plan. Ask your manager for your role and responsibilities.
Stock up on essentials early. You should stock a three-day supply on the basics for your home.

Click here for Hurricane Supply Checklist

Sweetwater Pavilion Construction

Renovations continue this week in the Sweetwater Pavilion. Starting Thursday, June 1, the corridor that connects Main, Brazos and Sweetwater pavilions, as well as MOB1 will be blocked off.

To access the main hospital, Brazos, Garden Café or the ED: signs will direct you through a detour hallway near the walkway tunnel.
MOB1 will only be accessible from the parking lot entrance. There will be signs inside and outside for reference.

This part of the construction phase is expected to be wrapped up by Thursday, June 8. Also note, the Sweetwater Starbucks has temporarily relocated to just inside the Sweetwater North Entrance doors, near the registration desk. It will return to its original location May 31. Weekly updates will continue in this newsletter. Please reach out to anyone on the Facilities team with any questions.

June Town Hall Meetings

Our second quarter town hall meetings begin June 13. The HMSL Senior Leadership Team will share important updates and answer your questions. You can submit questions, thoughts or topics you want addressed during these town halls ahead of time by clicking here.

Tuesday, June 13 10-11 a.m. Brazos Conference Center
Wednesday, June 14 1-2 p.m. Virtual
Tuesday, June 20 7:30-8:30 a.m. Virtual
Friday, June 23 9-10 a.m. Brazos Conference Center
Saturday, June 24 Noon-1 p.m. Brazos Conference Center
Tuesday, June 27 Noon-1 p.m. Brazos Conference Center

To sign up, click here and select "My Learning." In the "Find Learning" tab search for course number 1636018, select "assign to me" and then "register now." Click here for a helpful flyer. We look forward to seeing you!

Career Journeys & Leadership Lessons Learned - Panel Discussion

Women in Academic Medicine and Surgery is hosting a panel discussion with three Houston Methodist physician leaders. Spend an hour with the panelists on Wednesday, June 7, as they share their experiences and discuss the journey and challenges that led them to their current role. The discussion starts at noon. Click here for more information.

Add Panel Discussion to your Calendar

HMSL On The Field

Houston Methodist sponsored Nurse Appreciation Night on Tuesday, May 23 at Constellation Field, and HMSL CNO Janet Leatherwood threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys.

It was a Mother's Day to remember for HMSL breast surgeon Dr. Michelle O'Shea. She threw the ceremonial first pitch at the Sugar Land Space Cowboys game that afternoon and participated in a radio interview about breast cancer awareness.

Where Healing Happens

Mark your calendars for our next session of Where Healing Happens. This new education series connects, or reconnects, employees with service lines, departments and other resources on campus and across the system that help in the patient journey or your experience working at HMSL. On Thursday, June 8 we will cover the Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation and the role it plays in research, education and innovation across HM. It will be in the Brazos Conference Center from Noon-1 p.m. You can register through LMS. The course ID is 1631053.

Managing Unconscious Bias In-Person Learning

The Office of DEI is hosting another session in their Managing Unconscious Bias learning series. Unconscious bias can have a detrimental impact on interactions between caregivers, their patients and co-workers. The goal of this learning series is to reduce bias in attitudes and behaviors at work. The session is Thursday, June 1, from 1-2:15 p.m. in Main AD Conference Room. Sign up through LMS with item #1605003 or click here.

Workplace Violence Tip of the Month

HMSL is committed to ensuring a safe work environment. When a workplace violence incident happens, it's important staff and leaders receive support. The HMSL Threat Assessment Team members can assist with a debrief and will follow the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Coping Model. Click here to read more about the CPI Coping Model.

2023 Texas Virtual Walk for Sjögren's

You are invited to join the Sjögren’s Foundation for a virtual walk. They are proud to be the first and only national non-profit health organization leading the charge to conquer Sjögren’s, a systemic autoimmune disease that affects the entire body. It is on Saturday, June 10 at 10 a.m. Click here to register or donate in support of the Houston Methodist Sjögren's team.

Juneteenth Celebration

The Black Ties For Culture ERG is inviting all employees to join their Juneteenth Celebration. It is June 19 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in Brazos Conference rooms BC. The in-person/Zoom program will feature outreach organizations made by and to uplift the Black community, giveaways, snacks and more. For more information, contact BlackTiesforCulture@houstonmethodist.org.

HMSL Community Ambassador Program

The HMSL Community Ambassador program recently welcomed 45 new members in its 2023 class of employee ambassadors. The program works to educate the Fort Bend Community about the compassionate cancer care available at HMSL. Radiation oncologist Dr. Clive Shkedy said it best when he told ambassadors "we don't treat cancer, we treat patients." Thank you to the nearly 80 members of this program for all you do in our community and for the oncology team! If you'd like to learn more information about the program and potentially join in 2024, click here.

Veterans Alliance ERG Participates in I CARE in Action

The Veteran Alliance ERG participated in I CARE in Action in partnership with Houston Habitat for Humanity. The Fifth Ward Community Garden is part of Habitat’s neighborhood revitalization initiative that began in 2001. The garden helps to provide organic vegetables for the elderly within the community.

We encourage you to find a cause you’re passionate about, connect with your colleagues and make a difference for others through I CARE in Action. Click here to register, review eligibility and frequently asked questions, learn more about our partner organizations like Houston Habitat for Humanity, and view available individual and group opportunities.

Men’s Health Month is celebrated every June. The goal is to encourage boys and men to take charge of their health by implementing healthy living decisions. The month is all about encouraging the men in your life to eat right and exercise, plus raising awareness of preventable health problems. Click here to read about others celebrating this month.

PATIENT COMPLIMENTS

Brazos 6 Patient: "The best nurses in the business. They were kind, concerned and personable - helping patients get well is their goal. I could not have been treated any better anywhere."

Childbirth Center Patient: "The staff was exceptional! I really appreciate everything. I wouldn't deliver my baby without the nurses! Special shout out to Clarissa she was so helpful. Also, Shelly was very motivational. These two nurses made my care beyond perfect. Thank you!"

Main 6 West Patient: "I received excellent care from each member of the hospital staff. I feel grateful for having had such wonderful exceptionally trained people to care for me. I would like to thank everyone for their kindness and care."

IMPORTANT DATES

Monday, May 29: Memorial Day

Monday, May 29: Employee Health Clinic closed

Thursday, June 1: Cancer Survivors Day celebration. More information.

Thursday, June 1: Atlantic hurricane season begins

Thursday, June 8: Where Healing Happens Education Series. Topic: Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation.

Friday, June 9: Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) and Quality Improvement Workshop. More information.

Tuesday, June 13: Town Hall meetings begin. More information.

Monday, June 26: Career Week begins

Friday, June 30: Deadline for telecommuting staff to acknowledge agreement

JUST FOR FUN DATES